Many guests of the boutique hotel Villa le Barone in Tuscany love coming there for plein-air painting in oil, watercolor, gouache, pastel…
Each year, therefore, Villa le Barone gets new artworks. In 2012, three different interpretations of the church of San Leolino entered Villa le Barone’s collection: an oil painting of Ilaria Guicciardini, Italy, another one by Bill Brown from South Africa, and a watercolor by Peter Spitzweck from Federal Republic of Germany.
For many years, artists also organized at the Villa painting courses and workshops. Watercolor painting is one of the most exciting artistic techniques in use since antiquity. It particularly developed in the Renaissance, mainly used for painting still lifes, flowers, plants and animals. But when many travelers and artists came to Tuscany in the 18th and 19th centuries, they were seduced by its exquisite light, its amazing scenery, the wonderful hills of Chianti and the architecture of medieval hamlets. Many artists then, began practicing outdoor painting, and depicting the famous Tuscan landscape.
Practicing watercolor has many advantages: it is a discipline that allows even beginners to quickly obtain spectacular results. It only requires modest and easily transportable supplies. Indeed, a box of paints, some brushes, paper and a little water are enough to start. Painting ‘en plein air’ helps an artist to not only hone their skills, but also to observe the landscape with more sensitivity. One becomes quite aware of seeing colors and values. It allows sensing the lights at different times of the day unveiling a whole new world, and at the same time in our very busy world, it allows relaxation and renewing oneself.
Watercolor courses and workshops are regularly organized at the historic hotel Villa le Barone in Tuscany. The astonishing landscape, the changing lights and shadows, the many subtle colors are all sources of inspiration,
Jann Pollard, a U.S. watercolorist known for his works for the Karen Brown Guides, will also organize another watercolor, painting and sketching workshop at Villa le Barone , from 8th to 14th October, 2013. As part of this workshop, an excursion will be organized in two Medicis historic gardens. Jann is currently preparing an art exhibition: ‘Inspiring destinations’ – A Collection of Paintings by Jann Pollard for Karen Brown Guides”, where many paintings she did for their book covers will be shown. Villa le Barone was proud to be featured on the cover of the 2008 Karen Brown Guide for Tuscany and Umbria. The exhibit will take place in Filoli, near San Francisco, from February 5th to April 14th.
A french artist, Jean François Grillard will also organize, in May 2013, its 7th workshop.
The details of these painting workshops can be found on Villa le Barone’s main site special offers page.