master classes

Victor Greenaway is a well-known and celebrated Australian artist and Fellow of the Australia Council for the Arts (www.victorgreenaway.com), currently living and working in Italy.
He is a master of ceramics for which he is widely known, and also of drawing and painting. As an accomplished artist who also teaches with a passion and dedication, he leads small groups and individuals through the process of seeing through line and form, helping in the creation of a personal “Grand Tour” diary of drawings and sketches from life.
Victor also conducts private classes in painting, both oil and acrylics (cityscapes, panoramas and portraits) as well as ceramics, with a special emphasis on design, throwing and turning, and glazing skills in porcelain & terracotta.

painting

Painting classes work in oils or acrylic depending on level of the student and the time set aside for classes. Acrylic is more practical for short sessions and beginners. Subject matter may include architecture, figurative, landscape or portraiture.

Depending on individual levels, sessions may  include all or some of the following:

  • elementary design
  • drawing, grading volume, light and shade
  • introducing colour and textures
  • figurative
  • perspective, multiple vanishing points
  • composition
  • painting technique/construction
  • self-analysis, how to “sign off”, presentation and choice of media

ceramics (throwing and turning)

These master classes are not really designed for beginners but will suit those who already have a good practice and need to hone their skills - and what better teacher and what better environment to feel inspired.

  • They are private, one-on-one classes  with a special emphasis on design, throwing and turning in both porcelain and terracotta.
  • Glazing and decorating skills are only included for programs of more than 4 days.
  • All course materials and studio facilities are included.
  • With prior consultation the focus within the course may be adjusted to suit individual preferences
  • Classes can run at all times of year depending on availability and prior bookings.

drawing

These can be en-pleine-air or in the studio - depending on the subject matter & the weather.

The following items may be included in terms of subject matter and content, with exercises following the particular focus of the day:

  • observing shape and form – recalling and recording
  • seeing perspective – understanding the rules, placement of vanishing points
  • light and shade – understanding the use of chiaroscuro and sfumato
  • from eye to hand – understanding what you see, what you think you see and what ends up in your drawing
  • diminishing values to depth of field – capturing a true sense depth of field and employment of diminishing values

marino moretti

Marino Moretti is a celebrated Italian maiolica artist, regarded more as a painter than potter. His work reflects the rich cultural heritage in his skilful and modern interpretations of the great Italian maiolica artisans and his expertise with a brush is unrivalled. Marino undertakes classes in maiolica decorating and provides a great insight into the history and mythology of his special world. Given time, completed work may be fired at the end of the class.  Marino may also accompany your program on visits to specialist ceramic areas where he will share his knowledge and passion for this wonderful heritage. No special skills are required to take part in these classes.

Classes guided by these masters are a very special highlight of any program, relaxed but informative and a lot of fun:

  • Drawing classes are conducted in amazing venues, depending on the program, in Rome, Florence and in Orvieto. In Rome and Florence we select venues that give a flavour of the city without being too overwhelming. In Umbria we have the centre of the beautiful city of Orvieto as well as panoramic vantage points in the surrounding regions.
  • Painting classes are conducted in Victor's painting studio in Orvieto.
  • All Ceramic courses (by both artists) are conducted in Marino's very special studio, a 9th century castle overlooking the valley towards the city of Orvieto.

Typical inclusions: all tuition, accommodation, transport, guided excursions within the region, depending on individual preferences. They also include materials and studio sessions. Personalised attention, supervision and critique are given throughout all classes. Sessions may be concentrated into one period or be over several weeks.  Classes usually run for 3 hours, the number of sessions and frequency may vary as required.

Classes cater for complete novices through to professional artists and all between, with the exception of the ceramic throwing classes that cater only for mid to high level ceramicists. Every attention to detail is given according to individual requirements. The first class always begins with a short introduction setting up expectations, planning, discussion of materials, techniques, etc.