I'm overflowing with gratitude and appreciation. Thank you with all my heart to Bill and Kristi for offering me this dreamy adventure, and for all their hard work organizing and tending to every tiny detail both pre-class and throughout my time in Italy. 
When they asked me to come back next year, I didn't have to think about it, I immediately said yes which is a testament to their devotion and skill in what they do because I don't enjoy flying internationally (actually I'm not loving flying at all any more). But, for an opportunity to work in Italy with Bill and Kristi, I'll get on that plane and happily endure the long flight. 
Next year, I'll be teaching at two international workshops as well as teaching for Cindy again in February, at An Artful Journey (details on that in a post coming soon). First I'll fly off to Australia in April to work with Bevlea Ross, who is another fabulous hostess gifted in retreat skills and making instructors feel welcome in another country. My second time teaching in Italy will be in September, 2012. I never take for granted this gift of teaching that I've been given, and I'm so thankful to be invited to share and teach, and that people sign up and enjoy my classes. 
Huge thank-you's to the 10 fabulous students who filled my class in Italy! Maya, Sandy, Marty, Abby, Ann, Shirley, Susan, Doreen, and Carol... THANK YOU!!
whooops... can't forget sweet Natalie! She missed photo time, but promised to send photos of her amazing book! 
Our workshop began with a day of getting to know Orvieto and each other. It was a treat to meet everyone during dinner on the evening before the workshop began. The following day included wine and olive oil tasting and a walking tour of Orvieto with a special tour of the Gothic Cathedral or Duomo of Orvieto. 
With it's construction beginning in 1290, and continuing for 3 centuries, it's quite a site to see. Filled with Romanesque Gothic art, and covered with narrative Bas Reliefs, sculptures, and bronze statues from the 13th and 14th centuries as well as many added later through modernization into the 19th century, the structure is completely covered and filled with art expressing the message of Salvation. 
One of the highlights is Signorelli’s fresco masterpiece “Last Judgment”. Both the exterior and the interior include striped narrow bands of white travertine and green-black basalt. 
It's very striking on such a massive structure. 
Each day, along with studio time, we enjoyed outings such as wine tasting, exploring caves, visiting a cemetery, and a cooking class. 
We even had a couple husbands join in!
Our classroom was wonderful with huge shutters, tons of light, and adorable french doors opening up onto a second story balcony. 
Sister Giovanna keeps her collection of cactus just outside the classroom and they were in full bloom, adding to the gorgeous views in all directions. 
For lunch, we had optional picnics in the main courtyard. 
Some days we all chipped in for food, and other days we could purchase something from the market and gather it all together for a fun feast before heading back to create in the classroom. 
Class time gets so busy it's difficult to snap photos of everyone as they work, but on the last evening, we had a show and share down at the picnic table. It was fun to see everyone's work from the week as well as hear them talk a bit about it.
Shirley was such a sweet tropper when she fell right after arriving, and really banged herself up. She sported pretty purple and blue the rest of the week.
More photos and hugs with the Sisters, Kristi and Bill before departing. 
Stay tuned! More photos and adventure coming! 
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I am just now catching up on my favorite blog reads and was awed by the beauty of your pictures in Orvieto. Ain't life grand!! in any language!
Posted by: Marty Mason | 06/24/2011 at 03:24 PM
Wow! I so wish I was there D.J. I have always loved your art . I hope to be able to go to one of your classes one of these days . thanks for inspiring me as always you have been a rockstar to me , and Im a big fan of you : )
Posted by: Maryannk | 06/05/2011 at 09:11 AM
that was fun reliving the workshop through your pictures and narrative. poor Shirley, but what a trooper. you can tell how much everyone really enjoyed themselves. I'm trying to picture myself there in Septemer 2012 - that sure would be a wonderful treat!
kecia
Posted by: kecia | 05/30/2011 at 11:05 AM
Oh it looks like so much fun. Someday I will join you.
Sharon/Ks
Posted by: Sharon, Morrison Mercantile | 05/30/2011 at 09:52 AM
What an amazing post of Italy and the workshop!
This was a trip of a lifetime and you captured it so beautifully on film. Thank you for taking me with you through your posts.
Posted by: lyndalynch@roadrunner.com | 05/29/2011 at 12:47 AM
Gorgeous!Looks like an amazing workshop and a wonderful trip to Italy. Love all the books! I hope you are planning an online workshop soon because I would love to learn how to create such beautiful books!
Posted by: Kimberly Jones | 05/26/2011 at 06:41 PM
waaa waaaa! I wish that I could have been there with you all!
Posted by: carol sloan | 05/26/2011 at 11:32 AM
Such great photos - they totally reflect the wonderful time you all had and the delightful art you helped people create.
Posted by: joanne thieme huffman | 05/26/2011 at 04:56 AM
Fabulous! This would be a dream come true! And I love it that your students were so varied in age! Patsy from HeARTworks
Posted by: patsy | 05/25/2011 at 09:50 PM
Such a beautiful post. Definitely looks like a dream experience of a lifetime! I'll have to figure out a way to do this!!!! Glad you all had a wonderful time.
Posted by: Eileen | 05/25/2011 at 08:55 PM
Fabulous books - I especially liked the painting of the sheep!
Posted by: Jean Van Brederode | 05/25/2011 at 08:28 PM