Testimonials
“An incredibly relaxing way to paint and experience the beauty of Italy’s countryside!"
Ashley H, I stayed at the Retreat for a week in late July for one of their plein air painting holidays. The...
Amazing experience !!
Jess V. I have just returned from a fabulous week at The Retreat !! Apart from John being the perfect host and...
Florence Watercolour course
D. Oliver,I came on Easter week. There were just two of us: me from London, and Myrna from Houston. We had...
Watercolour Florence
M. Yarney, I loved my week of study with John. It was an amazing experience. I enjoyed the stay at the Convent...
Upcoming Courses

24th-29th April 2023 Venice Watercolour Course
24th-29th April 2023 Venice Watercolour Course Limited Availability! Spend 6 fantastic days immersed painting the historic canals with…

29th April -4th May 2023 Florence Watercolour Course
1 Room left for single or double occupancy! Treat yourself to this fantastic opportunity to paint water colours in the…

04th-09th May 2023 Cinque Terre Watercolour Course
This course is full! Explore the magnificent Cinque Terre region on a fantastic artistic retreat. Monterosso al Mare its the…

14th-19th June 2023 Florence Watercolour course
Treat yourself to this fantastic opportunity to paint water colours in the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. It doesn’t really…

19th-24th June 2023 Venice Watercolour Course
19th-24th June 2023 Venice Watercolour Course Spend 6 fantastic days immersed painting the historic canals with its gondolas and grand…

24th-29th June 2023 Cinque Terre Watercolour Course
Explore the magnificent Cinque Terre region on a fantastic artistic retreat. Monterosso al Mare its the perfect location for exploring…

03rd-08th July 2023 Venice Watercolour Course
Spend 6 fantastic days immersed painting the historic canals with its gondolas and grand buildings of the grand Renaissance…

08th-13th July 2023 Florence Watercolour course
Treat yourself to this fantastic opportunity to paint water colours in the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. It doesn’t really…

13th-18th July 2023 Cinque Terre Watercolour Course
Explore the magnificent Cinque Terre region on a fantastic artistic retreat. Monterosso al Mare its the perfect location for exploring…

04th-09th September 2023 Venice Watercolour Course
This course is full! Spend 6 fantastic days immersed painting the historic canals with its gondolas and grand buildings…

09th-14th September 2023 Florence Watercolour course
Treat yourself to this fantastic opportunity to paint water colours in the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. It doesn’t really…

14th-19th September 2023 Cinque Terre Watercolour Course
Explore the magnificent Cinque Terre region on a fantastic artistic retreat. Monterosso al Mare its the perfect location for exploring…

02nd-07th October 2023 Venice Watercolour Course
Only 2 places left! Spend 6 fantastic days immersed painting the historic canals with its gondolas and grand buildings of…

07th-12th October 2023 Florence Watercolour course
Treat yourself to this fantastic opportunity to paint water colours in the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. It doesn’t really…
Painting Holiday Italy
Painting Holiday Italy specialises in exclusive painting holidays around Italy with a truly personal touch.
Small groups and a ‘home-from-home’ atmosphere let any aspiring and experienced artist relax, indulge and create to their heart’s content.
See For Yourself
Our move to Italy many years ago, was inspired by our passion for Italian art, its food, history and culture. It was love at first sight. Starting first with art courses at our country house and art studio 'The Retreat', in the heart of the Le Marche region, where guests would find all regions of Italy combined into one – the rolling hill-sides, ancient towns and coastal scenes and beaches of the south all in one panoramic view. We soon expanded to become "Painting Holiday Italy", offering courses throughout Italy so we could offer our many new returning guests more locations to explore through the eye of an artist.
Join us in sharing our love for all things Italian around the most stunning locations and let yourself be guided by your experienced tutor throughout your creative holiday for an experience of a life-time.
Contact Us