Course Description - Elements of Landscape  (Montalcino, Tuscany)   

The inspiration and content for this course owe their origins to the theoretical writings of the 18^th century Neo-Classical French painter Pierre Henri Valenciennes. In his famous treatise on open air painting contained in “Elements of Perspective” (1800), Valenciennes advocated the study of the individual elements of landscape: trees, skies, water, etc., separately. The objective of such a focused study was to obtain a more intimate familiarity with nature, to “know” nature, and in doing so sharpen the artist’s visual memory in recalling nature at a later date in the studio. A concern for capturing the quality of light at a particular moment underlay Valenciennes’ recommendations to spend a maximum of two hours on any work and to paint the same motif at different times of the day.

Elements of Landscape continues where Open Air Fundamentals concluded.  It is assumed that the student is familiar with the technical process of outdoor painting.  The course is organized around morning slide shows focusing on one subject element of landscape: fields and open spaces, trees, clouds and skies, water, time and nocturnes, and how various artists in the history of the genre have chosen to interpret this element.  The reproductions presented in these shows are analyzed on the basis of formal considerations alone.  It is intended that they provide inspiration and serve as an aid to students in resolving problems in their own work.  Slide shows will be followed by painting sessions dedicated to the subject element.  There are no exercises to follow and no formal technical instruction is offered. Group critiques are held at the end of the day. The focus therefore is exclusively on painting.  The objective is to assist the student in the development and refinement of his or her process and style.