We offer stone and wood carving classes around the year. No prior experience necessary. Learn techniques of this time-honored art form using the variety of tools and stones. Enjoy working outdoors, in front of the Mediterranean, sculpting stone into forms of almost any size and shape; share with others European sculptors your creative experience and most of it, live in an authentically village at the border of the French Riviera. A little paradise!
The Academia is located on the Riviera at the border of France and Italy; sea view sculpture studio and artist residencies on site in an authentically Italian village. The atmosphere can only inspire you creativity.
Art in the Italian Riviera.
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September, 2009: I choose the medium of charcoal on paper to
focus on for my week with Nicole Durant in Mortola, Italy. When I arrived, Nicole
presented a plan for the week that included many options for learning, but as
each day unfolded the original plan changed. I was able to try the lessons that
seemed most appealing to me on any given day. Nicole began by taking me through
art exercises that gave me an understanding of the fundamental principals of
drawing for perspective, color and shape. Â For example, in one lesson, I practiced drawing human
anatomy, as I wasfocused in particular on portraiture and life drawing. We also
took the lessons outside of the classroom to the hillsides of the Italian and
French Riviera, drawing from an easel on the slopes of a mountainside overlooking
an Italian Village that was nestled above the shoreline. From that hillside I
learned the concept of perspective and how to bring the layers of the village
out in the picture. I also learned about nature and the principal of the golden
ratio. Nicole also explained the fundamentals of art while we looked at
sculptured pieces in the urban setting of Nice. And, she recommended art
galleries and museums across the Riviera for me to visit. Midway, I had decided
that I would like to try another medium and Nicole suggested sculpture. Nicole integrated
me into two of her classes; one at the art school in Menton, and the other in
her Italian Villa setting. The artists were supportive and inspiring in their
dedication and focus. I was never self-conscious for my lack of experience and
Nicole shepherded me every step of the way. I left with a clay bust I produced that
sits in my living room, as a reminder of this week. I feel that I not only have
a greater appreciation of art, but I also a better understanding of the
parameters for what makes art good.
Faculty Information:
The founder exhibits in many museums and art galleries nationally and internationally. She has also been well known teaching for many years sculpture in art school next to Monaco, Switzerland and of course in Italy where she lives and founded the Academia d Arte
Other Activities:
In these art workshops, we will focus mainly on understanding through touch, sensitivity and new ways of sculpting how to understand different materials but mainly ourselves. You will go through many experiences working from clay-design and carving. Many possibilities to visit the land of the old masters and art museums
Facility Information:
Nicole Durand organizes housing for each student, close to the studio, with sea view in the historical part of Mortola. Accommodations are based on each student requirement. Accommodations are possible in one of the guestrooms or in a separate apartment in Mortola. The simultaneous use of the facilities by several colleagues is possible. For special housing situations, we will assist you in finding the type of accommodations required. A list of hotels in Menton or Ventimiglia is available on request.
Notes:
You can attend daily classes or weekly workshops or simply be in artist residencies in the village. Sea-view artists spaces to create.
Also see Vacation Schools in:
Art and craft workshop
Europe
Italy
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