Art in Italy - Summer 2007

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Birdman in Venice.....

2007-06-12T21:27:00.001+02:00

Here is a photo of Scott and I in Venice. Before this photo was taken I dared Kim to pick up a pigeon, and without hesitation she snached one off the ground. Following the intial pick up, she then did some type of bird sleeper hold that clamed down the bird so we could touch it. After the effort put in by Kim so that we could touch the "rats of the sky," Kaylee realized she had a package of crackers. We then put the crackers into our hand and let the mangy birds with their hot feet eat from our hands. It was a fun time. The piazza must have had thousands of birds. Other than the birds being nasty....it was an awesome sight.

Birdman.....

2007-06-12T21:22:00.000+02:00

From Rome to Venice

2007-05-31T10:01:00.000+02:00

We have not been able to blog since leaving La Romita because the hotel in Rome charged to use the internet and we were just too busy in the big city to find any free moments to look for Internet cafes or other means of communicating... but here we are in Venice and it is our last full day!

Everything has gone so quickly here at the end of the trip. In Rome we saw the Colliseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, several musuems and churches, and many other sights along the way. We rode the Metro and ate lunch all over the city, but our dinners were at the hotel. I have no way to upload pictures now but I will add some to this entry when we return in two days.

After Rome we arrived in Venice and took a boat across to our hotel... we are staying on the island Ledo just off the coast of the main city. The island is nice, very vacation-like with small shops and a few larger stores. We went into Venice yesterday for the first time and saw the Accademia and the Guggenheim Collection! The Guggenheim was amazing... Picasso, Cornell, Tanguy, Dali, Ernst, Pollock... the list goes on and on as to the contemporary greats we saw yesterday. Personally, I was in awe.

I would write more but we are going out to find the church where Indiana Jones was filmed. Yesterday we saw where Casino Royale was shot... Venice is both culturally rich and very surreal. I keep using that word to describe the cities we visit... but this time it really applies. I mean, we are in a city that is on the water and the roads are made of water. It is pretty amazing. Tonight is our farewell dinner at the hotel, and then we are off to the airport in the morning. Flight from Venice to Atlanta, then from Atlanta to Indianapolis... and we will all have stories from our own unique experiences to share when we get back.

2007-05-25T23:58:00.000+02:00

Today we went to Todi, a nice little town that you actually have to ride in a glass case to take you up to the city. It was really cool, many of the towns here you have to use other forms of transportation to get into the main city area, like for instance in Perguia we rode up a series of escalators underground. The night before we went out to Terni. We took some group shots before we left and tried to get Marilynn in the photos, she does particularly like being photographed, so she kept hiding her face and closing her eyes...shes too cute. Leaving La Romita in the morning and heading off to Rome!!

2007-05-25T15:35:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we stayed at La Romita and worked in the studio. It was one of our last days to spend in the studio. Some of us went to Terni to do some shopping. Today is our last day at La Romita and then we are off to Rome!!! We went to a little hill town called Todi. We were only there a couple hours so we got to see the Duomo and went inside a church. We came back here and everyone is resting and getting ready to leave tomorrow. We have a 2 hour bus ride to Rome, then we are there for 3 days. We then proceed to Venice which is an 11 hour bus ride!! I am not looking forward to that at all. Before we know, we are going to be back home!

La Romita Tour!!

2007-05-24T15:47:00.000+02:00

Guess what!? I made you a quick little tour of La Romita so you can see where we have been staying for the past 2 weeks! Now you can get a better idea of this wonderful place. It ends a little abruptly because I ran out of memory space, but it is still fun! I hope you enjoy it as much as we have!

sempre pace! (pah-chay) <-peace out!

Italian Graffiti

2007-05-24T14:45:00.000+02:00

We're only a couple days away from Rome. When we get there, I'll be doing my presentation on graffiti in Italy. We prepared the presentations before leaving for the trip, including pictures we found online to go along with our topics.

