sbhansen ART Blog

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sbhansen2014

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Day one of Workshop in Umbria

Today we woke up to a gorgeous morning in Gubbio region of Umbria, Italy, at Castello di Petroia, all set and ready for the first day of our 7-day watercolor workshop through Winslow Art Center. And yes, we are seriously staying in a castle!!! What!!?? I began my workshop by starting with a focus on…


Today we woke up to a gorgeous morning in Gubbio region of Umbria, Italy, at Castello di Petroia, all set and ready for the first day of our 7-day watercolor workshop through Winslow Art Center. And yes, we are seriously staying in a castle!!! What!!??

Castello do Petroia

I began my workshop by starting with a focus on focus. That’s right: Bringing the eye in, tuning in, and employing senses before beginning to paint.

Bringing the focus in
Splashy work with an emphasis on focus

We had some helpers, who for some reason felt they were needed as extra support staff. 😄😂

Castle cats loved our process. Maybe a little too much?

Some examples of student’s morning work:

Bright and beautiful
Focusing on the flowers

I then painted a quick demo of a topiary tree, to illustrate the process.

Loose and splashy. Look at that palette!
Topiary tree, first wash

Afterwards, we took a lunch break. It began to rain in earnest, so our afternoon painting session took place in a protected upper terrace of the castle.

Upper terrace
View from terrace. Rain is looming!
Demonstrating on the upper terrace
Adding glazes to adjust colors, values, and add detail.

We had such a fabulous day. More tomorrow!

Topiary Tree, Castello di Petrioa

Until then, ciao!

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Responses to “Day one of Workshop in Umbria”

  1. MARY LOU OBERSON

    Fabulous paintings and everyone looks so focused!!!!! Beautiful surroundings!

    XOXO Mary Lou

    Sent from my iPhone

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    1. sbhansen2014

      We had such a lovely day! And yes, it is simply gorgeous here. The castle is amazing!

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  2. Ann Thompson

    Looks familiar! Gina is in Florence now, heading to ale Marche, I think. I hope it’s sunny further south where I’m headed soon. Enjoy!

    Ann Thompson
    Sent from my iPad

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    1. sbhansen2014

      Buongiorno! Thank you! Yes, I’ve been in contact with Gina. I wonder how her weather is in Florence. It has been mostly overcast, windy, and rainy here, though not cold. And, at times, we get a burst of beautiful sunshine. Forecast for the rest of the week looks better. I can imagine you will have lovely weather when you arrive. Can’t wait to see photos from your trip. XOXO Ciao!

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