With Artistic Holidays, you have a wonderful opportunity to learn the arts and secrets of sculpting in marble in the artistic centre of Pietrasanta, Italy. Situated on Tuscany's Versilian Riviera, Pietrasanta has long been renowned for its top-class marble, and now serves as a home, school and exhibition centre for numerous artists and sculptors.
The courses in sculpture are hosted by the third-generation firm of Galeotti, and offer hands-on, intensive sessions at various levels. You can't expect to come away as the next Donatello, but after ten six-hour practical sessions under the tutelage of expert sculptors and marble-workers, you will have an excellent grounding in this ancient art.
Each of the courses in sculpture lasts for ten working days of six hours, with two sessions running from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. Attendance for one person is EURO €2582, with all materials (marble and stone) and tools supplied.
Instruction is offered at three levels of proficiency as follows:
The Basic Course covers the basics of working with marble, basic techniques with a variety of tools, and the principles of copying classic sculptures. Students will come away with practical experience of sculpting marble.
The Medium Course expands on the principles introduced in the Basic Course, with students learning to do detailed marble work on classic models. Advanced instruction in the use of various chisels and the manual pantograph will give students a confidence in various copying techniques.
The Advanced Course is intended for experienced sculptors, or for students who have followed the more basic courses. Fine detail and the modelling of a classical head will be covered in detail, and students will be introduced to the advanced technique of enlargement with compasses.
Whether you take advantage of Artistic Holiday's rental accommodation or not, you'll find a great deal to occupy time away from the workshop - long walks and cycling in the wooded hills, the splendid Versilian beaches, sites of historical and artistic importance, and legendary cities like Pisa, Florence and Siena. Please read on for some more information about this part of Tuscany.
