Tuesday, April 15, 2014

TUSCAN HOLIDAY 2014 - - ITALY

 
If you are interested in an all inclusive ART HOLIDAY with like minded people ?-
If you want to visit Italy and do some sketching & painting with  expert tuition and helpful advice in a relaxed friendly atmosphere  ?
Do you want to bask in the Tuscan sunshine, visit Florence  and view spectacular architecture ?
Would you enjoy dining on delicious freshly cooked dishes at a friendly Italian family run hotel each evening ?
 (NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT )
If your answer is  YES to any or all of these ..... then  check out my  
 
  WONDERFUL  HOLIDAY  in  TUSCANY- ITALY - 20th -27th AUGUST 2014
 


 
What is included -
1.Half Board at La Pia Hotel  Montecatini   -  breakfast buffet and 4 course dinner. Rooms ensuite. 
 2. Transfers to/from Pisa airport, courier on arrival.
3. Half day guided tour of Montecatini historical Spa.
4.Two full day excursiosn to paint/explore in  medieval villages .
5. Train trip with guided tour in Florence.
 6. Professional tuition, with demonstrations.
 
€875 per person  (No single supplement )
 

Painting  in August  2011 outside La Pia Hotel Montecatini
"Olive tree" watercolour  .
 
Tuscan Vista -Watercolour


View from Montecatini Alta
Detailed Itinerary 
- Aug. 20th -27th
   
 
 


Day 1. Wednesday 20th August  Arrival at Hotel .
 Ryanair Flight  at 17.15  from Dublin  to Pisa  arrives at 21.00. If you are travelling on this flight you will be met by a courier and taken to your hotel by taxi. Settle in to the hotel and  meet informally with  fellow guests and your tutor.
 
Day 2. Thursday 21st August
 Breakfast at hotel Morning -To introduce you to  Montecatini  -  We will have a guided half day tour   entrance ticket to Tettuccio spa. and welcome drink. in the historical cafĂ©, situated inside the Tettuccio building.

 
You have the option to do some painting  in the afternoon. 
I wil give an introduction to painting / sketching outdoors and a  watercolour  demonstration  in the Piazza 
Delicious freshly cooked dinner menu at the hotel.

Day 3.  Friday 22nd  August Painting  

After Breakfast at hotel. Travelling by mini bus  Buggiano and Massa,  two beautiful medieval villages  near Montecatini , with guidance by Trudi , you will spend the morning in Buggiano  painting, sketching or just relaxing or walking - its your choice -then  reach Massa by taxi where you can have at lunch  at a local cafe.
More time to paint or sketch . Fold up artist chairs provided. The taxi will pick  you up in the  late afternoon.  Return to Montecatini for a siesta and freshen up before dinner at the hotel.



Day 4
Saturday 23rd August
 Florence Day
Breakfast at hotel.   Morning - Departure for beautiful Florence by train from Montecatini , we 'll have a guided tour in the morning . Lunch break.-Afternoon free to do your own thing – visit famous landmarks or trust your artist's instincts and wander around.... the best way to experience Florence  -a place I love to get lost in ! Meet up and return to Montecatini by train for delicious dinner menu at the hotel.
.
 
 
Day 5. Sunday 24th August    Painting in Montecarlo  
Breakfast at hotel . Departure by taxi for Montecarlo in the morning. Montecarlo is a charming medieval village situated about 15 Km from Montecatini.
At 16:00 you have the opportunity to visit  the beautiful fortress where you can also  paint or just explore .Return by Mini bus / taxi.  Dinner at the hotel. 
Red Cable Car to Montecatini Alta
 
Day 6. Monday  25th August  
  Breakfast at hotel  Free day or optional painting  in Montecatini Alta –the historic  upper old town . A visit via cable car  with spectacular vistas and medieval streetscapes – a painters paradise. Lunch in Montecatini Alta.
 Afternoon - Free afternoon ( your choice – continue painting / go shopping , browse or just relax and people-watch in the cafes .
 Dinner at the hotel. 
 

