Today was an awesome day!

So I'm going to actually post some pictures today from previous cities we have been to, and some that are more recent too! Today we went to two cities, Trevi and Montefalco. They were both beautiful cities and we got to see some lovely artwork from a museum we went to as well as the two churches we visited. Tori, Jamie, Lauren, and I walked around the cities and went to a lot of the shops to see what they had. Most of the group stopped for some gelato in Montefalco, and some wine tasting at the various wine shops which Montefalco is known for. We also all layed out on the brick pavement of a courtyard in the sun, in Trevi so we could draw,paint, or take a nap...hehe. Later tonight we are going downtown in Terni to visit some clubs and bars with Edmund. He is taking us to some concerts as well to experience the nightlife of Terni and the kind of rock music Italians listen to. If we didn't annoy our bus driver, Antonio, today singing random songs, we will definatly annoy him tonight on our drive back to La Romita.
*This picture with me by myself is from the Duomo in Florence at the top of the tower
*Ben and I were doing our mad face
*Tori, Jamie, Lauren, Masimilliano, and I drinking wine at his bar in Montefalco

the Wishing Well of Our Story...

We've been at La Romita for almost a week now and it feels very much like a home away from home... last night was great, having the students from the art school in Terni come up to do collaborative work with us. I worked with Mara, a girl that wants to pursue a career doing make-up for theatre, and I really like the end result. It's likely I'll hang it up once I get home.

Today we visited Trevi. First up was a stop at the Flash Art Museum where there was contemporary work from several artists. I really liked most of the work and wrote down a few artists' names. It's refreshing to see what other artists are creating in other countries. It can be a lot to take in, but some of this stuff would probably not fare well in the States, either for political reasons or a lack of interest. One involved an artist enlisting hundreds of school children to help spell out words to raise awareness about the freshwater situation across the globe... the photos documenting it were beautiful on their own even without knowing the purpose. We also visited Trevi's Duomo and Complesso Museale di San Francesco, one building that housed several museums. And then we found a park with a zip-line and a bungee jungle gym! Which may have been the highlight of the day.

After Trevi we made our way to Montefalco and saw a variety of work at the Chiesa-Museo di San Francesco, including older paintings and a contemporary photography exhibition by Franco Pagetti regarding the occupation of Iraq. Very forward but also very significant. I really liked seeing another perspective on the entire situation. While in Montefalco we also saw a vintage car parade and one car looked like the Ghostbusters Ecto-1! And we found a well with glass over it, which made for a nice photo opportunity. And of course... there was gelato!

Drums in Spoleto!

So... i was on my way to the duomo to paint the floor.. when i ran into a procession of drums and flag twirlers dressed in traditional garb. they were in the piazza del duomo and they did a performance for about one hour. i sat down and did some gesture drawings of them and a group of italian kids gathered around to see what i was doing. When the performance was over, a few of the flag guys came over to see what i did and then i got a picture with them. it was so much fun and Spoletto in general is a very friendly town. It just might be tied with Sienna for my favorite destination.

pitTORI (aka. painters)

So we are still located in La Romita if you haven't gathered that from the other blogs. We are having a wonderful time, especially mingling with the local Italianos!! :D
Today I experienced one of the most amazing events of the trip. The professors were able to work with the Italian director, Igor, from the academia and bus art students up to our hill to see our work!!!! We all paired up together with a student from the academia. Our goal was to communicate, not through words, but through our art. As a result we all created a piece of work and traded with one another while the professors from the academia and our own professors walked around and gave their input on different ways of manipulating the materials.
Everyone was very quick to notice how the students from the academia learned to create an image different from the way we have always been taught back at good ole Ball State. The students from the academia were very focused on color and how to apply it to a surface, this is something that I plan on taking and using in my own work. All and all it was an exciting and very beneficial day!!! YAY! :D

Today the Terni Art Academy visited La Romita. It was extremely interesting. They learn so differently. They were lead by one "teacher" who defines the method. They were focused on color theory. The student Claire and I worked with told us that watercolor could not be done on anything other than a white sheet of paper. He also had not really used watercolor before. He used the tubes like you would acrylic paint and instead of adding water paint directly onto the paper with them. We taught him a technique that we us called "pouring" which is covering the paper in a pattern/color before beginning the actual drawing/painting. When we did this he stated that they prepare their paper like Michaelangelo or Caravaggio. They are very traditional in their methods and it was interesting to understand how they worked. At first we were all a little apprehensive about these Italian art students' visit, but it ended up being very interesting and fun.

