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Kimber,
The first thing that I wondered when I read you post was "Does she want to go to Europe for adventure, or to study?" So I am kind of echoing Mischa, but from the "American" point of view. I do agree you should absolutely figure out the answer to that question before deciding one way or another.
If your main reason is to study art, I would stay in the U.S. and find an academy, atelier, or artist here. I am wondering why you chose the Florence Academy? Do you like their way of teaching color? As Mischa pointed out, they teach a very specific way of using color that may not be to your taste. Florence Academy uses very monochromatic color. Compare that to, say, Nelson Shanks' Studio Incamminati here in Philadelphia, where they use a range of chromatic colors and encourage bold color notes (after you've mastered charcoal and grisaille, of course). And there are several other excellent schools, each offering a distinct approach.
If you feel like adventure, why not go on a trip to the museums of Europe? You can set up your easel in Boboli Gardens or a piazza or anywhere that inspires you. With the combination of American school and European painting trip, you might learn just as much (or more) with less risk.
Alex
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