SICILY: Plein air Painting with Thomas Kitts

Introduction

Sicily Plein air. Finally the Destination workshop in Sicily with Thomas Kitts will take place in the spring of 2023.

Location

Sicily is a land of extremes and contrasts where each season has its own distinctive charm. The surroundings of Villa Salinara in the southwestern tip of Sicily offer a wealth of inspiring painting spots with picturesque views. During the week, the group will take short trips in the surroundings, to selected painting spots with diversified subject matter. Sicilian wines and food will round up an unforgettable experience.

Instruction

Thomas Jefferson Kitts is inspired by the way light plays across his subjects. In the clarity of the Sicilian light, landscape, windmills, salt pans, architectural features and much more will be captured it in oil. Students will work directly from life, learning alla prima techniques as developed by master artists such as Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn, and made accessible through Thomas effective teaching style.

Teaching Philosophy

Thomas’ instructional approach is simple – start where you are and advance you from there. Make learning fun and keep the focus on positive improvements. Over the past 30+ years Thomas has learned how to inspire you to work harder to become a better artist…

Media

This workshop is open to all media

Artist Statement

“When people view my work I want them to see a painting, not a photograph. I want them to experience a surface made alive with colour, texture, and the movement of my hand, yet also feel a connection to the reality that gave birth to the work. Up close, I want the painting to explode. From a distance, I want it to optically re-assemble into a whole. But most of all, I want you, the viewer, to appreciate why I prefer to paint from life – and thus discover a common sense of wonder.” 

Bio

Thomas Jefferson Kitts has painted observationally, en plein air, for more than 33 years, first starting out in 1984 after graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute. Thomas is a Signature Member of the California Plein Air Painters, Laguna Beach Plein Air Painters Association, and the American Impressionist Society, as well as an Artist Member of Oil Painters of America, and the historic and celebrated California Art Club. He travels extensively and maintains a distinguished exhibition history that includes many professional art organizations such as the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America and the Arts for the Parks (Top 100). His work is actively collected throughout North America by both private and public insititutions. https://www.thomaskitts.com/