August 17, 2025 - August 31, 2025

Mastering Still Life in Oil Painting: The Play of Light and Shadow with Daria Most

Mastering Still Life in Oil Painting: The Play of Light and Shadow with Daria Most

WORKSHOP COST:
3.850,0€
Workshop Dates:
August 17, 2025 - August 31, 2025
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About the Workshop

Mastering Still Life in Oil Painting: The Play of Light and Shadow with Daria Most

We invite you to discover the enchanting world of still life through the technique of oil painting! This course will help you not only master practical skills but also unlock your creative potential by working with everyday objects and conveying their essence through the interplay of light and shadow. The course is suitable for both beginners and intermediate artists. 

What You Will Learn:

  • Master the Basics of Composition: You will learn how to construct a harmonious still life composition, select objects, arrange them, and use lighting to enhance the visual effect.
  • Work with Light and Shadow: You will understand tonal gradations and work with different types of lighting to accurately convey volume, structure, and atmosphere.
  • Oil Painting Techniques: You will master the basics of working with oil paints and learn to harmoniously combine color contrasts and subtle nuances.
  • Unique Approaches to Creating Still Lifes: You will experiment with painting still lifes in chiaroscuro and using mirrors to create optical illusions.

Course Program:

  • Module 1: Introduction to the Art of Still Life
    Explore the history and significance of still life in art, studying various styles and approaches to painting.
  • Module 2: Composition
    Understand the role of composition in still life, select and arrange objects, and learn lighting methods to enhance the visual effect.
  • Module 3: The Play of Light and Shadow
    Study the "stain method" in graphic tonal explorations.
  • Module 4: Basics of Oil Painting
    Explore contrast and nuance in color, the relationship between color contrast and nuance in still life, and work within a restrained palette with subtle color variations.
  • Module 5: Still Life in Chiaroscuro
    Investigate the specifics of painting still life in chiaroscuro conditions.
  • Module 6: Still Life and Mirrors
    Learn to use mirrors as reflective surfaces in still life compositions, creating illusions and optical effects.
  • Course Finale: Exhibition of Completed Works
    Present your works, discuss achievements, and explore further opportunities in the world of still life painting.

 

 

 

Meet The Instructors

Daria Most

Daria Most is an artist and resercher based in Monte Castello di Vibio. Holds a master's degree in Fine Arts at the Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University (Ukraine). She has taught

painting, drawing, and composition at the Institute of Arts. Has participated in numerous exhibitions and plein airs. Her works are part of the “Passion to Perform” collection of Yamana Gold (Canada) and private collections in Europe and America. The artist's interests include oil painting, enamel on copper and printmaking techniques (linocut, etching, mezzotint).

 

