25th-31st July 2026 Abstract Italian Landscapes, The Retreat, Le Marche
Abstract Painting – The Retreat, Le Marche, Italy
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to create Abstract Art? Maybe you’ve wanted to try, but weren’t sure how to begin. This course is the perfect place to start! You’ll learn to paint with clarity, confidence, and purpose—developing meaningful and visually striking abstract compositions.
Have you ever stood in front of a painting and thought: “Why did the artist create this?” or “How did they approach it?” This course will guide you to uncover the significance behind Abstract Art and connect with its deeper meaning. Whether you’re seeking a straightforward introduction to the genre, or are simply curious about what makes it so powerful, this course is for you.
In this inspiring and hands-on program, you’ll research, design, and produce abstract works you’ll be proud of. Along the way, you’ll explore theory, art history, and the key movements that shaped Abstract Art. You’ll also keep a personal workbook to collect ideas, test compositional structures, and experiment freely.
Beyond painting, you’ll learn how to articulate your creative choices, explain your concepts, and place your work within the broader history of art. Expect to be immersed in a world of creativity, producing thought-provoking pieces that evoke responses ranging from the sensational to the sublime.
Set within the beautiful Italian countryside at The Retreat in Le Marche, this course offers both inspiration and focus. You’ll paint with acrylics, oils, and collage, experimenting with expressive techniques used by great Abstract artists. Whether your style leans toward the energy of Jackson Pollock, the playfulness of Alexander Calder, or the vibrant originality of Marian Zaleela, this course will help you find your voice.
All materials are provided—paints, brushes, canvases, palette knives, rollers, stencils, glue, and more—so, you can travel light. Just leave some space in your luggage for those new masterpieces you will call your own!
Join us —and connect your ideas to your art through the limitless energy of Abstract painting in one of Italy’s most inspiring settings.
Highlights
• Daily abstract art workshops in acrylics, oils & collage
• Guidance in design, composition & creative process
• Insights into Abstract Art history & movements
• Personal workbook for sketches & experimentation
• Stunning Italian countryside setting at The Retreat
• Comfortable accommodations & locally sourced meals
• Supportive, like-minded creative community
• Leave with finished artworks & renewed artistic confidence
COST/DETAILS
€ 2.400 single en-suite
€ 2.250 twin/double en-suite
Deposit: €500 on booking
Full amount due 21 days prior to arrival.
See our Terms & Conditions.
INCLUDED*
- 6 nights Accommodation / 7 Days
- Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, aperitivi, coffee/tea breaks at The Retreats and 1 lunch or dinner at local restaurant
- tuition & demonstrations
- studio and plein-air sessions
- all day open studio
- painting excursions to select locations in the area
- Paint & Sip in vineyard with wine tasting.
- Sight-seeing visit to the Renaissance city of Ascoli Piceno
- cultural and sight-seeing visits to local towns
- all materials included, standard oil and acrylic painting kit, paints, pallet knives and full range of equipment for abstract painting.
- A4 and A3 canvas panels
- use of studio easel and field easel
- pick up and drop off at San Benedetto del Tronto train or coach station at specified times for all main-line train and Rome and Rome airport connections
*Airfare & Travel insurance not included
Typical Day
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00 – 12:30 Painting Demonstration and practical session in studio or on location (with tea/coffee break)
13:00 Lunch at The Retreat or in restaurant on day out
15:00 afternoon painting Session or cultural activity/excursion
18:30 Review of work and aperitivi
19:30 Dinner
Times and schedule may change on a daily basis, depending on activities and transfer times, etc
THE ART EXPERIENCE
In this inspiring and hands-on program, you will:
Research, design, and produce original abstract artworks.
Explore theory, art history, and the movements that shaped Abstract Art.
Keep a personal workbook to collect ideas, experiment with compositions, and develop your practice.
Learn to explain your concepts and contextualize your work within the history of art.
- By the end of the course, you’ll have produced thought-provoking, striking pieces that reflect your artistic voice, while enjoying the energy and calm of life at The Retreat.
The FOOD
Culinary delights and deliciously fresh and healthy mediterranean meals are prepared by our very own nutritional chef Jana, who not only runs her own Cooking School, but she also has been a nutritional chef for a UK healthy ageing platform for numerous years. She has written over 2000 recipes for healthy living, and has taken care of The Retreat guests’ meals for many years. Her daily, fresh and vibrant meals will have your taste buds working in overdrive. From delicious breakfasts, to lunches, dinners and her speciality aperitiviti boards for our critique sessions – each meal is different and inspiring. All dietary requirements are catered for. Make sure though, to leave space in your notebook for new recipes! For our art retreats, she focuses on providing inspiring and tasty mediterranean dishes for improving creative and physical energy, so that you can simply relax, and enjoy every mealtime, knowing it will help let your creativity flow naturally
THE LOCATION
This art escape takes place at The Retreat and Studio. The Retreat is a beautifully restored country house with large art studio, dedicated to hosting art retreats. Set in the heart of the beautiful Italian countryside of the Le Marche Region, it has been home to Painting Holiday Italy and The Retreat Art Workshops and Creative Holidays for over 15 years.
A fully equipped, large studio provides ample space for demonstrations and easel work. But what could be better than to open the doors out to the most breath-taking panorama, and be inspired by the beauty that surrounds you, even before stepping outside?
GETTING HERE
Nearest Airports
- Ancona
- Pescara
- Rome
- Florence
- Bologna
- Bari
- Perugia
Train Connections – all main lines
You will receive detailed information to help plan your arrival to our pick-up locations with your booking details
IS THIS RETREAT FOR ME?
The Retreat has welcomed painters from all over the world for many years looking for tranquillity, a relaxed and supportive creative atmosphere allowing guests to fully focus on their art work, find new inspiration, and re-charge their batteries.
If you love amazing landscape, rural tranquility and enjoy spending creative time in the company of like-minded people, then this retreat is for you. Coupled with deliciously healthy, mediterranean meals, cultural and hands-on artist practice and a big portion of relaxation, this retreat will not only energise your creative vibes, inspire your art work, and built beautiful memories.
Nothing spells ‘Bella Italia’ more, than the uninterrupted panoramic views towards the mystic mountains of the Sibylline, the sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast, and the quintessential vineyards and olive groves that adorn the gently rolling hills. A dream for any experienced and beginner plein-air painter alike.