Since arriving, I've found plenty of images to reference for extra material. I had yet to upload any of these pictures, but thought I'd go ahead and share some with everyone. The top two images are from Terni, the middle is from the waterfall, and the bottom two are from Orvieto. I'm fascinated with how many pop culture references are included in graffiti here... the Darkness and Maggie Simpson make quite a combination. I also found one that simply said "Coldplay Clocks."

Down in a hole!

2007-05-24T09:22:00.000+02:00

So as it turns out Orvieto has this huge well (248 steps down or 203 feet to be exact) into the ground that leads to a cool center and an impressive sight. It was pretty cold down there, but a lot of fun to explore. Here is a view from the bottom looking up, doesn't seem as tall, but believe me, we were down there a bit.

slide show, wine, family guy

2007-05-23T23:08:00.000+02:00

Tonight after dinner we watched a slide show of the history of La Romita, then an episode of Family Guy. The slide show told an interesting story about how this place has become a studio/school for artists. I am so apprechiative of all the efforts it took to create it. The Family Guy episode that followed made me feel back at home! I'm a little sad that we only have a couple nights left here at La Romita.

Hot Italian Day

2007-05-23T22:23:00.001+02:00

Today, it was truely a summer day and Orviteo and a city on top of a mesa was our destination. While exploring the city we had the opportunity to duck the summer heat by going to Pozzo di San Patrizio. This sight was a well commisioned by Pope Clement VII in 1527 in fear of a drought if attacked. Working as a double helix (not intersecting) we went done the 248 steps to a cool and dark place. 203 ft in length it provided a cool haven at the bottom as well as a nice hike once we went back up. Also in the city it is interesting to see the local school children take day trips into the city because the classes seem to be always dressed in brightly colored t-shirts in order to keep track of the many children wandering about. Tomarrow is a studio day with a day trip to Terni to grab the regular art supplies and snacks to keep us energized. Ciao from La Romita!

Orvieto or Bust

2007-05-23T22:23:00.000+02:00

...seems like every day we spend going to a town or a city, I end up exhausted by the time we return to La Romita. There's just so much to see and I can't keep myself from exploring. We spent all of today in Orvieto. Our first stop was an area of Etruscan tombs... which was both creepy and cool. Just to see where the Etruscans buried their dead and to see how weathered yet preserved these tombs were was amazing. [group photo of almost everyone at the Etruscan tombs... where was Megan?]

Once we arrived inside Orvieto, our first stop was the Duomo. The zebra stripes were reminiscent of Duomo in Siena, but the frescoes inside this one were much more captivating. Portraying the events of the Last Judgment, these paintings by Signorelli wrapped around an entire room in the Duomo.

After the Duomo we had some time to explore the city and eat lunch. We found a nice pizzeria that wasn't too expensive, more of a hole-in-the-wall, but it was under five Euros so it was worth it. Later there was gelato as usual, and Sarah and I tried these really weird Spider-Man jelly sticks. Think gelatin in popsicle form. We then went on a journey to an old well near the edge of the city... there were four-hundred some steps and Sarah, Megan and I went all the way to the bottom and came back up. [image from the bottom of the well looking up] We encountered Jamie along the way, but because of the way the well was designed we could only find her on the way back up. The staircases were stacked one on top of the other so that people going down would not encounter people going up. Once back at the top, I got a picture of the group that had gone down before us while they were still recuperating from the climb [last image].

The bus ride back to La Romita was a quiet one. Or at least it was for me, as I slept the whole way. Dinner was great, as always, and then we watched a slide show about the history of the school and monastery here. It's so surreal to be in a country with so much history. Most of these buildings have existed in some form longer than the United States. It's going to be interesting to see how I look at our architecture when I return.

Beneath the waterfall

2007-05-22T23:43:00.000+02:00

We like to play this game called, "Let's see how many faces we can fit into the picture!" It's a lot of fun and is something that we will continue to perfect.

