Writing can be both an inherited and an acquired skill, as is illustrating. With daily explorations through the heel of Italy, you will encounter antiquities, incredible nature, history and cultures from Greek to modern times. Lindsay, a fun-loving, well-published writer/illustrator and professor, will guide you. Enjoy cool mornings, exploring Lecce and nearby towns, the coast, vineyards and orchards. The warmer afternoons will take place in the naturally cool, cave-like 15th-century converted bakery, Lo Spazio d'Arte, your workspace. Everything is included: regional transportation, private accommodations in Centro Storico, full art materials packet, hand-bound journal, meals, wine and your weeklong pass for building entries at your leisure. This ‘Florence of the South’ is a treasure, and a place to create memories!
 
Location: Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Instructor: Lindsay Barrett George
Cost: 2750 Euro
Sponsor: Lo Spazio d'Arte
email, (+1) 570 251 1766 or (+39) 347 906 4636

Painting Tour in enchanting city of Venice, tailored for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Each day includes demonstrations and personalized one-on-one instruction led by the renowned artist Vladislav Yeliseyev, allowing you to enhance your skills while capturing the breathtaking scenes of this iconic city. Everyone will end up with beautiful, memorable paintings and an experience they will never forget.
 
Location: Venice, Italy
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865

A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Nine full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gastronomy in the most beautiful area of Tuscany. Our teaching approach and groups limited to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating environment that fosters creativity. Cost of CAD 4350 (around US$ 3170) includes instruction, 9-night single or double accommodation (limited single rooms available at no extra cost), all breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from and to the Arezzo train station, transportation to all painting sites (Montepulciano, Cortona, Pienza, etc.), train ticket to Florence, and a guided tour to the Uffizi Museum.
 
Location: Lucignano, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3170
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

A concertina sketchbook is the perfect way to make an artistic memory of a place you’ve been. Creative lettering and colourful watercolour sketches result in a collection of vibrant memories that will bring your week back to life forever. The town of Montelparo provides the perfect setting for this way to record a trip with its classical buildings, traditional shops, wonderful food, colourful inhabitants and even truffles in October. Over the last decade Róisín Curé has taught students at every stage of their journey, and with her guidance you’ll take your skill to the next level whether you love to sketch people, buildings, nature or anything that catches your eye.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Róisín Curé
Cost: €2999
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

This 6-day workshop in Western Sicily builds strong painting and composition skills while encouraging artists to explore surrounding themes and develop visual narratives. Drawing inspiration from the landscape, atmosphere, and daily experiences of Western Sicily, participants will translate observations and moods onto the canvas through a thoughtful, selective use of mixed media. Artists will learn to balance intention with experimentation to create cohesive, expressive work that reflects their personal voice and artistic vision. Desired outcomes can range from representational to abstract, and materials may include one or more media. The workshop emphasizes a clear understanding of methods, materials, and tools, empowering participants to continue developing confident, independent work long after the workshop concludes.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Sandra Iafrate
Cost: $2998. Early booking fee
Sponsor: Sicily Artist Retreat
Website, email, 289-696-2789

Get ready for an unforgettable artistic adventure in the heart of Le Marche, Italy, next fall 2026! Spend a week soaking up the stunning scenery of rolling hills, ancient villages, and sparkling coastlines while diving into the world of line & wash watercolor painting. Led by the talented Sarah Whyte, this workshop is more than just a painting class—it’s a fresh way to see the world around you. Sarah’s down-to-earth teaching style will inspire you to sharpen your observation skills, uncovering the magic of light, color, and texture in nature. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned artist, Sarah will help you bring your own perspective to life surrounded by Italy’s breathtaking landscapes!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Sarah Whyte
Cost: €3699
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Escape to a transformative 7-day all-inclusive En Plein Air art retreat in the breathtaking landscapes of Le Marche region in Italy, hosted at the luxurious Hotel Leone. Led by the talented and inspiring Oksana Zhelisko, this retreat is open to artists of all levels, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills in oil or acrylic painting. Oksana will break down the painting process into its essential elements, focusing on key aspects like composition, value, and colour mixing. Working En Plein Air captures the nuances of light, shadow, and colour live, helping you build a deeper understanding of the landscape around you. Oksana’s personalized approach will also empower you to express your vision confidently and creatively.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Oksana Zhelisko
Cost: €3549
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join award-winning Japanese artist Keiko Tanabe for an unforgettable watercolor experience in Sicily! We are thrilled to welcome Keiko back to our island for the sixth time — a truly special opportunity to paint under her masterful guidance in one of the most inspiring destinations in the world. During this workshop, Keiko will guide you through a variety of subjects — from breathtaking Mediterranean seascapes and rolling landscapes to historic cityscapes and charming indoor scenes at our authentic Sicilian farmhouse. Keiko’s workshop is open to all skill levels — from enthusiastic beginners to experienced painters. .Limited spots available
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Keiko Tanabe
Cost: Starts at € 2500
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

