Course Description
Welcome to a unique and authentic Italian art experience in the beautiful Chianti region of Tuscany, set on the picturesque Rignana Wine Estate. Here, we will immerse ourselves in the exploration of portraiture in a beautifully restored 12th-century monastery studio with South African portrait and figurative artist Marie Stander, who is renowned for her large-scale black-and-white charcoal portraits and figurative works. This will be her eighth portrait workshop abroad and her third in Tuscany.
​
As an art lecturer, Marie works with her students as individuals, building on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses. Artists of all skill levels are welcome in her classes. Participants will draw from a live model as well as carefully selected reference imagery. The workshop will focus primarily on soft media such as charcoal and pastel. As always, her teaching is hands-on, inspiring, enjoyable, challenging, and highly instructive.
About Marie
Marie has a Fine Arts (Hons) degree from the University of Stellenbosch and, in addition to working as a professional portrait artist, has been a lecturer for more than 30 years. She is represented by the Everard Read Gallery in South Africa and held her 11th solo exhibition this year.
​
An award-winning portrait artist, Marie has participated in numerous exhibitions both locally and internationally. She has published two books about her work, and her artworks are included in private and corporate collections in South Africa and abroad. She also runs her own private art school, where she teaches 50 post-school students.
​
Alongside her professional art practice, Marie is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise in portraiture with her students. Her approach to portraiture is highly intuitive, and she works primarily with the tactile medium of charcoal, often incorporating touches of colour with soft pastel and ink. She creates using her hands, drawing tools, and brushes, focusing mainly on tone (light and dark) rather than fine detail.
As she says, "Detail is too complex, and tone finds its own detail."
Accommodation & Inclusions
Bedroom with ensuite:
Single occupancy: €1,770
Double occupancy: €2,770
Superior bedroom with ensuite:
Single occupancy: €1,980
Double occupancy: €2,980
Suite (Master bedroom, Living room, Mezzanine bedroom & Bathroom):
Double occupancy: €3,750
What's included
-
5 nights accommodation
-
Daily breakfast, 3 lunches & 4 dinners with wine
-
Pizza making experience
-
Painting Easel
-
Infinity pool
-
Tennis court
-
Wifi
-
Laundry facilities
-
VAT tax
What's not included
-
We advise you bring your own paint and brushes.
-
Wine Tours
-
Massage
-
City tax (€2 per person per day to be paid in cash on arrival)
-
Transfers​