Translating the Landscape
07th- 14th June 2025
Our week at the Verrocchio Arts Centre will give you the chance to find your own voice in translating the Italian landscape into paint. Going entirely at your own pace, Lucy will guide you towards your own expressive response to the light, colour and natural forms of the Tuscan countryside surrounding the village of Casole d’Elsa. We will gather visual information outside with drawings and colour notes in the mornings and then, after a delicious lunch, we will explore how to find greater freedom with paint using drawings charged with the fresh memory. This is a chance to sink into the senses, trust your responses and refuse to let self-judgment block your way. We will focus on how it feels to see as the guiding force, we will be developing our own visual language, not making pretty pictures. If you have little or no painting experience, it won’t matter - the most important thing will be enjoying the beautiful environment and hopefully watching yourself create something completely unexpected.
With Lucy Threlfall at Verrocchio Arts Centre in the heart of Tuscany
Course Information
-
In the heart of Tuscany lies Casole d’Elsa. A Charming Italian town with Verrocchio Arts centre nestled within the ancient terracotta. There are three large painting studios and a sculpture studio downstairs. Accommodation is arranged over two floors with a mix of ensuite and non ensuite rooms. Rooms are comfortable and have beautiful hilltop views. The arts centre wraps around a terrace with beautiful views of the surrounding land. there are 8 rooms available starting at 1100 GBP
Please inquire about individual rooms and prices.
-
We advise flying into Pisa Airport. Verrocchio is accessible by public transport however we will arrange an airport transfer at 12:30 for the Ryan air flight arriving at 11:50 into Pisa. Please contact us directly before booking travel.
-
Basic art equipment will be provided. (easels, boards, stools) We encourage artists to bring their own paints and brushes so lessons learnt are transferable after the course. If you cannot bring your own brushes and paints, let us know before booking. There will be a midweek lecture on the surrounding area and its art history, lecturer TBA
-
To get the most from this course, a degree of experience and familiarity with your medium is required. This is not for first time painters.
-
Well-balanced and tasty food is an essential part of what we do at Triptych Course. All our menus are bespoke and tailored to the area, using only organic and local produce. Scotland boasts some of the most extraordinary produce the world can offer. From venison to salmon, haggis to neeps and tatties, the secret of Scotland’s flavours is their proximity to your plate. All the game and fish we will use will all come from a matter of miles away. The infamous deep-fried Mars bar will also make a guest entrance.
A breakfast buffet will be available with a wide variety of fresh fruits, yogurts, cereals, homemade granola, fresh juice, and smoothies. Cooked breakfast will be available on request meaning food is hot and fresh. Whichever way you like to start your morning, we have you covered. The students will break before lunch with tea and coffee accompanied by cake and other sweet treats. Lunch tends to be light as the painting continues straight after a brief rest. You will be greeted with a cocktail once teaching ends, with time for relaxation and reflection before supper. For supper you can expect 2 courses; usually main and pudding, with complimentary wine. We cater to all dietary requirements and there are vegan and vegetarian options available. We publish all menus 2 weeks before the course. Please see the photos for a rough idea of the food.
-
This course is open for Oil, acrylic, pastel, and water colour. Please get in contact if you have any questions regarding this. Lucy is a diligent and thorough tutor, and will aim to cater to your level. To fully experience Verrocchio, artists will be free to roam the grounds and decide where they want to paint. The daily structure will be varied and flexible but will largely follow a morning demonstration by Lucy , followed by a morning session before lunch, and an afternoon session after the light has lost its severity. Please bear in mind that you will be outdoors in the Italian heat, so please pack accordingly!
