Testimonial

 
Landscape Painting & Creativity Workshops by Tjaša Iris in Slovenia, Italy and France
 
 
SLOVENIA & THE COAST OF ITALY
 
“Slovenian Surprise” 
 
I didn't know what to expect in Slovenia. I didn't even know where it was, much less what it was like. I enrolled in my 
fifth painting workshop with Tjasa partly to see what her home country was like. Slovenia is an undiscovered treasure.

Villa Flora is extremely old. Tjasa is painstakingly restoring the property between her workshops and own painting demands.

Everything is completely modern. I had a wonderful Slovenia (Mediterranean) breakfast of yogurt, fruit, and etc with some Slovenian treats thrown in.

We visited tiny ancient stone villages, Maximillian's castle in Italy, and the Slovenian Alps. Every location was beautiful. The Branik area is covered in grape vines - much like Tuscany or Napa Valley.

Several restaurants grew their own vegetables. One even raised its own pigs to make salami and proscuitto. The food was reminicent of Italy.

If you aren't busy painting, you could hire a bicycle (from Tjasa) and see a great deal. You could take kayaking lessons in the Alps or go fly fishing. There were "schools" of kayakers passing by and a company that took care of fisherman. There was also hang gliding. There's a lot happening in Slovenia.

Maggie Waller, Oklahoma

published this review in the Trip Adviser, under Villa Flora, Branik, Slovenia (+ many photos )

SLOVENIA & THE COAST OF ITALY

“Fantastic B&B in beautiful, little village”

Stayed at VillaFlora 5 nights in July, 2008. It was wonderful. It has lovely rooms, spacious bathrooms and excellent breakfasts with the best morning coffee lattes!!!!! It is conveniently located near the Italian border and an easy drive from Trieste Airport, or 1.5 hours from Venice.

The village of Branik is quiet and lovely, not littered with tourists, and is right in the middle of outstandingly beautiful wine country. Up on the hillside is a lovely old castle.

The owner, Tjasa, is extremely pleasant and very helpful. She also runs a wonderful painting workshop here several times a year.

This area is like Tuscany, without the tourists!! Absolutely wonderful, unspoiled villages!! We had dinners on terraces at local farm houses.
I would definitely recommend the painting workshop and VillaFlora.

Joseph Francee,

Matheus, NC

published this review in the Trip Adviser, under Villa Flora, Branik, Slovenia (+ many photos )

SLOVENIA & ITALY

Tjasa’s workshop program is on a very high intellectual level. But at the same time, it was a real relaxing vacation.

Henry, Psychologist , New York, USA

SLOVENIA & ITALY

Tjasa’s workshop is a prefect mix of most wonderful an enriching things I was able to do while travelling in Europe.

And I even wrote it right off.

Teresa, Entrepreneur, Atalanta, USA

SLOVENIA & ITALY

My life is a lot more beautiful since I am able to appreciate art more.

Thanks to Tjasa and her wonderful workshop.

Maria, Executive Officer, Toronto, Canada

TUSCANY

"Pleasurable Painting in Tuscany"

By

Lois E. Boemer

At seventy-something, when opportunity knocks you listen. It might not knock twice. Last spring, my youngest daughter offered me the opportunity to accompany her to a week long En Plein Air Painting Workshop being offered by Tjasa lris in Tuscany, Italy.

"That's wonderful for you," I said, "but what will I do?"

"Take photos and write," she replied.

After numerous emails with the artist, and an exchange of American cash to purchase Euros, which would cover all expenses, we left Boston on May 18, 2008.

We did, however, spend three days in Florence. Lisa had a list of paintings and sculptures she wanted to see in the Uffizi, along with David at the Accademia, and numerous Michelangelo pieces elsewhere. After her breast cancer eight years ago, Lisa had a life changing experience. She began to paint. Along with her husband, Jim, she is raising three children and works full time. Lisa paints when she can. This trip was a long time coming.

From Florence, we took a taxi to San Donato in Tuscany. The driver said San Donato was a tiny hamlet, somewhat hard to get by, and we would have to go to Sienna and back track by taxi. San Donato was not visible on any maps, but we were told the village was near San Gimignano. Our driver sped by a tiny sign pointing to "Fattoria San Donato," backed up and pulled into what is in fact a 1,000 year old farm. The ancient stone buildings and flowers spilling from containers and windows were breathtaking. (PHOTOS AVAILABLE.) This was to be our home base for seven days, as well as the site of some of Lisa's painting lessons. Breakfast was to be served in the field stone basement of the former barn.

Umberto Fenzi and his wife Federica were our hosts and are the owners of the Fattoria (farm) which produces wine and olive oil in the Agriturisomo manner. Umberto settled us in our room, and told us Tjasa would meet us in the village "square' at 7 p.m.

The first thing I did when I entered our room was push aside the glass window in the bathroom, and let out a squeal. "My camera," I said to my daughter, "quick! This looks like a painting. There is an old church bell tower, with two small ones on either side, and the clay tile roof with the blue sky overhead."(PHOTO AVAILABLE.)

"Mom," my daughter sighed, " it is a painting. Come into the bedroom and look through these open shutters." There framed before me was the Tuscan olive fields, green meadows, trees, and mountains in the distance. (PHOTO AVAILABLE.) Since the Italians do not use screens on their windows, it took us a little time to get used to the flapping lace curtains that kept the birds from taking a wrong flight into our room.

When Tjasa Iris met us the first evening she was most gracious. Her English was fluent, and she told us, in addition to Tuscany, she holds workshops in Venice, Puglia, Southern Italy, Slovenia and Provence, France. We were presented with our schedule which included four to five hours of painting each day, evening slide lectures, and trips to nearby medieval towns, including San Gimignano, Sienna and Volterra.

Over dinner at a nearby Fattoria, the first of our four course evening meals, was served. The setting was medieval, and one had the feeling they were stepping back in time. During this delicious meal Tjasa turned to me and asked, "wouldn't you like to paint? " "I usually have more students, " she said, "and this would be a perfect time to learn." I was stunned. The thought had not even occurred to me. "Try it" she pleaded. "There are no restrictions, and you may just like it!"

