In this course, we will sculpt a 24โ tall portrait bust, with the upper torso, using contemporary hand building techniques informed by Renaissance and 19th century sculpting practices. We will sculpt from a live model, focusing on the large masses of the body, and how they move in concert together to form a clear gesture. Our approach is based around close observation, and an emphasis on anatomical structure and form relationships. Students will learn how to think three-dimensionally, judging likeness with volume and mass.
The class will cover basic anatomy, and how to use proportional cannons or measuring systems to sculpt a well-proportioned figure at any scale. We will cover basic โblock-inโ technique, learning how to accurately establish the large relationships of the figure, before moving on to modeling and finishing techniques for clay.
We will be slab building pieces that can be fired at the end of class, so students can go home with a finished sculptural vessel. The class will include sculpting demonstration, constructive critiques, and lecture. No experience is necessary, teaching will be tailored to individuals and students will return home with a finished sculptural vessel.
Included in the cost of the course are day trips to Deruta/Assisi and Orvieto.
On our Deruta/Assisi trip, we will start the day at the Santuario della Madonna dei Bagni, a sanctuary constructed around a tree where an apparition of the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd, distraught over his wifeโs grave illness.ย According to legend, he prayed to the Virgin and his wife was cured. ย For centuries afterward, pilgrims have come to the church to pray for loved ones who were injured or ill. Later, in gratitude some donated a votive majolica plaque commemorating the accidents and illnesses from which victims were saved through the intercession of the Virgin. ย What remains is an intimate and moving glimpse into the lives and struggles of individuals who sought spiritual intervention in times of need throughout centuries.
Moving on to Deruta, we will tour several local ceramics studios who work in the maiolica tradition, and visit the extraordinary, Museo Regionale Della Ceramica di Deruta. We will next travel to Assisi to visit Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, decoratedwith frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti, and possibly Pietro Cavallini. The range and quality of the works give the basilica a unique importance in demonstrating the outstanding development of Italian art of this period.
Finally, we will visit Spello, to see the astounding frescos by Pinturicchio in the Cappella Baglioni, as well as the mosaic work in Villa de Mosaici, a beautifully preserved Roman Villa with mosaic floors from the imperial era. Before returning to Monte Castello, we will have dinner that includes a wine tasting, and enjoy the regionโs famous terroir.
Our second trip will be to Orvieto here we will see the cathedral, full of rich architectural ornament, mosaics, and the beautiful fresco Cycle in the San Brizio Chapel, begun by Fra Angelico, and finished by Luca Signorelli, Michelangeloโs forerunner in painting. We will also visit the The Pietร Ippolito Scalza, 1579 Duomo of Orvieto, Italy. For wine enthusiasts, there will be many available options for sampling some of the best wine in Italy. Afterward we will have dinner in Orvieto, which will feature a tasting of several of the Regions excellent wines.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio.ย Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.ย Materials for the course will be available in the ICA Art Supply store in Monte Castello.