Included Amenities

Click on the links below for detailed information about our included amenities.
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  • Airport transfer from and to the Leonardo da Vinci Rome/Fiumicino Airport (FCO) aboard our private bus (on scheduled dates only). Bus departs the airport promptly at 12PM.
  • Airport welcome service and assistance with baggage
  • 24/7 bi-lingual support with manager on site at all times
  • All ground transport aboard private buses or our ICA van, unless otherwise specified. Licensed and insured professional driver and ICA guide accompany all excursions. Orientation at each destination is provided as is departure coordination (guide service is available upon request — unless specified — for an additional fee)
  • Complimentary bottle of local wine provided in rooms on arrival day and complimentary locally made soap
  • Village orientation and complimentary drinks provided on arrival day
  • Private access to our 5-storey tower at our Palazzo Persiane (on sign-up basis) for spectacular morning and evening views
  • Access to our art materials shop (during posted hours)
  • Thorough orientation lecture and maps provided the evening before departure
  • Return transport to the Rome/Fiumicino Airport (departs 5:30AM) with rest stop
  • Departure service/airport assistance at airport
  • Unless otherwise specified, single occupancy accommodation is provided in rooms with a view of the Tiber Valley that includes sink and vanity. Rooms are with shared bath on each level (3 rooms per bath) in our 14th century convent building, The Asilo. Apartments, rooms with private bath and AC, double rooms, group or villa accommodations are available for couples, business associates/ friends, or groups for an additional fee
  • Linens and towels provided
  • Weekly housekeeping service with change of towels and linens
  • Free washing machine access
  • Good Wi-Fi connection and access to our library and film collection
  • 3 chef-catered, gourmet meals per day (buffet breakfast, 3-course lunch, 4-course dinner) — with wine at lunch and dinner (table wine provided at lunch and dinner. An excellent wine list is offered at additional cost), while in Monte Castello
  • Group dining service is as follows, with breakfast and lunch served in our dining room, etc, with dinner (weather permitting) served on our private terrace overlooking the Tiber Valley
  • Lunch and dinner are plated as follows: pasta course, main course, vegetable, fruit/salad, dessert
  • When requested at registration, vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are provided
  • After dinner drinks on our terrace overlooking the Tiber valley
  • Dining service is as follows: Breakfast: 8:00 AM; Lunch: 1:00PM; Dinner: 8:00 PM. No meals are served on Fridays (excursion day) unless otherwise specified
  • On Saturday and Sunday, a full buffet brunch with fresh pastry and Prosecco is served at 11:00 AM
  • On Saturday, homemade, wood-fired pizza is served at 7:00 PM (except on departure days, when a special farewell dinner is served)
  • Sunday dinner with antipasti is served at 7:00 PM
  • Farewell dinner on the evening prior to departure
  • 24/7 access to our primary building and library is provided, including access to workspaces, studios, and ceramics facility
  • Special access to certain cultural and art collections is available upon request
  • FOR VISUAL ARTISTS: private, or semi-private secure and monitored studio space is provided (24/7 access)
  • FOR WRITERS: private workspace is provided (24/7 access)
  • FOR GROUPS: Group workspace is provided (24/7 access)
  • FOR CERAMIC ARTISTS: 24/7 access to our ceramics facility
  • Free access to lectures and events at the Teatro Concordia
  • An end of the session exhibition with reception that includes hors d'oeuvres and Prosecco in our gallery. Posters are prepared to promote the event with copies provided to all participants
  • 1 excursion per week is included (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary) aboard our private bus. Additional trips can of course be scheduled and given our central location. (Day trips are possible to as far north as Siena or Florence and as far south as Rome.)
  • Advanced reservations and ticket purchases for groups and individuals
  • Concierge services provided upon request at an hourly rate
  • Restaurant reservations (provided under Concierge services)
  • Car rental
  • Critique series with visiting visual artists
  • Artist materials workshops
  • Drawing and painting sessions from the figure
  • Cooking classes
  • Cheesemaking workshop
  • Pizza-making workshop
  • Kids cooking classes
  • Wine appreciation and Sommelier Courses
  • Wine and olive oil tastings
  • Vineyard tours
  • Truffle hunting
  • Ballroom dance classes
  • Weekend excursions to flea markets and natural sites
  • Shopping excursions to cashmere and leather outlets, to Deruta famous for fine painted traditional ceramics, and antique stores
  • Overnight excursions to the sea and day-trips to Rome beaches
  • Hot air balloon tours
  • Hot springs excursions
  • Lake Trasimeno tours
  • Umbria abandoned castle and fortress tour
  • Sustainable farming tour 
  • Babysitting services
  • Soccer, archery, and horseback riding camps for kids
  • Motorized mountain bike rentals
  • Electric car rental 
  • Golf-cart tours of Rome and Florence
  • Hiking/naturalist guides to national/regional parks - mountain hiking available
  • Fishing/Hunting Excursions

Payment Options

Payment Policies

Participants can choose from "Payment in Full" or "Non-refundable Deposit" payment options.  However, if the "Non-Refundable Deposit" option is chosen, payment in full must be made within 60 days of submission of € 500 (Euro) Non-refundable Deposit in order to hold the reservation.  If payment in full is not made within this period, Registration and Deposit may be forfeit.

In general, payment in full is required no less than 90 days of the of the workshop start date.  No participant will be admitted to our FCO Airport Transfer vehicle with an outstanding balance. 

  • For Spring Workshops, payment must be made before February 15
  • For Summer Workshops, before March 1
  • For Fall/Winter Workshops, by June 1.

If payment in full is not made by these dates, respectively of Workshop timing, as per the above, both Registration and Deposit MAY BE FORFEIT.

Our decision to offer Workshops is based on achieving small enrollment minimums, with this in mind, all payments are non-refundable after payment in full has been made.  However, under certain circumstances (see below) credit from one workshop may be utilized for another Workshop or Residency within a one-year period.

