Yale Summer Session in Italy: Painting Basics in Florence

Description

Florence, Italy is a city with rich architecture and fine arts that are heavily focused on painting and drawing. This course will introduce students to technical and historical issues central to the language of painting while exploring Florence. Painting Basics is an intensive studio course that offers a broad, formal introduction to painting, including the study of composition, value, color, and pictorial space exploring art and architecture. Students will learn about important historical artists whose work is within the collections and meet contemporary artists working in Florence. Assignments are guided towards supporting students’ skills gained in painting and drawing and finding their own sources of inspiration, and ultimately, their artistic voice. The research component of this class will incorporate visits to art galleries, sketching of works at those galleries, and engagement with the drawing archives in the galleries to learn about the artistic process for specific, historical artists.

Courses & Credits

Participants enroll in ART S1542 and receive 2 Yale credits.

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs led by Yale instructors. 

Tuition & Fees

SUMMER 2026

*Additional out-of-pocket costs not billed by Yale include: air fare, meals, books, class materials, and transportation to and from the classroom. See YSS Programs Abroad: Costs & Funding for more information about coverage options and answers to general FAQ.

Instructors

Maria De Los Angeles, Critic, Assistant Director in Painting and Printmaking

Maria de Los Angeles is a multidisciplinary artist who addresses ideas of migration, belonging, and identity through her drawing, painting, printmaking, and wearable sculptures. She holds an MFA in Painting & Printmaking from Yale School of Art (2015), a BFA in Painting from Pratt Institute (2013), and an Associate Degree in Fine Arts from Santa Rosa Junior College (2010). She was awarded the Blair Dickinson Memorial Prize by Yale University (2015) for her artwork and her role within her community.

De Los Angeles has been an Artist in Residence at several notable institutions such as the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), El Museo del Barrio in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Mana Contemporary in New Jersey, Oregon Center for the Arts at and the Schneider Museum of Art at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, where she had a solo exhibition in 2018. Followed by a 2019 solo exhibition at the Museum of Sonoma County in her hometown of Santa Rosa, CA.

Recent group exhibitions with Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Los Angeles County Museum, IPCNY, Every Woman Biennial, Self Help Graphics, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, St. Johnʼs University, Robert Mann Gallery, and E.TAY Gallery. Public murals in Glen Ellen CA (2021), Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital (2022), and upcoming mural for Santa Rosa Junior College to be installed in 2023.

Her work has been featured in Hyperallergic, Artnet, New York Magazine, HelloGiggles, and The Observer. Previous faculty at Pratt Institute, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Southern Oregon University. She is currently a Critic and Assistant Director of Painting and Printmaking at the Yale School of Art, Yale University.

Class Times

The class will meet on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Class times may be subject to change with notice from the instructors.

Classroom Location

Most sessions will take place within our studio space at the CET Florence Center with additional off site or field trips to buildings such as galleries, museums, parks, and studios within Florence. There will be two field trips that required train commute, the first a day trip to Bologna and the second a weekend trip to Venice.

Classes will be held at CET Florence in the Palazzo Guadagni on Piazza Santo Spirito.

Required Materials

Art supplies and other materials will be provided. Students encouraged to bring a tote bag to hold supplies during field trips. A few videos, readings, and links exploring locations and artworks will be provided in advance of field trips on a weekly basis. All readings will be in English.

Money & Budgeting

Many participants find a combination of credit and debit cards to be the most convenient way of accessing money while abroad. It’s important to have a backup option as well in case of emergency.

Participants should bring a moderate amount (equivalent to $100 or so) of the host country currency in cash when leaving the U.S. to cover initial expenses like bus/taxi fares, snacks, and phone calls for the first couple of days. Please note that participants likely will need more than $100 for out-of-pocket expenses throughout the entire duration of the program.

