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

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

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