Alla Prima Painting in Italy

with Stanley Bielen - September 28-October 5, 2024

Alla Prima Painting in Italy

with Stanley Bielen - September 28-October 5, 2024

Responding to nature in the studio and en plein air in the Umbrian hills of Italy!

Dates: September 28-October 5, 2024
Instructor: Stanley Bielen
Location: Castello di Petroia, Gubbio, Italy
Level: All
Mediums: All – Stanley will work in oil

Winslow Art Center is delighted that Stanley Bielen will be offering this workshop at the Castello di Petroia this Fall. For many of you, Stanley needs no introduction.  His focus on direct observation and response to nature in the studio setting is well known to his students and advanced painters alike. Stanley will bring this same approach to the Castello where he will offer instruction and demonstrations both in still life studio painting as well as plein air settings. Exploring a variety of subject matter, Stanley will stress appreciation of and sensitivity to materials.  The alla prima approach will be encouraged as a way to strengthen tonal and chromatic development.  Although Stanely will be painting in oils, participants should feel free to work in their preferred medium.  Combine this instruction with luxurious accommodations, excellent meals, good company, and a superb setting in the Umbrian hills, and this is sure to be a fabulous class!

About the Instructor

Stanley Bielen was born in the Podkarpackie region of Poland. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and is influenced by the long regional realist tradition called the Philadelphia School. He exhibits nationally and is represented in public and private collections including the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Stanley lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Bridgton, Maine.

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.

Itinerary

Saturday, September 28, 2024
  • Pickup at meeting spot in Rome at 1:30 
  • Arrive Castello di Petroia, Gubbio 
  • Orientation/Welcome, Aperitivo and Dinner 
Sunday, September 29, 2024
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel 
Monday, September 30, 2024
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel 
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Wine Tasting
  • Dinner at Hotel 
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Excursion to Town of Gubbio
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel
Thursday, October 3, 2024
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel 
  • Outdoor astronomy lecture and stargazing
Friday, October 4, 2024
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Farewell aperitivo and exhibit of work 
  • Farewell Dinner 
Saturday, October 5, 2024
  • 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.)

Alla Prima Painting in Italy

with Stanley Bielen – September 28-October 5, 2024
at Castello di Petroia, Umbria, Italy

Total cost is based per room and number of occupants:

Solo workshop participant: $4,650.
Two workshop participants sharing a room: $7,250.
Workshop participant with travel companion: $6,950.

• Maximum 2 occupants per room, double occupancy not required.

What’s Included:  

  • 8 days, 7 nights accommodation, private room with ensuite bathroom at Castello di Petroia
  • Ground transport from Rome to venue and return
  • All breakfasts, 5 lunches, all dinners with wine
  • 5 full days of painting instruction
  • Additional activities include: Welcome aperitivo, excursion to Gubbio, wine tasting, outdoor astronomy lecture and stargazing, closing reception.
A deposit of $750 per person will reserve your room and space(s) in a workshop. You may cancel your reservation for a full refund of the deposit within 24 hours. After 24 hours, the deposit is non-refundable. Full balance and signed contract are due four months before the beginning of the workshop.

Choose your Room Option:

Solo Workshop Particpant - $750 deposit

Two Workshop Participants - $1500 deposit

Workshop Participant with Travel Companion - $1500 deposit

Please read the contract for complete terms and conditions.

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.