8-day Sketching & Painting Retreat at Dievole Wine Resort, Tuscany. Surrounded by panoramic views and the charm of a 900-year-old winery, you’ll be immersed in the perfect setting to create art from the heart. Most meals, wine, lodging, tours and instruction included. Any medium, all levels welcome. Plus a sketchpad, sharpie, and small watercolor set is recommended, especially for beginners. Karen will demonstrate sketching with enhanced watercolor washes. Then she’ll guide you in developing those initial sketches into expressive small paintings on canvas boards. Through daily demos (in oil and sharpie) personalized instruction, explore how to build compelling compositions, simplify color theory, infuse your travel sketches & paintings with your own unique voice. Hosted by Il Chiostro Workshops.
 
Location: Vagliagli, Tuscany, Italy
Instructor: Karen Hewitt Hagan
Cost: $4475
Website, email, 843-754-0494

Discover the enchanting landscapes and luminous light of Italy’s hidden gem, Le Marche, during this transformative 7-day plein air painting experience. Under the expert guidance of renowned artist Deena Ball, you’ll immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and sun-drenched hillsides while refining your artistic skills and developing your unique creative voice. This retreat thoughtfully balances instruction with creative exploration. Begin with foundational concepts including sketching, notan studies, value work, and color theory, then apply these techniques during daily painting excursions to carefully curated locations and historic Montelparo. You’ll return home with a collection of completed paintings and the skills and confidence to continue capturing beauty through your art.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Deena Ball
Cost: starts at €3599
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Discover the enchanting landscapes and architecture of Italy during this special painting retreat. Under the expert guidance of artist Christopher Cole, you’ll immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and sun-drenched hillsides while refining your artistic skills and developing your unique creative voice. Christopher’s course will focus on sketching and painting from direct observation. Using pencil, pen, watercolours and/or acrylics you will be guided to achieve authentic interpretations of local views, buildings and people on location. By demonstrating how to select your subject, then how to compose and colour your painting, Christopher will inspire confidence using both traditional and contemporary techniques.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Christopher Cole
Cost: starts at €2999
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Step into a painter’s paradise and join watercolor artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling for an inspiring retreat in the heart of Italy. This creative escape is designed for artists at every stage—from those just beginning their watercolor journey to seasoned painters eager to refine their practice. You’ll explore expressive watercolor journaling and painting en plein air, capturing Italy’s timeless charm with luminous colors. You’ll wander sunlit piazzas, view spectacular landscapes and meander in quiet gardens, sketching life as it unfolds. Alongside new friends who share your love of art, you’ll enjoy meaningful conversations, laughter, and inspiration. Together you’ll savor Italian culture, cuisine, fabulous boutique shops and charming cafes—experiencing the journey with both brush and heart.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: starts at €4299
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Spend a week exploring the beauty, color, and spirit of Italy through expressive painting and creative exploration. During our time together in the beautiful hilltop village of Montelparo, you’ll learn a simple creative framework that will help you see the landscape in new ways. Through a blend of technique, demonstration, and exploration, we’ll work with color, line, movement, and light to create expressive landscape paintings inspired by the stunning scenery around us. We’ll spend time painting both in the studio and on location, observing the rhythms of the Italian countryside and responding to the landscape with curiosity and creativity. We’ll also create a small encaustic wax keepsake—as a way to preserve a memory from our time together.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Jennifer Bonneteau
Cost: starts at €3599
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join me for an unforgettable week in the stunning Italian Countryside - eating delicious food, relaxing and capturing Italy in our sketchbooks. This special trip is for everyone. Whether you love watercolour, gouache, or simply the joy of putting colour on paper, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who understand how special it is to create. We’ll spend our days strolling through Italian streets, sketching inspiring scenes, experimenting with colour, sharing ideas, and enjoying the simple pleasure of making art in a beautiful place. You’ll leave not only with a sketchbook full of memories, but with new confidence, ideas, and inspiration to continue your joy-filled art practice at home.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Sketches n Scrubs
Cost: starts at €3349
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors). Nine full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gastronomy in the most beautiful area of Tuscany. Our teaching approach and groups of up to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating environment that encourages creativity. Cost of CAD 4485 (around US$ 3290) includes instruction, 9-night single or double accommodation (limited single rooms available at no extra cost), all breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 gourmet dinners, transportation from and to the Arezzo train station, transportation to all painting sites (Montepulciano, Cortona, Pienza, etc.), train ticket to Florence, and a guided tour to the Uffizi museum.
 
