Experiential Dimension of Design
A Watercolor and Drawing Workshop in Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
May 26–31, 2027
A small-group workshop exploring architecture, landscape, atmosphere, and place through direct observation, drawing, and watercolor.
WHY THIS WORKSHOP
This workshop approaches drawing and watercolor as tools for seeing more carefully and understanding place more deeply. Through direct observation of Civita’s architecture, landscape, light, material, and daily life, participants slow down, look closely, and develop a more attentive relationship with the built environment.
Observation · Drawing · Watercolor · Architecture · Landscape · Culture · Place
THE EXPERIENCE
Days combine guided drawing and watercolor instruction with independent observation and exploration. Civita itself becomes the studio, allowing participants to work directly from architecture, landscape, light, and atmosphere.
What participants will explore
- Observational drawing and visual perception
- Tonal structure, light, and spatial depth
- Watercolor, color relationships, and atmosphere
- Composition, perspective, and architectural space
- Working directly and efficiently on location
All experience levels are welcome.
ABOUT CIVITA
Civita as a place of observation
Perched within the landscape of central Italy, Civita offers an unusually rich setting for studying relationships between architecture, topography, light, material, and time. The workshop uses the town itself as a studio, encouraging participants to slow down, observe closely, and develop a more attentive understanding of place through drawing and watercolor.
ABOUT OTTO
Otto Chanyakorn is an artist, architect, and educator whose work explores architecture, landscape, culture, and place through drawing and watercolor. He is an Associate Professor at Kansas State University’s College of Architecture, Planning & Design, where his teaching focuses on observation, visual thinking, and place-based learning. His work has been shaped by sustained observational practice, travel, and teaching, including his experience as a Gabriel Prize recipient and Civita Institute Fellow. Through drawing and watercolor, Otto uses direct observation as a way to better understand the built environment and develop a deeper relationship with place
PROGRAM DETAILS
Experiential Dimension of Design
A Watercolor and Drawing Workshop in Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
May 26–31, 2027
Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
5 nights / 4 instructional days
Small-group workshop
8 AIA Learning Units
Workshop Tuition
$1,100
Tuition includes guided drawing and watercolor instruction, demonstrations, group discussions, and workshop activities throughout the program.
Lodging
Accommodations in Civita are arranged separately through The Civita Institute. Participants may select from available Institute apartments, subject to availability. Lodging costs are separate from workshop tuition and are paid according to The Civita Institute’s current lodging and membership policies.
Experience Level
All experience levels are welcome. Participants should have an interest in drawing, watercolor, architecture, landscape, and learning through direct observation.
REGISTER
Secure online registration and payment through Stripe.
Download Workshop Brochure
Please visit the workshop brochure for current information on lodging, payment schedule, membership requirements, cancellation policies, and other program details.
PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS
2026
“Otto’s skillful and thoughtful way of teaching and of sharing his nuanced expression of sketching and painting with us has inspired me to make art part of my everyday journey.”
Amy Corner-Murphy | PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT, INTERIOR DESIGNER, FOUNDER | 2026 Workshop Participant
2024
“It was one of the best times of my life to spend time with you all. I learned a great deal about drawing and painting, and I would highly recommend the workshop to anyone.”
Bill Bourque, RA | 2024 Workshop Participant
AIA Kansas City Watercolor Workshop
The workshop is organized by AIA Kansa City’s Young Architect’s Forum. The ticket can be purchased at aiakc.org
- October 3, 2023: AIA Kansas Conference, Watercolor Painting and Architecture
- June 15, 2023: Kahler Slater Design Week, Freehand Drawing to aid design thinking and creativity.
- March 30, 2023: LABash Conference, Watercolor workshop for landscape designers.