Painting class taking place outside

Follow Tuscany

Creative workshops in the heart of Tuscany

Experience

Our retreats are an invitation to slow down and create. Rooted in painting, sketching, and the visual arts, they unfold in harmony with the simple pleasures of Tuscany — shared meals, local wine, and journeys through timeless landscapes. Art here is not rushed or forced; it grows naturally, nourished by beauty, light, and meaningful moments. We welcome artists of all levels. Whether you are picking up a pencil for the first time or deepening an established practice, this is a space where curiosity is encouraged and every creative voice is valued. Set within an inspiring Tuscan environment, our all-inclusive art retreats are designed to refresh the spirit, awaken the senses, and gently expand your way of seeing. Drawing, painting, and observing become quiet rituals — ways to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Tuscany’s hills, colours, and ever-changing light have a way of guiding the hand and opening the imagination, inviting you to explore without pressure or expectation. Our experienced teachers offer thoughtful guidance and support, allowing each guest to work at their own rhythm. More than a retreat, this is a shared journey — one of creativity, conversation, and moments that linger long after you leave.

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Discover TUSCANY featured image

ItalyUpcomingSold out

Discover Tuscany

with James Richards

Lucca , Italy - Villa Vistosa

5 October - 15 October 2026

4949 Euro

Join me for an unforgettable 10 days in one of the worlds most inspirational places! I’ve been sketching and painting in Tuscany for years, and I can’t wait to share my favorite artistic and cultural immersion experience with you. Our workshops are a celebration of the transformational experience of travel, and the added richness, exuberance and creative rush that on-location sketching brings to it. You'll learn to use sketching as a tool for exploration and a doorway to discovery in some of Tuscany’s most beloved hill towns, landscapes, and coastal villages. Along the way, we’ll enjoy gourmet regional cuisine by our personal chef, the region’s finest wines, winery visits and tastings, a cooking class—even a Puccini opera performance! The goal of this workshop is not for you to draw like anyone else. My goal is to equip you with eye-opening lessons, techniques, shortcuts and inspiration from my own decades of experience and travel that can help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. Our workshop guests often say we've "given them permission" to be themselves and to enjoy every day of the process. You’ll depart with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence that's the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and continued growth.

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Creative Horizons: Albert Kiefer in Tuscany

with Albert Kiefer

Lucca, Italy

18 October - 25 October 2026

3799Euro

Welcome to my workshop in the beautiful Villa Sole! I would be thrilled to have you join me for an eight day long stay in the wonderful city of Lucca and its surroundings. We’ll be sketching together, enjoying the scenery, and exploring the amazing nearby places. Have you ever felt stuck on a sketch, or afraid to start because you think you’ll mess it up? I want to show you how to let go of perfection and create great and expressive sketches that you can be proud of! I’ll teach you how to enjoy fast and free sketching with colored markers. We’ll have sessions of instruction, followed by plenty of live and on-location sketching. I’ll show you why perspective isn’t always necessary, and definitely not a must for a great sketch! You’ll also learn how to give buildings a unique twist, so you can highlight their striking features in your sketches. Are you ready for that expressive adventure in the Tuscan sun? Join me! Albert Kiefer

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ItalyUpcoming

The Beauty of Tuscany

with Nancy E. Thompson

Lucca , Tuscany -Villa Vistosa

2 November - 12 November 2026

4899 Euro

Teaching art is a way of life for Nancy also a best therapy in this imprevedibile times. She believe that anyone who wants to learn can do it. She teach all levels...beginner classes to master class. Teaching accomplished artists is particularly exciting because it allows help to help others find ways to keep their work fresh and evolving.

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Watercolour Tuscany & Liguria with Julia Barminova

with Julia Barminova

Lucca, Tuscany

22 April - 30 April 2027

3899€

I invite you to join my masterclass in Tuscany. As a watercolour artist, I have spent many years en plein air, traveling and painting in over 200 cities. Traveling and watercolour sketching go hand in hand. Stepping outside the studio onto the plein air, I immerse myself in the world of new places, finding inspiration for my creativity. I strive to capture not only the details and colours but also the unique atmosphere of every corner, which I embody on the pages of my sketchbooks. Watercolour is perfect for such adventures. With the right approach, it creates real magic on paper, conveying the sunlight, textures, and atmosphere of Italian cities. Join me in Tuscany-Liguria to discover the world of watercolour adventures together. Here, you will learn to see the surrounding world as a source of inspiration and create picturesque works of art, preserving the spirit and atmosphere of every place we visit.