Location: Lucignano, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 3290
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

Your 7-night art adventure awaits! If you’re seeking an authentic Italian escape, Le Marche is the answer. This enchanting area is nestled between the dramatic Sibillini mountains and the Adriatic Sea and is charactised by endless coastline, rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive trees, historic villages and breathtaking mountain ranges. Our time together will be a nurturing blend of being out in our environment, sketching/taking photos and gathering inspiration, and devoted studio time and one-on-one instruction to allow you to grow your skills, explore new techniques, and relish in your creativity. Professional plein air artist Beth Bathe will be demoing/instructing using water mixable oil paint, perfect for plein air. Students may use the medium of their choice.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Beth Bathe
Cost: starts at €3699
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Come join Carol Newsom on a plein air painting adventure in Italy in 2027! This workshop will be held in the beautiful region of Tuscany which is quintessential Italy: unspoiled beauty and a rich cultural history; a landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, quaint villages, and medieval castles. An artist dream destination. Carol will focus on essential watercolor techniques and the foundations of a strong painting, including composition, drawing, values, color harmony, and edge control. Through demonstrations, one-on-one instruction, and a daily critique, you’ll gain practical tools to create paintings with greater intention and confidence. We will also explore the practices of sketching and journaling, giving you new ways to observe, capture, and connect with the places you visit.
 
Location: Close to Livorno, Italy
Instructor: Carol Newsom
Cost: $3895
Sponsor: Alpine Creative Tours
Website, email, 970-846-9000

Join Artist Cory Wright in Le Marche, Italy for an unforgettable retreat where you will learn to capture your own version of the Italian countryside using gouache- a fun, versatile, & easily portable opaque watercolor medium, perfect for on-the-go travel, creating postcard size paintings. No previous experience needed, just an open mind and a willingness to learn! Cory will do daily demos and provide individual instruction as you paint together at various locations throughout the week. You will observe her methods up close as she guides you in how to use various techniques to create strong compositions, mix the colors you want, loosen up your brushwork, make every brushstroke count and eliminate fussy detail by focusing on the big shapes first.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Cory Wright
Cost: starts at €4099
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join Susan Kuznitsky for an inspiring art retreat set in the enchanting village of Montelparo, nestled in Italy’s Le Marche region. This unique workshop offers artists a rare opportunity to capture the magnificent and magical light of Italy through the medium of pastels, surrounded by the timeless beauty and charm of Italy. The focus of the workshop is to help participants harness the essence of Italian light and landscape by learning how to translate what excites them about a scene into expressive pastel compositions. Through guided instruction, artists will discover how to simplify complex scenes into bold, large shapes and learn the crucial skill of deciding which details to include and which to omit to best convey emotion and atmosphere.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Susan Kuznitsky
Cost: starts at €3599
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

This exciting retreat will include both classroom sessions and two selected en plein air outings at stunning locations. The class is designed to give you the tools to sketch and paint in watercolor, and to deepen your understanding of composition, sketching, color mixing, and brush techniques. Al will share his approach to creating a sketchbook or “memory” book using ink, pencil, and watercolor. These studies created outdoors not only capture intriguing moments but also provide essential information for future paintings. Al believes this is a vital skill for capturing the correct composition, mood, and moment of a scene before committing to a full watercolor painting. We will use our sketches to create dynamic watercolors. Join us for this painting adventure!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Al Kline
Cost: starts at €3349
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