As you know if you have read the other blogs, we visited the tallest waterfall in Europe. It was made by the Romans a long time ago and can actually be shut off by a valve. There was a tunnel that lead to a little balcony type thing that was really wet and you could see the top part from below. it was really neat but we couldn't stay out there long because we got really wet and cold. But it was worth it!!

Stay tuned!

@ the end of the rainbow...

2007-05-22T22:41:00.000+02:00

Ciao to everyone!!! :D
There is soo much to try and explain on this wonderful blog site. haha!
We have been seeing soo many wonderful towns and art, so this week we were allowed to be a little more relaxed. There was a planned day where we visited two different BEACHes and we all had fun in the sun. It was a really refreshing day for everyone to just kick back and relax. Claire, Valerie, and I had a little time to layout, chill, and paint each other's toes!!! YAY 4 girl time!
We also got to visit the biggest waterful in Europe, which just so happened to be created by the Romans many many years ago.... The waterfall climb was exhausting, but AMAZING and this is where we found the end of all rainbows (in ITALY)!!!!!!
Now we are back in the studio working our little butts off creating images about our exciting and inspiring experiences.

Yesterday at the Mediterranean and today at the gallery!

2007-05-22T22:30:00.000+02:00

So as you all probably know by now, I'm not much of a writer. I love to sit and think by myself most of the time, especially when I'm out alone with nature. In fact, alone time may be starting to be a need for some people. The group dynamic is great and we all have been experiencing many artworks and sights together. However, yesterdays visit to the Mediterranean was awesome! We all socialized together, smiled, and took a short breather. We also stopped by Lake Bolsena.
Today was wonderful since we visited an art show of a famous Italian painter who lived from 1920-1990. I bought my first book, since we got a deal and I was truely inspired by his work. I better get off the internet for now... Everyone take care!

2007-05-22T07:53:00.000+02:00

Once again I can't stop talking about how amazing Italy is! There are so many different cultural exchanges it is difficult to know where to begin. Whether from the art to the food, to the people, or just the atmosphere of breathing the Italian open air. It is fantastic! Yesterday I swam in the Mediterranean sea It was quite beautiful, and extensive. There is an intense feeling of fulfillment one receives when they can say that they have swam in Italy.

With all these experiences I have been having, they are feeding themselves into my art work here at La Romita School of Art. The interactions with the Italians has made me focus my artwork in a direction of conceptual boundaries and how one must overcome communication barriers in order to get what one wants. One thing that I notice is that a language may be foreign to you, but you may have more difficulty communicating a language that is not foreign than comprehending one that is. These observation that I interpret daily are working themselves into my art in order to try and transcend the language barriers, while communicating with visual imagery, instead of dialectic.

~Geoff Smith~

Aqueducts!

2007-05-21T22:39:00.000+02:00

In traveling from place to place either by foot or by bus, our group has gotten to experience and enjoy the Roman Aqueducts placed around Italy. A true innovation of its time (and not surpassed for thousand of years), an aqueducts purpose is to get large amounts of water from one place to another over long distances. We had a chance to see a huge one stretching over a valley at Spoleto and saw several through the rolling plains on our way to the beach. The Roman aqueducts stretched from Germany to Africa and had a total of at least 260 miles. It is amazing to see such a site still standing today.

2007-05-21T22:31:00.000+02:00

2007-05-21T22:15:00.000+02:00

On Friday, some students here in Italy came to La Romita to visit. There was about 6 students and 6 faculty. It was a good time. We had wine and cheese with them first, then we made some art with then and showed then new techniques. Megan and I were paired up with Christiano and showed him how to make pours on watercolor paper. He seemed to enjoy it and at the end wanted to draw dinosaurs with me. So I have this very interesting drawing that him and I made.
Yesterday we went and saw the largest waterfall in Europe. Jared, Kaylee, Brian and I climbed to the top. I was very exhausting. We got to see a beautiful rainbow too!!
Today we got to go to the beach! It was amazing! I got so burnt and so did half of the other people. the sand is much different from out sand. It's black! The water felt pretty good also. We got to go to a lake after that and made some sketches.
We only have 5 more days here at La Romita, then we are off to Rome!

