THE MASTER CLASSES IN FLORENCE, ITALY May 7 - 25, 2001

at The Santa Reparata International School of Art _________________________________________________________________________

According to statistics produced by UNESCO, 60% of the world's most important works of art are located in Italy and approximately half of these are in Florence. . . Our master classes will take place at The Santa Reparata International School of Fine Arts, a newly renovated private art school just a few blocks from San Marcos Square in the center of Florence. The school and studio space is new, and a small library is under way. Computers and internet access will also be available to students for a nominal fee. Tours of Florence will be provided as part of your tuition. Artists may choose to study in one of the three tracks listed below. As each track is limited to 10 students, every participant will receive a highly personalized training and unique experience. Each student may choose from one of three different tracks in a 3 week course of study (see descriptions below). The selection criteria varies for each track and is decided upon by the teacher of that particular track.

 

Master Tracks:

PAINTING THE FANTASTIC with ROBERT VENOSA and MARTINA HOFFMANN

The "Fantastic" implies a 'lack of restraint in the imagination', and such is the approach to painting taken in this unique workshop for beginners and accomplished artists alike. Participants will be utilizing a simplified version of the 'Master's Technique', as employed down through the centuries by such artists as Van Eyck, Rembrandt and Max Ernst. Following a process that the teachers call 'Serendipitous Exploitation', an emotional outpouring of color and form is first applied to the surface, followed by studied, individual detailing of the personal visions the imagination presents. The premise: to exercise right-brain potential in a non-threatening, effortless manner that instills self-discovery, and a newfound self-esteem. This workshop is for all those wishing to explore their artistic capabilities while discovering the joy and illuminating power of painting. It is open to beginners and professional painters alike. Monday -- Thursday, 9:00 am - 12 noon and 2:00 pm - 5 p.m. maximum: 10 students

 

FA PRESTO in FLORENCE - with Michael Fuchs

The Fa Presto oil painting technique originated in 17th century Italy, and was developed as an offshoot of the 'misch' technique in order to paint a great number of easel paintings in a short time. As the name implies (fa presto means 'do it quickly') this manner of painting can be used to obtain quick, spontaneous and expressive results as well as more studied works. Starting with an earthen colored imprimatura we paint into wet layers of oil paint and do not have to wait for layers to dry before applying the next layer. By developing a ductus (the way one actually wields the brush) one can bring many structures into play and enhance the artistic expression of the painting considerably. Using a wide variety of brushes the painter can achieve an impressive range of effects. I generally use portrait models and/or still-lives to teach this technique, thereby giving my students a thorough training inspired by the laws of nature. Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 12 noon and 2:00 pm - 5 p.m. maximum: 10 students

 

METHOD and the MUSE - Painting with Philip Rubinov-Jacobson

Combining knowledge from the old masters with innovative approaches, this track introduces a synthesis of methods and materials in painting that afford a clear, quick and concise technique. This mystical and masterly approach to building a picture involves the 'mixed-technique' of egg-tempera and oil painting (ala Van Eyck), and contemporary methods with a twist (ala Maxfield Parrish and Rubinov-Jacobson). This track is appropriate for participants with some previous experience in oil painting, or in the 'mische' technique itself. An emphasis on individualized instruction, and feedback on each participant's unique visual poetics inspires a new threshold of creative courage. It is an opportunity for artists to embrace their inner vision while gaining technical skills in an inspired, experimental and safe environment, while being supported by an accomplished guide. Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 12 noon and 2:00 pm - 5 p.m. maximum: 10 students

 

FACULTY BIOS

ROBERT VENOSA. The Fantastic Realism art of Robert Venosa has been exhibited worldwide and is represented in the collections of major museums, rock stars and European aristocracy. He has done conceptual design for movies such as Dune and Fire in the Sky for Paramount, and Race for Atlantis for IMAX. His work has been the subject of three books, Manas Manna, Noospheres, and the recently published Illuminatus, featuring text by Terence McKenna. Each year, Venosa devotes time to giving workshops at such institutes as Esalen in California, Naropa in Boulder, and Skyros Institute in Greece and Tobago in the Caribbean. Website: http://www.venosa.com

MARTINA HOFFMANN. A German-born artist, Martina studied sculpting and art education at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt with Professors Spielmann and Kiefer (father of Anselm Kiefer). She has, since that time, worked professionally as a painter and sculptor, and for the past 6 years has co-taught painting workshops with Robert Venosa . Martina's work has been exhibited internationally, as well as being represented in books such as 'DRINKING LIGHTNING - Art, Creativity and Transformation' and 'The Return of The Great Goddess', both by Shambhala Publications, 'One Source', Markowitz Publishers, 'Celebrating Woman's Spirituality', Crossing Press, and such publications as Magical Blend and Expose. Website: http://www.martinahoffmann.com

MICHAEL FUCHS, MFA was born in Paris. After high school he moved from the United States to Vienna to study with his father, Ernst Fuchs, and made Vienna his home. Michael also studied painting with Anton Lehmden at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts where he completed his MFA degree. In addition, the professor holds an MA in Architecture, also from the Vienna Academy. He has an international reputation for his portraiture and his commissions read like a veritable 'Who's Who' in the realms of art, state and church. He has exhibited extensively in Europe and more recently in the United States. Website: http://www.michael-fuchs.at

PHILIP RUBINOV-JACOBSON, MFA was born in Rochester, New York and is an artist , educator and author of the book, "Drinking Lightning - Art, Creativity and Transformation", with a Foreword by Ken Wilber and Ernst Fuchs. He studied painting with Ernst Fuchs, 1973-1974, and holds academic degrees in several fields. From 1991-97 he worked as a dean at Naropa University where he founded and directed the School of Continuing Education. Currently, he is painting, working on another book, and spear-heading the project to establish The Museum and Academy of the Visionary Arts (MAVA), conferring with Ernst Fuchs and Ken Wilber in that endeavor. He is represented by Galerie 10 in Vienna. Website: http://www.Rubinovs-Lightning.com

Santa Reparata International School of Art website http://www.fionline.it/santareparata

 

TUITION

3 WEEKS TUITION
Early: $1,595
After January 15, 2001: $1,795