In this oil painting workshop (pastel is welcome) with master artist, Kim Casebeer, you will escape to the beautiful, tranquil town of Fiesole, Italy. Perched on its hill just a few miles above Florence, Fiesole is a hidden gem known for its rich history, quiet atmosphere and stunning views which make it a perfect location for an intensive art retreat.
 
Location: Fiesole, Florence, Italy
Instructor: Kim Casebeer
Sponsor: Artensity Workshops
Website, email

This is more than a workshop - it's an immersive artistic retreat in one of the world's most inspiring cities, guided by an accomplished artist who will help you discover the full expressive potential of pastel painting. You'll live like a local in the heart of Florence developing your artistic vision through an innovative approach to pastel painting. Join us this September for an experience of a lifetime.
 
Location: Florence, Italy
Instructor: Marla Baggetta
Sponsor: Artensity Workshops
Website, email

Join us for an unforgettable painting journey through the timeless landscapes of Tuscany, centered near the enchanting hilltop town of Cortona and the medieval gem of Lucca. Over ten inspiring days, we’ll explore Montepulciano, Assisi, and local wineries, spending seven nights near Cortona and three nights in Lucca. This immersive experience blends world-class art instruction, exquisite cuisine, unforgettable wines, and the breathtaking beauty of one of Italy’s most celebrated regions. Our workshop is designed for painters of all levels, from beginners to seasoned artists. Under Vlad’s expert guidance, you’ll capture the essence of Tuscany in watercolor—or the medium of your choice—while deepening your artistic vision in a warm and supportive atmosphere. Early-Bird Special $200 OFF until November 30.
 
Location: Cortona, Lucca, Italy
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $5290
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865

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

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

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

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

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

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

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