Wassup everyone? Today we went to a city called Spoleto and wandered a bit. The alter frescoes of the Duomo there were painted by Lippi and are breathtaking, here is a photo that really doesn't do the paintings justice.

Spoletto

Today was pretty exciting we we're able to spilt off into smaller groups an explore Spoletto! I was able to see the Duomo painted by Filippo Lippi, the Contemporary art museum there, and an old Roman theater. I climbed underneath the theater, which was a little scary at first but definetly worth it! The adventures in Italy continue...

The Way We Walk...

The city of Perugia had many surprises in store for our group. The first of these was that fact that parts of the city were underground that were once used as housing for an ancient civilization. The modern way to travel through these now are on escalators. Up and down we were taken through dark cooridors and twists and turns. In little alcoves, people had set up installation works of lights and photography. Though it wasn't a hot day, I imagine for Perugians, the ancient city is a nice relief on a future summer day.

We started the day off driving to Assisi, where we saw some Giottos which was interesting and the tomb of St. Francis- I also saw my first poppy field in the distance too...very beautiful. I learned that "Happy Hippos" are my new favorite Italian candy, its like a waiver with white and milk chocolate inside in the shape on a hippo. We found some more to buy at the pizzeria we stopped at for lunch on the way to Perguia, the capital of Umbria. In Umbria, we went to the National Gallery there and saw a great Piero della Fransesco. We then went to a church from the 10th century and saw a Carravaggio and a Rafael. The picture up is the Carravagio we saw. It was awesome because one of the priests there spoke English, so he took us around the church and showed us the church they discovered underneath the church already existing from the 5th century. The other picture is inside the church (even though its rotated the wrong way, so turn your heads to the left to view) and the last is a a view from La Romita of the city of Terni I took tonight.

Today we went to Assisi and Perugia. We didnt have much time at Assisi, but we got to see St. Francis's tomb and frescoes by Giotto. I did my research on Giotto and it was very pleasing to get to see his actual work in person. They didnt look like they were in the best shape, but it was still a great experience. We aso went to a church where we got to see a painting by Caravaggio. It wasn't out in the open where everyone could see. We had to be let in. I felt priviledged to see that. We came back to La Romita after we were done at Perugia and had time to work in the studio. I really like it here for that reason. We get a lot more opportunities to make art and I feel like that is what I'm doing with most of my time here. It's a great place to kick back and make art! It's much different from staying in the bigger cities and right in the middle of everything.

My very first blog while in Italy!

I don't even know where to begin in this blog because I feel so stressed out with time limits! ahhh! I only have 20 min. to write and this is the very first time I have gotten a chance to sit down and write out my thoughts about Italy so far. I guess since I haven't written anything I should start by saying that Italy is absolutely amazing and I wish I could move myself, my family, and all of my friends here to start a new life! I never thought that at 20 years of age that I would actually be in a different country and be experiencing a totally different culture. I can't even believe that I am out of the U.S. still because I feel like it is a dream, and that all of the beautiful scenery and architecture is from a movie set. I have experienced so much these past 12 days that I have been in Italy, and have gotten to be really close with almost everyone is this group. I am so glad that I decided to go on this trip even though I did not know anyone that was going, because I have made new friends as well as experience a totally new place at the same time. I feel like I have to write 12 days worth of blogging info. because I haven't been able to take the time to write out how I feel about everything. But it is completely impossible for me to write all that I have experienced so far, because I could write an entire novel. But, in a "NuTsHeLL," the food is amazing(at least at La Romita!), the scenery is amazing, and the culture, art, and people are amazing and no matter what it takes, I will definately be visiting Italy many more times in my lifetime! I'll write more later about actual things I have been doing, but I wanted to at least have a beginning blogging story. p.s. Plus I'll add a picture or something too if your lucky ;o)

I love the architecture here in Italy, and how different it is from Indiana. There is so much to see in such little time. I'm still amazed that we are here! La Romita is a great escape from the fast paced cities. And I think I can honestly say that I will never eat this well again!! I love the food! I can't wait to see what the next couple weeks of the trip brings to us.

