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The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces

with Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - June 13-20, 2025

The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces

with Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - June 13-20, 2025

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Dates: June 13-20, 2025
Instructors: Mark Dunford and Kay Vinson
Venue: Castello di Petroia, Gubbio, Umbria, Italy
Media: Oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor or pastel
Level: All levels welcome

Join award-winning painters and experienced instructors Mark Dunford and Kay Vinson for their first observational painting and drawing workshop at the Castello di Petroia, a location of breathtaking beauty in the hills of Umbria.

Working from direct observation and referencing the nearby wealth of architectural structures and the incredible beauty of Umbrian light, participants will be guided in drawing and painting the endless atmospheric qualities of interior and exterior spaces. With the rich heritage of early renaissance Italian painting for inspiration, along with the Castello’s unparalleled painting opportunities, Mark and Kay will share their processes for using light and space in their own work. Combine this with five-star accommodations, superb food and wine, and excellent company, this workshop will inspire and inform for years to come.

“Doorways, windows, indistinct reflections, branches, layering inside and outside. These things are beautiful, not for what they are but for their web of shapes and the mystery they take on.” – Kay Vinson

“My primary concern is looking. I draw to comprehend the amazing interaction of forms, surfaces, spaces and shapes. I am driven by how beautiful something is and I attempt to balance observation, invention and imagination.” – Mark Dunford

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Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 2
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 3
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 4
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 5
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 6
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 7
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 8
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 9
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 10
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 11
Mark Dunford & Kay Vinson - The Umbrian Context: Interior and Exterior Light and Spaces; Italy, June 13-20, 2025 - Image 12

About the Instructor

Mark Dunford studied painting at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, where he was taught by the artists Euan Uglow and Patrick George. He paints from direct observation and is represented by Browse and Darby, London and Tregony Contemporary, Cornwall. Mark is an experienced lecturer on painting and drawing and has managed two outstanding art and design programme areas in the UK over the past thirty years, as well as teaching international workshops.

His awards include the Robert Ross Scholarship from the Slade School of Fine Art, the Richard Ford Award from the Royal Academy of Arts to study in Madrid and the Young Artists’ Award from the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours. Since 2001, Mark has been an elected member of the London Group.

Mark lives and works in Cornwall in the UK and has work in collections in the UK, USA, Australia, and Europe.
Kay Vinson studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, under the tutelage of Euan Uglow and Patrick George. She achieved a first-class B.A Hons Degree and M.A in painting, specialising in the figure, interior/exterior contrasts and still life. Her numerous awards include The Boise Travelling Scholarship to Russia, Italy and Istanbul and Kay is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Canadian Award for figurative painting, from the Elizabeth Greenshield’s Foundation.

Kay has exhibited at the Royal Academy, Leighton House, London and the Millenium Gallery, St Ives, and has been represented by Tregony Contemporary, Cornwall since 2016.

She has work in public institutions, including University College London and Jesus College Cambridge and private collections internationally.
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Luxury Accomodations at Castello di Petroia

The venue for this week-long art immersion is the 10th Century Castello di Petroia, an authentic medieval fortress perched on a hilltop between the towns of Perugia and Gubbio, with inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. The castle, birthplace of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino (b.1422), is surrounded by a 600-acre traditional Umbrian farm with beautiful olive groves, hiking and horse-riding trails, meadows, woods and abundant wildlife.

The castle’s 16 bedrooms, each with ensuite bathroom, feature original wooden beams, stone arches, antique furniture and painted ceilings. The luxurious accommodations have been restored with an eye to modern amenities, while preserving the authentic medieval structure. The 13th Century dining room is warm and refined, with historic furnishings, soft light, fireplaces and candles. Breakfasts, which include homemade yogurts, breads, pastries, jams, fresh fruit and local meats and cheeses, are served in the historic Guidobaldo Hall, an elegant book-lined, wood-beamed room with magnificent views of the Umbrian countryside.
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Itinerary

Friday, June 13
  • Pickup at meeting spot in Rome at 1:30 
  • Arrive Castello di Petroia, Gubbio 
  • Orientation/Welcome, Aperitivo and Dinner 
Saturday, June 14
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel 
Sunday, June 15
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel 
Monday, June 16
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Wine Tasting
  • Dinner at Hotel 
Tuesday, June 17
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Excursion to Town of Gubbio
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel
Wednesday, June 18
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel 
  • Outdoor astronomy lecture and stargazing
Thursday, June 19
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Farewell aperitivo and exhibit of work 
  • Farewell Dinner 
Friday, June 20
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Depart for Rome – 9:30 AM
  • Arrive in Rome at drop-off spot – 12:00-12:30 PM
(Planned itinerary is subject to minor alterations.)
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Gallery

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Experience Counts

Martha and the Winslow Art Center team have over 10 years of experience organizing destination art workshops. We personally participate in every travel workshop to ensure the quality of the accommodations and cuisine as well as to coordinate the special needs of the art instruction program.

If you have any questions, please use the form below, phone 206-715-6663 or email martha@winslowartcenter.com to contact us.

This workshop was held in the past. 

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