Art workshop in Tuscany ; “you is you, not me”

Demonstration or no demonstration!

In a few days, I will be the painting workshop instructor for Studio Italia, our June art workshop in Tuscany, and I am really looking forward to it. I certainly know that a few students will ask me “can you do a demonstration?” Well… doing a demonstration can be very dangerous for the development of the potential artist, since it may induce an imitative behaviour which will prevent the other to find her/his own way of expression. We certainly all know that art is extremely personal, art being the reflection of the individual’s essence. Who am I to teach Lorraine or Enzo how to draw a cypress tree? Who am I to teach Jocelyne or Ted how to paint a wheat field?

Of course, during our painting workshop in Italy I will underline the principles of proper colour use (i.e. cool vs. warm), enunciate the basic laws of perspective (aerial or linear), make sure the proportions of the human body are respected, revise the understanding of the color wheel… but your tree is “your” tree. It belongs to you only. Cézanne’s tree is Cézanne’s ; Kandinsky’s architecture belongs only to Kandinsky, Monet’s fields are Monet’s; and the same applies to Gauguin, to Renoir, to Matisse, all painters who revolutionized the landscape.

Thanks to our unique philosophy in trusting the creative process, I certainly know that Lorraine, Enzo, Jocelyne and Ted will produce “great” little transportable paintings. Art is certainly not done by only a talented few, but by everyone who willingly accepts that she or he could also reach the level of the great masters…

Paul Cézanne, The Forest

by Yves M. Larocque (Ph.D.) | Jun 13, 2013 | Art History, Inspiration |Thoughts, Painting

3 Comments

Enzo Medaglia on June 14, 2013 at 6:49 am

Thanks for including me in the same company as Cezanne! I have enjoyed all your workshops!Cheers, Enzo

Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:55:52 +0000 To: enzomedaglia453@hotmail.com

Reply
wordpress workshop on September 14, 2013 at 12:26 am

First off I would like to say excellent blog! I had
a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing.
I have had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas
out. I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to
15 minutes are usually lost simply just trying to figure
out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Many thanks!

Reply
- walkthearts on September 21, 2013 at 4:04 pm
  
  Thank you. I center myself my keeping a single idea. I get the idea while walking in the nature, and my many readings before I go to bed at night. The night does the rest!
  
  Reply

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We all make art! It is part of culture. It is deeply rooted in human nature as a way of communicating with others. We all need to tell our stories because it is stories that link us all. We are all one, one creative mind! Though, all unique and equipped with unique ways of expressing ourselves. We live in constant search of that unique liberating voice. At Walk the Arts we aim to facilitate our art makers to explore new territories. Our painting classes and art history trips on three continents are meant to be rounded art experiences among small groups of like-minded adults. We offer an environment that fosters creativity. As we always say, art as religion is just a matter of faith. This blog is about living fully the experience of art, about finding our single artistic path, about the joy of art-making. We believe that making art accessible to all will lead to a betterment of our society.

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