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April 22nd, 2023 - May 1st, 2023
Landscape Painting in Sicily
Taught By Ephraim Rubenstein from April 22nd, 2023 - May 1st, 2023
Details
Price: $4800
Non participating partner: $1000
Location: Marsala, Sicily
Medium: Oil Paint (but all other mediums welcome)
Language: English
Food & Accomodation: All inclusive
Trip Overview
Join us for this all-inclusive painting workshop with Ephraim Rubenstein, where we will paint en plein air in and around magnificent Marsala, Sicily. We will bring you to the best spots to paint, ocean salt flats, medieval towns, and ancient ruins- all the inspiration you will need to create beautiful works of art surrounded by the stunning Sicilian landscape.
On site plein-air painting has been a mainstay of Ephraim’s painting and teaching for over forty years. The course will emphasize getting off to a strong start, thoughtful and expressive composition and the notion of space composition. The class will also offer practice in handling changing light and weather conditions.
Topics we will cover:
- Equipment and set-up, in all conditions
- How to handle changing light situations outdoors
- Dealing with varied weather conditions
- Topographical vs atmospheric emphasis in landscape painting
- The difference between direct and indirect approaches to painting outdoors
- The notion of space composition
- Emphasizing warm/cool modulations in concert with light/dark modulations
While Ephraim’s emphasis will be on oil painting, students are welcome using all media, including those who would like to draw.
At the end of each day you will return to a gorgeous boutique hotel nestled among the olive groves, with astonishing views of sunsets over the ocean. Sit back and relax with a glass of wine by the pool as the chef prepares delicious meals for the group, ensuring you have all you need to relax and recharge after a full day of painting.
Also included in this retreat, will be a number of exciting cultural excursions to must see sites, fun group activities where you will have the opportunity to get to know your classmates and instructor in a laid back, enjoyable atmosphere and make new art friends for life!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, you'll have the chance to develop your skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.
We can't wait to see you soon!
Workshop Instructor
Ephraim Rubenstein
Ephraim Rubenstein's work has been exhibited in premier galleries throughout the United States. He won the prestigious Emil and Dines Carlsen Prize in painting from the National Academy of Design and is represented in numerous public and private collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Exxon Corporation, and Deloitte & Touche. His work has been featured in American Artist Magazine, American Heritage Magazine and Architectural Digest, among others. Several of his paintings have been exhibited internationally while on loan to the US State Department as part of its Art in Embassies Program.
Ephraim is a dedicated teacher as well, having taught at RISD, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), University of Richmond, Columbia University and the Art Students League of New York, where he is currently an Instructor.
For more information, visit: ephraimrubenstein.com
Accomodations and Meals
We will be staying at the Baglio Custera, a boutique resort hotel in the heart of Marsala’s countryside. Known for its gardens and luxurious swimming pool, this ultramodern resort stands on the Rakalia hill, the site of an ancient shrine to Hercules, surrounded by olive and orange groves. Baglio Custera is a brand new hotel built on ancient lines, those of the "baglio," or farmhouse.
Sicily boasts an extraordinary cuisine influenced by the unique flavors of the Mediterranean region. Its mainstays are garden-fresh vegetables, ancient grains and seafood. All meals, accommodation and transport are Included in your package, including a celebratory welcome dinner and a farewell Sicilian feast.
Car rental is not necessary but suggested if you'd like to explore on your own.
What to Pack
A complete materials list that outlines what Ephraim uses when painting outside will be sent upon sign-up.
But here are some things to consider bringing to make the most of your trip:
Painting supplies:
Your favourite plein-air painting set-ups that have worked well for you, that you are familiar and comfortable with.
In class we will discuss the pluses and minuses of various easels and boxes, as well as of your palettes, brushes and color choices.
To help avoid problems with TSA inspectors.
Here is a helpful guide with advice and a set of labels that you may print and attach to your art supplies when bringing them on an airplane in your luggage.
Sicily Artists Retreats will provide all solvents, these can not be brought with you on the plane, checked or carry-on.
Painting surfaces:
Sicily Artist Retreats stocks a variety of canvas, paper and boards available for purchase on site.
Advice and recommendations on painting surfaces as well as how to safely bring finished paintings home will be sent out to participants in advance.
Clothing:
Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing that is suitable for warm weather. You should also bring a hat with a good brim and sunscreen for outdoor painting sessions.
Choose comfortable shoes good for walking, as not all place we will go have paved roads.
And a small, light, day backpack and reusable water bottle.
Evenings can be a little cooler so be sure to bring a light jacket.
The hotel has a lovely pool, so bringing swimwear is recommended!
With these items in your suitcase, you'll be well-prepared for an enjoyable and productive painting workshop in Sicily!
Travel Advisory
There are no travel advisories at this time but please be sure to check the Italian Ministry of Health for current updates.