.Day 7 ( Last  full Day ) Tues 26th Aug
 Free day    Breakfast at hotel Morning - Optional  Painting at hotel fountain and Montecatini area. 
Afternoon free – time for yourself        (your choice;- continue painting  or go shopping - or  relax or take the opportunity to avail of curative and pampering treatments in the spa.) Dinner at the hotel
.
Day 8. Wednesday 27th  August  
Breakfast at hotel.  Free morning to pack and prepare for departure.  
Departure for Pisa airport by bus via Pisa and the  famous Leaning Tower  in afternoon .
 Arrive at  Pisa airport to check in for Ryanair  flight at 21.25. to Dublin arriving 23.15


** NOW 4  places available . Booking open until JULY 30th  on first come basis.€875 per person  (No single supplement )
* Deposit of €300 secures a place. Balance payable by end of first week in August    
Book on line via email- Pay Pal -with Credit card or if you prefer- pay by cheque in the post.

-contact  trudiart@eircom.net  to book  or inquire further
 or text Trudi 087 6658500 for information.



Hard copy of above with booking form  available on request

(N.B. Flights NOT included - but a taxi transfer is included and will be provided for the  Ryanair flight from  Dublin to Pisa on 20th and return on 27th August Ryanair flights from Dublin return to Pisa on the appropriate dates  are currently €135  return inc. taxes and charges ( as checked July )

 
  Montecatini is a spa town known for its natural curative springs. Many conditions from arthritis to respiratory problems benefit from the famous natural thermal grotto. Curative and pampering treatments in the spas can be booked and availed of during the holiday.
  Anyone interested in going for a swim in the lovely pool at grottagiusti spa will be facilitated by a free bus shuttle service to the pool which is about 4 miles away. For more see www.grottagiustispa.com
* * * * * 
 )
 
PHOTOS FROM MY PREVIOUS ART TRIPS TO TUSCANY

With David in  Florence 2011


Painting the view hillside village



Trudi and Leaning Tower in Pisa



Preparing to sketch in Buggiani


First day lunch at the Spa 2011  !



With lovely Maria La Pia our hostess and all round angel ! 2010


Last day gathering for departure at the hotel  2011

 

 
 

Painting in Montecatini Alta 2010

http://www.artsupplies.co.uk/
 

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Art Courses and Children's Summer  School

 2014

at Bunbury Art Studio



Welcome to my 15th season of art workshops in my studio !





Contact Trudi to book on line   

 or inquire further -
   email Trudi - trudiart@eircom.net  


1.Watercolour Days
 1 day  €60  - tutor Trudi Doyle
This day will  help you develop a range of simple techniques in watercolour.
 I will  show you  how to use  and mix  colour, lay washes, paint wet in wet  and compose  a painting,  all demonstrated in an easy paint- along method .
I will increase your understanding of this  beautiful medium,  giving you the confidence  to produce paintings to be proud of.
You will complete  at least one painting and several sketches.
 May -  Monday 5th Watercolour Day   (bank holiday) 1 day €60 
 ( Booked with Drawing  day - Sun May 4th -€105)
August- Monday 4th Watercolour Day   (bank holiday) 1 day €60  
 Booked with Drawing  day  Sunday 3th August   -$105)
September - Saturday 13th Watercolour Day  1 day €60  
 Booked with Advanced  watercolour  day  Sunday 14th Sept   -$115)

2.Watercolour weekend    
 September  Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th -  2 day €115
 tutor Trudi Doyle
  Day 1- I  will  help you develop a range of simple techniques in watercolour;  show you  how to use  & mix  colour, lay washes, paint wet in wet  & compose a painting , all demonstrated in an easy paint along method .

Day 2 -I will help you to loosen up , enliven your work and stretch your knowledge of watercolour beyond the usual .We will experiment with techniques and“tricks of the trade” such as  sponging , salt effects, cling film textures and masking.
You will also learn the little known  secrets of  transparent watercolours  and learn
 how to achieve fresh,  luminous and vibrant  paintings . 

