PRIVATE CLASSES
In addition to current, posted classes below, I offer private instruction in watercolor from my studio, based on schedule availability. My private instruction rate is $250 for a 3 hour session. Art materials are not included. My studio is located in Jacksonville, Florida’s Riverside neighborhood - at the CoRK Arts District, 603 King Street.
TESTIMONIALS
“Robert Leedy is an accomplished, award-winning watercolorist and a great teacher. He’s articulate and generous in sharing his wide-ranging knowledge of watercolor techniques – all in an effort to encourage students to enhance their own styles, rather than mimic his.”
– Jessie Cook, Student
“Robert Leedy’s use of color, technique, and fun composition captured my imagination. I learned so much not only about watercolor technique but also color and composition. His critiques have always been positive and very constructive and he has encouraged me to love to keep painting. Painting with Robert is always fun as he has a great sense of humor and sweet disposition.”
– Rebbecca Mentz, Student
“I started Robert’s classes relatively new to art, much less watercolor. Robert pushed me (gently!) to become an intermediate painter. He is positive, charming and a great storyteller. If you have a chance to take lessons from him, I encourage you to do so and I know you will enjoy the experience!”
– Connie Slimmon, Student
2024 WORKSHOPS
WATERCOLOR IMMERSION IN ITALY
with Robert Leedy,Venice, ITALY
NOW REGISTERING!
When I think of Venice, the artist, John Singer Sargent, immediately comes to mind. Sargent, an American artist (1856-1925) who lived in London, made his living painting high society portraits in oil, but his real passion was with the medium of watercolor, and the city of Venice is the backdrop and subject of his best works in watercolor. Understandable as this magical city is surrounded by water and is full of light, color, history, and culture.
Sargent shows off his skill here as he painted watercolors en plein air, usually from the back of a hired gondola. Of course, he was not alone among the many other artists who were drawn to Venice; we can also count William Turner (Joseph Mallord William Turner, 1775-1851) and the American, James McNeil Whistler (1834-1903.) The works of these three, alone, in Venice, are great gifts to the art world.
Join me for a week of Watercolor Immersion in this fabulous city. You might not come away painting like Sargent but I promise you will have a new appreciation for him as well as a lot of new skills in watercolor painting - whether you are a beginner or a seasoned watercolorist.
An added bonus is that the Venice Biennale will be going on while we are there. Originally established in 1895, it is one of the most prestigious international exhibitions of the contemporary arts. In addition to the art exhibits, there are also associated festivals centered around architecture, music, dance, theater, and film. It is a huge event, with most exhibits centered in the Giardini della Biennale and many others throughout the city. You might plan to extend your visit by a few days to see the exhibit.
ABOUT MY HOSTS: My Italian workshops are all hosted and organized by il Chiostro, a company based out of New York with over 20 years of proven experience in creating, organizing, and managing creative, adventure travel workshops throughout Italy and abroad. Founders Linda Mironti and Michael Mele are both Italian-Americans, fluent in Italian, who have a passion for everything Italian and wide ranging knowledge of the country, its history, culture, art, traditions, cuisine, and geography. They also have close ties and relationships with venues across Italy. My first experience with them was as a student in Tuscany, Lake Garda, and Venice in the early 2000s. In 2018, they asked me to teach a workshop in Tuscany and I have been traveling to Italy annually ever since. Together with their knowledgeable, and supportive staff, your experience in Italy is optimized for a very memorable stay. Read more about them and the many creative workshops offered on their website.
WATERCOLOR IMMERSION IN ITALY WITH ROBERT LEEDY 2024: VENICE, ITALY
October 12th - October 19th, 2024
WHY A WORKSHOP IN ITALY?: The short answer is WHY NOT? My experience as not only an instructor - but also as a student - of numerous workshops - shows me that getting out of your day-to-day environment - especially in a foreign country/culture - opens your mind up to faster and easier learning. Being in a strange, new place with a fresh eye and outlook on your surroundings opens the door fully to your creative expression. Yet it is not only about your artistic experience but also enriching your life experience by seeing new places, meeting new people, tasting new foods, learning about new cultures, languages, and history…that adds so much to your overall experience in Italy. As a painter creating art in the streets and countryside of Italy, you will have many personal exchanges with locals interested in what you are doing. And these encounters will not only be with Italians but people visiting from all over the world. A little knowledge of Italian helps - though not necessary - as the il Chiostro staff works full time to make your total experience while in Italy a great one. As I tell potential students, all we need to worry about is painting, eating, and drinking! You will return home, exhausted yet replenished, and inspired with new paintings, new friends, and many wonderful memories.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: This literally is a Watercolor Immersion where you will be painting every day yet we will have time to explore Venice and all of its islands. Designed to include all skill levels - whether you are a total beginner or an accomplished watercolorist, I will work with you personally at your most comfortable level with the goal to improve your skill level and develop a personal style as you learn tips and techniques about watercolor painting. All the basics of watercolor painting will be covered including supplies, basic techniques, brush handling, paint application, etc. I usually do a crash course before we set out each morning and discuss various goals and projects to work towards. I am also on hand to guide you personally while on location. Typical subjects will be the creation of a value range, color mixing, and color mingling. All throughout the sessions, I discuss design & composition, editing the subject, solving problems, and dealing with mistakes. The daily critiques also hold a wealth of information as I discuss and evaluate the combined works of the day. Students will take away a lot from these daily critiques. Your fellow students will also serve as inspiration as you see them working through their own challenges. Combined with my instruction, it all adds up to a week full of knowledge gained about the medium of watercolor.The week will be spent in the a brightly renovated ex-convent on the Zattere in the Dorsoduro sector. When you register you can choose either a single or double room with ensuite bathroom in the complex where our studio is. Rooms are clean and comfortable, but simply furnished. If you would prefer to find your own accommodations in a nearby hotel or AirBnB, no problem. Just click that option on the registration page.
