Spring moves me, so I draw!

How a return to the basics regenerates the spirit ⁓

Spring truly moves me. On a bright, sunny day, the light radiates pure happiness. Maybe it’s the serotonin boost from those first rays, or the flowers and scents that trigger memories of youth—even childhood. Whatever it is, my first instinct is to get outside. But not before tossing a couple of sheets of paper, brushes, and colors into my backpack.

Yesterday, I took a long walk with no destination in mind and ended up in a small, slightly hidden, and overgrown park behind my house. I sat on a bench and started to draw.

Francesco Fontana, Pencil Drawing Outdoor, 2026

After seeing Gianni Provenzano’s beautiful work at the Galleria Caravello in Palermo—those beat-up cars and everyday objects I love so much—I felt a sudden, crazy urge for pure drawing: just a pencil and a kneaded eraser!

And so, my informal plein air session on a park bench turned into over an hour of total bliss. A return to the basics that truly regenerates the spirit.

Do you love to draw, or do you feel the need to improve your line work (especially if you paint in watercolor)? Let me know in the comments, maybe I can help you loosen up your hand.

Actually, scratch that... I mean loosen up your eye. Remember: you don’t draw with your hands, you draw with your eyes!

Paint in the Monet Gardens and by the Lily Pond

III Workshop in Giverny, France

In Italian Mon 3-7 Fri Agosto 2015

In English Mon 10-14 Fri August 2015

Inquiry here

This Giverny experience is designed to learn and get inspired by the father of Impressionism Claude Monet. We’ll spend five days in Giverny, north of Paris, where Monet lived for 30 years. Here we’ll be painting in the village and in the gardens along the water lily pond the master had built. These are the real locations where Monet’s masterpieces were created. We are coming here for the third time because the atmosphere is so magical to say the least, and left an unerasable mark in all of us. You can add extra days to your vacation, prior and after Giverny. The group meeting point will be in Paris at Gare Saint Lazare where the train leaves to Vernon, nearest station to Giverny. Here Francesco will welcome you in person.

The Monet’s Paris

To prepare for the culture and spirit of Impressionism, you would want to visit two Paris museums: Le Musée Marmottan e l'Orangerie. The first one displaying Impression du Soleil Levant, (Impression of the Rising Sun), from which the term Impressionism was conied. At Musée de l'Orangerie you can admire a selection of giant paintings among the 250 that Monet painted of the lilies and the reflections on the waters of the Giverny pond.

We will not guide your visit of Paris, but will provide some precious tips you’ll find in the Planner attached. I will also connect you with other participants who wish to share the Parisian experience. I know Paris very well so feel free to ask for insights.

Welcome to Giverny

Once you arrive the Vernon station, a reserved group taxi and a car for luggages will pick you up for the hotel. The same day a visit to the house and gardens of Monet is scheduled. Followed by a ice breaking drink and a good dinner.

The following mornings we’ll be painting in the hotel garden. Then will return to Monet’s the next four afternoons, with a private pass to paint in the property without the presence of tourists. These sessions have no structured instruction, just some advise and great deal of inspiration from the golden hours of the day!

Watercolor Workshop

Watercolor is the official media and beginners are welcome. Oil or acrylic are allowed for outdoor expert painters only. Instruction is mainly based on demos. Francesco will be available for individual advise on request. An open feedback will take place on last day, followed by a farewell dinner. On departure day a taxi is scheduled to Vernon station for Paris, or directly to the airport.

Sign up now

To get help you can email Francesco at workshops@francescofontana.com

Inquiry here

© Francesco Fontana 2015 Documento aggiornato il 21 gennaio 2015

Join me at Painters' Woodstock and Save $100

I am so excited and honored to know I will be part of the faculty of 4th Plein Air Convention and Expo, the Woodstock of plein air painting, taking place in Monterey, California next April 2015.  I've been invited to offer demos on the watercolor stage. This invitation is a great honor. The Convention only invites top quality artists and its stage is the daydream of hundreds of American and International painters. As the only European presenter to date, I feel the thrill and responsibility of it all!

New details come out almost daily. Make sure you are signed up to my Newsletter to stay up to date. This also qualifies you for a $ 100 off your registration fee, should you decide to attend the Convention. Which I warmly recommend you! In the next news I'll tell you the many reasons why you cannot miss this amazing event!

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www.francescofontana.com