Italy uses the euro, which is currently close in value to the U.S. dollar. Major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan can be expensive, but participants can save money by eating at local trattorias, pizzerias, and street food vendors. Tap water in Italy is generally safe to drink, especially from marked public fountains, but bottled water is often served in restaurants unless tap water (“acqua del rubinetto”) is specifically requested. Local markets and supermarkets near the program residences provide an affordable way to buy groceries and snacks.

Tipping is not required in Italy, as service is typically included in the bill. However, it is common to round up to the nearest euro or leave a small amount of change as a token of appreciation for good service at cafes and restaurants.

Notes

Climate

Florence summers are typically hot and sunny, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to mid-90s °F (29–35°C). It is not uncommon for temperatures to climb above 100°F (38°C) during July and August, especially in the city center, where the heat can feel more intense due to stone streets and buildings retaining warmth. Rain is relatively rare in the summer, but sudden thunderstorms can occur. Evenings tend to remain warm, so lightweight clothing is essential, but a light jacket or sweater is recommended for cooler nights or occasional rain.

Packing Considerations

1. Pack light: Participants will be able to do laundry and will likely return home with new items from the host country. Be prepared to carry your luggage over cobblestone streets, up several flights of stairs, and on multiple modes of transportation without assistance.

2. Carry-on essentials: Always keep critical items like your passport, medications, and electronics in your carry-on bag.

Clothing

Florentines are known for their stylish, polished appearance. Participants should bring at least one dressy outfit, such as dress pants and a button-down shirt (a sports coat is optional but recommended) or a dressy skirt and blouse/dress with appropriate shoes—for evening events or special occasions.

• Shorts are worn less frequently by Italians, especially in the city, and are generally reserved for the beach or very casual settings. Capri pants, casual skirts, or lightweight trousers are good alternatives.
• When visiting churches and religious sites—including Florence’s iconic Duomo—shoulders and knees must be covered, so plan accordingly.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as Florence’s streets are cobblestoned and the city is best explored on foot. Avoid high heels for everyday wear.
• A sunhat, sunglasses, and lightweight breathable fabrics will help you stay cool in the summer heat.

Electricity Adapters

Italy uses Type C, Type F, and Type L plugs. Most laptops, phones, and larger electronics are dual-voltage and only require a plug adapter. Smaller appliances like American hair dryers or straighteners may not work even with adapters and are best purchased locally if needed.

Identification

A valid government-issued photo ID (passport) is required for many activities, including:

• Checking into hotels
• Purchasing certain train or bus tickets
• Using a credit card in some shops
• Accessing public internet points

A U.S. driver’s license may or may not be accepted, so your passport is the most reliable option. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place separate from the original to expedite replacement in case of loss or theft.

Social Interactions and Cultural Considerations

Dining and Drinking: In Italy, meals are an important part of daily life and are often enjoyed slowly in the company of others. Wine and other alcoholic beverages are typically consumed in moderation and with food. Drinking alcohol in public spaces, such as on the streets or in city squares, is restricted in certain areas of Florence and may result in fines.

Cultural Etiquette: Politeness is valued in Italian culture. When entering shops, restaurants, or other businesses, it is customary to greet staff with “Buongiorno” (good morning) or “Buonasera” (good evening). When visiting religious sites such as the Duomo or smaller churches, modest dress is required: shoulders and knees should be covered.

Questions

For general program questions, contact studyabroad@yale.edu.

Important Information Before Applying

• All YSS Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs for Yale credit and grades.
• Students may only apply to one YSS Program Abroad per summer.
• Admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should anticipate that more students will apply than there are spots available, and Yale College students should apply to a backup Non-Yale Summer Abroad opportunity.
• Ensure that your transcript reflects how you have met the pre-requisite, if applicable, prior to applying.
• Participants must commit to the full program dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
• Participants are required to be enrolled in all program courses.
• Participants should expect evening and weekend requirements. Students who have questions about religious observance during a YSS Program Abroad are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.
• Program-arranged housing is required for all YSS Programs Abroad. Students are not permitted to secure independent housing. Students who have housing-related questions about placements, allergies, religious observance, or disability-related access are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.

Apply to a YSS Program Abroad