Traci Owens ~ Fun with Figures in Tuscany: September 4-9, 2024

JOIN TRACI OWENS in Italy…

Traci loves to paint intuitively, and with plenty of vibrant colors. Her love of art coupled with her passion to create and capture various emotions is evident in each of her figurative works. She loves to make her figures more playful rather than perfect, and she’s now bringing her “Fun with Figures” workshop to spectacular Tuscany.

“I can’t wait to share my fun and funky way to create your own unique character, as we explore Tuscany together! You can do it!” ~ Traci Owens

ABOUT Traci Owens… 

Traci has over 25 years of workshop teaching experience in the US and internationally. She is an international, award-winning, published, self-taught, artist/curator. For the past 12 years you can find her creating from her store front gallery/studio, “Studio eighte02”, in Auburn, California, and is currently represented by three galleries in Northern and Southern California. She has 20+ solo shows under her belt and her work can be seen in wineries, restaurants, and ample shops around northern California, and has recently created a 24-foot mural in Malaga, Spain.

Traci’s work has been featured in the Southwest Art Magazine, North Light Books, AcrylicWorks 6: Creative Energy, and Cloth Paper Scissors. Plus, several hometown issues such as Auburn Journal Front Page, Arts & Culture Guide, Arts Council Placer County Publication, Steppin’ Out Guide Front Page, ACPC Art Guide, Sacramento Wine & Food, SN&R, Placer Sentinel, and Perspectives Cover.

Visit Traci’s website and Instagram

BE INSPIRED BY TRACI as You Learn …

  • The possibilities of working with raw canvas
  • Traci’s simple approach to start your painting
  • How to create your own, unique, figurative character with your style in mind
  • How to approach design and layout
  • The importance of incorporating repeat patterns
  • To recognize the importance of scale and value within a given perimeter
  • How to create major shapes in the figure, and learn how to connect them
  • How to practice Traci’s facial techniques and expressions
  • Traci’s methods of working with acrylic paint
  • How to begin your painting by writing on your blank canvas
  • How to emphasis and develop a unique background
  • How values and color go hand in hand
  • Different techniques that can help you achieve more vitality and looseness in your work
  • How to use multiple layers of vibrant colors
  • Tools and tricks of the trade to achieve shading, depth and dimension
  • Ways to incorporate stencil design techniques
  • Why a strong, colorful underpainting is the key in Traci’s work
  • Simple techniques and tips on how to draw out the face and figure in loose and creative ways
  • Ways to compose a compelling figurative layout
  • How to mix color using a limited palette
  • How applying negative painting techniques can bring out your character
  • Additional techniques that help bring your character to life
  • Ways to embellish your painting with megacolor pencils
  • Ways to complete your work with additional layers of color and stencil work, if desired

ITINERARY

Day 1, Wednesday, September 4: Arrival

  • Highlights: Arrival, welcome, workshop overview
  • Dinner

Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, our private drivers will transport you to the Italian countryside, and your boutique hotel accommodations in the unspoiled village of Città della Pieve. After check-in you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the historic center of the village with your hosts, followed by a workshop overview with Traci. Afterwards it’s time to enjoy a welcome aperitivo, followed by a delectable Tuscan-style dinner served up by the talented Chef Vito. 

Day 2, Thursday, September 5: Studio, Castello Fighine 

  • Highlights: Instruction with Traci, excursion to the village of Castello Fighine
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after a delicious breakfast, it’s off to the studio, nestled in the historic center of town, for a morning session of learning and creating with Traci. Lunch today will be served up at our friends’ inviting trattoria, followed by time on your own. 

This afternoon our drivers will transport you to the nearby hamlet of Castello Fighine where you’ll enjoy a private, guided tour of the tiny village, including a visit to the centuries-old “wash house” and a peek inside the 15th century church – followed by a maiolica class with our friend and ceramist, Grazia. Here you’ll design your own maiolica tile, along with Grazia’s expert guidance, using fascinating antique methods. Afterwards you’ll enjoy an aperitivo and light dinner, hosted by Grazia and Cesare, before returning to Città della Pieve.