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Discover Tuscany with James Richards

with James Richards

Lucca , Italy - Villa Vistosa

2 May - 12 May 2027

5199 Euro

Join me for an unforgettable 10 days in one of the worlds most inspirational places! I’ve been sketching and painting in Tuscany for years, and I can’t wait to share my favorite artistic and cultural immersion experience with you. Our workshops are a celebration of the transformational experience of travel, and the added richness, exuberance and creative rush that on-location sketching brings to it. You'll learn to use sketching as a tool for exploration and a doorway to discovery in some of Tuscany’s most beloved hill towns, landscapes, and coastal villages. Along the way, we’ll enjoy gourmet regional cuisine by our personal chef, the region’s finest wines, winery visits and tastings, a cooking class—even a Puccini opera performance! The goal of this workshop is not for you to draw like anyone else. My goal is to equip you with eye-opening lessons, techniques, shortcuts and inspiration from my own decades of experience and travel that can help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. Our workshop guests often say we've "given them permission" to be themselves and to enjoy every day of the process. You’ll depart with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence that's the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and continued growth.

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The Magic Of Tuscany with Dori Beth

with Dori Beth

Lucca, Italy

14 May - 23 May 2027

4799€

I am so thrilled and excited for a 10 day get away to Tuscany ! Come paint with me under the magical Tuscan sun. We will stay at a 200 year old villa, where everywhere you look is a painting waiting for you to create! Each day we will dine on original Italian cuisine that inspires anyone’s “palette.” We will have many excursions and adventures to explore the Regional countryside and towns. I will teach four - 3 hour sessions, where I do demos and assist each students to help them complete 2 paintings to take home. You will learn a number of techniques working with watercolors. In Lucca there is a wonderful little art store that only an artist can appreciate. Beginners and advance students will be inspired beyond their wildest imagination in the atmosphere of romantic Tuscany. This is an adventure that you will draw upon for the rest of your life.

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Tuscan Crochet Retreat with Emma – Oh So Pretty And Clever & Marina – Bloodimaryart Crochet featured image

ItalyUpcoming

The Art of Crochet in Tuscany

with Emma & Marina

Lucca, Tuscany

25 May - 31 May 2027

£2,890 €3,356/ £3,255 €3,780

Lose yourself in the rhythm of your stitches, the warmth of Italian sun, and the beauty of handmade creation! Join us in the heart of Tuscany for a soul-soothing crochet retreat: six luxurious nights of connection, inspiration, and calm, set against a backdrop of vineyards, olive groves, and timeless villages. This is your invitation to pause, create, and breathe deeply.

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Going Home-Sketching Scotland with Iain Stewart Vol.2

with Iain Stewart

Scotland, UK

2 June - 11 June 2027

£5199

My favorite place to explore and sketch is with beyond a doubt my home country of Scotland. It is where I spend my sketching vacations and I’ve been drawing and exploring it my entire life. My family moved to the US from Glasgow when I was very young but when we would visit my parents always said “we’re going home for the summer.” That stuck with me and seeing the country man and boy and finally as a professional artist has taught me so much about where to go, the little tips that help anyone work in a country that can toss 3 seasons at you in an afternoon, and most importantly how to convey that love of place to others. I have taught numerous workshops in Scotland but this one is the first I’ve had a real hand in curating. As aways my motto is low stress and more places visited. Simply sitting down with my sketchbook and recording where I am whether it’s something extremely familiar or a new location I get to explore the thrill is always there. For me it’s the kind of beauty that just makes me want to throw my hands up and shake my head knowingly. Scotland gives and I certainly take what I can from that. Join me as I share my love of such an amazing country.