DAY ONE - "Just Paint"

At precisely 9 a.m. the next morning, I had my first lesson in the very fields outside our bedroom window. Tjasa took us to the fields in her Fiat, which it turns out was our "travelling studio." There were folding chairs for the three of us; two sturdy wooden easels; heavy paper; acrylic paints, and brushes, everything one needed for an En Plein Air workshop. We hiked a short distance in the grass and set up shop.

I looked at the blank canvas in front of me and up at the muted sun lit stone buildings of San Donato, snuggled against the Tuscan sky. Then I sighed deeply.

Tjasa came up behind me and put her hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry," she said gently, "just let your creativity go." I was indeed encouraged.

My first attempt with the acrylics looked a bit askance, but my buildings were colorful. They were peaking out behind large evergreens lined in a row, and the Tuscan sky cast a mellow glow. This was my very first painting, and I was hooked.

After a tasty lunch served by Tjasa, which would become a daily ritual, two more exercises were held. The first was to paint in five minutes "what we felt," using every color imaginable. Since I had recently shown my two youngest a diving magazine with deep fishing, my painting conjured up blues and purples and even a dab or two of yellow - which could maybe passed as exotic fish?

The second exercise was one minute: "do what you like." This was more difficult, but from that first day I learned how the hills should be light and hazy, with maybe a bit of purple on top, and the sky was lighter at the bottom than the top. I fell in love with color that day; lots and lots of color. Tjasa was enthusiastic and so was I.

During the slide show the first evening Tjasa talked about seeing painting as music, with a correlation of measures. She pointed to two women in straw hats, each with a red ribbon in different positions on the painting. There were also women in blue on each side of the painting. Your eye would travel around the painting from left to right, she said, with the strongest elements being on the top to bring the viewer in.

DAY TWO - "LINES"

The subject for the slide show for this day was "lines" - lots and lots of lines. "I want to see 30 lines on that canvas," Tjasa said to us as we sat in the Fattoria's garden looking down on rows of olive trees, with both new and old growth. Well, yes, the lines were there, I thought, squinting, but how to put them into some sort of perspective? The front rows I painted looked fine to me with dark green on rows of light green on the bottom of the canvas, but my rows in the distance became fence posts. Still, I was not discouraged as Tjasa liked my purple road which she said looked as if it was "flying through the fields of olive groves." When I returned home with this painting, I re-worked the rows in the distance, and the purple in the mountains. This painting hangs on one of my walls as a reminder of what might be on the road ahead!

DAY THREE - "SPACE"

Our subject at the slide lecture the night before had been "space." This was illustrated beautifully by several of Georgia O'Keefe's paintings, as well as Kandinsky's. Georgia O'Keefe's "Silent Night," with its white stars in different shapes dotting the black space, left me speechless. Kandinsky's cobalt blue and bright orange colors looked like they were moving across the canvas. His paintings inspired me the next day to try my hand in front of a small cathedral in a square in Volterra, one of the medieval towns on our trekking trip. Lisa was painting a depiction of the church in shades of light orange with lots of bright blue surrounding it. I elected to do what Tjasa referred to later as a "de-composed" painting. I took the elements and painted them in wide vibrant stripes of color.

(PHOTO AVAILABLE).

DAY 4 - "COLOR"

Taking everything I had learned thus far, I painted the next day in the garden at the Fattoria very colorful buildings, not as I saw them in front of me, but as I imagined them. My buildings were cobalt blue and deep purple, with white specks throughout. The grass in front was a shocking yellow, with green specks. I thought Kandinsky would have been pleased.

DAY 5 - "TEXTURE"

The slide show the evening before day five was related to the use of texture, and we viewed paintings which illustrated the point. Then we were asked to use 85% brush strokes and 15% line drawing on a horizontal canvas. Riding through the winding roads to and from hilltop medieval towns, I had seen red poppies everywhere along the roads, in fields, and in the yellow meadows. From time to time, there would be a hill town in a distance. But, since my perspective was not accurate, I elected to paint red poppies in front, green and yellow meadows, and orange roofs in the distance. This painting remains a "work in progress."

The night before our final day, Tjasa showed us slides of her own work. We were awestruck. Now Lisa and I could see why she loved color and texture and was so free in her spirit. It showed in every one of her beautiful paintings. On the Saturday evening before we left, Tjasa had taken us on a trip to Gambassi where she will be this year as one of the artists in residence, not far from Sienna. The outdoor festival honored the current artists who were displaying their work in the square. Italian music from the 13th century floated heavenward from an capella choir as we dined outdoors.

DAY 6 - "A DAY FOR PAINTING & CRITIQUE"

Our final day was spent once again in the beautiful gardens of the Fattoria at San Donato with its vistas on every side. It was a lovely Tuscany day with the famous sky in full view before us. We were asked to "finish" our paintings. People strolled by and looked at them, smiling and nodding as we strived to improve them.

In the afternoon Tjasa brought us our last lunch, and we sipped sparkling water and wine, and talked about what we had done. Tjasa was delighted with what Lisa and I had accomplished, and encouraged us to continue with our painting. We had our own "signatures" she told us, and it was now obvious in the work we had done in Tuscany.

I left the United States a writer and returned from Italy a painter; albeit a novice one. My husband, Allen, an architect who has taught drawing for many years, was pleased with my metamorphosis. We agreed on a space in our lower level by the sliding doors looking out on a small garden as my studio. Not only was this a trip of a lifetime, but like my daughter, Lisa, I too had breast cancer, not once but several times. I know for sure that the best medicine is to live life to its fullest. You never know what's going to be behind the next door.

**************

Lois & Lisa in Tuscany, photo by Tjaša Iris

TUSCANY

As an Amateur American artist, I dreamed of attending a painting/touring workshop in Italy and had the opportunity to attend Tjasa’s workshop this past May in Tuscany. The workshop was held in a tiny medieval village called Fattoria (Farm) San Donato and is “set amidst the classic green hills of San Gimignano.” The working Fattoria still produces their own olive oil and wine. Our simply furnished room in the Tuscan country style of “arte povera”, was located in a building that is nearly 1,000 years old, was recently renovated and offers a spectacular view of the olive groves and area hills that we would soon be painting. And since we were there in May, the weather was perfect.