In this delightful art retreat, you will create unforgettable memories in Italy by sketching and journaling in your very own travel sketchbook journal. You’ll explore charming medieval hilltop villages, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking landscapes, while learning to record your travels with mixed media techniques such as watercolor and ink, gouache and graphite. You’ll build confidence in sketching on location quickly and efficiently and develop creative storytelling skills. The retreat is located at Hotel Leone in Montelparo, a picturesque hilltop medieval village in Italy’s beautiful Marche region. Surrounded by rolling countryside, historic architecture, and authentic Italian culture, you’ll enjoy immersive art sessions, scenic excursions, delicious Italian cuisine and wine, and the opportunity to slow down, connect, and create in one of Italy’s hidden gems.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Nicole Troup
Cost: starts at €3399
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Wherever you are in your artistic journey, this culture-filled week in Italy’s stunning Le Marche region is sure to inspire! Experience luxury accommodation in the Hotel Leone, surrounded by panoramic views, and authentic culinary experiences. We will explore the regions charming landscapes and architecture, and will use the camera lens with a “painter’s eyes” - gathering expressions of light, or interesting architectural details with shadows. We will do some quick sketches, make color notes, or recall the emotions stimulated by our time in each place. In the peaceful sun-drenched studio, we will focus on creating dynamic color stories, and simplified expressive compositions using hard and soft pastels, underpainting and brushes. I will support and encourage the joy of authentic expression.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Tobi Clement
Cost: starts at €3399
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors). Nine full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gastronomy in the most beautiful area of Tuscany. Our teaching approach and groups of up to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating environment that encourages creativity. Cost of CAD 4485 (around US$ 3290) includes instruction, 9-night single or double accommodation (limited single rooms available at no extra cost), all breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 gourmet dinners, transportation from and to the Arezzo train station, transportation to all painting sites (Montepulciano, Cortona, Pienza, etc.), train ticket to Florence, and a guided tour to the Uffizi museum.
 
Location: Lucignano, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 3290
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

Immerse yourself in the hill towns of Le Marche for a week of watercolor painting, Italian light, and local life. Based at the elegant Hotel Leone in Montelparo, our days move between plein-air painting from the hill tops and in the villages, looking out toward the Adriatic Sea over olive groves and medieval rooftops, studio sessions with instruction in color studies and watercolor technique, a visit to a family-run fiber farm to learn eco-printing, and an unforgettable afternoon of pasta-making (and eating) with three generations of a local family and their beloved Nonna. Between painting sessions and outings, we’ll savor delectable regional cuisine and local wines, experiencing the textures, flavors, and rhythms of Italian life. All experience levels are welcome.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Julia Morgan
Cost: starts at €3449
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join Julie Drew in an unforgettable painting and sketching adventure in the medieval village of Montelparo with amazing food and a taste of the culture. You will explore, paint and sketch in Montelparo and 2 nearby historic locations. There will be archways, doorways, cobblestone paths, vistas and Medieval villages to inspire you. Julie will teach you how to focus in and paint with your heart. There will be time to paint freely as well as guidance and demonstrations, where we will cover tricks and tools of painting that you will be able to use long after the retreat is over. At the end of our excursions, we will talk about our paintings, sharing ideas and learning from each other.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Julie Drew
Cost: starts at €3099
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Since the dawn of time, landscapes have stirred the human spirit. From violet mountain ranges fading into mist, to emerald hills rolling endlessly beneath glowing skies, to sunsets that shimmer and dissolve into gold—nature offers a poetry that begs to be painted. In the heart of Italy’s Le Marche region, beauty unfolds at every turn. It is here that we will slow down, observe deeply, and allow the land itself to guide our creative journey. This course invites you into an exploration of soft pastel that is both expressive and immersive. We will experiment boldly—layering watercolor and acrylic inks to create luminous underpaintings that breathe beneath the pastel surface. Together we will cultivate fearlessness, curiosity, and joy in the creative process.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Jennifer Linderman
Cost: starts at €3349
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

This retreat is open to all levels! Discover the joys of painting from life, exploring themes of still-life, sketchbook and landscape painting. We will start with basics like palette selection and water control and move onto more complex compositions. The villages and sweeping landscapes of Italy promise a wealth of inspiration for every artist. Daily classes with Emily will cover: • Basic water control, including controlling your watercolor when working upright • Painting in a sketchbook, on-location • Painting from life with all of its joys and challenges! • Focusing on values • Narrowing down complex pieces to simple shapes • Creating strong compositions • Defeating artist’s block and finding inspiration • Sketching and painting on the go • Color mixing and working with a cohesive palette …and much more.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Emily Olson
Cost: starts at €4099
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054