Last week at La Romita!

2007-05-21T21:27:00.000+02:00

We only have one more week at La Romita, and then we leave for Rome! I am very excited to visit Rome because it is the city that I have been wanting to visit the most from the beginning. Even though I am really excited for Rome, I am sad to leave Terni on Saturday this week. We all have been fairly productive while we have been here, and this week is going to be very busy while we try to finish(or start) projects. Yesterday, four of us students went to church with Marilynn and Scott to experience a Catholic service here in Italian. I am Catholic, so I could follow along with the service just like I do at home, even though I couldn't really understand what the priest was saying...haha. Most of the church service was conducted the same way as my church at home besides different little things, as well as the communion part of mass at the end. After church, we came back to La Romita for the day. I worked some on a painting, and then painted my tootsies and Claire's and Tori's outside in the sun. Yesterday afternoon we visited the largest waterfall in Europe. We all took a hike to the top of the waterfall. We had some ice cream at the top of the hill and took some beautiful pictures. On the way down the hill, Tori, Jamie, and I all walked through a cave tunnel to see the waterfall up close. We all got soaked when we got to the other side of the tunnel because it was almost underneath the waterfall. Last night we had dinner and worked on art in the studio, then went to bed. Today we finally got to see a body of water when we went to the ocean and a lake. We all got a little too much sun and look like bruchetta tomatoes..hehe. Later we came back to La Romita for dinner and now we are finishing up some work for our critique tomorrow in the studio.
*Here's me painting by the lake today...suprise! I was working!
*This picture is the view from the hill next to the waterfall
*Jamie, Tori, and I on the bus ride to Terni the other night

Not Just a Day at the Beach

2007-05-21T19:11:00.000+02:00

After yesterday's waterfall adventure [I climbed all the way to the top and also went through a tunnel about midway up to feel the spray... and we saw a rainbow] I didn't expect today to be so amazing. But... we went to the beach! We started our day in a small town hoping to see a museum, but Mondays are a day when things aren't always open in Italy, kind of like Sundays in the U.S. and the museum we were planning to go see just happened to be closed... so we went to the beach. I didn't have my camera with me, but I got some pictures at a lake we went to later in the day... and while we were at the beach I did get to swim in the Mediterranean! I didn't have swim trunks, nor did I have a change of clothes with me... but this may be the only chance I have to swim in the Mediterranean Sea, so I made my way in.

Last night after dinner we all went up to the olive grove and did night drawings with our flashlights, then Marilynn did a demo on egg tempura. Looking around the studio, it is obvious that we are all being inspired by what we're doing during our day trips to cities and towns. This week's shaping up to be full of new experiences, and I'm both excited and exhausted just thinking about it. It feels like we're doing a week's worth of sight-seeing each day but at the same time it feels like we just got here.

2007-05-21T01:01:00.000+02:00

Thus far this trip has been an amazing experience, there is nothing that I have ever experienced that can have any comparison to this transcendental trip of influential inspiration. This is truly the home of religious iconography and amazing tempera paints. It is absolutely gorgeous here, from the intense blue sky which contrast with the facades of decomposing architecture to the beautiful arches that encompass your ever step leading you into a new adventure in every city whether that city is Terni, Trevi, Montefalco (wine capital Italy), or the small little village of San Marino.

The only problem that I have had is there is just so much to write about that I can only hint at the experience as a whole. Everything is beautiful.

