Choose Week 1: JUNE 8-12 or Week 2: JUNE 15-19, or both.
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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”.
Special Extra Activity on Saturday between class weeks: ZOO DAY
10:00 am -17:00 pm: travel to PISTOIA ZOO for day of sketchbook drawing. All day at zoo, lunch on site, critiques on site.
For students wishing to join either week, the zoo day is open to both. 1st week students can stay the extra day after their course for the Saturday zoo excursion. 2nd week students are welcome to arrive two days early to join the zoo day.
Additional cost: U.S. $37.50 (includes round-trip train fare and zoo entrance)
Week 2 Class structure for continuing students (Students attending the second week only will follow the class structure for Week 1)
Day 6 –
Morning: Painting taxidermy on big panel
Afternoon: Painting taxidermy on big panel (continued from morning)
Day 7 –
Morning: 3-hour oil sketch of portrait of an animal
Afternoon: 3-hour oil sketch of portrait of an animal
Day 8 –
Morning: 3-hour oil sketch of portrait of an animal on large panel
Afternoon: 3-hour oil sketch of portrait of an animal on large panel
Day 9 –
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 10 –
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: 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”.