Session Cancellation by ICARTS

ICARTS only “cancels” retreats in the event of low enrollment or in circumstances in which providing the opportunity to re-schedule is not possible.  Each ICARTS Workshop requires a minimum number of participants enrolled - including the Residency Program. While the minimum enrollment number may vary according to the timing and duration of the session, the minimum is typically, six (6), to nine (9).  If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we reserve the the right to cancel those programs.

When a condition arises that results in a cancellation, participants will be notified and the class will be rescheduled to a later date. In event that ICARTS determines that enrollment for a particular session/Retreat is insufficient, ICARTS will typically offer you:

  • (a) an option to join an alternative session/course/tour/event, within a one-year period or
  • (b) to defer your participation until the rescheduled date of the intended workshop or
  • (c.) In certain circumstances a refund MAY BE offered

In circumstances in which travel is interrupted due to travel restrictions or health protocols, Force Majeure (such as a: strike, riot, acts of God) ICARTS WILL NOT CANCEL, but will re-schedule the same workshop within  the soonest reasonable opportunity or in the succeeding calendar year.  In case of death or illness. of instructor, a substitution will be made at the discretion of ICARTS.  Beyond these factors, all reasonable effort will be made to schedule the Workshop with the same Instructor, however, in cases where this is not possible a Full Refund (minus the € 500 Euro Deposit) MAY BE Offered.

Cancellation by the Participant

Observing the above dates and criteria, cancellation by the participant is not possible once Payment in Full has been made.  However, in certain circumstances - such as illness of the participant or illness or death of a close relative or spouse - payment may be applied to another workshop within a one-year period. Candidates seeking to cancel due to personal hardship, illness, or death should contact the ICARTS in writing, stating full personal and course details. In this case, fees paid  – excluding deposit - MAY BE applied to another workshop within a one-year period. However, this withdrawal and substitution may not cause the enrollment to fall below the minimum number, in this case substitutions cannot be made.

In cases of Force Majeure (such as a: strike, riot, acts of God, unforeseen illness or death, or death of a family member) we highly recommend that your travel insurance policy include coverage for any trip cancellation that may occur prior to or afterdeparture. Policy coverage varies. Often, it is advantageous to purchase your coverage prior to reservation payments with us and your flight provider. Check your specific policy carefully for more information. See the travel insurance section of the ParticipantHandbook for more information.

Required Forms

All ICA participants; whether coming independently, with a group or through a college / university, must provide the following completed forms and information to icarts.info@gmail.com at least 2 weeks prior to attending their program. 
Emergency Contact & Medical Information »Liability Waiver »
Proof of Insurance / Travel Insurance
Itinerary and Passport
For detailed information and to download the required forms, please visit our Guides and Forms page.

Itinerary

Day1 : Sunday, August 17

Arrive Rome/Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO); Bus Departs FCO promptly at 12:00 PM. With this in mind, our shuttle cannot support arrivals later than 11:00 AM.  Participants arriving after 11:00 AM must coordinate the trip to Monte Castello at their own expense.

Arrival at Monte Castello di Vibio appx.: 2:30 PM:Lunch/Orientation/Rest/ Tour of village/ Dinner

Day 2 : Monday, August 18

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work work on tiles and personal projects

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc.

 

Day 3 : Tuesday, August 19

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1;00 - 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc. : Historical and contemporary maiolica examples

Day 4 : Wednesday, August 20

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc.

Day 5 : Thursday, August 21

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

Day 6 : Friday, August 22

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

.

 

Day 7 : Saturday, August 23

Morning: free or independent work.

11:00 AM Brunch

Afternoon: free or independent work

8:00 Dinner

Day 8 : Sunday, August 24

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

Day 9: Monday, August 25

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

Day 10: Tuesday, August 26

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

Day 11: Wednesday, August 27

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

Day 12: Thursday, August 28

8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch

2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session

6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work

8:00 – 9:00 Dinner

Day 13: Friday, August 29

Excursion: TBA

Day 14: Saturday, August 30

Morning: free or independent work.

11:00 AM Brunch

Afternoon: free or independent work

8:00 Dinner

Day 15: Sunday, August 31

5:30 AM Departure. Our shuttle departs for FCO promptly for the two-hour trip.  We strongly encourage arrival at FCO 3 hours in advance of your flight. With this in mind, our shuttle cannot support departures earlier than 11:00 AM (+/- 30 minutes)

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