Chantal on location Night Painting in Tuscany in the Baumann Workshop
I absolutely loved that we did so much painting, and for me, it could have even been more I would not have mind that at all, so much learning! I also definitely feel a lot more confident to go out now and paint by myself. Really the beauty and freedom of painting outdoors it is something I had not experienced at that level yet. Also, the group energy when painting together was a source of incredible joy for me.
Technically: how temperature transitions can make and create excitement or break a painting. Of course it was not new as you have been talking to me about it for months but I have to admit that this week it really hit home for me. Regarding my own process and work: the realization that I need to find a way to manage my emotions during painting and you giving me some handles on doing that and chaneling them better so that I can bring my painting to the next level. Hail Mary!!!
In terms of result: the castle on the first day because it felt great and easy painting and I liked the result.In terms of atmosphere: the night painting at the little square on Wednesday with the small group, the atmosphere was so intimate and special. And I loved to paint the square in Florence with the statue.
Chantal
Awesome!
In Baumann’s workshop students paint different places in Italy. Here Kennith Brant is in Siena Italy
My perspective improved and my ability to frame in the painting from real life, for example, I don’t struggle as much trying to figure out where my edges are and what will fit on my canvas. I have a better understanding of how best to utilize my cool colors as they relate to things in the distance. The small villa in the hills was a great spot to paint and I think it is a location worthy of a return trip.
Kenneth Brant
Exceptional
I got a lot of confidence, a lot of fun, and a lot of paintings! That I can trust how I see and how I reproduce it on a canvas. I noticed that my intuition was guiding me several times when painting. And if I trust it, it would work well. So, the useful insight was to listen to my intuition and trust myself. I frankly loved all the locations we went to. I think my favorite was sitting on a side walk in Florence to paint. It was so liberating, I felt like I could be myself and nobody could stop me. I felt so free.I don’t feel anything was missing. If I try to think of something now, maybe cows or animals, as I love them. But it is an after thoughts. I never thought once we weren’t painting something I really wanted to paint.
Josette Millar
Dear Stefan,
I had a wonderful time with you and the team in the plein air painting that inspired me and I learnt a lot. It was an amazing journey I ever experienced. Great location, good weather, great team, great teacher. I was inspired and learnt a lot from you. I wish I would start joining your classes and plein air painting earlier. I learnt the big lesson you taught me that, “we do not paint the things, we paint the effect”. After the trip, I acknowledged that, the key words for the real nice works and paintings are: focal point, transition, composition, and of course some tips of using colors I got from you . It is great location and nice villa for plein air painting. I love Pontassieve and the entire Tuscany area. I will come back in personal if will not organize a similar event there.
I am waiting for the next journey with you and the Grant View.
Thank you so much.
Have a good week.
Nguyen Song Ngoc
This was an incredibly enjoyable workshop. I was so pleased with what we accomplished. Tuscany was simply lovely and the accommodations charming and comfortable. I still reflect on the great time I had with fabulous people and made many new friends. You did a great job of making all of us feel at ease, not to mention of how much attention we received and how many paintings we came away with. Great job organizing this. Thank you so much.
Tess
“Transformative”
Ann painting a small secluded village high on the hillside hidden from tourist Tuscany
I recently took part in Stefan’s week-long Plein Air painting excursion centered on Florence Italy. It was fun, challenging, encouraging, and generally awesome, but I think to distill it into one word I would call it transformative. Imagine having a whole week to do nothing but painting in the beautiful environs of Florence Italy, with a group of like-minded artists of all skill and experience levels. Best of all, it is directed by Stefan Baumann with his humor and vast experience teaching. (Ably assisted by Tess and Steve!)
We painted 3 – 4 paintings a day, and so it was hard to get precious about any individual piece. It was amazing to see the changes in everyone’s work over the course of the week. For my part I was reminded of the importance of getting a good sketch, and of good value contrast in the result. I have also discovered that I now ‘see paintings’ wherever I look! The biggest surprise to me was how much I liked the nocturnes! Who knew painting at night was so much fun? Plus I got to see Stefan heroically break up a cat fight at one of our nocturne locations.
The locations were varied, from the city to small towns to the countryside, and from wide open landscapes to still life size. Stefan was open to changing plans if a better alternative arose. My favorite day/location was a small town he had found that was just chock full of paintings! The locals were very hospitable and happy to see us. We found a nearby lunch spot that turned into a virtual banquet, complete with champagne toasts, all due to the hospitality of the local restauranteur.
Anne Saffer