Enjoy the benefit of learning through both instructor and peers by registering for a group learning session. Ongoing open-enrollment courses and specialized workshops offer the opportunity to work both in the studio and outdoors — in Manhattan and abroad. Students of all levels are welcome.

In Studio

Anatomical Drawing

While gaining knowledge of the fundamental principles of perception—light, plane-structure, tonal value, perspective, proportion—students will learn to construct images that realistically and accurately interpret the anatomical architecture and movement of the human form in space. This solid foundation will enable students to express their personal creative vocabulary more clearly and effectively. These drawing classes will consist of short and long poses acquainting students with the preliminary process of understanding the essentials of the figure in space while providing the opportunity to develop a more complete drawing. All levels welcome.

Regularly scheduled five weekday afternoons from 1:00 pm to 4:45 pm | instructor present two sessions
materials lists | register at The Art Students League of New York | see student gallery

 

Anatomy for Artists, Life Drawing

While gaining knowledge of the fundamental principles of perception—light, plane-structure, tonal value, perspective, proportion—students will learn to construct images that realistically and accurately interpret the anatomical architecture and movement of the human form in space. This solid foundation will enable students to express their personal creative vocabulary more clearly and effectively. These drawing classes will consist of short and long poses acquainting students with the preliminary process of understanding the essentials of the figure in space while providing the opportunity to develop a more complete drawing. All levels welcome.

Regularly scheduled five weekday late afternoons from 4:50 pm to 6:50 pm | instructor present two sessions
 materials lists | register at The Art Students League of New York | see student gallery

Life Drawing, Anatomy for Artists (Online)

While gaining knowledge of the fundamental principles of perception—light, plane-structure, tonal value, perspective, proportion—students will learn to construct images that realistically and accurately interpret the anatomical architecture and movement of the human form in space. This solid foundation will enable students to express their personal creative vocabulary more clearly and effectively. These drawing classes will consist of short and long poses acquainting students with the preliminary process of understanding the essentials of the figure in space while providing the opportunity to develop a more complete drawing. All levels welcome.

Tuesday–Wednesday, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
materials lists | register at The Art Students League of New York | see student gallery

Costa Vavagiakis, Arthur IV (detail), graphite on paper, 39 x 27½ in.

Portrait Drawing Workshop

Throughout the history of Western art, portrait drawing has remained a vital artistic practice. Artists such as Michelangelo, Holbein, Van Dyck, and Ingres have explored this motif. These works speak to us because they are immediate, direct and honest. This workshop focuses on the methods and tools needed to draw a portrait with accuracy and feeling. Students learn to capture the likeness and unique personality of the sitter by carefully ob serving the subtleties of the human face. Composition, perspective, proportions and the effects of light and dark will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on an in-depth investigation of the underlying structure of the head, skull and facial features. There will be a week-long pose, and each day the class will be augmented by lectures and demonstrations. Enrollment limited to 14 students.

postponed (originally scheduled for June 29 to July 3, 2020 from 9:00am to 5:00pm) | instructor present each day  materials lists |  register at The Art Students League of New York

Portrait Painting Workshop

This workshop is designed to help the student learn the finer points of this time-honored art form. All the stages of the portrait painting process will be examined from under-painting to completed portrait. Students will develop a good foundation for capturing likeness by studying the underlying structure of the skull and features of the face. We will explore the effects of light on skin, mixing flesh tones, and application and rendering techniques. All levels of students welcome. Enrollment limited to 12 students.

postponed (originally scheduled for August 3 – 7, 2020 from 9:00am to 5:00 pm) | instructor present each day
materials lists | register at The Art Students League of New York

Art Travel

Paint Abroad in Western Sicily

I am excited to announce a special art retreat! Come join me and local host Rosetta Sciacca of Sicily Artist Retreats™ to paint abroad in Western Sicily this summer.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will provide you the chance to explore Greek temples, Norman and Saracen castles, and colorful seaside towns in the historic heart of the Mediterranean. You will work en plein air along ancient salt flats, picturesque seascapes, and historic sites such as the medieval citadel of Mt. Erice and the Byzantine cathedral at Monreale. All media — including oil, watercolor, pastels, and sketching — are welcome. While in Sicily, explore the cuisine, culture, and traditions of one of the most fascinating and largest islands of Italy. For more details, download a travel packet.

