Tuscany 2017

Tuscany, Italy

May  19 – 27  or  May  26 – June 3 /2017

Photography / Plein-Air Painting Workshop
Taught by Scott Williams & Niki Gulley

"Popping Color"
“Popping Color”

Join us once more as our path takes us to the medieval towns, cypress tree lined roads and glorious sun drenched splendor of the rolling hills that are Tuscany.

Whether you are a painter or photographer, this unique workshop has been designed to allow you to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice. Choosing which aspect interests you, we will help guide you to capture the architecture and breathtaking vistas flooded with their extraordinary quality of light, on either canvas or film.

“Standing Tall”

Imagine the inspiration derived from strolling the narrow cobble streets of the hill towns or taking in the panoramic views from it’s outer walls as the sun sweeps across the landscape spread out before you. Start your own renaissance by standing in the shadows where the masters once painted, all while

"Belvedere"
“Belvedere”

experiencing the grandeur of Tuscany first hand. Capture the rich colors offset against cobalt blue skies, the rows of earth hued vines, ripe with their succulent grape harvest, all while being warmed, literally, under a Tuscan sun.

Florence-Pano
“Overlook”

Tuscany’s warmth is in more than the countryside, it’s within it’s people as you will discover while sampling the regions abundant wines, savory fruit and amazing varieties of cheese. There is nothing like getting to know a culture and experiencing a sense of place, it is a journey for the senses, not only visually and intellectually, but for the palate as well.

Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques.

"Amapola"
“Amapola”

Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.

Scott will take the photographers on a daily walking tour through the winding streets of the hills town and into the countryside surrounding them.

Montepulciano church

You will have the opportunity to experience Tuscany through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision. As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own.

This unique Workshop affords you the option to choose which aspect interests you, whether it is painting, photography or both. Thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your Tuscan experience.

There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop. This will give everyone an opportunity to discuss the day’s events,compare notes, ask questions and get a chance to know each other. It also presents a unique option to get views and perspectives from both painters and photographers.

 So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Tuscany with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own

Cellar
Winery Tour

style – or just ride along to enjoy the Italian countryside, as artists and non-artists alike are welcome.

Space is limited to 10 participants on a first-come basis, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.

 

 

Work Shop includes:

  •  Roundtrip air fare, private van transportation to various Tuscan hill towns, including side trips to Siena and Florence, as well as to the wine town of Montepulciano.
  •  Lodging for 7 nights amid the picturesque rolling Tuscan landscape. (Pricing is for shared rooms)
  •  Guided wine tour of two wineries
  •  Continental Breakfast
  •  Optional cooking class
  •  Emergency Medical insurance
  •  Instruction, guidance, experience and fun

Your cost for all of this is $4,995 and to reserve a spot, simply send a completed application form (the forms will be provided by email upon request) along with your deposit of $1,500 per person by 7/30/16. There also is a final application cut off date of 7/30/16. Prices after the cut off date are based on current airfare. 

A second payment of one half of the remainder after deposit is due by June 25th, with a final payment due by Aug. 13th. For those wanting a single occupancy room, there will be an additional cost of $750. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3.5% fee.  

There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop. We will also setup optional spa tours and food, wine or cooking classes where  available at an additional cost for participants not interested in the painting/photography sessions.

In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties, we suggest travel insurance for those situations.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way and we hope that you will be able to join us!

Scott Williams      214-289-8512         /         Niki Gulley     214-803-5812

Squirrel-logo                                                                  Niki-Logo

Email Scott at,  photoguy@blind-squirrel.org  if you are interested in joining us.