A typical day would include a breakfast of pastry, fruit and other European favorites (including a cappuccino that everyone raved about) in the former wine cellar of the Fattoria. Then we would head to the olive groves, garden or nearby villages to paint. Tjasa was always encouraging, providing guidance and direction when needed and all the necessary supplies to paint Plein Air. She caters to all level of artists and encouraged my mom to paint even though she had never touched an artist’s paint brush and joined me on the trip to write and sight see. An added surprise was the picnic lunch that Tjasa prepared for us while we were preoccupied with our painting.

Tjasa is fluent in Italian and English and, after a morning of painting, she would serve as tour guide/driver and provide insight in to the local culture, history and (of course) art as we walked the medieval towns, drove through the countryside, and viewed the frescoes of the ancient churches. Our days were filled with many sight seeing activities that included an espresso in Sienna’s famed Piazza del Campo, a quick plate in San Gimignano’s Piazza to wait out a brief rain shower, and lunch overlooking the Tuscan countryside. We occasionally chose to wander the ancient streets and shops on our own. Since Tjasa also enjoys hiking, she was always willing to provide a guided walk or hike through the area hills.

The evening slide show added another dimension to the “artist experience” by teaching me to view other’s work in a new and refreshing way. Each evening before dinner, Tjasa presented a theme that focused on color, lines, texture or movement and harmony. She encouraged us to use the previous night’s discussion on (for example) lines in the work we were creating the next day. It has brought me a greater sense of appreciation and understanding of art as I now hear music when viewing a piece and focus on the harmony of the composition.

It should go without saying that the local cuisine was phenomenal. The many meals we enjoyed during our stay were among the best we have ever had. Several nights we enjoyed dinner “down the road” at another Farm House that caters to tourists in a jovial, lively atmosphere in a family style setting. Each dish of our five course meal was a culinary surprise and accompanied by (of course) the wonderful local wines. Another evening we enjoyed our meal in a hillside village that was hosting a show in their medieval Piazza. All the village residences were out to enjoy an evening of dinner, music, and art presented by the artist in residence program that had just completed their work. Another evening we and several other guests were treated to a meal prepared by the owners of the Fattoria since 1932, the Fenzi family. We chatted with fellow travelers and experienced a fantastic Italian meal of olives, cheese with honey, sweet wine with biscotti, roasted pork and too many other dishes to name. We were truly fortunate to experience the dinner as they do not always have the time to prepare a feast for the guests of the Fattoria.

Lastly, as we used the quick drying acrylics, we were able to bring our paintings back to the States. I carried mine on the plane and placed it in the overhead bin. Although the cost of Tjasa’s program excluded transportation to San Donato (not a cheap ride from Florence), it did include most meals, lodging, all painting materials, transportation to/from our daily excursions, any entrance fees as well as Tjasa’s invaluable expertise and local knowledge. It was a fantastic way to experience the Tuscan countryside while indulging my artistic aspirations. Please feel free to contact me at www.fineartstudioonline.com/byrnestudio. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to meet at Tjasa’s workshop in the South of France or, who knows, maybe back in Italy.

Lisa, Boston Area, USA

PUGLIA

This Painting & Creativity Workshop changed me forever and moved me forward to another level.

Specially in my personal determination, commitment and creativity. I am a whole now happy, elevated, double creative person now.

As a painter, I have to say the workshop stands as a crucial juncture in my work.

The imaginative journey back to child’s first memories, the symbolic associations between the memory and life, and the wonderfully visual aspects of the course are just some of its highlights.

Tjasa is a skilled guide with a talent!

Sid, Painter, Wellington, New Zealand

PUGLIA

This week was very inspiring. The workshop provides a unique opportunity for persons of many different ages and professions to make transitions in their lives. A new self-awareness came to light for me during the workshop. I was the whole week thinking about the changes I will make when I get back home. And about new ideas for my new business projects, that developed a lot in my head while I was involved in this other creative processes with Tjasa. It was so nice to go away, take a distance from my work and at the same time, while being involved in the creative process as painting, at the same time also all my work (from back home) was developing in my head, without any effort at all! The visual is a dimension I knew little about, but always attracted me. Despite being so important in everyday life I personally never made any time for it. Making money was my priority. But now I understand how the harmony and beauty are really the ones that make our lives meaningful. Money means little next to the power of creativity and the beauty of art. Tjasa’s art appreciation course has changed my life!

Thank you Tjasa! As well for making me see that the grass is also blue!

Anthony, Small Business Owner, Wellington, Florida

PUGLIA

I had a unforgettable week and learnt a lot. My painting made great progress.

I saw Tjasa’s work on the internet. I had to come to this workshop. I had to get to know Tjasa. I had to get to know what was behind her painting. Where she was getting all this beautiful colours from.

I had a unforgettable week and learnt a lot. My painting made great progress. And at the office, they appreciate me more. They say I am so creative since I came back.  I notice it myself, too. I am getting some great ideas and I am more confident than I have ever been before. And dynamic! This workshop really worked!

The September week in Italy did me lot’s of good. I want to go to Provence next year.

Linda Kron, Designer, Sidney, Australia

TUSCANY

This Painting - Creativity Workshop ranks easily with the greatest experiences of my life.

Creativity workshop. Painting in Tuscany. Art appreciation course. Trekking. Wine & cuisine. Lovely ancient stone Tuscan village. A cultural tour. All was a perfect mix that I would do recommend to any  vibrant person. To all those of you who love to be spiritually enriched. For me it was a wonderful educational vacation. Where first of all I learnt a lot while having fun! I learnt about art, about how to increase my creativity, I got to know better myself, I got to know so much about Tuscany, Italy… I loved the hikes. Specially the one to the ruins of an ancient town in the woods.

It was fun! And very helpful! Re-educating.

Tjasa has a wonderful program. A very special program.

I came back home refreshed, enlightened, renewed, re-energised. I do recommend it to anyone.

