Join your fun and adventurous leader Georgia Mansur on a retreat of exploration and discovery. From the interesting architecture and cultural historic buildings to the vast sweeping hillside vistas, we will be painting and sketching our impressions of this remarkable ancient hilltop village and surrounds. Whether you wish to paint en plein air or create a travel sketchbook (or both!) we will be documenting our adventures and discoveries in paint. From beginners to professional artists, there will be plenty to see and do and also lots of activities planned for the non-painting partners and friends joining you. We will be immersed in the culture of what makes Italy so special ~ art, cooking, wine, farming, family and community ~ la dolce vita!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Georgia Mansur
Cost: €3099
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

This workshop will give you a solid foundation of techniques and tools that will help you create emotionally evocative paintings. Working with a proven approach to plan, prepare, and problem solve your way to more powerful paintings! We will employ a variety of tools – including plein air sketches, photos, your digital device apps, sketches, and color sketches — to set-up and achieve the best composition and procedure for your painting. From there we will use the process to elicit impactful artwork. Your finished paintings may use watercolor, soft pastels, oil, or acrylic – whichever is your preferred medium for painting. You will practice using the amazing Italian landscape and more. Finally, you will bring all the layers together to create the amazing paintings you envisioned.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Terrilynn Dubreuil
Cost: €3599
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

This retreat is a return to beauty. To slow mornings, sun-warmed afternoons, and the quiet joy of making something with your hands. We’ll paint, move, eat well, and linger over long dinners in the Sicilian countryside — with nowhere else to be. At our retreat home on Sicily’s western coast, creativity flows effortlessly, with every brushstroke, sip of wine, and warm conversation shared beneath the lemon trees. Whether you’re a practiced artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, there’s a place for you here. Let Sicily be your muse. Sicily is slow, soulful, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to pause, notice, and create. Limited spots available.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Habitat Retreats - Diana
Cost: Starts at US$ 3860
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

Join watercolor artist Russel Whitten next spring for a week of plein air painting on the enchanting island of Sicily. Together we’ll explore the island’s rich history, diverse architecture, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine. Russel’s work is grounded in direct observation—painting from life rather than photographs. With over two decades of experience, his watercolors capture the intimate details that give a place its character: the curve of an archway, the play of light on stone, the colors of the Mediterranean landscape. We’ll stay at Salinara, an 18th-century villa nestled amid vineyards and olive groves near Marsala. Our gracious hosts, Yumi and Adriano, have created a haven for artists—just a short walk from the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Limited spots available.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Russel Whitten
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

We’ll start the art retreat by practicing the use of gouache paints through easy painting exercises. This will provide a good foundation for painting with gouache and help refine your painting technique for upcoming painting tasks. Participants will be guided to paint colorful botanical themes, including foliage in nature, colorful flowers and fruits. Participants will paint in the beautiful surroundings as well as indoors in the art studio using real flowers and fruits for inspiration. The painting style can be precise with bold lines or dreamy and gradient, gouache is suitable for a lot of different styles. Gouache has a matte finish when dry and is water-soluble, which makes painting fun and easy. Details can be added with colored pencils and oil pastels.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Cost: €2999
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Watercolor Workshop in Sicily with Amit and Megha Kapoor. Join us for an inspiring watercolor painting workshop guided by two of India’s leading watercolor masters — Amit Kapoor and Megha Kapoor. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in art and nature, painting alongside world-renowned artists in a charming, authentic Sicilian farmhouse just 500 meters from the Sea. Throughout the week, Amit will share his signature plein air techniques, while Megha will guide you through her delicate and expressive approach to painting flowers. Both artists will offer in-depth demonstrations and provide personalized feedback, ensuring a supportive and enriching learning experience. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to elevate your watercolor practice while discovering the magic of Sicily. Limited spots available.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Amit Kapoor & Megha Kapoor
Cost: Starts at € 2650
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