~Geoff Smith~

Last few days in pictures

2007-05-21T00:08:00.000+02:00

On Friday we went to Spoletto, I think. It's getting really hard to remember when we did what. But we saw a Roman theater and an aquaduct, which was pretty cool. Saturday we went to Montefalco and Trevi. They're both fairly small, quiet hill towns. The playground in Trevi was a lot of fun... Apparantly back in the states ziplines are 'too dangerous' for small children, but not here. Sunday we went to the biggest waterfall in Europe. It was made by the Romans and is used for hydroelectricity now. It was really pretty. Monday was beach day! We went to the Mediterranean Sea and to a lake near Terni. It was soooo much fun. I love the water. I bought an inflatable duck floaty and swam around on that for awhile. I also threw in a picture of one of the amazing sunsets at La Romita.

Giant Fake Waterfall!!

2007-05-20T23:36:00.000+02:00

Hey all, so today we went to a 2000 year old man-made (Roman) Waterfall. They built it to irrigate the surrounding Terni farmland and it is HUGE. It doesn't look fake at all, in fact I got close to it through this cave and got a little (a lot) wet. It is really bizarre to me that the Romans just decided to build a waterfall of this scale just because they could; very impressive. There is actually a valve that turns this thing off, weird right? I don't have any pictures because I forgot my camera, but I am sure someone will post for your viewing pleasure. Later all.

Trevi and Montefalco

2007-05-20T14:45:00.000+02:00

So our trip to Trevi didn't meet up to the expectations of the other cities. I did see a cool contemporary piece. There was a video with it. All the bottles in the picture represent people. I couldn't read too much into it since there was no english artist statement. Although seeing this piece was the most exciting thing I did in Trevi. Montefalco was a nice little city, though.

Italy News

2007-05-20T13:44:00.000+02:00

Italia - that's where its at - the history of civilization is etched on the walls of Italy through the passage of time - and the Art in Italy group is certainly experiencing it. We are having a terrific time!!!

We examined churches and museums containing masterpiece we studied in art history. How amazing to see David or Botticelli's Birth of Venus and much, much more. We wandered through ancient towns and villages that provided a unique opportunity to reflect on our usual lives at Ball State University and recognize major differences. In Siena, the town of the famous Palio (horse race), we saw the colorful flags for the various Sienese regions as a constant reminder of medieval life. Similar pagentry was seen on the Duomo piazza in Spoletto as a group of drummers and flag bearers amazed us with flag twirls, tosses and synchronization.

Often as I roamed, I spotted a wall with terrific texture and maybe even some old posters that appealed to my aesthetic sensibilities as an artist.

The students are totally immersed in the Italian cultural experience. They learned some Italian words, and are enjoying Italian food and fashion. Jared even treated himself to an Italian haircut. Last night Jared was found ironing his shirt before some Saturday night fun in Terni. I guess he hoped to wow an Italian girl and I bet he did.

But the most emersive experience occurred at La Romita a few afternoons ago when some Italian students from the Terni Art Academy met our students for appetizers and art. BSU students showed the Italian students some of the drawing and painting techniques they used in their work. I think it was a huge success because the Italian students said they wanted to return next week.

Scott loves Italy and is doing a terrific job of mentoring BSU students. As he focuses on his own drawings and paintings, he inspire students with enthusiasm for capturing the spirit of Italy, Italia. We're discovering and responding to its richness.

scenes from Italy

2007-05-20T08:22:00.000+02:00

I am loading lots of pictures from scenes in Florence at the Boboli gardens to Jacopo Pontormo in jail, Massacio at San Maria del Carmine and views from the Arno River. There are also pictures from Sienna and day trips from La Romita. Enjoy the pictures we are all seeing,drawing and paintig Italy. It has been a great experience. Chow.

2007-05-20T07:14:00.000+02:00

Roman ruins at Carsule in Umbria.