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Finding Deep Rest for Weary Souls with Mindset Coach Alicia Michelle

with Alicia Michelle

Scotland , Perthshire

12 June - 22 June 2027

£4899

Experience lasting soul renewal + adventure as we explore Scotland: the land of unspoiled landscapes, wild nature, beautiful islands, castles... and so much more. Imagine standing with your feet among the Scottish glens and lochs that have inspired people for centuries, all while connecting deeply with God as you explore incredible castles and monuments with other Christian women in this all-inclusive, fabulous 10-day adventure!

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Painting People from Photographs- Watercolor workshop with Ted Nuttall in beautiful Scotland

with Ted Nuttall

Scotland , Perthshire

23 June - 3 July 2027

£5199

“I’ve always been drawn to people and the figure and I think one of the most exciting things about a country’s culture and environment are it’s people. Having had the good fortune to teach workshops in several different countries I came away each time with great images and feelings that developed themselves into paintings. I’m excited to have the opportunity to visit beautiful Scotland and work again with Karolina and David at their charming Perthshire hunting lodge - And I would like to invite you to join me! Although painting a person in watercolor may seem daunting, it is every bit as approachable as creating a still life or landscape. Ted Nuttall will demonstrate the techniques, and instill the confidence to enjoy painting people. He will discuss the benefits of photographic reference, as well as how to interpret a photograph in order to give life and energy to the subject. In Ted’s daily demonstrations and presentations, he will share his personal approach to painting. Plus, he will introduce the work of other artists with the objective of inspiring enriched seeing and thinking skills. What’s more, significant time is allowed for one-on-one instruction. In an atmosphere that’s both creative and supportive, Ted encourages in each participant a renewed enthusiasm for his or her art – regardless of their skill level.

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Capture Provence with James Richards

with James Richards

France , Provence

2 September - 12 September 2027

5.799 Euro

Experience magical Provence: lavender, vineyards, olive trees, medieval villages, markets, delicious food & wine and sun-filled landscapes. You will discover why the region has been an inspiration and healing place for artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet. It will be a journey you will never forget! Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s great places. Join world leading urban sketcher and travel artist James Richards for a fun and enlightening 10 days that will enhance both your painting skills and your appreciation for this remarkable region of France.

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The Light of Tuscany with Alex Hillkurtz

with Alex Hillkurtz

Lucca , Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

4 October - 14 October 2027

5149 Euro

In this workshop I will teach you techniques to enhance the story you want to tell with your painting: composition, perspective, lighting, detail (or lack of detail). We will work in watercolour sketchbooks, and larger sheets, and the media will be pencil, pen and ink, and watercolour. I will show how I choose a composition designed to draw your eye into a piece. Using a quick pencil sketch to jot down spontaneous ideas, then moving to ink for rough details, and finally watercolour, I will show you how I “see” the subject on the page, and how to avoid common mistakes. I will share insights about the importance of light and shadow to define shapes, perspective to add depth, and colour to tell a story. Most of all we will have fun! You’ll come away with a sketchbook you can be proud of, full of your unique paintings and colorful memories of this beautiful part of the world.

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A photograph of Ian Fennelly

ItalyUpcoming

The Ultimate Tuscany Painting Experience: 10 days with Ian Fennelly

with Ian Fennelly

Lucca, Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

16 October - 26 October 2027

EUR 4,999

Join exceptional UK artist and a highly effective teacher for unforgetable 10 days Masterclass of sketching experience in heart of Tuscany ! Come with me on a journey of looking as together we sketch and discover the beautiful landscapes and cities in Tuscany. Each day I will deliver an Urban Sketching Workshop in pen and watercolour, which will enable you to tell your story, what you notice and experience, and to express your feelings about being in such a visually rich environment. My workshops are divided into clearly structured steps; from outlining the big shapes, to introducing colour and emotion, and finally going deeper into the subject to record detail, texture and pattern. They are suitable for artist of all abilities. Sometimes we pass through this world without allowing our senses a chance to really take notice of the things that surround, and what really matters. This magical adventure of creativity will fix you in the moment, and help you to appreciate through drawing and painting, how beautiful out world is.

