Located in a restored Tuscan hilltop estate 25 kilometers north of Florence, the Tuscan Classical Academy is based on long-standing traditions, ideals, and values.

Overview

Located in a restored Tuscan hilltop estate 25 kilometers north of Florence, the Tuscan Classical Academy is based on long-standing traditions, ideals, and values. The Academy was founded by architectural restorer and educator Lynn Fleming Aeschliman, who started renovating the Capitignano property in the late 1960s. The Academy brings together talented and experienced architects, artists, teachers, and theorists who are devoted to the classical, medieval, and Renaissance traditions in the arts. The Academy Fellows promote the arts as essential to human flourishing and well-being as well as professional competence and growth.

The Capitignano estate has several major buildings that contain a library, studio, lecture hall, salon, living and dining accommodations, as well as a swimming pool, old tennis court, and lovely terraces. The Academy runs collaborative programs with the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, INTBAU, the Erasmus-Jefferson Summer Institute (University of Virginia), the Boston University College of Fine Arts, TASIS The American School in Switzerland (Lugano), and for two summers (‘06 & ‘07) with the Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America (New York). Independent students are welcome to apply to attend on a credit or non-credit basis.

The aim of the summer program is to introduce art and architecture students and professionals to the rich architectural heritage of Florence and Tuscany. More than any other city, Florence was the seat of Renaissance Humanism, and the center for the flourishing of the classical arts. Throughout the quattrocento and cinquecento, Florence witnessed a revival of architecture and the building arts that decisively changed the way Europe and the West thought about the built environment and the gardens of Tuscany were renowned throughout the continent and England.

Structure

The summer program is open to those whose focus is primarily architecture and/or landscape design, and to those whose focus is fine art. The two groups do, however, share a number of lectures and exercises and all the tours are done jointly. Additionally, two shorter Professional Intensives are offered during the course of the program focusing on classical architecture and the civilized landscape.

The program is for

  1. Professionals and non-professionals seeking a rich summer opportunity to draw, paint, and be inspired by the beauty of Tuscany, as well as receiving continuing-education credits, if so desired;
  2. Professionals and non-professionals seeking a shorter intensive program on Renaissance gardens and the Tuscan landscape;
  3. Art and architecture students seeking summer-school college credits at both the 200-level introductory and 400-level advanced courses;
  4. Talented rising high-school seniors seeking college-level summer courses in painting or architecture for college credit.
  5. General Information

    3 credits, Mayernik, et al / 9:00-12:00 and 2:30-6:00 MTWTF

    Admission to the Academy is by permission of the Director and on a space-available basis. Applicants are required to submit examples of their work in the form of digital images, photocopies, or photographs. Students are housed for the duration of their stay in restored villas and farm buildings on the estate of Capitignano in the Mugello valley, 45 minutes north of Florence. All courses and studio work are carried out in the restored hay loft (Fienile) and stable (Stalla) of the complex, as well as extended to different sites in Tuscany. The complete cost of the three-week Program, including housing, meals, tours, Notre Dame tuition for credit, and fees is $4,400. (Financial aid and scholarships are available for architectural students and interns. Please apply to the Director.) The shorter Professional Intensive offerings are $2,400 for the 1st and $2,000 for the 2nd, all-inclusive. Drawing and painting supplies are not included. A $500 deposit is required along with the application to hold a place. Full payment of the remaining cost is required by June 1. All payments minus a cancellation fee of $150 are refundable until this date.

Faculty

Victor Deupi
Architect & Painter
B.S. Arch. University of Virginia, M. Arch. Yale University
Ph. D. Arch. University of Pennsylvania
(Click thumbnail to view website)

Maureen Hyde
Painter
MFA, U. of California; Instructor, Florence Academy of Art
(Click thumbnail to view website)

Roll over a photo to
view a faculty biography

Fellows of the Academy

  • Diane Afton Aeschliman, BFA, RISD, Painter (CT) link
  • Michael D. Aeschliman, PhD, Columbia; Professor, Boston University and University of Italian Switzerland
  • Maxim Atayants, Architect (St. Petersburg, Russia)
  • Pier Carlo Bontempi, Architect (Parma, Italy) link
  • Bill Dennis, Urban Planner (Providence, RI) link
  • Mary Dennis, Landscape Architect (RI)
  • Victor Deupi, Architect & Painter (NYC) link
  • David T. Mayernik, Master Planner, Architect & Painter link
  • Sheldon Kostelecky, Architect (Boston) link
  • Steven Semes, Architect & Professor, University of Notre Dame School of Architecture (IN) link
  • John Smalley, MFA, U. of Iowa; Painter & Head of Art Dept., TASIS England
  • David M. Steiner, PhD, Harvard; Dean, Hunter College School of Education; formerly Director of Arts Education, National Endowment for the Humanities

