This will be Koosje Koene’s first time leading a retreat with Adventures in Italy. Learn more about her style and hopes for her time in Orvieto.
What are you most excited about in visiting Orvieto?
To draw, draw, draw! There will be so much to capture in our sketchbooks! Although the Duomo looks beautiful and interesting from the outside and inside, I can already imagine sitting at the Piazza Della Repubblica with sketchbook and pen!
What do you hope your students will take away from your class?
That they will see more thanks to looking with artists eyes. When you draw, you start really looking, and then you see so much more. Also: to embrace the wonkiness that comes with a sketchbook practice. It’s all about capturing the moment and memories in an expressive way, not about likeness or accuracy. And I’ll have some fun tricks up my sleeve to help them feel more confident about the process.
What is it about teaching in Orvieto that’s so special?
Well… it’s Umbria, it’s Italy! The culture! The people! The language! The food! So much art and history. Beautiful architecture and wide views to capture in our sketchbooks. And have you SEEN the place we’ll all be staying??
How will you incorporate Orvieto/Italy in your teaching this week?
I draw from observation, and that’s what I teach. So naturally everything we will be drawing will be Italy. Even when you just draw your feet or your glass with a cool drink while you are relaxing in your room, there will be Italy seeping through the pages, because I will teach you to capture not just what you see but also what you feel – capturing the vibe.
Of course we will be drawing on location in Orvieto and you’ll learn helpful techniques to tell your visual story.
Oh and we might even play with Italian espresso coffee on our sketchbook pages!
What cultural experience are you most looking forward to?
Actually two things: The cathedral tour and the cooking class.
What are you most excited to share with your students?
The time we get to spend together. The laughter. How we will all inspire each other. Fun exercises that might bring some creative a-ha moments.
Do you have a favorite spot to people watch?
In a café, or at a terrace, with an espresso at arm’s length. And of course, a sketchbook in hand.
What’s your favorite flavor of gelato?
Believe it or not but I am of a rare species that doesn’t eat gelato. I’ll have an espresso instead.
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