Carnivale

We have been so busy since coming to La Romita, but it's a welcome change of pace as far as not having to carry everything around on our backs during our trips into the cities. Unlike Florence and Siena, we can spend an entire day traveling and leave everything in our rooms here without worrying about not having something on hand. The rooms are nice, the view of Terni is beautiful and the food is amazing. We are going to be so spoiled when we leave for Rome...

The last day in Siena was great, also, and I just haven't had a chance to write about it until now. After visiting the Duomo in Siena, and after doing some more sight-seeing with the larger group, we split off and had a little free time before dinner to explore Siena a little bit. Sarah, Leslie, and I found a traveling carnival in Luna Park, a large park right across from our hotel. There were lots of children running around, several booths similar to what you would find in the States, and one of those massively tall slides that reaches the tree tops. Sarah and I paid 1.5 Euro each to climb to the top and ride down it. And that was the most fun thirteen seconds of the trip. Leslie got some great pictures of it...

Wednesday we went to the Roman ruins at Carsulae. They were really interesting. I saw old frescoes in a church on the site that were damaged, but still very pretty. We had a critique today too which was helpful because it made us think about where we should be going with our projects. Thursday we're going to Assisi and Perugia. Friday the Italian art students from Turni are coming for a visit which should be fun. Italy has been amazing so far and I can't wait to see the rest!

La Romita.....studio time

Hey everyone, its Jarerardo! We are now here in La Romita which is a lovely little hill town that has a great studio for us to work. The studio is actually in an old monastery church which makes for a calm and soothing work experience. This place is very peaceful and I feel like I finally have time to reflect on what we have already experienced and what is a head in the future. There are many other small hill towns that surround La Romita and they make for great drawings and a real life Italian experience where there is no tourists and all the residence are friendly and don't speak English. The other day we went to visit an art school in a neighboring city and the experience was incredible. The work and subjects are pretty different, but we were able to get a taste of what they like to do. I am excited because on Friday some of those students are coming to visit us. I'll keep everyone up on the posts and let you know how Friday goes with the Terni students. Until then, take care!

The hills are alive!!

Pictures! The first two take place at some ancient Roman ruins. Pose #1 is for OD, and pose #2 is for Bev! Love you, miss you. The ruins were very fun, we climbed on everything. So much, in fact that I did not have much time to draw. I really want to experience as much of this place as I can. Which is very difficult because there is so much to see. But I am loving every minute of it.

The second picture is of a new "amico" (friend) that we made while painting in a small hill town the other day. He came out of his house and invited us into his cellar/dining room/bar type room (it was below his house in a separate door). He was very enthusiastic and excited and offered us a drink of something that was very sweet and potent. Then he went back up to the main part of his house and brought out a chocolate cake thing with marshmallows and almonds as well as a fruity cake. Then he went back for some wine which we think was homemade because it was cloudy and tasted earthy. Now I know that you are not supposed to take food or candy from strangers but there were six of us together and one elderly man. Plus everyone told us that the people in this village were very nice and would probably do something like that. So kids, don't try this at home. (America is dangerous)

Everyday has been an adventure. I feel so blessed to have this experience. And I really think that it will help my art to grow and mature. I just can't stop being excited!!

Today was even better!

Ok so everyone knows we went to the ruins today. It was awesome! I got to climb huge rocks- did you do that today!? Anyhow, we made a stop at a little town afterward. I stopped in at the bar with Whitney and to my surprise I saw the first billards in Italy! So I had to take a picture and show you all! Take care!

Today we visited Roman Ruins at Carsulae. It was a good change of pace from going to museums, and we were able to walk through and on all the ruins which was fun.

Ciao! Due to technical difficulties, this is my first post from Italy (9 days deep). Everything is looking good now, so I will be posting regularly from here on out. Yesterday we went to a small hill town called San Marino, here is a photo.