Day 3, Friday, September 6: Studio, Città della Pieve

  • Highlights: Instruction with Traci, Renaissance art tour
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll enjoy a guided “Renaissance” walking tour, including a visit inside the cathedral where you’ll find masterpieces by 15th century artist, Perugino. Then you’ll join Traci in the studio for a full morning of instruction and tutorials, followed by lunch served up at a local cafe. 

This afternoon, after some time on your own, you’ll head back to the studio as you learn and apply Traci’s distinct “fun with figures” techniques. This evening aperitivo is on your own, followed by dinner at our friends’ cozy trattoria.

Day 4, Saturday, September 7: San Casciano dei Bagni

  • Highlights: Instruction with Traci, archeological site and museum
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll once again join Traci in the studio, followed by a light lunch served up at a local cafe.  

Afterwards you’ll have free time to rest and recharge before we travel by private van to the town of San Casicano dei Bagni. Here we’ll meet up with our friend and archeologist, Ludovico, for a special visit that includes a look at the town’s archeological museum and a tour of the newly discovered Roman and Etruscan Sanctuary. This live archeological site is simply astounding! This evening you’ll enjoy aperitivo and dinner at Daniela’s elegant restaurant.

Day 5, Sunday, September 8: Studio, Città della Pieve

  • Highlights: Instruction with Traci, gallery celebration
  • Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the art studio for a final, full-morning painting and learning session with Traci. Lunch today is on your own, followed by time to pack, rest or shop. 

This afternoon it’s back to the studio with Traci for a final wrap-up session and gallery celebration. This evening you’ll gather together with your fellow students for a special farewell aperitivo and pizza night at a private home.

Day 6, Monday, September 9: Departure 

Early morning transport to Rome Fiumicino Airport

VENUE Boutique Hotel Vannucci  

Hotel Vannucci began as a project of Vittoria Spinola, daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele II, who fled Pisa (and an arranged marriage with her elderly husband) to start a new life with her lover in Città della Pieve. Here, she and her soon-to-be new husband, Paolo, built two villas that became luxurious holiday accommodations for wealthy Romans vacationing in the countryside. In 1903 one of the villas became Hotel Vannucci, and today it maintains the elegance and refinement of its inception, with luxurious sleeping rooms, marble bathrooms and inviting gardens. A stay here is truly special, nestled just outside the medieval walls of the historic, and unspoiled, village of Città della Pieve. 

VIEW the Photo Gallery

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  •  5 nights stay at Boutique Hotel Vannucci in Città della Pieve
  • Group transportation to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport on arrival and departure days
  • Private transportation service to/from all towns and sites included in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts
  • 3 lunches
  • All dinners featuring regional specialties and accompanied by local wines
  • Renaissance art walking tour
  • Excursion to hamlet of Castello Fighine
  • Excursion to San Casciano dei Bagni
  • Private tour of archeological site
  • Aperitivo at private home
  • Pizza night!
  • Opportunities to explore and shop on your own
  • SUPPLIES:
    • Raw canvas (use of easel board and clips)
    • Paint pallets, water trays, spray bottles, etc.
    • Paints (Amsterdam Acrylics)
  • BONUS! AN Original Traci Designed Gift!
  • PDF Handout
  • Follow up instructional video on how to varnish your work

The Unexpected is Part of the Journey: Sometimes unexpected things come up. If there is unscheduled closing or schedule change, we carefully pivot to include something that is equally as wonderful and interesting, so that the quality of your experience is never at risk. ☺️

NOT INCLUDED

Not included: Airfare or transportation, outside of that listed in the trip itinerary, alcoholic drinks or meals ordered “on your own”, gratuities for drivers and hotel staff

DATES & TRIP PRICE

  • Dates:
    • September 4-9, 2024
  • Trip Price:
    • $3,970 USD per person, single occupancy
    • $3,470 USD per person, double/twin occupancy
  • Room Description:
    • Both single and double occupancy rooms include a mini-fridge and ensuite, marble bathroom  with hair dryer and toiletries
  • Arrival/departure airport is Rome Fiumicino
  • View our terms and cancellation policy here

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