Workshop: 10 Days in Italy
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Painting the Italian Landscape
August 16 - August 26, 2025
Instructor: Thomas Kegler
Host: La Romita School of Art
Cost: $3,900
I am very excited to be partnering with the fine folks at La Romita School of Art in the central region of Italy in Umbria to offer a Plein Air Landscape Painting Workshop. This unique educational experience is perfect for all levels from the very beginner to the professional.
Modeled after the techniques and philosophy of the Hudson River School of the mid 1800s, this landscape painting workshop will focus on understanding the anatomy of the landscape through close observation via field studies in the form of sketches, notes and plein air paintings. These investigative works can also potentially be used as reference for a future large studio painting.
Traditional landscape painting in the 19th Century involved spending much time immersing yourself in the outdoors. Investigating the individual visual elements that compose a landscape is integral to “understanding” nature. Ultimately, the artist shares their experience in the form of an evocative painting.
I will demonstrate approaches to capturing the landscape through gathering visual information. Students will begin by searching out potential concepts, motifs and composition(s) via thumbnail drawings. The workshop's focus will then transfer to the students' hands-on painting. Student questions and interest will direct some of the demonstrations and presentations.
Students will be guided through processes of color mixing and brushwork, as well as how to cope with ever changing weather and lighting conditions. Discussions on composition, value, color, edges, aesthetics, atmospheric perspective, theory, nature, and distilling the visual will also be offered. Although I will demonstrate a new painting and theme each day, participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace.
Artists can work in any media they prefer (Oils, Watercolor, Pastels, etc.) even though the demonstrations will be in oils. This class is geared for all levels of skill from beginner to advanced students.
Please visit the La Romita web site to acquaint yourself with the amazing accommodations and hospitality.
In order to be successfully registered, please be sure to pay the $500 course deposit either via PayPal (click below)
PAY REGISTRATION FEE VIA PAYPAL
or by mailing a check to:
Thomas Kegler
PO Box 94
E. Aurora, NY 14052