Week 1 Class structure

Day 1 –

• Morning: Introduction to animal anatomy, through diagrams/slideshow/demos, and pointing out anatomical correspondence between animals and humans. Slide show of dioramas and various animal artists. Drawing taxidermy in studio, capturing subject from different angles. Sketchbook

• Afternoon: Painting taxidermy in studio; 3-hour oil sketch of subject. 9”x12” panel

Day 2 –

On panels 9”x12”, students will complete 1 painting in the AM, and a second painting in the PM, each from 2 different views.

• Morning: Painting taxidermy in studio; 3-hour oil sketch of subject. 9”x12” panel.

• Afternoon: Painting taxidermy in studio; 3-hour oil sketch of subject. 9”x12” panel.

Day 3 –

Students will commit to 1 view and paint one 11” x 14” composition of the Taxidermy specimen in studio. One painting, with two 3 hour sessions.

• Morning: Painting taxidermy in studio; 11” x 14” large panel all day.

• Afternoon: Painting taxidermy in studio, (continued from AM on large panel).

Day 4 –

• Morning: Sketchbook work at Specola museum; drawing many different taxidermy specimens to get accustomed to varying rhythms and outlines of different species.Transfer by public bus or on foot to the hippodrome.

• Afternoon: Sketchbook work at the hippodrome in Florence. Students will start drawings around the stables, then follow the horses to the walking ring, to sketch from a moving horse in different positions: walking, standing, resting, being cleaned & groomed etc.

Day 5 –

Live horse painting day. Painting from a live horse will set the highest challenge. This is where the unexpected can happen, but the week’s various exercises will put the student in good stead to rise to the challenge. Students will choose over the course of events whether to stick to 1 painting, or produce several sketches.

• Morning: 3-hour oil sketches of live horse from varying positions, on the same large panel, or on several smaller panels.

• Afternoon: 3-hour oil sketch of live horse on large panel; 11” x 14”.