Watercolor and Water-Based Media Printmaking in Italy

Dates: June 1st - June 11th, 2023

Email ccsf.extension@ccsf.edu if you have questions or would like to enroll.

Location: La Romita School of Art, Umbria, Italy

“I love to teach because it is a great exchange. I love the idea of having a student have this aha! moment; I want to draw them out and to start where they are and then enable them to find out what’s inside and let that flower. ”  -Artist and Instructor Frances Valesco

Join us and explore the beauty of the Italian landscape, using watercolor painting balanced with water-based media for printmaking. We explore how the two techniques can relate to and enrich each other. This workshop is open to seasoned artists and anyone new to painting and printmaking!

With fresh eyes, we will center each day on experiencing the environment of La Romita and nearby villages using plein-air painting and sketching or working in the studio. Each day will begin with demonstrations of distinctive printing techniques or preparatory studies using non-toxic materials, such as watercolors, water-based pencils, gouache, and crayons. We’ll experiment with these processes that make multiples or unique images possible, and they are exceptional idea-builders. By the end of ten days, you will have a body of work that consists of a series of connected ideas.

Through field trips, we’ll be inspired by encounters with living history, the profound sense of Italian craftsmanship, and their care about materials. We’ll visit Fabriano, the home to the eponymous paper factory operating since 1264 (Michelangelo, Fellini, and Beethoven are some of Fabriano’s most famous clients). We’ll take a day trip to a nearby monastery to experience the beauty of medieval illuminated manuscripts. We’ll visit various natural and historic sites where you can spend most of the day wandering, painting, and having lunch in the village. You can return to La Romita to work at the printing press or paint in The Chapel Studio, which is open 24/7. You’ll have flexible time for early morning and late-night creativity.

Fee: $3995* + airfare (a discounted group rate will be available)

*no promo code discounts available

What's included:
All ground transportation on the La Romita private bus, all accommodations, meals, 24/7 access to the studio and art instruction. Most basic art materials are included and an optional materials list will be provided. Price includes a single room. 

What's not included:
You may prefer to buy your own lunch from a cafe or trattoria on one or two of the longer full-day trips. Personal laundry is not included. And of course, if you leave the group to do your own thing, your expenses are your own. The price does not include airfare: contact us for a special group rate (with flexible arrival/ departure if you want to stay longer) through our travel agent, or meet us in Italy!

Please reach out to us at ccsf.extension@ccsf.edu if you qualify for any of the below discounts or would like to set up a payment plan:

• $200 discount each for double occupancy (must be traveling together)
• $200 discount for returning students to La Romita 
• If you would like to set up a payment plan of three separate, equal payments. 

Watch Frances Valesco's artist profile here

About La Romita: For 50 years, La Romita School of Art has been bringing people to the Umbrian region of Central Italy to participate in its painting, culinary, and art workshops. Our art workshops are intimate, unique, and informed by our decades-long experience in the region and in art workshop organization. Whether you are painting or sketching, taking a photograph of a beautiful mountain lake or remote hill-town, drinking espresso in a bar or watching an elderly Italian signora water the geraniums in her window garden, you will leave a La Romita workshop feeling as though you’ve seen the heart and soul of La Bella Italia.

Refund and Cancelation Policy: In the case the workshop is canceled, a full refund will be issued. 

Please send all refund requests via email to ccsf.extension@ccsf.edu.

Before May 1st, 100% refund less a $25 processing fee

May 1st – 14th, 50% refund less a $25 processing fee*

After May 15th, no refund available for any reason, including illness, travel, or other personal circumstances.*

*If you can find a replacement to fill your spot, we will issue a full refund.

City Extension runs on enrollment fees alone and is not tax funded. The decision to run a workshop is based on enrollment numbers. Thank you for understanding!

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