LUMINOUS BODY: HUMAN FORM EXPRESSED IN LIGHT with Diane Rappisi

Join Diane for a fresh perspective on the ever-challenging, always beautiful, human figure. Working from the live model, participants will manage the critical components of composition, gesture, shape, structure and color. We will especially look at the color relationships that express the light key and environment, and explore pastel handling to achieve desired effects. Participants begin monochromatically in charcoal and proceed to full color work in pastel (oils may be used if preferred).  Studio work will be complemented by outdoor studies if weather permits. All levels are welcome.

DAY 1 .  10-1 Gesture drawings/Tools for getting shapes right

2-4 Set pose/block in (outdoors)

Evening activity (plein air ptg/sightseeing?) TBD

DAY 1 .  10-1 Block in/massing continued/transfer drawing

2-4 Color study demo

Evening activity (plein air ptg/sightseeing?) TBD

DAY 3.  10 – 1 Color study (outdoors)

2-4 Value study

Evening activity (plein air ptg/sightseeing?) TBD

DAY 4.  10-1 Color 1st pass  (outdoors)

2-4 Separating color shapes instructor demo

Evening activity (plein air ptg/sightseeing?) TBD

DAY 5.  10-1 Color separations (outdoors)

2-4 Final notes/wrap up

Evening activity (plein air ptg/sightseeing?) TBD

About The Artist

Diane Rappisi is a contemporary realist painter whose work fuses the light and chroma of the Cape Cod colorists with the form and structure of the traditional Italian and French academies. Diane seeks to portray the beauty of each individual subject with grace and reverence.

Recent honors for her work include awards in the Pastel Journal’s “Pastel 100” competition and the Pastel Society of America’s “Enduring Brilliance.” She was a finalist in the 16th International Art Renewal Center Salon, and she was invited to exhibit at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, OH.

Diane has achieved Master Circle status in the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS), Signature Membership in the Pastel Society of America and the Maryland Pastel Society, and was selected for membership in the Salmagundi Club in New York. She also holds memberships in the Oil Painters of America and the Pastel Society of Colorado. Diane served as Executive Director and Interim President of Studio Incamminati, and as a member of the Board of Directors the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS).

Diane is an active supporter of arts education, both at the institutional level and working directly with students. She is uniquely qualified to offer high quality professional art instruction, after studying at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia, PA, which was founded by renowned artist Nelson Shanks. There, Diane deepened her understanding of color, form and anatomy, and discovered her innate love of figure painting.

Diane has presented demonstrations and taught workshops at various arts organizations across the US, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the IAPS biennial convention in Albuquerque, NM. She currently teaches at the Academy Art Museum in Easton and at her private studio “Diane Rappisi Fine Art” in Chestertown, MD, where she brings together her painting practice and love of teaching. She offers workshops, weekly classes, commissioned works, and consulting services alongside exhibits of her original work in her gallery space.

Workshop Materials List

SUPPORTS:

· 2-3 rigid plein air pastel boards such as:

o  Colourfix Optimum Board in Rose Gray or Blue Haze

o Ampersand Pastelbord in gray

· 3 sheets of Canson Mi-Tientes 9 x 12” in a neutral gray such as “Felt”or “Steel”

Note: If you prefer to work on paper rather than a rigid board, you can bring a drawing board with clips and substitute 2-3 sheets of medium-toned sanded paper SUCH AS:

o Art Spectrum Colourfix Pastel Papers, colors: Elephant or Aubergine

o Pastel Premier 12 x 16”  in a mid tone gray

o Canson “ Touch,” colors: “Steel Gray” “Flannel Gray” “Sky Gray” or “Twilight”

DRAWING/PAINTING MATERIALS:

• Vine Charcoal sticks

Selection of soft pastels (“half-sticks” work well). Vibrants and Darks should be included in your palette. Please try to have most of the recommended colors as these are brilliant and pure, and can’t be created by mixing other less-saturated colors. I use a lot of Terry Ludwig Pastels so I’ve included inventory numbers for his brand, but bring what brands you wish and as many pastels as you like.

• SEE ATTACHED PAINT PASS FOR RECOMMENDED COLORS

(Note: Terry Ludwig Pastels will assemble & ship sets of the recommended colors to Sicily for participants if needed. They would have to be pre-ordered)

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Bulldog or spring clips to adhere paper to drawing board

• Rigid portfolio for transporting papers

• Glassine paper/masking tape for transport

• Paper towels (Viva Signature Cloth is highly recommended) & baby wipes

• Baseball cap (or other brimmed hat) in case of glare

ACCOMMODATION:

You will be staying at Baglio Custera, a boutique hotel in the heart of Marsala’s countryside. Known for its gardens and luxurious swimming pool, this modern resort stands on the Rakalia hill, the site of an ancient shrine to Hercules, surrounded by olive and orange groves. Baglio Custera is a brand new hotel built on ancient lines, those of the "baglio," or farmhouse.

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From start to finish you will enjoy the extraordinary cuisine of the region influenced by the unique flavors of the Mediterranean including garden-fresh vegetables, ancient grains, and seafood. All meals, accommodation, and daily ground transport are Included in your package, including a celebratory welcome dinner with Mario.