Sketching and watercolor lessons in Itlay

We had rain the next morning and decided to do a bit of watercolor in the restaurant.  We could have done with a hair dryer or two!!!

Margarita and Christina manned the front desk and very helpful with suggestions and bus schedules etc. There was no vacancy all week, even this early in the season. That says volumes about the wonderful family run albergo we stayed in! Don't forget-'Villa Aurora!

Things to paint in Italy

Lezzeno has a long and interesting past. We were fortunate to meet Gabriele ( a local) who gifted us with the ‘History of Lezzeno”. We need to translate it though!!

We saw ancient homes and alleyways and many shrines to the Madonna.

There were gardens everywhere! Another woman gave us cumquats right of her tree! Most people eat whatever they grow and the garden determines the menu.

By the way, we have already booked again for another Paint In italy trip, Lake como and maybe another place.if you are interestd in haveing a trip of a lifetime in May 2013, call me@ 780-419-2055!

Exploring Lezzeno looking for "paintables"

Paint in Italy- small town treasures

We stayed in  the wonderful family run Villa Aurora. Wonderful buffet breakfasts, incredible evening gourmet meals with wine and an unforgettable view across Lake Como of the Villa Babienello made famous in Star Wars.  The staff were extremely helpful with figuring out the local transportation and giving us hints and tips. The owners ran the restaurant, looked after the guests and we felt like part of the family when we left!!
I am happy to say that I am not the only one with a fascination for doors!

An Artist's View

Choosing what to paint requires a fresh eye!

One of the advantages of going to a completely unfamiliar place is that you see things in a different way. The buildings aren't old and run down- they have character and fantastic lighting and unbelievable texture. The ancient fishing village of Lezzeno was written about as early as the 9th century, has wonderful churches and hidden alleyways. Most of the families have been here for more than 10 generations. We were gifted with a book of the history of the town by Gabrielle on one of our walk through town. It may take awhile to translate though!

Painting the colors of Italy



More things to paint in Italy!!

The first thing we all noticed was that color was everywhere! Rose, Yellow, Burnt Sienna, vibrant greens, soft oranges. Every doorway was different, every home or building was a personal statement. Vines and flower pots popped up everywhere! Honestly, I think we had enough reference to paint a full year in only the first day. The hard part will be choosing the scene that inspired us the most. It was no mistake that famous artists visited this lake for inspiration- Michaelangelo and DaVinci non the less!!

Can we paint this too??

Artistic reference in Italy

Early the next morning we explored the biggest town on the Lake. We took the Funicular up to the top of the mountains and visited the small town of Brunate.

We all went exploring and admired the view. Jeannette made us a friend  at the cafe on the top and we enjoyed a wee bit of Limoncello, wine and snacks. Betty had brought Flat Stanley, Pearl had run into her Italian Nona and we had gorgeous reference material for painting.

Paint in Italy-Our First Look

We wandered the street of Como finding an 8^th century alley, 12^th century houses and a charming square with a massive church and wonderful statues. The cameras were kept busy, yes, we were ‘snap happy’! We were almost too excited to sleep!

In fact, some of us had a hard time adjusting to the time change and there were a few  mornings that felt like afternoon. Breakfast  buffet at the hotel was excellent. We had no problems being only English speaking and we were treated very well.

There were 100's of views waiting for an artists brush!

Coming and Going-Arrival in Milan

The coffee table book has been ordered, the photos have been sorted, edited and selected, the photo albums are all filled and the stories are ready…..

I am still pinching myself and hoping to wake up in Italy and have a fresh marmalade croissant and espresso with extra hot water for breakfast.

 We took the milk route- Edmonton-Calgary-Frankfurt-Milan by air and then Milan-Saronno-Como by train. The eight of us, Marla, Pearl, Jeannette, Lynda , Rhonda, Betty, Ed and I checked into our hotel in Como just in time for a late supper at the outdoor café down the street on the lakefront. Irene and Patti had checked in already after having a full week exploring Cinque Terre and other hot spots in Italy.

We had a get together at Ed and Laura's home so everyone could meet and get all trip information at the same time. We had Italian appetizers, drinks and treats just to tease us a little!