Ines, Fashion Designer, San Paolo, Brasil

TUSCANY

Creativity is a skill that need practice to stay vibrant and grow! I have attended other creativity workshops before as I work in advertising. It helps being creative! But this workshop was special. It opened my eyes to so many things from art, creativity, painting, great wines, Tuscan cuisine, Tuscan art…

The visual is also so important for us in everyday life, And I guess for any profession one is working in. I loved it from how many countries the workshop participants were coming from. Apart from people working in creative fields,  there were scientists and businessmen too. A really lovely crowd of people.

I loved the art appreciation course. I went to a museum last Sunday and I saw my favourite paintings in a totally new way. This workshop enriched my life so much!

I found the workshop extremely valuable in generating awareness of my own creativity and in stimulating my ideas.

The creativity processes gave me lots of new power, when I am back to my office, I feel a new confidence in my own skills and abilities.

Maya, Marketing Consultant, Dubai

TUSCANY

Although I am scientist, working with visual creativity last summer has helped me a lot also in my left-brain world. What is science without the right-brain people?

This workshop boosted my creativity and my imagination, and enabled me to discover a whole new dimension to myself which I did not realise existed!

I have been going to many exhibition openings since returning from the workshop. My new knowledge makes me appreciate art more than ever before, and I have met some fascinating artists.

This painting & creativity workshop was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Emily, Research Scientist, Biology Teacher, London, UK

PROVENCE

I have such renewed energy since I came back home from Provence. I continue painting two or three times a week. I love it, and since Province I love it even more. But I am also noticing how the workshop is helping me in my creative expression. It is now stronger than it has ever been before.

This workshop has developed my imagination!

Whenever I feel blocked, my mind flies back to my Provence workshop. And I get refilled with a renewed energy and with renewed powers.

The workshop had and continues to have a huge impact on me and my work.

Olaf, Associate Professor of Sociology, Koln, Germany

TUSCANY

It was nice to “change life” for a week and be an artist.

I attended the workshop last October. I work in the bank as a trader. And now being back to my desk, my creativity is way bigger before. It was nice to “change life” for a week and be an artist. But as well to explore the dimension to me unknown about the visual. In this world everything is part of everything. The world works as one. And exploring my visual creativity for a week opened my eyes on many subjects I deal with in my work and everyday life. I feel more power to resolve all kind of  problems that I encounter in my everyday life and work situation. I really feel the difference after the week creating in Tuscany.

I also see the world around me with different eyes. Tjasa opened my eyes: It is true what she says, painters see more than other people do. Since the week in Tuscany, I observe the world with different eyes, observing more than ever before. And I definitely understand more about paintings when I go to see art galleries. I do recommend it to anyone, of any profession. Discovering your own creativity is the biggest investment right now in the time of economic crises! As only the creative ones will live and prosper.

John Klein, Trader, Zurich, Swizerland

TUSCANY

The whole experience was a delight.

I am an art collector. I love art. I was buying art just because a painting was speaking to me. Was giving me something, I could not tell what.

I always wanted to know about art. And I was attracted by Tjasa’s web site saying her workshop is also an art appreciation course, suitable for art collectors. Plus I get to paint a little, too. So I went for the adventure. And oh boy, how this week in Tuscany totally changed my life!

Tjasa’s art appreciation course was amazing: I understand artists better. How does it feel for them to create art. In only one week she totally opened my eyes. Now back home, I understand, and see, my art collection in a new way.   It is as if I just bought new paintings! I have to say, I love my art collection even more now. Before it was just about my feeling. Now I know more about the visual and creative process that goes  into the creation of an artwork. And knowing more, make me love art more than before.

Before attending Tjasa’s workshop, I never really knew if a painting was any good. I bought because my dealer would put his hands around my shoulders, and he would say: “Jim, buy it!.” And if I liked it, I did.

Now it is different. I SEE! And to be able to recognise quality is so important right now, when the market is becoming uncertain. It was a good investment joining this workshop.

The whole experience was a delight. Tjasa is vibrant and knowledgeable, and great attention was given to what we eat and drink:  Getting to sample authentic local cuisine, always accompanied by excellent wine (Tjasa is a wine lover and wine expert). And an excellent painter, I must add.

The San Donato farm, where the workshop was presented, is a delight. Umberto and Federica, the owners are warm and hospitable. The Rooms are rustic and have a lovely, authentic atmosphere, all furnished with antique 19^th century furniture.

Thank you Tjasa!

Richard Donatello, Investor, Dubai

PROVENCE

There was inspiration at every turn

I am so glad I was able to come.

There was inspiration at every turn, and the other participants: writers, teachers, advertising executives, artists, poets, were especially interesting and intelligent companions in this enriching experience.

Valeria, Mother and Painter, Cape Town, South Africa

TUSCANY

Thanks to Tjasa and her talent, this workshop will remain etched in my memory as one of the most wonderful, rejuvenating, enlightening, relaxing, growth-inducing, nurturing, experiences of my life.

The knowledge of fine art & the visual were such an enrichment for my life.

The workshop also expanded my capabilities of observation, creativity, self confidence that help me be a better & more successful lawyer!

Peter, Lawyer, San Diego, USA

TUSCANY

This workshop made me see myself, my life and my world in a new way.

I returned home with a renewed energy for taking more creative chances. I am already seeing many results of it in my in life, work (I work in chemical industry), and creative expression (I write for a hobby).

Making new friends, with lasting connections was the very wonderful extra special of the workshop.

Too often in the workplace, a fear of being judged, of appearing "foolish" to others or of "failure" stifles our most creative thinking. Tjasa’s skilful encouragement was very precious to me.

I was recognizing how important creativity was for my business and in the today’s business world. And how important it is to dedicate time to it, as it needs practice to stay vibrant and to make us grow.

Robert, President and CEO, Beijing, China

TUSCANY

As an art collector Tjasa’s workshop made me love and appreciate art even more. I already know a lot about art but her art appreciation course was for me an eye opening experience. It provided for me an extra opportunity to develop an even greater knowledge and understanding of art. And I did lots of painting, too! And loved as well the museum visits. The stories and Tjasa’s explanation of 14 century frescos from San Gimignano church were wonderful! As well as the stories of frescos from Piccolomini Library in the Sienna Cathedral. I enjoyed this cultural-art-creativity vacation, filled with discovery & enlightment, a lot.

