Creative Tools
“ Painting is dreaming before Nature”
Paul Gauguin
Vistanuova Art Retreats will include use of various mediums and techniques . This may include:
• Sketching – drawing as a natural activity.
• Drawing – using pencils, charcoal and pastels to engage in visual dialogue
• Painting – plein-air and studio work in oils and/or acrylics.
• Digital photography and collage – digital note-taking and contemporary alternatives in exploring the classic art of composition.
• Mixed media – mixing dry media (pencil, charcoal, pastel) with wet media (watercolor, tempera, acrylic) in a step–by–step easy process.
• Collaborative art – making visual art a celebratory group experience.
• Visual Contemplation – focusing on an image in order to uncover personal associations and hidden meanings related to it.
Retreats begin with an introductory sketch class followed by a series of ongoing clinics covering a variety of topics, challenges and solutions. Small group size provides participants with an opportunity to receive individualized art instruction on an as-needed basis matching their skill level and depth of experience.
Vistanuova programs are flexible to offer something for everyone, a chance to delve deeply into a media of your choice or try your hand at something new.
Our participants range from mature artists with years of art making under their belt who are looking to expand, refresh and re-invigorate their art practice to people with little or no artistic experience who are willing to actively participate and gain from all of the activities.
“You need to make the decision to enter the labyrinth, but once on it, the path is inexorable to the center of your being.”
Joseph Dispenza
How can creative process help us in navigating the labyrinth of self-discovery and inner development? Probing and searching for answers to this and other related questions is an essential element of Vistanuova retreats.
Transforming artistic inquiry into a working dialog between one’s soul and the surrounding Universe is the primary mission of our creative laboratory.
The Call
Painting requires courage - the strength of spirit to set sail into the Unknown, to be alone with the forces of Nature and Her terrible beauty, alone with one’s power and one's powerlessness.
Yet I know that there are other adventurous ones out there scavenging the Seas of Inspiration weathering the storms, the hunger and the blinding light.
If we survive we'll get together in a dive near the port swapping tall tales, but really looking for the one thing in each other’s eyes that truly binds us together - the love of being alone in an open sea.
Andrey Tamarchenko