We’ll enjoy traditional cuisine at local restaurants or prepared by our personal chef. It will be an ideal place to improve your painting skills.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Our home for the week is a brightly renovated ex-convent on the Zattere in the Dorsoduro neighborhood. When you register, you can choose either a single or double room with an ensuite bathroom in the complex where our studio is. Rooms are clean and comfortable but simply furnished. If you would prefer to find your own accommodations in a nearby hotel or AirBnB, no problem. Just click that option on the registration page.
Most of our dinners are included - with wine - and will be at local restaurants including one dinner created by the owners of our hotel - at the hotel. A couple of dinners will be on our own and it is a good chance to slip in restaurants we wish to visit. All of the restaurants will offer delicious, local cuisine and wine.
We’ll enjoy traditional cuisine at local restaurants or prepared by our personal chef.
A TYPICAL DAY: Our first activity will be an orientation at 6 p.m. on the first day, followed by dinner with the group. Each morning, our group will enjoy breakfast at the convent/studio before we begin the day. Some mornings, we may have a demo before we depart for a painting location or excursion. We normally paint throughout the morning and break for lunch in the afternoon - you will be on your own for lunch, though students usually seek out spots together. Some students who wish not to interrupt their painting might grab a quick sandwich and continue painting. After lunch, students can continue painting or return to the convent. We will have a studio space available if some wish to continue painting back at the convent. I conduct a late afternoon critique session of the day’s work in the studio before dinner. Students will also have the option to paint in the studio throughout the day. On some evenings, if we have the energy, impromptu nocturnal painting sessions can also be an option. We will have museum visits and an intimate walking tour of the back canals of Venice. It is important to understand you are free to decide your daily schedule and work at your own pace. Some students opt to photograph scenes and work in the studio space. And, of course, some will wish to sightsee and shop in the late afternoon while others are painting. It’s all up to the individual. You will be amazed at how much we accomplish, and it is fairly certain you will sleep very soundly before the arrival of the next day. At the end of the week, we will stage a collective exhibit of the week’s work sharing our impressions and images of enigmatic Venice.
DINNERS: During the week, we will have five dinners together. To experience a good cross-section of typical Venetian cuisine, we will sample diverse neighborhood trattories and Michael and Linda will host our group for two home-cooked meals with ingredients we find at the outdoor market. Two nights of the week, you will be on your own to follow your nose to restaurants, concerts, or the opera, or whatever else might pique your curiosity. There is plenty of time for independent exploration.
WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS
“I cannot recommend Robert's immersion class enough! I learned so much in the painting lessons and daily critiques - Robert and everyone attending were all so helpful and encouraging - and my paintings will never be the same! Il Chiostro organized everything so wonderfully that there was absolutely no stress about traveling around or meals. We got to eat at some amazing local restaurants and try authentic, local cuisine and wine. The friendships I've made while enjoying delicious food in one of the most beautiful places in the world will stay with me always. Robert is an amazing instructor and a wonderful painter. I know I am a better artist after this trip, and I hope to take many more in the future!”
- Grace Outlaw, Student, Cinque Terre 2022.
“What a valuable and extraordinary experience it was to paint with and learn from Robert while amidst the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. It was obvious from the beginning that Robert is passionate about watercolor and teaching. I was so excited every morning about putting pencil and brush to paper, that I didn’t really want to stop. However, Il Chiostro, loves to share their beloved spots in Italy and who could say no to dinner at a winery, shopping in Sienna, lunch in Radda and at a Monastery turned University.
There is no doubt in my mind that I am a better painter after this trip, though maybe a few pounds heavier.”