Adrian, Art Collector New York, USA

TUSCANY

In the time of crises, the best investments are the investments into creativity & innovation.

I was reading about the coming economic crises in the Business Newsweek saying that it is the moment when companies would cut expenses on education, but that that would be a wrong decision: In the time of crises, the best investments are the investments into creativity & innovation. Only the creative people are the ones who will be able to turn the crises into opportunity. Reading more about creativity on the internet, I came across the creative workshops that Tjasa Iris is organizing and presenting.  It is about developing visual creativity, plus a cultural tour as well. So, I thought this would help my company. A Change of scene, getting away from the busy office – technical world, but being immersed in a creative process, that is stimulating, arty, fun and relaxing. Well, what a perfect solution.

And being back home now, I tell you, it does work. I did relax a lot, but I did not sleep: It was a full immersion into creativity, into creating while having fun. But at the end of the day, feeling the immense power that a finished work of art can give you; Wow… I can not put that into words. Specially when the painting is painted by you! I am back home. But that power stayed! I am a lot more self confident in the areas I haven’t been before. I face and resolve problems in a much more creative way. I have become more creative all around; Even the food I prepare is now very creative and is as well visually beautiful! My wife loves it.

This workshop made my life better and more beautiful.

And yes, economic crises seem a lot easier to resolve. It is all in the creativity, and to be aware of the proper-self. And in 2009 I am sending others from my office to attend this workshop.

Nathan Collins, Management Consultant, Cape Town, South Africa

TUSCANY

I had a long time a wish to stimulate at least a little bit my right-brain.

I am a totally left-brain person: I work in biotechnology. I had a long time a wish to stimulate at least a little bit my right-brain. I know it would help my left-brain part a lot. I knew it was, what my brain needed. That, that would make my career even greater. That was, what my career was needing. So, when I saw Tjasa’s workshops on the internet I went for that! I thought, this might be it! I found it! My company was able to deduct it from taxes, which was wonderful. And yes, it worked! It was not easy on the first day, when she made us paint without thinking. I preferred the days, when I had to think while I painted. But now looking back, it is just the other way around. The day I painted without thinking was my the best day. And that was the day, that changed my perceptions. That was the different, that was the new for me.

As well, getting to know Tjasa better, changed my life. She is such an incredible multi task person. Do you know how many different things she is doing in life: painting, organizing and holding workshops, owning a villa Bed & Breakfast in Slovenia, which is as well an Artist’s Residency, she also started an international Artist in Residency program there, she is as well a photographer, and grows an organic garden, and is a gourmet chef, and a wine expert, and speaks, I do not know 7 language… I mean… creativity!! I wish I could be able to do all that and ski & windsurf as well. Well, it was inspiring. Not just the workshop and her wonderful program, but also to have around such people. She says that one thing gives her energy and inspiration for another thing. And this was something that made me think a lot. And also the other participants were very creative, and were wishing to be even more. To me, I came to know as well about art. But, end of the week, what meant to me the most: I discovered the joy of life, I did not know before. And it comes from creating, making art and recognizing the power of the self creativity. And good Tuscan cuisine & wines were the cherry on the cake of how much joy of life I felt. The week was intensive, but as well relaxing. I loved the hikes with Tjasa. The abandon town Castel Vecchio in the woods is fantastic. Un unforgettable experience!

I want to go to her Slovenia workshop next year. I am interested to see the little villages of Tjasa’s area that I already checked out on the internet. I know it will be wonderful to paint there. And now back home, seeing results of my at least little bit right-brained me, I decided I will go on with the progress and lessons I had during the workshop.

Ann Serra, Research Scientist in Biotechnology, Singapore

PUGLIA

The Creativity Workshop in Puglia, Southern Italy was a week in Paradise. I painted my first paintings and opened a new door in my creative life. And I made a few new  friends for life there. An unforgettable experience!

The instruction was superb!

Tania, Entrepreneur, Singapore

TUSCANY

This workshop  gave me what needed that I can now keep my imagination alive.

Mathew, Research Scientist in Physics, Alberta, Canada

TUSCANY

During our dinners Tjasa was teaching us Italian, and the waiters actually thought we were on a language course! I learnt so much during this one week. Exploring my creative potential, my creative instincts, my painting talent. Thanks to Tjasa I was able to go way over my fears of failure. I posses  now a stronger vision of possibilities and options! And I am aware of my creative potential a lot more than before. I feel much more confident. I love the paintings I painted during the week. And  I learnt so much about art history. And definitely saw some of the most beautiful places of the world. It was so much fun!

I’ll be back!

Olivia, Poet, Chicago, USA

PUGLIA

Her whole organization was very good. And her lessons were very inspiring.

I was so glad when I found this workshop on the internet. It was like my dreams came true. Painting in Italy, exploring my own creativity potential, boosting it, nurture it, learn about art, explore Southern Italy that is less known to tourists, to go as well on a cultural and gourmet tour….

I left the workshop with a sizable bag of useful ideas to motivate my students to paint more and better.

Tjasa was wonderful. Her whole organization was very good. And her lessons were very inspiring. I had a wonderful time and I met some very nice people.

I came home with a renewed energy.

Masseria Salamina is a magic place.

I would recommend this experience to anyone.

Helena, Art teacher, Chicago, USA

TUSCANY

It was an unforgettable week, well planned to the minute. Every moment was special.

I was reading on the internet about the Creative Class and Richard Florida one evening, and just by chance I saw Tjasa’s workshops on the internet. And I got very interested straight away. I am a lawyer myself. But, to do something visual. To understand something about the visual. I knew nothing, except for one  Art History class I took at the college. I thought, this would make my life richer! Painting in Tuscany, wow what a dream to come true. Then attend as well an art appreciation course, and a creativity workshop and enjoy the Tuscany wines & cuisine, and even to go trekking… Well, I had to do all that!

It was an unforgettable week, well planned to the minute. Every moment was special. I loved the Gothic church of San Gimignano and Tjasa Iris explained us all the 14^th century frescos in it. I loved painting out in the field. I loved the slide lectures in the evenings. And the wine of San Donato farm.