The workshop is scheduled for June 5 – June 15, 2022.

We can't wait to relax, paint and explore beautiful Sicily. We hope to see you there!

Itinerary subject to adjustments according to circumstances and opportunities.

Itinerary

June 05
Arrive in the ancient harbor town of Marsala. Welcome reception and trip overview at Baglio Custera (“Hotel Custera”) resort. Sample Marsala’s regional wines and enjoy a special welcome meal prepared by the resort’s award-winning chef, alongside secular olive groves.

June 06
Visit and painting at the Selinunte Archeological Park, the location of the historic Greek colony on Sicily. Picnic lunch on the Park grounds. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 07
Explore Marsala’s historic center, with a visit to the Regional Archeological Museum in Marsala, home of the Ancient Punic ship and painting along the scenic waterfront. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 08
Visit to Favignana Island and the Florio Cannery Museum. Painting at the town’s picturesque fishing port.

June 09
Experience the enchantment of the Stagnone Nature Reserve, including the Lagoon and the Salt Windmill museum and visitor center. Painting at the ancient Phoenician settlement of Mozia Island. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 10
Painting at the Castle of Venus in the Medieval citadel of Mount Erice. Taste typical pastries of Erice and explore local ceramic and rug weaving artisan shops. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 11
Visit to the stunning Agrigento Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), including art, history, myths and anthropology . Painting in enchanting ruins of Greek colonial architecture from the 6th century BCE. Picnic lunch on the park grounds.

June 12
In-studio portrait painting with local models.

June 13
Visit to 9th century Phoenician town of Mazara del Vallo. Paint in the old Arab quarter of the Casbah and visit the Museum of the Dancing Satyr. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 14
Free day to paint, explore, and enjoy the Marsala region. Reception and viewing of artworks and Sicilian Festival and farewell dinner at Baglio Custera. Optional studio painting.

June 15
Departure.

What to Pack

Air travel with oil paint requires a few extra steps.

Travel Advisory

For travel to Italy you will need to do the following:

  • Fill out a Passenger Locator Form (digital or paper) before entering Italy.
  • COVID-19 Green Certification on arrival certifying complete vaccination at least 14 days beforehand by a vaccine recognized by the European Medicines Agency.
  • Present a document certifying that you have performed a swab test with negative results within 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy.
  • A mask is required in Sicily for all indoor and outdoor activities as it is currently listed as a yellow zone. To stay updated with information on COVID-19 travel and access to cultural and recreational events, click here.
  • Check the Italian Ministry of Health for further information.
Accommodations & Meals

We will be staying at the Baglio Custera, a boutique resort hotel in the heart of Marsala’s countryside. Famous for its lush gardens and abundant waters dating back to the ancient Phoenicians, the modern hotel is surrounded by large olive and orange groves on the Rakalia hill (ancient “eraclia”).

Baglio Custera is a new hotel that recalls the ancient Sicilian “Baglio,” or fortified farm structures of ancient Sicily. You will feel welcome at this beautiful location where guests can enjoy an aperitif with an enchanting sunset and exquisite genuine cuisine in the Sicilian tradition.

Car rental is recommended at Palermo's Falcone Borsellino Airport at Punta Raisi (PMO) and is not included in cost. Pick-up service from the airport can be arranged at an additional cost.

Sicily boasts an extraordinary cuisine influenced by the unique flavors of the Mediterranean region. Its mainstays are garden-fresh vegetables, ancient grains and seafood. Included in your package are all lunches, a celebratory welcome dinner, and a farewell Sicilian festival.

Workshop: June 5 – June 15, 2022
materials lists | see blog posts from a previous painting-abroad adventure in Italy