Course Descriptions

The program covers three areas:
1) The History and Theory
of Florentine Humanism
2) Tuscan Classicism & the City
3) Drawing and Painting

The History and Theory of Florentine Humanism

The History and Theory component consists of a series of lectures on medieval civilization and Renaissance Humanism and site visits to important cities and buildings centered around Florence and the Mugello valley, although day trips to Fiesole and Settignano complement the Florentine focus. Students are required to keep a sketchbook of their site visits.

Tuscan Classicism and the City

The study of Tuscan Classicism and the City examines the rediscovery of classical architecture in quattrocento Florence, and its creative interpretations throughout Tuscany. For advanced students, the course offers design exercises that explore the Renaissance notion of “citta ideali” (ideal cities) and the invention of beautifully conceived public space. Students work in pencil, watercolor, and wash.

Drawing and Painting

The Drawing and Painting component introduces students to the basics of landscape drawing and painting based on observations from nature. Students work in watercolor, pencil, charcoal, and chalk to learn how to develop preliminary work in design and composition, then progress to develop paintings in oil, applying this medium to create an illusion of reality through atmospheric perspective and the rendering of various components that go into a landscape. Subject matter ranges from wild mountainous vistas and cultivated fields to buildings and cityscapes.

TUSCAN CLASSICAL ACADEMY:Capitignano, San Cresci, Borgo San Lorenzo, Province of Florence, Italy July 25 – August 14, 2009 (Tentative Itinerary)


Week1, July25 - 26, 2009

Sa Arrivals & Orientation/Eve. Opening Dinner
Su A.M. Free/ P.M. Lecture: “Tuscan Classicism ” (Victor Deupi), & Introduction to Field Drawing, Landscape Painting, and Design Studio

Week 2, July 27 - August 2, 2009

M A.M. Field Drawing (Capitignano)/P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Capitignano)
Th A.M. Field Drawing (Capitignano)/P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Capitignano) /Eve. Lecture: “Renaissance Humanism” (Michael Aeschliman)
W Day Trip: Florence I - The City in Context (San Miniato, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizzi, Piazza della Signoria, Orsanmichele, Piazza della Repubblica, Mercato Nuovo, Palazzo Davanzati, Palazzo Strozzi, Palazzo Ruccellai, Centro Sacro)
Th A.M. Field Drawing - Villa Pecori Giraldi (Borgo San Lorenzo) /P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Borgo San Lorenzo)
F A.M. Field Drawing (Bosco ai Frati)/P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Borgo San Lorenzo)
Sa 1/2 Day Trip: Fiesole
Su Free Day

Week 3, August 3 - 9, 2009

M A.M. Introduction to Watercolor (Capitignano) /P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Scarperia)/ Eve. Lecture: Victor Deupi
Tu A.M. Watercolor - Villa La Quiete/P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Scarperia)
W Day Trip: Florence II - Renaissance Painting & Sculpture (San Marco, Bargello, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, Pazzi Chapel)
Th A.M. Watercolor (Borgo San Lorenzo)/P.M Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Vicchio)
F A.M. Watercolor (Borgo San Lorenzo)/P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Vicchio)
Sa ½ Day Trip: Medici Villas (Trebbio/Cafaggiolo)
Su Free Day

Week 4, August 10 - 14, 2009

M 10 A.M. Watercolor - Villa Gamberaia (Settignano)/P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Capitignano)/Eve. Feast of San Lorenzo
Tu A.M. Watercolor (Ponte a Vicchio)/P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Capitignano)/Eve Lecture: Maureen Hyde
W Day Trip: Florence III - Patrons & Painters (San Lorenzo, Palazzo Medici, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens)
Th A.M. Watercolor - Villa Le Balze (Fiesole)/P.M. Landscape Painting & Design Studio (Capitignano)/P.M. Final Review and Presentations/ Eve. Final Dinner
F Departures


All day trips include tours, field drawing & watercoloring
« »

“Fast-paced, rigorous, diversified experience. Thank you so much for this amazing summer experience. I have learned so much and have truly grown as an artist. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Tuscan property and for being so accommodating.

