Leona Brown’s Art Workshop in Tuscany, Italy

In this workshop LEONA will be painting on watercolour canvas and Arches paper to capture the spontaneity and essence of the Italian countryside. Artists can paint at their own pace as well as a chance to paint “en plein air”.

There will be a focus on learning how to see more simply and paint colour, shapes and values in order to create a painting that reflects a personal vision, and a response to the area.

Emphasis will be put on painting the light to capture the mood and sense of place. Experimenting with found objects from the beaches along the Mediterranean will add an extra textural element to the paintings.

There will be painting sessions in the mornings with free time in the afternoons and then a critique and sharing time in the evenings. Painting trips to nearby towns and historical sites will also play an important part of the over-all experience to expose the essence of Italy.

Lido di Camaiore -- our hosts Claudio and Loretta treat us wonderfully with Tuscan meals and an afternoon of learning the fine art of cooking, Italian style. The villa was the home of Europe’s famous art nouveau artist Galileo Chini. His murals still hang in the home. From the villa we can walk to the white sands of the beaches and create sand paintings.

We will also take a day trip by train to Cinque Terre, a breathtaking group of 5 small towns perched on the steep cliffs that can only be reached on foot.

In the town of Bagno Vignoni we will be staying in the palace designed by Rossellino in 1400 which was the summer residence of Pope Pio II .

Bagno Vignoni is a thermal village located in the Val d’Orcia Artistic, a UNESCO World heritage site because of the excellent preservation of the landscape which inspired so many Renaissance artists.
As well, we will be painting in the historic towns of Pienza and Montichiello with marvelous medieval and Renaissance era buildings.

The price of $3695* INCLUDES:
     ü 6 nights at Hotel Albergo Le Terme based on double occupancy
            ü Single room supplement $550*
    ü 7 nights at Hotel I Pini, based on double occupancy
     ü Transfer from Rome Airport to Hotel Albergo Le Terme in Bagno Vignoni
     ü Transfer from Bagno Vignoni to Hotel I Pini in Lido di Camaiore
     ü Transfer from Hotel I Pini to Pisa Airport
     ü All breakfasts and dinners
     ü Art instruction, mentoring and critiques from Leona Brown
                                *subject to change dependent on the Euro and US dollar
                                * based on a minimum of 15 participants

COOKING LESSON(S) - optional:
While in Bagno Vignoni. Imagine cooking in Tuscany, a land of fragrant vineyards and olive groves. As an example, we'll cook and sample the region's traditional variety of grilled meats, appetizers of crostini and bruschetta, "pici" a hand rolled pasta unique to Tuscany, a robust soup - ribollita - and desserts all enjoyed with the world renowned wines of Tuscany. The cost for 1 day is $375* or 2 days is $725* - includes instruction, lunch served with local wines and transportation to the class site.

What’s Not Included:
Airfares, Excursion day lunches and/or dinners, Personal items, Spa treatments, Train to CinqueTerre, Florence or other side trips, Art supplies, Cancellation & Medical Insurance

Your deposit of $750 ($300 non-refundable) is due IMMEDIATELY.
Final Payment due June 30, 2010. In the event of a withdrawal from the workshop, money will be refunded to the participant ONLY if the place can be filled. Every effort will be made to fill the vacancy.

Complete the Application Form and enclose your cheque payable to:

Heartland International Travel &Tours
202 - 3111 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3K 0W4

For more information call (204) 989-9633 or send an e-mail