Ready to paint in Como, Italy

A trip of a lifetime! Ten of us visited the Lake Como area of northern Italy to sketch and paint where Leonardo Da Vinci, Roman philosophers and even George Cluny have enjoyed this picturesque alpine lake.
In all of Italy, why the Lake Como Area?
Spectacular villas: A short ferry ride around the lake can take you to manicured gardens or ancient wild and natural beauty, or world renowned collections of art and flowering plants. So much in so small an area.
Moderate weather: Not to hot not to cold! We had a few days of rain, but it never stopped us.Warn enough for gelato, but no heat stroke!
Incredible food: We stayed at the lovely Villa Aurora and had 4 star authenic Italian meals every night!
The colors of Italy: Every town or village was clothed in colors for some of the most exciting photography ever! Around every corner awaited a view to be painted!
Initmate Italian experience: We traveled, shopped and ate with the friendly locals.
Incredible painting and sketching locations: Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, Varenna, Belagio, Mennagio
Additional Cultural high lights: Italian cooking lesson, visiting hill top castles, exploring ancient fishing villages and modern towns, Roman ruins, medieval churches,

 

MORE OIL PAINTINGS IN PROGRESS



SCENERY OIL PAINTING

GLACIER OIL PAINTING




STILL LIFE OIL PAINTING



GRANDDAUGHTER OIL PAINTING



HORSE LOVER OIL PAINTING



MONOCHROMATIC START

STILL LIFE START



MONOCHROMATIC FLOWER PAINTING



STILLL LIFE FINISHED



LILLIES OIL PAINTING



ORCHID OIL UNDERPAINTING



FINISHED OIL STILL LIFE



ALMOST FINISHED TIGER

SECOND OIL PAINTING



GRANDPA'S HOUSE

OIL PAINTING CLASSES-RESULTS!

TIGER oil painting

CHICKADEE OIL PAINTING

FAY PAINTING A PRT COMMISSION

RUSTIC CARS OIL PAINTING

ROMANTIC ROSE OIL PAINTING

PROTEUS OIL PAINTING

SWAN OIL PAINTING

GRAPHIC FLOWER OIL PAINTING

WATERLILY OILPAINTING

KOI AND LILLYPAD OIL PAINTNG



UNDERPAINTING STILL LIFE



DAHLIA OIL PAINTING



WE ARE IN THE NEWSPAPER!!

Laura Watmough with Winning student artworks Photo by APRIL BARTLETT/St. Albert Gazette

From the St. Albert Gazette, March 31, 2012
Late last month the owner and art instructor of Hidden Talent Fine Art School, along with several of her students, entered the painting contest put on at the annual orchid show in Edmonton. For the first time ever, a Hidden Talent student brought home the grand prize.
Yoon-Joo Kim’s painting is still on display in the school’s studio space, its place of honour held among the other first and second place finishers.
“We’re really pleased,” Watmough said, adding that Kim was “absolutely thrilled” as well.
Apart from the big blue ribbon, Kim was also presented with the prestigious Vivian Thierfelder trophy for her win.
Kim actually had two first place finishes. The judges have strict standards for quality and choose only one grand prize winner from several first place paintings, Watmough said.
Hidden Talent’s Bernadette Neuman also had two first place finishes, despite the fact that it was her first show. Candy Schultz had one first and one second-place finish. The judges had Schultz right in behind Kim for the grand prize, Watmough said.
Joan Rover achieved a second place ribbon for her work, which, according to Watmough, was only the second painting she had ever produced.
The teacher was very proud of her students.
“To see this much variety and to have them acknowledged is wonderful,” she said.
Article by Scott Hayes

DOUBLE RIBBON WINNER AT ORCHID ART SHOW

CANDY SCHULTZ WITH HER TWO PRIZE WINNING ORCHID PAINTINGS

Last but not least is our very own Candy Schultz! If you are counting, this is ribbon #6 and #7 for Hidden Talent! Candy chose some very unique and challenging orchids for her paintings and was a close second for the over all Grand Prize! Of course she visited the event and took MANY more orchid photos as reference for NEXT YEARS paintings!! Candy has just finished her first portrait of Mr. Martin, and has really captured his likeness! You can see her art, along with many of Hidden Talent's other exceptional students at the ST.ALBERT LIFESTYLE EXPO April 20, 21 and 22 in Hall 'A' , Servus Place. come by for a closer look at these winners!

