THE COURSE
Known as an artist & teacher working from the life model, Andy Pankhurst has always continued to be a landscape painter, the principles being no different - within this philosophy the course is based. Painting either directly from within the beautiful surrounding Tuscan landscape of the Verrocchio art centre, or amongst it's medieval streets of Casole d’Elsa, the tuition will focus towards your personal self-expression while working perceptually from the motif – how to make your equivalent in paint? The abstract language of the old masters & concepts of colour, light & space will be our daily diet. Each participant will also have their own individual studio space ‘base’ and easel, etc, giving those wishing to revise and rework ideas a possibility to do so. Teaching will be on a one-to-one basis to suit individual needs. It will further include: a group introductory colour talk & demonstration, village and landscape painting recce, seminar talks and selected evening slide lectures - All levels of experience welcome.
Seven days tuition, plus two untutored, one of which will offer the opportunity for a days optional trip to nearby Siena or San Gimignano. Teaching times: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm & 3 pm – 5:30 pm. (Regarding adverse weather conditions. We can always take refuge if ever required & continue from your ‘base’ within Verrocchio’s magnificent and beautiful studios with views overlooking the classic landscape).
MATERIALS:
*Oil or acrylic paints. Suggested basic colours: Titanium White, Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Deep, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, French Ultramarine, Cobalt & Phthalo Blue. A fully comprehensive materials list will be sent out to all participants approximately two months prior to the course. *Although the course is primarily about working with paint on canvas, those wishing to use water colours, chalk or oil pastels, etc will be encouraged and advised - either as materials & mediums for studies, or as works in their own right on paper.
THE TUTOR
Studied and taught at the Slade School of Fine Art. Presently teaching at the Royal Drawing School, the London School of Painting & Drawing & freelance artist and lecturer at the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Co-authored (with Lucinda Hawksley) ‘What Makes Great Art’, published by Apple press.
A figurative painter with work represented in various public, corporate & private collections in the UK and USA.
Represented &exhibits with Browse & Darby, London. www.browseanddarby.co.uk
Testimonials
"I wanted to thank you so much for your tutoring and encouragement during the course at Verrocchio. Your enthusiasm and love of art is infectious and your generosity in sharing your wealth of knowledge was a privilege to partake in. It was a truly memorable week that I will remember for a long time to come." NP, London
"Andy Pankhurst completely understands not only the complex joy, but hard won accomplishments in the world of painting. He has an incredible gift for teaching and sharing his knowledge and experience as a brilliant artist in his own right. Andy guides and draws out his students unique vision calmly, deftly, and with understanding. He is an exceptional teacher ,and I feel lucky and privileged to be taught by him, and inspired by his talent." SB, London
"I first went to Verrocchio Art Centre 19 years ago, and have returned every year since. The Art Centre and the village is unique and magical, and of all the courses that I have taken elsewhere nothing compares to Verrocchio. The medieval setting, food, ambience and facilities are wonderful, and it has become a 'home from home' to me. The atmosphere is relaxed and caters to all standards of artists and beginners. The Centro D'Arte Verrocchio attracts the highest standard of tutors such as Andy Pankhurst. Andy, who will be running a course this summer is a fantastic knowledgeable and caring teacher. I have been under his tuition at The Royal Drawing School for three years. As a hugely accomplished artist himself, it is very exciting that he will be teaching this summer at Verrocchio, and I highly recommend his course." Sylvie, London