Join artist David Shkolny for an amazing painting journey through the cobblestones and countryside of beautiful Italy! After eating a delicious breakfast, get revved up with some invaluable painting insights into the day ahead from David, followed by a short journey by bus to a gorgeous town. David will guide you through demonstrations and one-on-one assistance. After your hard work, saunter over to a charming restaurant for your well-earned feast of local fare. Finally, return to the comfort of Hotel Leone for a siesta, swim in the pool, or leisurely work in the painting studio! Did I forget to mention the aperitifs and the 4-course meal to follow? Imagine a whole week of this at the Hotel Leone Boutique Retreat Centre!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: David Shkolny
Cost: €3399
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

This retreat will focus on painting beautiful portraits from life, and incorporating environmental elements in our paintings. We will warm up with head studies and some of the basics of traditional portraiture, and gradually work towards painting the figure in a landscape or interior setting. There will be many opportunities to compose dynamic paintings that include architecture, trees and gardens, and of course, the figure. Anna will work in oil, but students are welcome to paint with the medium of their choice. Anna will walk you through everything from color mixing and creating an accurate block-in, to creating harmony in your painting and beautiful edges. There will also be opportunities for plein air painting and critique sessions.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Anna Rose Bain
Cost: €3499
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, 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

Join Charlotte Hamilton for an unforgettable artistic journey at a beautiful Boutique hotel nestled in the picturesque region of Le Marche, Italy. Surrounded by rolling hills, historic villages, and stunning landscapes, we will embark on a creative adventure that will inspire and rejuvenate your artistic spirit. From plein air painting sessions in the beautiful countryside to mixed media workshops in the hotel’s Art studio, each day will be filled with new experiences and artistic discoveries. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to explore your creative side, this retreat is designed for artists of all levels. Join us for a week of inspiration, creativity, and relaxation in the heart of Italy!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Charlotte Hamilton
Cost: €3899
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

This magical ARTventure will foster your creativity as we paint from inspiration gathered while exploring the gorgeous Italian countryside. 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 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. We will paint with both oils and watercolor. This workshop is perfect for all levels.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Kim Smith
Cost: €4399
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

This workshop in the beautiful Le Marche region of Italy will focus on learning to draw and paint a portrait from life. Starting with a focus on drawing, with an emphasis on the 4 main aspects of a portrait: Proportion, Value, Colour, and Edge, we will progress to using wet-on-wet techniques to paint a number of Alla Prima portraits from life. Mick will demonstrate how to approach the drawing of the portrait (both in charcoal and in oils), showing how to break down the portrait into systematic and consecutive steps, moving from large shapes to small shapes, simplifying, and how to revise the painting as you go to get the most out of your drawing and painting skills.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Mick McNicholas
Cost: €3499
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