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The Fearless Sketchbook- How to Sketch Tuscany with No Consequences

with Iain Stewart

Lucca, Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

28 October - 7 November 2027

5099 Euro

Simply sitting down with my sketchbook and recording the world around me is perhaps the most enjoyable and rewarding thing I can think of when traveling. My cares drift away and I am in the moment observing. There is no pressure to perform or to allow my sketches to become precious. Sketches are simply a record of my day and where it has taken me. We all have something unique to say and my goal is to show you how to listen for that inner voice that only you own. I have designed a simple process to help you let go of the desire of accuracy in favor of interpretation and your impression of place. There is an honesty in a sketch that is hard to replicate emotionally or visually. Join me as we explore the riches of one of the worlds most beautiful and historically rich destinations. As an architectural illustrator and Professor of design drawing and presentation I will show you how to move past representation and embrace gesture and the suggested.

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A writing and painting workshop with Marcia Meier and Helena Hill featured image

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A writing and painting workshop with Marcia Meier and Helena Hill

with Karolina Lenart

Lucca, Tuscany

25 September - 2 October 2026

4100 Euro

We are excited to be returning to Lucca and the hospitality of Chef Karolina and her husband, Dawid, for a women’s writing and painting retreat Sept. 25-Oct. 2, 2026! We are Marcia Meier, award-winning memoirist and longtime book editor and publisher, and Helena Hill, writer and exceptional watercolorist and teacher. We have led similar workshops in Italy, Spain, Mexico and Peru over the past six years. We love Karolina and Dawid and their awesome hospitality, and can’t wait to return.

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The Fearless Sketchbook- How to create visual memories?

with Iain Stewart

Lucca, Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

12 September - 22 September 2026

4949Euro

Simply sitting down with my sketchbook and recording the world around me is perhaps the most enjoyable and rewarding thing I can think of when traveling. My cares drift away and I am in the moment observing. There is no pressure to perform or to allow my sketches to become precious. Sketches are simply a record of my day and where it has taken me. We all have something unique to say and my goal is to show you how to listen for that inner voice that only you own. I have designed a simple process to help you let go of the desire of accuracy in favor of interpretation and your impression of place. There is an honesty in a sketch that is hard to replicate emotionally or visually. Join me as we explore the riches of one of the worlds most beautiful and historically rich destinations. As an architectural illustrator and Professor of design drawing and presentation I will show you how to move past representation and embrace gesture and the suggested.

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The Light of Tuscany featured image

ItalyPast

The Light of Tuscany

with Alex Hillkurtz

Lucca , Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

1 September - 10 September 2026

4949 Euro

In this workshop I will teach you techniques to enhance the story you want to tell with your painting: composition, perspective, lighting, detail (or lack of detail). We will work in watercolour sketchbooks, and larger sheets, and the media will be pencil, pen and ink, and watercolour. I will show how I choose a composition designed to draw your eye into a piece. Using a quick pencil sketch to jot down spontaneous ideas, then moving to ink for rough details, and finally watercolour, I will show you how I “see” the subject on the page, and how to avoid common mistakes. I will share insights about the importance of light and shadow to define shapes, perspective to add depth, and colour to tell a story. Most of all we will have fun! You’ll come away with a sketchbook you can be proud of, full of your unique paintings and colorful memories of this beautiful part of the world.

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Sketching Scotland’s Spirit of Place

with James Richards

Scotland, UK

16 July - 26 July 2026

£5299

“I never saw myself as Monet in the studio. I wanted to be Anthony Bourdain with a sketchbook.” - from Travel Artist, by James Richards Travel sketching isn’t about art. It’s about using a sketchbook as a tool for discovery. The world is your studio, your sketchbook is your passport. And Scotland offers opportunities for discovery like no other. Here, your sketchbooks can capture individual scenes and stories that make Scotland a legendary place in the imagination of the world. Collectively, your travel sketches can reveal the powerful and almost mystical quality known by writers, poets, artists and architects as spirit of place. Here in Scotland, this quality is steeped in history and legend, and shaped by the most memorable castles, historic towns, fishing villages, landscapes and lochs in the world. You’ll be using pencil, ink, watercolor and mixed media tools to capture your own impressions of this storied place, working in the essentially British tradition of the artist traveler. We’ll do this through fun morning studio sessions that illustrate my own keys to travel sketching, then take those lessons on the road to captivating destinations, where you’ll receive individual attention to help take your sketching to the next level. My goal is to equip you with eye-opening lessons, techniques, shortcuts and inspiration from my own decades of experience that can help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. With new knowledge and confidence, your sketches will take on a loose freshness, and individuality that comes from your own hand. We don’t want a collection of masterpieces. We want you. After 10 days, you'll depart with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence that's the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment, art-filled travel and continued growth. This is the travel experience of a lifetime. I can’t wait—grab your sketchbook and let’s go!