Book one day €60  or  both days  €115                                                              


    


3.Drawing  Days  €50   tutor Trudi Doyle   

Back by popular demand !                                              

This drawing day will be enjoyed  by painters who  have  bypassed drawing and by anyone taking their first creative steps. These essential drawing techniques  will  improve and enrich your sketching and painting  more than you can imagine.
 May- Sunday 4th Drawing Day
(Booked with Watercolour day -Sun  3rd  €5 reduction - =€105)

August- Sunday 3rd Drawing Day                                                   (Booked with Watercolour day -Sun  3rd  €5 reduction - =€105)


 4. Advanced   Watercolour  
1  day €60..tutor Trudi Doyle 
September  Sunday 14th

Loosen up , enliven your work and stretch your knowledge of watercolour beyond the usual .We will experiment with techniques  and “tricks of the trade” such as  salt effects, cling film textures,  mixed media  and masking.
If you find your painting becomes dull and muddy as you work on it ... I will  solve the problem ..learn the little known  secrets of  transparent watercolours  and learn how
 to achieve fresh,  luminous and vibrant  paintings.

                                                           
                                                         




       
                            

                   
  
CHILDRENS ART and NATURE SUMMER SCHOOL (3 day) Ages 4 to 11   boys and girls
 
Painting , Drawing and Collage. Stimulate the imagination
 Children will .also enjoy outdoor nature walks to encourage observation skills –weather permitting- and interactive fun and games in the garden. 
All Materials provided.
Children should bringa packed lunch each day.

  JULY -Tuesday 8th - 
Weds 9th  and Thurs 10th   

fee €75 ( 2 children from same family €60 each  )  
 ( All materials included)

From 10.30 am to 2.30pm each day    



THE STUDIO  
 Classes are held in warm well lit  studio with large gothic  windows  looking out on a mature  leafy  garden , by  a quiet laneway  to scenic countryside .   
MATERIALS please bring your own brushes , paints, paper   etc  However a basic selection is for sale at the studio.  A list of suggested materials will be sent to you on receipt of  booking.
 THE COURSES  Classes begin at 10am. Refreshments; teas, coffee etc.  available all day
 LUNCH BREAK 12.30 to 2PM.  You have a choice. Bring  your own packed lunch  or avail of  Lunch in local Restaurant Rathwood. FINISH AT 4PM - If classes run over time,  the studio remains open until 5 pm , relax,  finish your work or just browse through Trudi’s art books.  
 ACCOMMODATION -list of  B&B’s / Hotels will be sent  to you by email  or post if required on completion of booking .


Book on line  via email-
-contact   trudiart@eircom.net
to book or inquire 
or text Trudi 0876658500 for information
     -----------------------------------------------------------
Feedback - random samples -
 "Thank you for the wonderful watercolour day . I  have been admiring your work at the Kilkenny Arts festival for years and really admire your style, it was great to learn so much in one day !"M. K. Dublin

"I had a great day in your studio. Thank you for  your watercolour expertise and for your patience.  I will be back !"  D. B. Wexford
  
" You are a brilliant teacher Trudi , thank you for sharing your gifts " J. K. Dublin

" I hope to return for another watercolour course soon , I enjoyed my day with you very much and  your studio and lovely garden. Thank you  " T.B.Kilkenny.

"I wanted to improve my drawing. Your Drawing day was so good , I'm coming back for more " 
J.D. Carlow


Watercolour day
   
Summer school
Watercolour class



Daisies


Children Summer school

The Studio
Albertine Rose in the garden  
Foxglove and white rose



End of the Rainbow

 
Just seconds before the rainbow appeared I was admiring the snow on Lugnacoille mountain
 
 
I regularly walk up the lane by my house, every day in fact  ..what is true and always  predictable it that the sky is never predictable ..
 it changes from minute to minute in spring.
I had to sprint to catch these shots of the end of the rainbow behind  my favourite thorn tree and in front of the Wicklow mountains !