The aim of this course is to encourage the participants to move towards a more expressive way of painting the landscape. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the Le Marche region while painting on location and practicing the elements and principles of design such as colour, composition, light, texture and creative experimentation back at the studio. A perfect fusion of realism and abstraction, this workshop gives you the freedom to interpret the stunning Italian landscape in your own unique style, creating pieces that evoke both the essence of the region and personal expression.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Soraya French
Cost: €2999
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Step into a world of creativity and inspiration at this transformative art retreat in the breathtaking landscapes of Italy. This immersive experience is designed for artists of all levels—whether you’re just beginning your creative journey or looking to deepen your artistic practice. Together, we’ll explore PanPastel portraiture, field journaling, watercolor studies, mixed media storytelling collage and on-location sketching, all while soaking in the rich atmosphere of Italy. We’ll take our sketchbooks into cobblestone streets, quiet gardens, and sun-drenched piazzas for some urban sketching and watercolor play and swatching. We’ll also spend time in nature, doing studies of local flora and fauna—slowing down to observe the beauty of our surroundings. Learn to release perfectionism and embrace joyful experimentation!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Ivy Newport
Cost: €3699
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Immerse yourself in a weeklong journey of creativity, growth, and connection in beautiful Italy. Guided by Jenny Grant, you’ll explore her mixed media process with collage, acrylic painting, and expressive portraits, all while discovering the joy of letting go and embracing your unique creative voice. You’ll connect with a group of like-minded creatives, creating friendships as you learn, and explore Italy together. By the end of the week, you’ll leave with a new approach to your art, full of inspiration, and amazing memories. We will also create a simple art journal to document our creative journey, capturing meaningful moments and exploring the freedom of creating without attachment to perfection. This retreat is open to all levels.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Jenny Grant
Cost: €3499
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Over the course of this week-long retreat, participants will have opportunities to explore the Le Marche region of Italy, visit regional food producers, and sample local culinary delights. All these materials and experiences will influence our work and find their way into our mixed media art journaling – which we’ll do in a handmade concertina journal, on paper, and on wood panels! You’ll work intuitively, allowing yourself to be influenced by the day’s experiences and materials discovered. Learn to be on the lookout for materials that will add “local spice” to your encaustic and mixed media creations. And you’ll be guided and supported each day by Bridget Benton with excursions, lessons, and exercises to delight your senses and help build your mixed media vocabulary.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Bridget Benton
Cost: €3199
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Capture the enchanting beauty of Italy through watercolour. During our week together you’ll connect with fellow artists, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse yourself in cultural activities that will ignite your creativity. And we’ll sketch and paint it all! On this retreat, I’ll give you the confidence to paint en plein air, mastering the art of capturing scenes on location. Armed with just a few materials, you’ll learn to paint expressive sketches that evoke emotion and narrative. I’ll guide you through each step, gradually encouraging you to explore your own artistic path. It’s a small group only, which ensures you’ll receive personalised attention, with ample time dedicated to questions and one-on-one feedback. We’ll cover concepts of perspective, composition, colour theory and watercolour techniques.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Renee Walden
Cost: €3299
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling for their workshop at the stunning Salinara Art Farm in Sicily. Discover an endless variety of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, joyful and welcoming people, traditional foods, and excellent local wines. There will be plenty of opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Cindy and Theresa will provide daily painting lessons, personalized guidance, and inspiring demonstrations. They’ll share techniques for sketching and simplifying your subject, playing with color and water, adding texture and composition, and enhancing your watercolor journal pages with writing and creative expression. The workshop will conclude with a review session and discussion of participants’ works. Limited spots available.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Theresa Goesling and Cindy Briggs
Cost: Starts at € 3200
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

Join renowned artist Samantha Williams-Chapelsky for a captivating textured semi-abstract plein air workshop in the breathtaking landscapes of Italy. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Italian countryside while learning innovative techniques to create vibrant, textured works of art. Perfect for artists of all levels, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore semi-abstract expression through Samantha’s expert guidance, all while drawing inspiration from Italy’s rich scenery and culture. Don’t miss this unforgettable artistic experience!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Samantha Williams-Chapelsky
Cost: €3649
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, 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

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

Join the Venice Art Biennial 2026, Bologna and Milan Tour, a unique 10-night art history trip in Italy open to everyone, from artists and art lovers to students and lifelong learners. The cost of CAD $ 4700 (around US$ 3450) includes 10-night double accommodation in well-rated and centrally located hotels in Venice, Bologna and Milan; daily breakfast, train ticket from Venice to Bologna and from Bologna to Milan, group transportation to sites on schedule (vaporetto, taxi, subway) daily discovery walks, two-day entrance to the Venice Biennial, entrances to all museums and galleries on schedule, and the constant service of a qualified art historian guide and a logistics responsible. We offer single rooms for a supplement of CAD 1475 (around US$1080).
 
Location: Venice, Bologna and Milan, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 3450
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

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

Join Cathy for an unforgettable art retreat in the heart Le Marche—where golden hills, winding cobblestone streets, and the warm hospitality of Hotel Leone create the perfect backdrop for artistic inspiration. Each day, you’ll dive into Cathy’s signature layered mixed media botanical techniques, using the Italian landscape as your muse. You’ll learn how to build rich, expressive pieces filled with color, texture, and story—infused with the joy of intuitive painting and the magic of place. But that’s only the beginning… Your adventure includes a special botanical eco-printing workshop at a family-run weaving farm, a curated tour of three local, family-run producers of wine, cheese, and olive oil—with a delicious lunch included, and a “pizza-giro” evening at a nearby trattoria!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Cathy Nichols
Cost: €3799
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054