Sketching the Nature of Umbria
I had an exceptional week teaching in the Italian countryside in Umbria with Winslow Art Center, and I couldn’t have asked for a more enthusiastic group of participants. There is a quote that I shared with them from Italian painter Cennino Cennini (c.1360 to 1427), “Now then, you of noble mind, who love this profession, come at once to art and accept these precepts: enthusiasm, reverence, obedience, and perseverance.” Obedience aside, it exemplified the way in which they approached the lessons and techniques I shared throughout the week. As you can see, we tackled a number of subjects and came away with sketchbooks filled with an extraordinary experience.
Join me next time! If this type of sketching looks enticing to you, consider joining me for Sketching the Nature of Place at Sofia in Monseraz in Portugal next June or Drawn to Nature at Madeline Island School of the Arts in Wisconsin in July 2026. Both venues offer an exceptional setting to immerse yourself in a week of learning and sketching.
Drawn In 
Beautiful sketches from a beautiful country. How lucky those participants were to be there painting with you!
We had a wonderful time together. It was a very special week!
Umbria
Mesmerized, enthralled, amazed! Seeing your exquisitely delicious collection of Umbria nature all in one place was overwhelming. It would be easy to become absorbed for hours in each page, asking so many questions, wondering more. The collection is a beautiful display of your style illustrating your subtle adjustments in approach based on subject. The collection is truly a collection, cleverly connected by color and tone, text and composition. Loving the fall seeds (and the oak galls are fascinating), the landscapes, birds, fungi, landmark trees, hints of historic living in the castle and culture (beautiful pottery), and an invitation to breakfast (here’s where drooling was embarrassing!). Your beautiful maps brought everything together perfectly.
It must’ve been hard to leave an area of such natural bounty. I’m not sure how you were able to choose what subjects to sketch and paint, and what to pass by (given a life time of discoveries possible). What an amazing week of guided workshops you held. I have no doubt those privileged to attend were under your enthusiastic spell!
Loving your work more and more! Thank you so much for sharing your skills in person and with us armchair travelers!
Hi Barb- Thanks for your thoughtful note and enthusiasm. I really appreciate it, especially when downloading a week’s worth of sketches. It’s nice to know that you are out there appreciating them.
There are many subjects to choose from in this location and I try to focus on things that will fit the lesson I’ve planned and the skill of the painters. But choosing from a wealth of possibilities is always part of the sketchers dilemma and delight! Time to turn my focus back to fall in NY.
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Just spectacular! Your art has so much light and life, and beauty. Thank you for the inspiration, yet again.
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