Adventures In Italy...

This is what the Itinerary looks like...

Itinerary

Sept 30 - Arrive Orvieto, group dinner

Oct 1 - Introduction to Orvieto Day
Tour the stunning Cathedral in the heart of town, get oriented to the streets and piazzas of Orvieto, enjoy an olive oil and wine tasting, and gain an historical look at Orvieto from her Etruscan beginnings.
Studio: Short orientation and class overview.

Oct 2 - Studio: Create journal foundation, add first layers inspired by Orvieto.
Create backgrounds with textures that scream to be touched.
Cooking class and dinner with noted Italian chef.

Oct 3 - Studio: Creating faces on our journal pages drawing from the medieval faces we've seen in Orvieto. Working with color, composition, design and collage.
Learn about the Etruscans - Etruscan cave tour.

Oct 4 - Market Day: Exploration and inspiration
Studio: Working spontaneously - how to freely work page to page with drawing, painting and collage.
Vineyard tour, wine tasting.

Oct 5 - Studio: Finishing touches and embellishments. Add treasures found objects to pages, making them even more delectable.  Learn new journaling techniques.  Group lunch at favorite pizzeria.
Studio: Completion, then show and share

Oct 6 - Depart Orvieto

How do I even begin...

It all started with a planted seed and it seems this little thought has taken root. I certainly didn't mean it to and certainly didn't even dream it might be possible.

One of the brilliant artists I follow on FB and Instagram put out a plea if everyone of her FB buddies sponsored her $7, then her dream to travel to Italy to do week long course with Misty Mawn would be realised. Misty is another fabulous artist I follow. I sponsored her $10. I wish I could have done more... But the exchange rate isn't kind to us here in South Africa.

It got me thinking that perhaps I could do this next year... For my 40th. A gift to myself. Maybe a bit of quest or pilmgramage as I head into my 40's. Sadly, the more I researched, I found out that Misty doesn't do this every year. I am not sure when/or if she will ever do it again. I started to panic at the idea of a missed opportunity. I think this was when my own private dream was birthed, entertaining the idea of perhaps doing the trip to Italy with Misty this year... As an early birthday 40th gift to myself. It would be tough to pull off... But maybe, just maybe - it could be done.

What greater experience would it be for me right now, to do art for 1 week in Italy with two of my favorite artists at the moment... with where I am going with my art.  The opportunity to sit at a table with them, to be taught by Misty and to paint with Jenny and other incredible artists. To meet people from all over the world. It would be a complete honor and humbling experience.  It will be a complete dream come true.