– Leslie Kruzicki, Student, Tuscany (San Fedele) 2018.
The Details…
DATES: Saturday, October 12th thru October 19th, 2024.
DURATION: 1 week
WHERE WE MEET: In Venice. Direct flights are available to Venice from various US cities. Specific directions on a meeting point in Venice will be provided at a later date.
SKILL LEVEL: ALL LEVELS
SUPPLIES: Art supplies not Included. Upon registration, a materials list is provided for you.
PRICE: $2,950 per person based on double occupancy
*This price will increase in 2024. Put a deposit ($500) in before December 31, 2023 to reserve the 2023 rate!
OPTIONS: $475 additional for a single room (limited availability); Non-painting spouses/partners are welcome at a reduced price of $2,650. There is also an $800 discount if you wish to find a hotel on your own.
Price Includes:
Workshop tuition & daily classes with Robert Leedy
7 nights lodging for a double or single room (single room available for a supplement) with an ensuite bathroom and shower.
Daily buffet breakfast and 5 dinners at local restaurants, including wine
Guided art history tour of Venice with local art historian
Selected excursions with the class
Price Does Not Include:
Airfare
Lunch
Independent meals and sight-seeing
Art supplies/workshop materials
Local transportation: vaporettos, water taxis
The above link takes you to il Chiostro’s site where you can make a deposit, pay in full, or read more about the workshops.
SPRING 2024 STUDIO & PLEIN AIR WATERCOLOR CLASSES
This is not a complete listing of the classes available for 2024. This is a list of current classes; more will be posted as classes are created. Sign up for my newsletter in the Stay Connected link above to keep up with classes becoming available.
STAY INFORMED VIA THIS SITE OR MY NEWSLETTER…
Beginning Watercolor with Robert Leedy
No! Watercolor is not difficult to learn! Jump in!
This Saturday morning Beginning class always fills up fast! We have a good mix of new and regular students who wish to be introduced to the medium of watercolor or who are honing their skills and building confidence. I am here to erase any fears and guide you through the A to Zs of discovering a very fun and rewarding medium. I thoroughly explain all tools & materials and show you the unique properties of the medium. Exercises to learn basic watercolor techniques and brush handling will give you the confidence to begin creating watercolor paintings. Composition, design, elements & principles are discussed as you learn the general progression of creating a painting. Dealing with potential problems that arise - and, more importantly - learning how to avoid them in the first place will give you extra confidence. We will paint from still-life setups and photographs. This class will bust the myth of watercolor being difficult, and you will come away with knowledge under your belt and the tools to get you started on a lifetime of enjoyment with watercolor. This class is perfect for those who are curious about the medium and students who have not painted in watercolor for a while and wish to brush up on their skills. No experience is necessary. Some drawing skills will help but are not required. Though you will be challenged, this class is all about fun and NO pressure. Get ready for a FUN Saturday!
Spring Session (April 2024)
WHEN: SATURDAYS, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
DATES: April 20th, 27th, May 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th.
WHERE: CoRK Arts District, CoRK North Building, Main Gallery, 603 King Street (Corner, Phyllis Street), Jacksonville, Florida 32204.
DURATION: 6 weeks
SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNING
SUPPLIES: Not Included. Upon registration, a materials list is provided for you.
PRICE: $200
CONTACT ME IF THE CLASS IS MARKED AS “SOLD,” AND I CAN PUT YOU ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE THERE ARE ANY CANCELLATIONS.
Plein Air Watercolor with Robert Leedy
There is nothing more exciting for me than painting watercolors outdoors. April & May is a fine time and all of the forces of nature should be coming together to give us a perfect painting en plein air environment!
Join me weekly for sessions on creating art in nature. We will meet at pre-determined locations throughout NE Florida. If you have not painted outdoors yet, it is quite different and can be challenging, though I am here to help the transition from studio to outdoors be a smooth one. You will need a few new items like an easel, a stool, and possibly an umbrella. All of that is covered in the supply list you will receive upon registration.
Painting the scene before you can be confusing, and I will show you how to edit and simplify your subject and how to translate it through the medium of watercolor. All along, I will teach you to work within a value range and how to capture the fleeting light and shadows. You will hone your observation skills and easily recognize warm vs. cool areas of color.
Each week, we will critique the previous week’s paintings before we dive into the new scenes before us. You will quickly realize how relaxing this experience is, and you will surely yearn for more time outdoors!
Bring a bag lunch if you like, and I encourage you to stay longer on-site if you wish.
WHEN: THURSDAYS, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
DATES: April 17th, 24th, May 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd
WHERE: We will meet at pre-determined locations decided upon by the group.
DURATION: 6 weeks
SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SUPPLIES: Not Included. Upon registration, a materials list is provided for you.
PRICE: $200