Watercolor Workshop this Summer!!

First Snow Watercolor on Paper
Laura Watmough

After many students expressing an interest in learning more about watercolor Hidden Talent Fine Art School will be offering Adult SUMMER ART CAMPS this year!
Watercolor Basic will be help July 07 or July 22 from 10:00-4:00. All supplies will be included! This is the perfect opportunity to see if this medium is for you!
Acrylic Basics will be help July 08 or July 21 and will include using modeling paste to form a 'thick' painting. From 10:00-4:00.
Call 780-419-2055 to Register

First Solo Art show for Gerry!

Mosey down to the Glenrose Hospital and take a look at the BLUE WAVE Gallery ( go through main doors then hang a left....can't miss it. It is where everyone is hanging around looking at good art!!
Gerry Mazer did a great job hanging his many paintings and we wish him luck...I especially like the latest oil painting of his daughter getting a dolphin 'kiss'.  He is planning to give her the painting this spring in Texas ...lucky girl! Does this make him an international artist???
We enjoy Gerry Thursday morning at Hidden Talent- his nickname is Mr. Tims because of the box of donuts he always shares with the class! Good Luck Gerry!

Orchid painting GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Yoon Joo Kim
Senior winner (two Firsts and Grand Prize)
Orchid Show Competition

Yoon Joo Kim with her award and many ribbons for

winning Orchid Oil painting at the

Orchid Art Show Competition

Yoon Joo is no stranger to winning! Last year she walked away with three First Place ribbons and now she has exceeded even HER expectations- two First Place ribbons and the Grand Prize! She is holding the print award by Vivienne Theirfelder, internationally know artist.Yoon Joo is very active...in everything! We love having her energy and spunk in our classes. You will find her ( between trips and adventures) Tuesday or Thursday mornings at Hidden Talent. 

Orchid Art Competition Winners!!!

Bernadette Neumann
First  Place Oil painting in the Orchid Art Show

Bernadette Neumann
Another first Place Oil Painting in the Orchid |Art Show!!

Yes, there are more winnesr from Hidden Talent! What beautiful orchids!
Bernie is a wonderful nature painter who is totally focused...it is amazing how much she paints each week! You can find Bernie painting her family, flowers and pets on Tuesday morning at Hidden Talent!

First Art Competition and a Winner!!!

Joan Reever
Yellow Orchid Oil Painting
 Orchid Show Winner

This beautiful oil painting is only Joan's SECOND PAINTING! She entered it into the Edmonton Orchid Society Art Show and was presented with her first ribbon, second in the amateur artist catagory!
We are so proud of her! Joan paints on Thursday mornings with a great group of fun ladies and a few gentlemen.

Italian Art Trip 2012



Lake Como, Italy Painting trip 2012

Time is flying! There is only a few weeks before we head to the airport and get off the plane in Italy! ( End of April) Our art agenda is pretty well set (of course there are always minor changes) and we have gotten our art materials out and are practicing like mad.

We will visit the Big Three- Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi and Villa Balbienello! I can almost smell those cascading flowers! There is so much to see there, it is overwhelming! Our cameras are going to come in mighty handy. We will stop in Como, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lenno, each one a unique and colorful town with authentic Italian charm.

As a lovely added bonus we will be going to Il Caminetto in Varenna for an Italian cooking lesson and food experience! Can it get any better???



Stores in Bellagio, Italy

 Ed and I are taking pre-beginner Italian from a wonderful woman- Edie.  She had soooo much patience with my 'french accented' Italian!!! Learning a new language can result in a few brain cramps....


Ancient stairway in Lezzeno, Italy

We are hoping to go for 2 weeks next year and perhaps include Tuscany. Last time I looked there were 14 sign ups for the next art trip!
I better look for those perfect comfortable shoes....there will be lots of walking and lots of stairs...
Ciao