An Australian painting tutor, an Ancient Roman drinking ritual, and some sublime Italian musical merrymaking. No one can say that Watermill blogs are not far-reaching and eclectic.
The Australian painting tutor is Charles Sluga, who tells us in his recent newsletter that the expression of raising your glass and ‘making a toast’ comes from ancient Romans’ habit of dropping a piece of toast in their wine. Charles suggests toast was there for good health, though he doesn’t explain why. Further research suggests that it was commonplace to add a piece of scorched and spiced bread to wine, soaking up some of the acidity and improving the flavour.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary tells us : “The bread wasn’t necessarily consumed by the drinker; was often discarded after it flavoured the drink and soaked up any unwanted sediments.” Shakespeare, of course, mentions the practice: “Go, fetch me a quart of sack; put a toast in’t,â€. Falstaff commands Bardolph in The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Well, you learn something new every day, but I didn’t expect to find out about Shakespearean drinking habits from an Australian painting tutor! Thank you, Charles.
The pandemic has precluded recent visits by Charles to the Watermill, but he will be with us again next year, from Saturday 23 September to Saturday, 30 September 2023.
Charles Sluga is a highly respected and sought-after Australian watercolour artist, who has gained a reputation for his versatility in both his technique and choice of subject matter. He has been a painting tutor at the Watermill many times.
Charles is also a great teacher, with a friendly and enthusiastic approach and an eagerness to impart his wide knowledge. He not only teaches technique, but also how to think and see as an artist, which he considers just as important. His classes are relaxed, informal and inspiring. One student said: “In addition to being a very talented artist, Charles is an extremely capable and professional teacher.â€
And there’s an added bonus: if you book before 1 September 2022, the you can enjoy this 2023 course at 2022 prices. Please click here for a preview of all our 2023 creative courses. Sign up come and raise a glass with us to creativity and La Bella Vita Italiana.
I haven’t forgotten the sublime Italian music making. It is the Brindisi, of course from Verdi’s La Traviata. An Italian, a brindisi is the act of raising a glass and toasting someone’s health. No one does it better than Giuseppe Verdi in La Traviata. And who better to sing it than Luciano Pavarotti? You can see him doing so in a concert in Moderna by clicking here. That will really brighten your day and improve your health.