Under Tjasa’s skillfull navigation I painted the paintings that I enjoy and like a lot.

I am more creative myself in my office now. I go to more exhibition openings. I even bought a new big painting that I like a lot, plus I understand it, too.

Plus my apartment is getting different colours and my library got many art books. What a difference from my life from before.

Tjasa is a very interesting, knowledgeable and intelligent person.

Miles Wong, Lawyer, Hong Kong

SLOVENIA & ITALY

My life is a lot more beautiful since I am able to appreciate art more.

Thanks to Tjasa and her wonderful workshop.

Maria, Executive Officer, Toronto, Canada

TUSCANY

I see life from a different perspective since I am back from my workshop in Tuscany. And it was not just the clean farm air, good wines and good foods. It is all about my new creativity. About my new awareness of the visual, of the beautiful. About the creative ideas I am getting into my head. And it all has to do with this journey into the art-visual-creative world I took for a week in Tuscany this summer.

My words are. “Try it! It will change your life!”

Thank you Tjasa!

Tom, Marketing Analyst, Montreal, Canada

TUSCANY

One of the most special experiences of my entire life

The joy of life of Tuscany. Painting out in the Tuscan country-side. Seeing most wonderful 14 & 15 century frescos in churches. Nice company of wonderful very intelligent and dynamic people off all professions and from different parts of the world and Tjasa’s  talents, intellect & her dedication to us made this week in Tuscany one of the most special experiences of my entire life.

Linda, Interior Designer, San Francisco, USA

TUSCANY

She gave me a certain self confidence that I am very happy about.

I love art. I work in art. I am a gallerist / dealer myself. But I never got to paint. I thought this was missing to my profession. And yes, it opened my eyes on things I was not aware of before.  Tjasa’s creative part of the program was inspiring and gave us a certain power to each of us by the end of the week, which was wonderful. She gave me a certain self confidence that I am very happy about. I had a wonderful week; exploring Tuscany, visiting museums. Wine. Cuisine. Rolling hills.

I am visiting Tjasa at her Villa Flora soon. I want to see her paintings for real. I love the power of her work.

I do recommend the unforgettable week in Tuscany to anyone.

Sarah, Art Dealer, Washington DC

TUSCANY

This workshop boosted my creativity, made me overcome the fear that I could not paint. It made me appreciated and love art even more. It was a well spent time with very nice people. I am so glad I found this workshop on the internet and that I was adventurous enough to apply for it. It turned to be the best adventure in my life. I discovered so much new. I feel enlightened.

Tjasa is a very intelligent, knowledgeable and giving person.

I want to attend the one in Slovenia next year.

Nicolas, Head of School, Barcelona, Spain

TUSCANY

A whole new world opened up in front of me

I came along because my wife was painting. At first I thought, oh how wonderful. As a non-painter  I can also join all her excursions and the art appreciation course. But, when on the first day everybody was out there in the field with the stunning view over big part of Tuscany, I was getting envious of how everybody was happy, excited, thrilled and blessed. So, I asked Tjasa: “Is it too late for me to change from a non-painter to a painter.”

Tjasa told me that this often happens:  When she has non painting partners coming along on workshops, 95% of them change their mind and become painters on the first day. She knows to bring an extra easel and more brushes and canvases for this person.

I had one of my best weeks of my life!

A whole new world opened up in front of me. Now back home, I continue painting on Sundays out en plein air. And I am joining a group of pleasurable painters every Thursday night for an art class.

John, Marriage and Family Therapist, Perth, Australia

TUSCANY

It was a wonderful week. The highlight of my past years.

Tjasa is very serious, very professional, works hard, but her the nicest part is that she is so humorous. We laughed half of the time. Apart from her very serious and highly intellectual program, the most I learnt from her was: what it means being creative plus being humorous. It is a bomb! Life becomes wonderful!

Everything becomes possible!

It was a wonderful week. The highlight of my past years.

Mickael, Medical Specialist, Athens, Greece

 
 
 
 
 
 
PROVENCE
 




 
 
 
I took the Van Gogh painting workshop in Provence last July with Tjasa, it was a really wonderful experience, painting in the same spots than Van Gogh painted, visiting the 2 hospitals when he stayed in Arles and St Remy.




 
 
 
This workshop is also very cultural, visiting interesting places, staying in a lovely farm chateau, eating delicious food in the local restaurants and studing the paintings of differents masters painters. every afternoon, from the slides.




 
 
 
Tjasa is very smart person and explain every details that we need to know.




 
 
 
Everytime I remember this time in Provence seem like a beautiful dream for me.....I recomend to every person and I planning to take the one in South Italy next year.




 
 
 
 




 
 
 
Margie Gravina, Designer




 
 
 
Savannah, GA
 
 
 
 
PROVENCE
 
Hello Tjasa,

I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated the Provence workshop. Although I am still getting over some difficult jet lag, I am already trying to figure out how to come back to one of your workshops in about two years. Your instruction, choice of painting venues, accomodations, and restaurants were magical for me in so many ways. Painting in Van Gogh's locations, your thoughtful critiques, the late afternoon slides and lectures, climbing around Le Baux, lunch at La Mas de Pyramide, eating the fresh eggs and goat cheese for breakfast at Bergerie de Fregoli after waking to the chanticleer crowing outside my window are things I shall never forget in this life. There are too many beautiful mental paintings to mention here.

But it was the final critique that was your best gift to me, because it changed my life. I was very humbled when you told me to start submitting my work to exhibitions. I realized at that very moment I must now and forever get off my big fat American derriere and start producing regularly. I must always paint, attend class, keep learning, keep trying new techniques, and keep growing in my art life. I must start submitting work regardless of rejections here and there.

Because I also must work another job with my husband to help support our family, my initial goal is to produce an average of one painting per week, two per week by 1 January 2009. No more messing around... this is it. I know some paintings will be good, and some horrible, but I will keep working on them. I no longer care anymore that when I was a child, family members, teachers, and others told me I had little talent and should not bother producing art. I have now turned off those destructive tapes in my head forever. What do they know? Not much apparently, when you, a professional artist (and another teacher less than two weeks earlier) have said an entirely different thing to me. You and God are trying to tell me something, and have given me enough confidence to finally be who I truly am, with no apologies to others or the world, even. The others can all go back to their boring little lives; I am going to paint and paint and be who God meant me to be in this earthly life. I am no genius, but I am good enough to reflect in paint the beauty He has provided for us in this world.