Olivia Rugee, HS Senior, California, TCA 2008

“In a perfect setting, intense immersion in traditional arts, cultural exploration and inspiring pedagogy: a real academy…. I knew the school work would be edifying, but I could not have imagined how spiritually refreshing and exponentially stimulating this Academy would be. Your hospitality is extraordinary and your dedication to a living civilization unparalleled in my experience. … Thank you for the intellectual, artistic, and spiritual formation of these past three weeks.”

Pauline Marie Smith, Graduate Student UND School of Architecture, TCA 2008

“Enormously fruitful and inspiring. Exposes everyone to culture, tradition, and beauty. Introduces basic to complex ideas to beginners and challenges those more experienced. Intellectual refreshment and illuminative, no matter how experienced. This has been such an illuminating experience on so many levels. … I appreciate your efforts in putting such a program together for students to come and see, meditate, and practice beauty in a world that otherwise has too many distractions. My time here has been full of great memories and I believe I have improved on several of my skills. Thank you for your hospitality and generosity. I will miss Capitignano!”

Grant Saller, Graduate Student UND School of Architecture, TCA 2008

“An incredible, life-changing Tuscan experience focused on Classical Architecture. Intellectual refreshment and illuminative, no matter how experienced. Thank you for your encouragement and motivation … I am so glad I had this wonderful opportunity.”

Kevin Svensen, Graduate Student Judson School of Architecture, TCA 2008

“TCA is an art and architecture program that allows you to build on your skills or learn some in a beautiful setting with experts in their fields, while allowing you to experience Italy as more than just a tourist. The structure is open and flexible, while still giving enough time to work and be productive.

It has been wonderful spending these three weeks at Capitignano! Your hospitality and patience were very welcoming and I would have loved to spend many more weeks here… this program is excellent. ”

Emily Pinney, Undergraduate Washington State University College of Engineering & Architecture, TCA 2008

“TCA encompasses many experiences and emotions in a single day. It is serene, demanding, rewarding, beautiful, relaxing, intense, and absolutely wonderful in the most literal sense. It was my pleasure and privilege being there, and thank you for making it happen. ”

Benjamin Burnham, Graduate Student UND School of Architecture, attending Florence Academy of Art 2008-9, TCA 2008

“An opportunity for an intense three weeks of learning, seeing relevant sites in Tuscany, and the completion of meaningful projects in a beautiful environment…. The Tuscan Classical Academy is one of the best experiences in my (long) life. I learned so much about architecture, painting, water-coloring, drawing, gardens, Florentine history – and not only from the wonderful teachers but also from the other students. I am more grateful than I can say for this wonderful experience, and I hope that it will flourish for many, many years. ”

Sally Smith, Art Historian, Painter, and Mother of eight; Cleveland, Ohio, TCA 2008

“TCA 2008, a summer to remember! Classical inspiration, artistic exploration, Tuscan beauty, family time, exploring Italy, red wine, fabulous meals, new found friendships, and of course architecture to inspire the soul. We will forever cherish the memory of Capitignano and your hospitality!”

The Rugee family, California, TCA 2008

“Quality of instruction: David and Maureen both have a passion for what they do and clearly enjoy combining teaching with their professional artist life. A whirl-wind tour of Tuscany! Shows you a bit of everything, with more emphasis on design. Great for people who are interested in Classical Renaissance history.

I can’t thank you enough for an unforgettable experience! I have so much to take back to the classroom – drawing techniques, new ways to teach about composition, painting, art history… Your knowledge and love of Tuscany will be disseminated throughout Connecticut! You are doing the world a service by spreading your love of classical beauty and ideals.”

Jackie LaBelle, Art Teacher Hopkins School, Connecticut, TCA 2008

“I had an incredible time in Tuscany. Capitignano is beautiful with good helpful teachers and plenty of trips. It was probably the most I’ve ever worked during the summer, but at the same time it was the most fun summer I’ve had.”

Julie Benjamin, HS Senior, Virginia, TCA 2008

“This has been an amazing trip, one that I will never forget. … an amazing experience in a beautiful villa in the mountains of Tuscany with spectacular scenery and amazing conversation. This is an amazing program and I am sure you will continue to bless the lives of everyone who is fortunate enough to attend..”

Warren Stred, Graduate Eckerd College Business Administration, TCA 2008

“TCA is an intensive painting and architecture course designed to produce strong results in an immersive environment…Instructor ability was great and necessary for the success of the program. The overall encouragement and strong sense of community allowed students to work hard and effectively. To the Aeschlimans: You inspire all of those around you… I have learned much here, not just about painting and architecture, but new ways of thinking as well as gaining valuable understanding about the context of the Renaissance. I commend you for your pursuit of noble causes and wish you the utmost happiness.”

