Umbria, Italy 2022
SLOW-DOWN BREAKS
2022 Botanical art holidays in rural Umbria, Italy. Learn from Elaine Searle.
HOTEL IL COLLACCIO, PRECI, UMBRIA
These residential botanical art courses for 12 intermediates or advanced beginners are incredibly sociable. People return with friends, or to make new ones.
Day 1 usually starts with a short slideshow to give inspiration. The tuition is a mixture of group discussion, demonstration and individual guidance. My aim is that everyone enjoys learning, and trying out new skills in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
One of the hallmarks of these holidays is how generously the artists support each other regardless of experience level
After class you are free to sunbathe, swim in the new 'infinity' pool, walk, work on in the studio, or simply relax until dinner.
WEEK 1
3–10 June
‘Umbrian Wild flowers’
Maximum 12 painters
Non-painter (shared room) €850
Single occupancy of room + €105
Apartment + €105 per person
Booking deposit (non-refundable)
€500 per person
INCLUDES
En-suite bedrooms* in the same building as the studio
Full board with half bottle of wine at dinner**
FREE wi-fi (for 1 device)
Tuition from Elaine Searle
24/7 access to studio
1 small piece of Calfskin Vellum
Equipment : drawing boards, light box, water pots, tracing paper, paper towel.
Free tea and coffee to make in studio
**Dinner only on day of arrival, breakfast only on day of departure.
but previous experience with Vellum is not required.
This week we create a ‘collection’ study of local wildflowers.
Topics covered will include, Preparing to paint, transferring a drawing, working with a dry brush technique, how to correct mistakes, Dry brushing is an exacting and time consuming technique so you will be guided to tackle only a small subject which may be completed within the time.
WEEK 2
12-19 June
‘Leafy Character’
Maximum 12 painters
Non-painter (shared room) €850
Single occupancy of room + €105
Apartment + €105 per person
Booking deposit (non-refundable)
€500 per person
INCLUDES
En-suite bedrooms* in the same building as the studio
Full board with half bottle of wine at dinner**
FREE wi-fi (for 1 device)
Tuition from Elaine Searle
24/7 access to studio
Equipment : drawing boards, light box, water pots, tracing paper, paper towel.
Free tea and coffee to make in studio
**Dinner only on day of arrival, breakfast only on day of departure.
This week we will study how to draw and paint leaves with realism,
taking care to capture their unique botanical character.
Students will work on groups of leaves rather than single ‘plan’ view specimens as it is important to learn how to modify colour, detail and contrast to create realism. Topics covered will include, lighting for form, colour mixing, creating depth. Students should expect to create study sheets of up to three different specimens rather than a finished painting.
A BONUS
FREE Linking nights
WHEN YOU BOOK BOTH WEEKS 1 & 2
Many people (especially when travelling long-haul) like to book for two weeks. You will receive FREE accommodation for the linking days between courses.
On these changeover days when guests are arriving or departing there is no tuition so you are free to relax or explore on your own.
Non-painters
ACCOMPANYING A PAINTER
Painters are welcome to be accompanied by non-painting friends or partners.
The idyllic but rather secluded nature of il Collaccio is best suited to those who enjoy walking, swimming or relaxing with a book.
To explore further you would need to arrive with a hire car. Cars can be hired at Rome or Perugia airports, or at Spoleto rail station.
How to Book
CONTACT ME WITH FULL DETAILS
I will confirm that a provisional place is being held for you. You will then be contacted by the hotel requesting your deposit payment. Upon payment your place will be confirmed.
Your deposit paid is not refundable.
If you cancel more than 10 weeks from the start date of the course, we will endeavour to find a replacement booking. If we are successful then your balance would be refunded.
Cancellations advised less than 10 weeks from the start date of the course are not eligible for refunds.