Enjoy the benefit of learning through both instructor and peers by registering for a group learning session. Ongoing open-enrollment courses and specialized workshops offer the opportunity to work both in the studio and outdoors — in Manhattan and abroad. Students of all levels are welcome.

In Studio

Mentoring Emerging Artists (Online)

The mentorship will feature a continuous exchange of critiques, demonstrations, and art history lectures. By delving into fundamental principles of perception such as light, plane-structure, tonal value, perspective, and proportion, artists will hone their technical skills and expand their visual vocabulary. Critiques will be constructive and tailored to each artist’s unique style, providing targeted guidance for improvement.

Demonstrations will offer practical insights, while art history lectures will deepen participants’ contextual understanding, inspiring fresh perspectives in their work.

Beginning June 7, on the first Friday of every month, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm EST
materials lists | register at Mastrius | student gallery

Drawing for All Levels (Online)

I strive to create a lively environment in my remote class with rich conversations with my students on materials, concepts, aesthetics, and history. We will be exploring the fundamental principles of perception — light, plane-structure, tonal value, perspective and proportion. I will be working along with the students using a split screen. We will start with a pre-recorded, nude, live model session with poses timed for 1, 2 and 5-minute periods. We then will draw together for the remaining session from one of the wonderful images selected. By working alongside your teacher, you will gain a more concrete and visual understanding of the artists’ process. Shared screens will be used for the next session to allow for an ongoing dialogue of critiques, demonstrations and art history lectures to inspire and enhance the students’ experience. All levels welcome.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | instructor present two sessions
materials lists | register at The Art Students League of New York | student gallery

 

Portrait Painting Workshop

This comprehensive workshop spans an entire day and week, aiming to impart intricate techniques of the honored art form of portrait painting. Participants will delve into every stage of portrait painting, starting from the initial block-in phase to the under-painting process, culminating in the creation of a finished portrait. Through guided instruction, students will acquire the skills needed to establish a solid groundwork for achieving likeness, focusing on the fundamental structure of the skull and facial features. Additionally, the workshop will cover topics such as understanding the effects of light on skin, mastering the blending of flesh tones, and refining application and rendering techniques. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate and explore the art of portrait painting.

August 12–16, 2024, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
 materials lists | register at The Art Students League of New York | student gallery

Art Travel

Paint Abroad in Western Sicily

I am excited to announce a special art retreat! Come join me and local host Rosetta Sciacca of Sicily Artist Retreats™ to paint abroad in Western Sicily this summer.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will provide you the chance to explore Greek temples, Norman and Saracen castles, and colorful seaside towns in the historic heart of the Mediterranean. You will work en plein air along ancient salt flats, picturesque seascapes, and historic sites such as the medieval citadel of Mt. Erice and the Byzantine cathedral at Monreale. All media — including oil, watercolor, pastels, and sketching — are welcome. While in Sicily, explore the cuisine, culture, and traditions of one of the most fascinating and largest islands of Italy. For more details, download a travel packet.

The workshop is scheduled for June 5 – June 15, 2022.

We can't wait to relax, paint and explore beautiful Sicily. We hope to see you there!

Itinerary subject to adjustments according to circumstances and opportunities.

Itinerary

June 05
Arrive in the ancient harbor town of Marsala. Welcome reception and trip overview at Baglio Custera (“Hotel Custera”) resort. Sample Marsala’s regional wines and enjoy a special welcome meal prepared by the resort’s award-winning chef, alongside secular olive groves.

June 06
Visit and painting at the Selinunte Archeological Park, the location of the historic Greek colony on Sicily. Picnic lunch on the Park grounds. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 07
Explore Marsala’s historic center, with a visit to the Regional Archeological Museum in Marsala, home of the Ancient Punic ship and painting along the scenic waterfront. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 08
Visit to Favignana Island and the Florio Cannery Museum. Painting at the town’s picturesque fishing port.

June 09
Experience the enchantment of the Stagnone Nature Reserve, including the Lagoon and the Salt Windmill museum and visitor center. Painting at the ancient Phoenician settlement of Mozia Island. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 10
Painting at the Castle of Venus in the Medieval citadel of Mount Erice. Taste typical pastries of Erice and explore local ceramic and rug weaving artisan shops. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 11
Visit to the stunning Agrigento Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), including art, history, myths and anthropology . Painting in enchanting ruins of Greek colonial architecture from the 6th century BCE. Picnic lunch on the park grounds.

June 12
In-studio portrait painting with local models.

June 13
Visit to 9th century Phoenician town of Mazara del Vallo. Paint in the old Arab quarter of the Casbah and visit the Museum of the Dancing Satyr. Afternoon optional studio painting.

June 14
Free day to paint, explore, and enjoy the Marsala region. Reception and viewing of artworks and Sicilian Festival and farewell dinner at Baglio Custera. Optional studio painting.

June 15
Departure.

What to Pack

Air travel with oil paint requires a few extra steps.

Travel Advisory

For travel to Italy you will need to do the following:

  • Fill out a Passenger Locator Form (digital or paper) before entering Italy.
  • COVID-19 Green Certification on arrival certifying complete vaccination at least 14 days beforehand by a vaccine recognized by the European Medicines Agency.
  • Present a document certifying that you have performed a swab test with negative results within 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy.
  • A mask is required in Sicily for all indoor and outdoor activities as it is currently listed as a yellow zone. To stay updated with information on COVID-19 travel and access to cultural and recreational events, click here.
  • Check the Italian Ministry of Health for further information.
Accommodations & Meals

We will be staying at the Baglio Custera, a boutique resort hotel in the heart of Marsala’s countryside. Famous for its lush gardens and abundant waters dating back to the ancient Phoenicians, the modern hotel is surrounded by large olive and orange groves on the Rakalia hill (ancient “eraclia”).

Baglio Custera is a new hotel that recalls the ancient Sicilian “Baglio,” or fortified farm structures of ancient Sicily. You will feel welcome at this beautiful location where guests can enjoy an aperitif with an enchanting sunset and exquisite genuine cuisine in the Sicilian tradition.

Car rental is recommended at Palermo's Falcone Borsellino Airport at Punta Raisi (PMO) and is not included in cost. Pick-up service from the airport can be arranged at an additional cost.

Sicily boasts an extraordinary cuisine influenced by the unique flavors of the Mediterranean region. Its mainstays are garden-fresh vegetables, ancient grains and seafood. Included in your package are all lunches, a celebratory welcome dinner, and a farewell Sicilian festival.

Workshop: June 5 – June 15, 2022
materials lists | see blog posts from a previous painting-abroad adventure in Italy