Danny Katebini-Stengel, University of Colorado School of Architecture, TCA 2008

Nicholas Simpson, Senior, Winchester School, England, TCA 2008

Misteene Murphree, Architectural Assistant, California, TCA 2008

“The painting program had a nice easy pace. It was a good way to learn new skills and hone old ones while having a gifted instructor nearby. Thank you so much for sharing your corner of Tuscany with me. … Thank you also for providing an opportunity… to dust off some long forgotten knowledge and again find inspiration. I had a wonderful, wonderful time.”

Jennifer Trople, Teacher International School of Bavaria, TCA 2008

TCA instilled in me a deep love and respect for Tuscan architecture and art. The experience of living in the breathtaking Mugello valley and visiting some of the world's most beautiful towns and cities has left a lasting impression on my heart and mind. I will never look at architecture in the same way again. I really wish I could do it all over again.”

Stephanie Bujnak, Graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College pursuing studies in architecture, TCA 2007

“A very intense two weeks of learning in a very beautiful environment with excellent teachers and a supportive atmosphere to progress one's skills and understanding, regardless of level. The complex is beautiful, offering more vistas than I could begin to capture; the opportunity for socializing was just right and great food. The program was all that I hoped it would be.”

Jackie Capp, Professional Portraitist, Boston, TCA 2007

“A great workshop. Three weeks is enough to see improvement in one's work. With the small size of the group, everyone was able to receive as much attention as they required.”

Caitlin Carabine, Gettysburg College, TCA 2007

TCA is a good workshop which is suited for all levels and offers a good first taste of Italy.”

Andrew De Morais, Penn State University Architecture Student, TCA 2007

TCA is a wonderful program to get the basics in landscape painting and architectural drawing in the classic style. The surroundings are beautiful, well suited for that purpose; excellent instruction within historical perspective.”

Sabina Garrison, Retired elementary school teacher, MA, TCA 2007

“Intense yet very fun program that helps expand one's artistic and creative skills. TCA keeps students busy and on task.”

Andrew Gim, University of Notre Dame Architecture Student, TCA 2007

“At TCA learn about urbanism, landscape painting, and architecture sketching with the help of beautiful and talented people in the beautiful setting of Tuscany. ”

Ernesto Gloria, University of Notre Dame Architecture Student, TCA 2007

TCA has a very clear focus on beauty and classical architecture. Especially for architecture students, it is the perfect way to develop an artistic sensibility away from the rigor of architectural drawings and renderings. Landscape painting has excellent instruction on basics of composition, value, shapes, techniques. Excellent tour leaders! Absolutely beautiful!”

Alejandra Gutzeit, University of Notre Dame Architecture Student, TCA 2007

“A great combination of art or architecture workshops to learn new things and master old things. Also, a great focus on art & history and its effect on present works. Day trips & tours are very organized with very competent guides and teachers, and free days to explore your own interests.”

Holly Hendrix, University of Memphis Architecture Student, TCA 2007

TCA is informative, creative, and mind opening.”

Willa Kroll, High School senior, CA, TCA 2007

“Located in the beautiful hills of Tuscany, TCA is a wonderful program to learn new skills or touch up old ones in art and architecture. Great teachers and beautiful campus and grounds.”

Duncan Smith, High School student planning on studying architecture, IN, TCA 2007

“A month in Tuscany! What else do you want? Everything was great! Food—Yum! Beautiful places.”

Chris Snyder, University of Notre Dame Architecture Student, TCA 2007

“Location, location, location! TCA was well orgainzed with the perfect mixture of scheduled tours and paint days. Intense instruction with a wealth of information.”

Beth Taylor, Painter & Art teacher, Alaska, TCA 2007

“Unforgettable! I felt as though I was part of a family of artists, architects, and intellectuals that had all come together to share their experiences, talents, and knowledge in order to achieve and produce greater works. The most memorable moments for me were our meals together — the sharing of ideas, dreams, and plans for the future.”

Ariadne Milligan, Classical Architect, CA, TCA 2006

“Met wonderful people, visited beautiful places, learned a lot about the Italian Renaissance. Wonderful.”

Mary and Bill Dennis, Landscape Architect and Urban Planner, Providence, RI, TCA 2006






Downloads

  • Brochure PDF
  • Application &
    Scholarship Information
    PDF / DOC

Please Contact

Mrs. Lynn F. Aeschliman
Erasmus Institute
c/o TASIS
CH6926 Montagnola
Switzerland

tuscanclassicalacademy@gmail.com
TEL (++41 91) 986-5429
FAX (++41 91)994-6475