Ink, Paint, Paper, and Passion.
This is the title of the course offered by Amity Parks and Brody Neuenschwander at the La Romita School of Art in Terni, a town in the Umbria region of Italy.
Amity, Lily and Brody in Assisi
I’ve just returned from two weeks touring the Umbrian countryside—visiting ancient churches and libraries, examining medieval manuscripts, working in the studio late into the night and early morning, and feasting on Italian cuisine.
Ah yes, gelato, the food group! I sampled all the flavours—including stracciatella. When ordering, my pronunciation may lack flair, but the chocolate and vanilla concoction is definitely my favourite.
I’m sharing images of the wonderful people and places I encountered. The Italian countryside is just too grand a destination to embrace in one visit! I must return.
The grounds at the La Romita School of Art—a Capuchin monastery (established 1548) turned art school (founded 1966).
From my room, views of the Umbrian countryside and La Romita courtyard.
Buongiorno, Amity!
Garden outside the studio.
Morning yoga keeps us limber and gets out the kinks of sitting in the studio for hours.
Breakfast in the stone dining room.
Class begins. The sheet is blank.
Coming up in the series:
Umbria: The Studio—Ink, Paint, Paper, Passion
Umbria: Perugia—Medieval Manuscripts
Umbria: Stroncone—Choral Books
Umbria: Assisi—Basilica of Saint Francis
Umbria: Cascata delle Marmore—Manmade Waterfall
Umbria: Farewell—Ink, Paint, Paper, Passion
An Artist's Journey 