ArtistsNetwork.com 43L
ocated on a nature reserve amid the rolling hills of Tuscany in central Italy sits Tenuta
di Spannocchia, a 1,100-acre organic farm and guest house. This is the site where, last
September, 18 painters gathered for the “Retreat to Tuscany,” a week-long painting
workshop, presented by ArtistsNetwork.com. The verdant hills, dotted with ancient
cypress, the olive groves and vineyards, the farm’s charming villa and outbuildings, all made
for magical vistas. But the main attraction for these artist-travelers was the opportunity to learn
and paint with celebrated watercolor artist Thomas W Schaller.ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE ADAMS WOOD.
On a typical day, Schaller would
demonstrate his techniques in
the morning and afternoon, and
also provide one-on-one
assistance. Participant Candace
Stephens loved hearing Schaller
explain his thought process
while he painted. “One thing
I learned is the importance of the
movement of light throughout
a painting,” she says.After demonstrations with
Schaller, painters were given
time to work alone at a site of
their choosing. “It’s easy to be
inspired in Tuscany because
everything is beautiful,” says
participant Margaret Park.
“You don’t have to look for
something to paint; just open
your eyes and there it is.”