New Place...New Museum

2007-05-20T00:50:00.000+02:00

Montefalco:

With museums filled with ancient work and iconology, the museum of Montefalco was a nice change of pace with a wonderful cathedral, filled with frescos and wonderful colors. In addition to that, a contemporary photography gallery (in the basement) was filled works on the Iraq war. Done by a non-American, it was interesting to see another point of view outside the United States. Not only did it have great works of art, it had artifacts, from marble capitals to metal helmets dating back to the 17th century it intrigued the viewer with another way of life. Outside of the museum, the rest of the day was filled with gelatio, sun and us working hard to complete watercolors and drawings of the Italian landscape and more. Ciao from Italy and stay tuned for the next entry.

Today was an awesome day!

2007-05-19T18:57:00.000+02:00

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...

2007-05-19T18:21:00.000+02:00

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!

2007-05-18T23:51:00.000+02:00

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)

2007-05-18T23:28:00.001+02:00

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

2007-05-18T22:10:00.000+02:00

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.

2007-05-18T15:56:00.000+02:00

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

2007-05-18T14:43:00.001+02:00

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...

2007-05-17T23:15:00.000+02:00

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.

2007-05-17T22:43:00.000+02:00

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.

2007-05-17T22:07:00.000+02:00

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!

2007-05-17T21:39:00.000+02:00

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)

2007-05-17T21:12:00.000+02:00

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

2007-05-17T20:12:00.000+02:00

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...

2007-05-17T00:14:00.000+02:00

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

2007-05-16T22:55:00.000+02:00

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!!

2007-05-16T22:03:00.000+02:00

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!

2007-05-16T16:53:00.000+02:00

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!

2007-05-16T15:19:00.000+02:00

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.

2007-05-16T14:52:00.000+02:00

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

2007-05-16T00:17:00.000+02:00

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!

2007-05-15T23:48:00.000+02:00

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

2007-05-15T23:26:00.000+02:00

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!

2007-05-14T14:52:00.000+02:00

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

2007-05-13T22:44:00.000+02:00

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!

2007-05-13T22:22:00.000+02:00

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!

From Jared to Jarerardo.....

2007-05-10T21:11:00.000+02:00

Chau my fellow Americans! Italy is an amazing place. Its hard to put into words so just take a good look at the photos my fellow art students are posting and try to visualize it in person. Its so old, yet so clean. All the streets are nice brick and the buildings are all stone. We have seen some amazing art, including Michelangelo, Giotto, da Vinci and Massachio. Today I went to a barber to get a hair cut. When I walked in and tried to conversate I realized the barber did not know any English so I pulled out the 'ol phrase book and told him that I needed a trim. He offered me the seat as I told him to make me look Italian. He replied, "I give you good style." After a cut, a wash, and the "good style," I transformed from Jared to Jarerado. Now hopefully the Italian ladies will be a little more friendly to me. :)

Woah!

2007-05-10T16:29:00.000+02:00

oh my gosh there is so much to say! For the sake of time, I will just do the bullet point version.
*our hotel room has two bathrooms, one for me and one for tori.
*i bought my first real leather purse made in italy! it is blue/green
*all of the roofs are red
*tori and i made friends with the street vendors
*i climbed to the top of the duomo (a large church with a dome)
*we have seen a lot of old paintings
* we dont have much time to get on the internet!!

i have to go!! im having fun and i miss everyone! more later when i have more time. (im at an internet cafe!)

El Duomo

2007-05-10T02:19:00.000+02:00

Scott, Jarrod, and I climb 436 steps to the top of the Duomo while the rest of Florence moves below us. My knees were quivering from all of the excitement when we finally reached the top.

Geoff Smith

2007-05-10T01:26:00.000+02:00

Day 4 Thursday morning at 2 am Geoff and I are finishing up some Blog stuff and ready for tomorrow to see Massachio .

New pictures from Florence.

May 8, 2007

2007-05-10T00:45:00.000+02:00

We spent our day at the Accademia seeing Michealanglo's David and San Larenzo chapel.

