WHY ROME?
Rome has been a Mecca for painters and sculptors since the 17th century and continues to serve as muse and subject for beginning and established artists. Rome Art Program students become part of the fabric of the city as they paint and draw directly from millennia-old landmarks, and in the parks and streets of lesser-known areas of Rome where locals live and work.
We are an independent program, led by working artists who are passionate about Rome and the impact it has on artists of all ages.
OUR APPROACH
Rome Art Program (RAP) is an intensive program designed to inspire students to develop their artistic vision through painting and drawing on the streets of Rome. Many of our students describe their time with RAP as a supportive ‘bootcamp’ that accelerates the development of their work.
Faculty and staff serve as mentors to students during
their study in Rome.
With RAP, you will discover the many layers of Rome, from ancient ruins to the contemporary city. We teach students how to paint in the plein air tradition, on the streets of Rome. Students are given a Weekly Schedule with class locations. Prompts are given at the beginning of each class and students respond, using Rome as their subject. You can expect to create a substantial body of work during your session and leave Rome with a suitcase full of ideas for future work.
Student Experiences
ART HISTORY & ACADEMIES
Our Art Historian leads regular on-site discourses. The curriculum is complemented by lectures, receptions at the American and British Academies, and visits to the city’s diverse art galleries and museums.
CLASS TIME
What to expect during your session with Rome Art Program:
- Daily plein–air painting in watercolor and acrylic (optional after Week 2)
- Daily drawing in plein–air; transcribing masterworks in churches and museums
- Weekly on–site seminars with our art historian
- Weekly in-depth group critiques and visiting artist lecture
- Daily individual on-site critiques and one-on-one support
- Visits to world-class museums and galleries
- Included field trip(s) to Florence and/or Pompeii
OUTSIDE OF ROME / DOWNTIME
Most evenings and weekends are free for students to do as they wish. They may choose to stay in Rome, relax at the beach, or visit other cities such as Venice, Siena, Assisi, and other surrounding Italian towns.