Sorry this all sounds so melodramatic, but I mean it, and it is just after 4:45AM in the US.

The final incident happened my last full day in Paris, which was sunny and beautiful. I was lunching at the lovely Brasserie Vivienne with a friend, when we chatted with some fellow diners. They asked me what I did, and normally I would quickly say "market research consultant" or "my husband and I work together in his business." This time, without thinking consciously, I said, " I'm an artist." As soon as I heard myself, I got just a little teary...but also started laughing at the same time. It was one of the most joyful moments of my life other than having my babies and falling in love with my husband.

I am an artist who also works in another business so I can do more art.

I wish you all the greatest success and fulfillment in your professional and your personal lives. Thanks so much again for the fabulous week and please use me as a reference for any prospective students. I promise to not be so emotional next time!

Your friend,
Bonnie, VA, U.S.A.

SLOVENIA & THE COAST OF ITALY

A great week, great painting, touring, eating, socialising. I liked specialy the many trips to the country side, sea, mountains, villages, towns. Myonly regret not having the language, not being able to comunicate with the people, especially the children. From the art point of view I learnt so much about other artists, many methods, many approches and mostly about my own approach to art. - I hope to go much far my "Slovenian Period". We have made great friends and I hope we will all stay in touch. Thank you Tjaša for giving so much of yourself - it is a definite diet after all the good food!

Pam Beacom, Bath St. Wicklow, Ireland

 
 
PROVENCE
 
Bonjour Tjasa,




 
 
 
I had a wonderful time en Provence with your art workshop. You took 




 
 
 
us to such beautiful places. My senses are full with great experiences.




 
 
 
Thank you for a well thought out workshop.




 
 
 
Best to you.




 
 
 
Au revoir,




 
 
 
Lisa, NY, USA
 
 
 
TUSCANY




 
 
 
 
 




 
 
 
 
  I participated in Tjasa's Tuscany workshop October 
 2007. It was the MOST enjoyable experience on so many levels. Sometimes 
 I feel like I am a professional student. I have taken art classes for 
 the last 17 years at the university level, community college, local art 
 community centers and have participated in other plein air workshops. 
 (I have sold and continue to sell many of my paintings.) Tjasa's workshop 
 is one of the best. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give her about a 12. 
 No kidding. 




 
 
 
 
 Painting 4 hours a day, going to museums, touring the countryside, going 
 for fabulous, interesting, beautiful hikes, eating local cuisine (and 
 sometimes at local restaurants where tourists don't go - so fabulous) 
 and the slides in the evening were the right balance for one of the best 
 weeks of your life. And wait did I say - the place where we stayed, San 
 Donato, was perfect. (I thought I had died and gone to heaven). Sounds 
 like I am gushing or going overboard with enthusiasm here, but actually 
 I am holding back. There we six of us in the group - and we all felt the 
 same.




 
 
 
 
 Also I would like to add what a kind, warm, intelligent person Tjasa Iris 
 is. Her knowledge of art, culture, and languages easily and effortlessly 
 flow from her to you. 




 
 
 
 
 I feel very fortunate that I chanced upon this workshop (while looking 
 on the internet..) and can't wait for the spring and Tjasa's next workshop!




 
 
 
 
 Mary Pat Fuchs mpfuchs123@aol.com

 
PROVENCE & TUSCANY

I have attended both the Tuscany and Provence workshops with Tjasa and would highly recommend them to aspiring artists! She was very professional and organized throughout our tours. Tjasa provided us with our supplies, a well-rounded tour with sidetrips to nearby places of interest, delicious local food (all with 3-5 courses!), and a chance to improve our painting skills. The afternoon slideshows provided chances to see master painters' work, and to discuss the elements of art, which ultimately improved our own work. I have made a life-long friend or two from the trips, and cherish them, as well as have great memories of my summer trips with Tjasa. I am hoping to go to the Slovenia tour next year! Janet Dunn
Escondido, California, USA

 Tjasa got a new last name IRIS in 2006. At origin her last name was Demsar.
 
 
 
PROVENCE
 
 
"Tjasa's evening slide lectures would leave me with so much to think 
about it was hard to sleep."
 
"This workshop has an excellent focus on color. Tjasa's lectures on 
color covered artists from 100 years ago, through today. Her unique 
presentation could have only been created by an artist who both loves 
and understands color."
 
"My mother and I took the course together. What a wonderful time we 
had. Tjasa would lecture in the evening, filling our artistic souls 
with new ideas.  Then each morning she would take us to an ideal 
location to paint. It was a great combination of new ideas in the 
evening, followed by time to paint the next day to work through the 
information in our own way. Any did I mention the dinners? Tjasa 
treated us to a lovely meal each night in local restaurants... I can 
still taste the panna cota!
 
My best, Lisa
 
Lisa Lala
1216 West 73rd St
Kansas City Mo 64114
USA
816-333-8181
 

photo of Susan Lala painting at the garden of Van Gogh’s hospital at Arles

PROVENCE

My daughter and I spent 2 weeks in France on a painting holiday.

This included a delightful week studying with Tjasa Demsar.

My daughter Lisa Lala is a career artist in the United States and I also

sell my painting in several locations through out the country of Belize

where my husband I have made our home for many years.

Lisa paints in oil and I in watercolor but we each explored using acrylics

during Tjasa's workshop.

Tjasa's painting locations and hotels were well thought out. And we

enjoyed the evening dinners with good food in interesting restaurants.

We found the evening classes, especially the slides carefully chosen to

illustrate each subject, extremely valuable. Tjasa's strong art

educational background has has given her a strong background her

for teaching. Her organizational skills were also important to this plein

air workshop that flowed smoothly.

I would definitely enjoy taking another workshop with Tjasa.