Florence

2007-05-09T23:45:00.000+02:00

Duomo I climbed to the top!

2007-05-09T23:41:00.000+02:00

This is some local artist trying to make a few euros here in Florence, Italy; my heart is with these individuals as they pursue their passion to create and channel great art. If I new a little more Italian I would have asked to join them in their aesthetic pursuit. I think I might buy some pastels and do a little rendition of my own before leaving Florence.

Florence has been, thus far an amazing spiritual experience for a student of art like myself, from the speeding vespas, to the Galleria degli Uffizi, to the nicknames I have adorned--as being proclaimed: SCOUT. For my running ahead and behind checking out location and gathering all to share in this amazing adventure. We all are very thankful for this trip.

Next stop on Friday--Siene!

Ciao!

the Days are Just Packed

2007-05-09T23:00:00.000+02:00

Near the end of the day yesterday we went to St. Croce to see some famous tombs, but I spent most of the time looking up. The ceilings were painted with great detail and the walls were, too. Mostly I was looking at the huge stained glass windows. The entire open space was gigantic.

Yesterday was pretty packed. We also went to see a replica of the David. Today we saw the actual David. Jared, Valerie, and I stopped to do some sketches of it. A group gathered around to watch Jared, an American woman stopped to tell me she liked mine, and Val's had abs like a Ninja Turtle.

The first day here I didn't get a chance to post pictures, but we saw Marilynn's long-lost Italian sister.

Italian Squid

2007-05-09T22:19:00.000+02:00

We arrived in Italy and we are now in Florence. I enjoy it very much here, but I'm not so fond of the food. I had my first experience with different foods last night. For dinner, they served us a plate of squid ( and I mean squid bodies and tentacles!- yuck!!), the next plate served was spaghetti with mussels. I did not eat that either. The last plate that was served was salmon and french fries. The fries were a little different and at this point I was starving so I decided to try the salmon. My salmon had bones in it, but I actually like it and it was the first time I had tried salmon. I only ate about half of it though. At this point I wanted to go grab a piece of pizza! I am curious to see what other meals are to come.

2007-05-07T23:52:00.000+02:00

We Made it! Barely. We had fun every minute of the journey. Florence is grea,t diner was delicious and we had a great bus driver Gusipie from Milan who sang to us on the bus. Tomorrow the Uffitzi.

SPECIAL THANKS TO DAVID HANNON FOR LAST MINUTE HEROICS WITH A SPECIAL DELIVERY. THANKS DAVID!

Arrival

2007-05-07T23:27:00.000+02:00

I'm sitting in the lobby of Hotel Majestic in Florence with Leslie and Geoff after our first full day in the country. We took a bus here as soon as we landed in Milan. Today has been extremely busy--today and yesterday have both been extremely busy. The time change made it all feel like one day, but watching the sun set along the coast of the States from the sky on our way over the Atlantic was worth it.

Welcome to Italy

2007-05-07T02:21:00.000+02:00

Unfortunately, I'm not there! I want to be the first to ask you how your journey was. Hope everyone made it there in one piece with all of your luggage and passports! I know it's a beautiful drive from Milan to Florence. Did you see the Ferrari plant? It's about half way in between, best viewed from the train. Have fun, be safe!

Trip To Florence

2007-05-05T21:28:00.000+02:00

Flight To Milan

2007-05-05T21:25:00.000+02:00

2007-05-03T01:00:00.000+02:00

three days left... and then we're on the plane.

looking out the window at the clouds of italia.

hello, surreal.

2007-04-30T04:27:00.000+02:00

We leave in LESS THAN A WEEK!!!

Italia

2007-04-24T04:02:00.000+02:00

Ciao La Romita

Hey...

2007-04-24T03:44:00.001+02:00

Is this working?!

2007-04-21T20:34:00.002+02:00

Andiamo all'Italia in 2 settimane!

2007-04-21T20:34:00.001+02:00