For undergraduate and graduate art students, artists wishing to work independently as residents in a stimulating school environment, and adults who aspire to reach a deeper level in their art.
The School is one of a very few of its kind: a school of modern art with in-depth training in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Enrollment is limited to about twenty-five students per session, with a 5:1 student/teacher ratio. This positive and intimate environment offers students substantial contact, both formal and informal, with their faculty mentors.
Thanks to our dynamic faculty, students come from all over the world. International School artists are of diverse ages and backgrounds. They include undergraduate and graduate art students from top-ranking art schools, artists considering graduate programs, postgraduates, art professors, working artists, and professionals. The International School is an ideal environment in which developing artists can completely devote themselves to working and learning. The time spent working at the school has always been extremely productive and conducive for breakthroughs, for students and faculty alike.
The School emphasizes the importance of drawing as the foundation for the development of one’s individual work. Students may draw from the model or in the landscape in three-hour classes, and paint in the landscape or from the model in four-hour classes, four days a week. We offer clay sculpture classes with the model twice a week. Painters are welcome to join the class. Instructors teach at least twice a week and are accessible for individual consultations and critiques. On non-teaching days, students are strongly encouraged to work independently.
Each student is assigned a private or semi-private studio for independent studio practice, to study, and develop their own personal work. Students have 24-hour access to their studios, in a safe and work-conducive environment. Or they may paint outdoors, in the beautiful Italian light.
In the evenings, visiting artists and faculty give slide lectures on their work, lead open discussions and readings, as well as give preparatory talks for art study trips. Students can participate in the slide talks, and in group and final critiques. Because of the close and communal nature of the school, students and faculty have constant interaction during meals, slide talks, trips, as well as in the open air piazzas in the town, where students, faculty, and townspeople congregate.
Fridays are trip days to Italy’s cities of art, to study and draw from the great art of the past.
Students may use the International School’s extensive art library, and video collection, and have 24-hour access to a telephone, computers, Wi-Fi, and the Internet. Experienced models are available as needed.
A final exhibition in the school’s gallery, which will be attended by local artists and people from the surrounding area, formally concludes the program.