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ScotlandPast

The many shades of Scotland

with Alex Hillkurtz

Scotland, UK

25 June - 5 July 2026

£4999

Welcome to Scotland. The land of virgin landscapes, wild nature, beautiful islands, castles, best seafood in the world and… whisky! Stand with your feet among the glens and lochs that inspired so many artists. Embarking on your own all inclusive trip to Scotland armed with a sketchbook and a camera. It is a lifetime opportunity to get to know Scotland closer with all the most beautiful corners of this magical country and unpredictable weather.

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Discover the Essence of Southern Poland

with Iain Stewart

Krakow & Zakopane- Poland

12 June - 21 June 2026

4799 Euro

Simply sitting down with my sketchbook and recording the world around me is perhaps the most enjoyable and rewarding thing I can think of when traveling. My cares drift away and I am in the moment observing. There is no pressure to perform or to allow my sketches to become precious. Sketches are simply a record of my day and where it has taken me. We all have something unique to say and my goal is to show you how to listen for that inner voice that only you own. I have designed a simple process to help you let go of the desire of accuracy in favor of interpretation and your impression of place. There is an honesty in a sketch that is hard to replicate emotionally or visually. Join me as we explore the riches of one of the worlds most beautiful and historically rich destinations. As an architectural illustrator and Professor of design drawing and presentation I will show you how to move past representation and embrace gesture and the suggested. Join me in Poland- Im very excited to discover it with you!

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Beyond Technique: Finding Individual Expression

with Frank Eber

Lucca, Tuscany

10 May - 20 May 2026

4699Euro

This workshop is about the finding your personal style while negotiating the challenges of painting en Plein air. Personal artistic expression should be the goal for any serious painters. Technique is important of course, but it is only the first step. The most important thing to bring to your art is yourself ( OIL,WATERCOLOR,ACRYLIC,GOUACHE) Frank’s work is emotionally based, painted with a ‘limited palette’, softly expressive and suggestive. He was trained by an Italian master painter in the early 90’s. Typical in his art are color mixes and light that evoke nostalgia while remaining absolutely in the present. Frank's workshops reach beyond technique, observing the elusive balance of forces that create beauty in painting. Frank stresses a solid foundation in the basics, “…so that our focus is on creating timeless art. An emotional link is necessary in our work, as well as the connection to the vibrancy of everything we paint.” All levels are welcome as long as you come with an open heart and mind.

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Essence of Tuscany with Barbara Hack

with Barbara Hack

Lucca, Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

11 April - 21 April 2026

4799 Euro

I am so thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to paint with you in the culturally rich area of Tuscany. Join me for 10 amazing days in Beautiful Tuscany, focused on portrait painting, food, wine, and history in one of Italy’s most inspiring regions.

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Discovering Tuscany with Ian Fennelly

with Ian Fennelly

Lucca , Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

3 April - 10 April 2026

3799 Euro

Join exceptional UK artist for unforgetable one week sketching experience in heart of Tuscany. Come with me on a journey of looking as together we sketch and discover the beautiful landscapes and cities in Tuscany. Each day I will deliver an Urban Sketching Workshop in pen and watercolour, which will enable you to tell your story, what you notice and experience, and to express your feelings about being in such a visually rich environment. My workshops are divided into clearly structured steps; from outlining the big shapes, to introducing colour and emotion, and finally going deeper into the subject to record detail, texture and pattern. They are suitable for artist of all abilities. Sometimes we pass through this world without allowing our senses a chance to really take notice of the things that surround, and what really matters. This magical adventure of creativity will fix you in the moment, and help you to appreciate through drawing and painting, how beautiful out world is. Check the book here : https://www.ianfennelly.co.uk/urban-sketching-books/

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