Susan Lala

Belize and Kansas City

 
 
TUSCANY
    Tjasa, thank you for a most wonderful painting holiday in Tuscany!  I
have never been so inspired to paint before in my life.  On this trip, I did
over a dozen paintings that were worthy of framing.  My textured version of
the "Church at San Donato" is one of my best works.
    You are a delightful person, a true lover of art, and I absolutely
enjoyed being in your workshop.  You make the plein air painting experience a
true delight and I look forward to being in another of your workshops as soon
as I can!  See you in Provence!
 
See you soon,
Joseph Fronsee
Matheus, NC
 

TUSCANY

Dear Tjasa,

I loved your workshop in Tuscany.  I really benefitted from your program.  I

enjoyed applying ideas that we saw in the nightly slides.  While I felt free

to experiment, I did not feel that you were imposing a "technique" of

painting on me. All of the workshop participants had totally different

styles.

I have been to many workshops. I always enjoy them, but this is the first

time that I chosen to take a second course from an instructor.  I am excited

to be enrolled in your Provence workshop.  I'll see you in May!

Thank you,

Maggie Waller, Tulsa, NC

TUSCANY

I enjoyed my painting classes in Tuscany with Ms.Demsar. The classes were
very helpful, the walks she organized  on the landscape were very beautiful.
It was very comfortable and relaxing, her lunches included viewing slides and
learning from her about so many famous artists and their techniques it was
very inspiring and informative.
 I learned a lot and at the same time relaxed and enjoyed the food at the
farm where we stayed, the nearby towns and trips to Sienna and Chianti region
were enjoyable and very well planned.
I would like to join Ms. Demsar on her week in Provance and hopefully at
other locations later on. I plan to keep in touch with her and travel, learn
and enjoy all the destinations she has chosen. 
 
Alex Castro, San Diego, CA

VENICE

The Venice workshop was a wonderful mix of painting, visits to galleries and museums, and discussions with slides. Tjasa knows all the best of Venice and loves to share it.

Kay Etheridge, Gettysburg, PA

VENICE

This trip was first lovely - fun - food - shop and paint!

Babs Farries, Baton Rouge, LA

PROVENCE

I was privileged last May to partiCpate in a very enjoyable workshop in Aix-En-Provence with Tjasa Demsar.  It was my friend Donna's and my first trip to France, for that matter, to Europe.  Tjasa arranged for a comfortable hotel for us in Aix.  She took us to various sites to paint and experience the area and culture.  After showing us slides of various artists in the evening, Tjasa arranged for the class to go to a different restaurant each evening, to enjoy the French cuisine and atmosphere.  We even had time to take pictures, shop, and explore on our own.

Kathy Worcester, Somers, CT

VENICE

I enjoyed Tjasa workshop immensely. She gladly shared her experience and
knowledge, and took us on great locations. Visits to museums were an added
bonus. A week well spent.

Freda Czubat, FL

SLOVENIA

We enjoyed our Slovenian Workshop with Tjasa Demsar and would recommend it to anyone. It
was like a workshop/retreat all in one.
John and Maureen McLeod, Canada – Florida - Barcelona

TUSCANY

I had a wonderful time in Tuscany with Tjasa.  We had beautiful places to paint and wonderful people in the class.  A great time was had by all.  The "added" value was the way Tjasa arranged activities such as going to a real Italian family (150 people) party, hikes to the deserted city, and a glass (or two) of wine with the evening lectures. 

Jerry Thurman, Santa Monica, CA

SLOVENIA

Our Slovenian painting workshop experience with Tjasa Demsar at Makek farm was one of the most delightful painting and travel experiences of our lives!  Tjasa's relaxed and professional teaching style combined with the extraordinary hospitality of the Skuber family, in an awesome mountain setting, created a distinctive Slovenian encounter.

    Our excursions to Ljubljana and Bled with Tjasa enriched our experience by exposing us to the art, culture, and  history of this fascinating country.

    The opportunities for casual strolling around the farm and in the charming nearby town or serious hiking on the mountain were a welcome daily necessity after enjoying Irena's delicious home cooking.

    We heartily recommend this workshop experience!

                                                       John and Mirjam Ahladas

Ashland, Virginia

SLOVENIA

I have joined Tjasa's work shop in the Slovenian Alps in August 2002 in order to get a hands on experience in painting landscapes in the open air. 
This course has been highly beneficial to me in many ways, as I have gained lots of very useful training on how to approach different techniques and colours.  
Tjasa is a well organized and knowledgable tutor whom I really enjoyed spending time with. My stay on the holiday farm has also triggert a profound friendship 
with all members of the wonderful family Skuber and I can only highly recommend their warmth and humor.
Annett Bank -
studying for a Degree BA (Hons) in fine Art painting at Northbrook 
College 
West Sussex in England.

www.annettbank.com

PUGLIA

The warm hospitality, excellent food and wine, as well as the beautiful scenery made the painting workshop in Southern Italy a truly incredible experience. The knowledge I gained about art, culture and history of Southern Italy has been a true asset to my career as an art teacher. I would recommend this program to anyone with a wonderful sense of adventure and a desire to explore a beautiful part of the world.

David Hart, Minneapolis, U. S. A.

TUSCANY

Dear Tjasa,

I loved the time I spent at your painting workshop in Tuscany! The village in which we stayed will remain one of my most favorite places in the world. The workshop was a perfect combination of amazing food, great wine, education, incredible views, and lots and lots of painting! I think your instruction was a nice balance of  information, encouragement, and guidance while still allowing me the freedom to pursue my own direction. Relearning some of the fundamentals of painting was a great way for me to improve my skills and I returned home with a newfound appreciation for the landscape and a renewed energy for the artists life.

Thank you!
Pam BergLundh
Seattle, Washington USA

Elizabeth Kreumpelmann listed my Landscape – Painting Workshops and my  web site artw.org in her

GLOBAL CITIZEN BOOK: A Guide to Creating an International Life and Career

Ten Speed Press, July 2002

Some of the articles published on my workshops in Tuscany:

Travel magazine from U.K.

http://www.travelmag.co.uk/features/feat29.htm

Mad dogs breakfast travel magazine from Australia

http://www.maddogsbreakfast.com.au/mdb/txt/art/art63.shtml

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