Art and Crafts Course

The school offers afternoon courses in painting, ceramics, art history, engraving and photography that take place in the studios of local artists and artisans. These are coordinated to ensure that, at the end of the course, students are able to bring their works of art to final completion, be it a painting or a ceramic piece.
Our programs in 2004 are being conducted by artists and artisans with many years of experience and the ability to teach their particular artistic techniques. The courses are ideal for anyone wishing to learn the basics of the various art mediums and also for those who wish to extend their knowledge and technical know-how. The lessons are given in Todi in the artists own studios and workshops. There are usually ten lessons of three hours each. The course of study can be modified somewhat to conform to the level and aptitudes of individual students.

PAINTING

- Brief historical overview on techniques and materials.
- Preparation of painting supports (canvas, paper, wood).
- The drawing: still life, landscapes.
- Painting techniques: pastels, oils, watercolor, tempera and charcoal.
- The choice of technique, support and subject is free.
(Materials supplied to the student: Pencils, brushes, linen canvas, Italian fine papers, oil colors, acrylic colors, watercolors, pastels, gesso, charcoal pencils and easels.)

ENGRAVING

Basic Course:
- Brief overview of techniques and materials.
- Preparation of the plate.
- Drawing and transfer to the plate.
- Engraving with the dry point.
- Etchings
- Use of paper in engraving.
- How to apply ink to the plate.
- Printing with a hand press.
- How to store the prints.
- Watercolor prints.

Advanced Course:
- Engraving with multiple plates and colors.
- Printing with multiple plates and colors.
- Engraving on wood.
- Printing from wooden plates.

(Materials supplied to the student: Colors and oils, spatulas, tarlatana, engraving tools, agate stones, presses, paper, plates.)

ART HISTORY

- The Italian artistic revolution of the 15th century.
- The rediscovery of classical art.
- The oil painting and the light techniques of the Flemish.
- Geometric perfection in the composition hidden behind the naturalness of the forms.
- The giants of the Italian Renaissance: color in Leonardo, the sculpture and paintings of Michelangelo, symmetry and perfection of Raphael.
- The refined profane painting: Sandro Botticelli.

The Art of Umbria:
The Byzantine influence, the influence of Rome and the Tuscan schools, development of Umbrian schools, Umbrian artists continuously on the move, the patronage of nobles, assimilation and decadence of the Umbrian school.
(Materials supplied to the student: Teaching materials, photographic materials)

CERAMICS

1st Course:
Clay modeling, drying, first firing, decoration and second firing. (Minimum course, two lessons.)

Second Course:
Technique of enameled decoration on terra cotta (plates, pitchers, cups, already formed) and majolica, second firing. (Course minimum, two lessons.)

Third Course:
- Modeling and turning in clay.
- History of Umbrian ceramics. Storia della ceramics Umbra
- Course of modeling and turning. Corso di modellazione al tornio
- Course of raku. (Course minimum, two lessons.)
(Materials supplied to the student: Clay and utensils for modeling, kiln for firing, colors, brushes, enamels.)

PHOTOGRAPHY

One lesson covering a brief introduction to the history of photography and on the basics of taking pictures. Two lessons on architectural photography, street photography, portraits and landscapes. Two lessons on understanding basic techniques.
Types of cameras and lenses:
- box camera
- 6x6
- 35 mm
- large format
-digital cameras
Types of film:
- sensitivity
- black & white and color
- color temperature
- format
Photographic Techniques:
- measurement of light and exposure times
- use of lenses
Practice:
- making pictures under supervision

This part is structured according to the students’ needs, whether they wish to choose a type of photography or rather experiment twith hem all. The basics of b&w/color film development. Development of pictures taken under the teacher’s supervision. The basics of b&w picture printing. Printing from a negative under the teacher’s supervision and evaluation of the result.

All the courses are weekly and structured in three kind of programs:
Program A: - from 14:30 to 17:30, once per week
Program B: - from 14:30 to 17:30, twice per week
Program C: - from 14:30 to 17:30, Monday-Friday
The school gives students the chance to follow more than one course, yet it recommends the choice of one technique in order to focus one’s aims.

(Materials supplied to the student: Cameras, lens, films, tripod, enlarger and printing paper).
Other Art & Crafts Offerings:

Besides the above mentioned techniques, the school also offers the possibility to particpate in mosaic and fresco courses. The program can be customized and agreed with the teachers themselves prior to arrival or enrolling.
Art & Crafts Registration:
Fill in the registration form and send it to: scuola.arte.tecnica@tiscali.it