VISION IN FOCUS

Visual Arts & Photography Intensive
July 16 - 29, 2027

APPLY FOR VISION IN FOCUS 2027

This intensive immerses students in Spoleto's historic beauty, drawing inspiration from the town's architecture, gardens, and culture to develop their artistic practice across two connected mediums: drawing/painting and photography. Working with easels, sketchbooks, and cameras throughout the medieval village, students are guided to understand light, color, line, and form — and to see the same subject through both a painter's eye and a photographer's lens. Sketchbook work and field photography build observation skills side by side, while studio exercises and shooting assignments expand technical ability across drawing, painting, and image-making. Students explore a wide variety of approaches, from plein air painting and figural studies to street, documentary, landscape, and architectural photography, developing both a visual arts portfolio and a photographic one by the program's end. The experience is designed to strengthen technical skills, help participants discover their artistic voice, and prepare students for higher education in the arts.
Visual Arts
Plein Air Painting in Local Spoleto
Still Life, Landscape, Portrait, Figural Studies
Drawing Foundations and Techniques (Pastel, Charcoal, Conte, & Ink)
Painting Techniques
Advanced Color Theory
Review of Elements of Art and Principles of Design
Sketchbook Growth
Photography
- Street, Documentary, Landscape, and Architectural Photography
- Light and Composition
- Digital Capture Techniques
- Night and Landscape Photography
- Photojournalism and Portraiture
- Photo History and Visual Language
- Image Editing and Printing Methods
Shared Foundations
- Portfolio Development
- Composition
- Art Criticism
- Writing Artist's Statements
- Italian Art History with Day Trips
Raúl Miyar (Visual Arts) (subject to change)
Born in Cuba and raised in the United States, Miyar chairs the Fine Arts/Illustration Department at Chavón | The School of Design in the Dominican Republic (a Parsons affiliate). He holds a BFA from Xavier University and an MFA from the University of Cincinnati, previously taught at The Lovett School in Atlanta, and has instructed in the Spoleto program since 2000. He serves as Head Curator at Casa Quien Gallery in Santo Domingo.
Our class schedule follows a typical Italian pace of life. The sample schedule below may vary slightly. There may also be variation to accommodate the interests of the group and the work each student would like to do in Spoleto.
- 8:00am — Breakfast at the Palazzo
- 9:00am–12:00pm — Classroom Work (Visual Arts / Photography, alternating or by track)
- 12:00pm–1:00pm — Peer Critiques
- 1:15pm–2:30pm — Independent lunch in Spoleto
- 2:30pm–4:00pm — Free Time
- 4:00pm–8:00pm — Field Work (sketching and photography on location throughout Spoleto)
- 8:00pm — Family-Style Dinner
(Schedule may vary for painting, sketching, and shooting opportunities based on group interests and light/weather conditions.)
All students reside at the Palazzo Leti, featuring modern amenities, spacious courtyards, and colorful gardens. Faculty, staff, and resident advisors supervise students on-site. Classes take place in beautiful buildings throughout the historic medieval section of town.
Program Dates: July 16 - July 29, 2027
Total Cost: $5600
What’s Included
- Tuition for courses
- Two meals per day
- Lodging at the Palazzo Leti
- Course materials
- Entrance fees for group activities
- Fieldtrip-related transportation within Italy
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- Passport fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance
- Personal expenses
A $95 non-refundable fee is due upon application. Within 60 days of your acceptance into the program, a non-refundable 50% deposit is due. The remaining 50% balance is due by June 1, 2027.
Students are supervised by faculty, staff, and resident advisors who live at Palazzo Leti with the students. Classes take place in beautiful buildings throughout the historic medieval section of town with abundant, luminous spaces for photographic exploration.
Summer Programs Team
admin@spoletostudyabroad.org

APPLY FOR VISION IN FOCUS 2027

“I loved my experience in Spoleto so much; the unique culture, the beautiful scenery, the friendly atmosphere, and most importantly, the teachers. I’ve attended a lot of art programs, but I’ve never encountered a more solid and amazing faculty before. Every class is fun, different, and refreshing.”

— Tara, Interlochen Arts Academy