Fabriano

Bonjourno! Visiting the Museo della Carta today in Fabriano was a great experience. I use Fabriano watercolor paper for most of my watercolors and to actually see where they make the paper I use and the process in which it gets made was really interesting. I bought some of their handmade paper which was only 2.60 euros, which is extremely cheap for such high quality handmade paper, so I bought two sheets and two of the other large machine made sheets. Looking forward to beginning some washes on my new paper! Italy is a great place for inspiration and the studio here at La Romita really makes me feel relaxed and able to paint freely. Ciao!

Today we went to Fabriano and went to the museum where they make Fabriano watercolor paper. This was very exciting to watch and see how easily it can be made. There was a big bath of cotton particles that formed the paper. They would dip the paper mold into the bath to catch the pulp. It then had to go through different processes and machines until the final product was completed. They would put different watermarks on the paper and you wouldnt be able to see it unless you held up the paper to light. The paper was much cheaper to buy there than it would be at home. I got two pieces of paper for 5 euros and at home i would be paying $6 or $7 a sheet. They had a separate room where they had recycled cardboard that was made into chairs, tables, dressers, and a lamb. That was pretty exciting to see.

La Romita

Quiet, still and calm, La Romita is a place out of heaven in the outlet of Umbria. Ontop of a hill we stay, surrounded by poppies, clovers and ivy, it is everything we imagined to a pre-italy trip. The area has a great amount of beautiful(bella) views in which an artist can sketch, paint or draw to create a visual image that will capture a view of Italy of a college student's perspective. The first day was filled with exploring the surrounding area that we learned, was occupied with sheep, newborn kittens and olive trees at the summit of La Romita. We took a trip to Terni (the local town) in which we picked up essential supplies from the supermarket and dined on the inexpensive gelato that was 1.90 for three scoops compared to the 9,00 euro charge of the Firenze (Florence). The second day was a trip to Fabriano (the world famous paper company). We got the full tour of the place, in which many of the students did not know the proper time in that paper was made. In was incredible for it was not only a paper producing plant but a watermark plant too, in which the process was extensive in length, in which the artist(s) ( two in the world) had the qualifications to producing a quality watermark process that including a multi step process for which they used. On another note, today was the only time it rained (knock on wood)..it was quick and on the bus in which we did not have to partcipate in. We, as a group, are looking forward t0 seeing ancient Roman ruins that we get a chance it sketch and paint on Wednesday morning!

Gillato!

Guess what!? Gillato is better than ice cream!! In this picture I am sampling two flavors: chocolate and creme. I could probably eat it every day.

We are at la Romita now which is on the hill above Terni. Google Terni, it's not very big or very tourist-y. The gillato is cheaper here. The picture is from sienna.

So about la Romita.. It is amazing!! I am rooming with Tori and we have a view out of our window that looks over Terni. There are a couple courtyards with flowers and stonework. Up the hill there are sheep and kittens and olive trees. We even found some wild oregano. There are two cooks who make us three meals a day. They are the best meals that we have had. Wine is served with lunch and dinner and it really contributes to a siesta. I had a great one yesterday. Our director here at La Romita is named Edmond and he is very helpful. he lives half of his life in SanFransico and half here. Everyone here is very nice and I think I could live here. But i won't yet because my mom would be sad. I wish you guys could all see it!! When I get to Holland in June I will make a site of my own to show you more about it.

Here at La Romita there is one phone and one computer to share between 19 people so I will leave now. :)

Ciao!

La Romita

We arrived in La Romita today. This place is pretty amazing and inspiring. I think its going to be a great place for us to work, and a little more relaxed. We met Inza, the owner, and Edward the director. We spent the day settling in here and I think its going to be a great two weeks. I am so thankful to be here.

oh POOP!

So... First off ITALY is AMAZING. However, it has been an experience. We have been eating some amazing meals and one just happened to be squid. This did not sit well and I was only able to see the David for about 15 minutes then the rest of the time at the galleria I was stuck in the toilette!!!!! THEN we traveled to Siena to see the Duomo AND I got pooped on by a pigeon!!!!!! :O So this is my poop face while hiding under a newspaper from future attacks!
Overall its been a wonderful (yet poopy) experience and I am loving every minute of it.
We are currently in La Romita building up our art. :)
Love all!