01st - 07th August 2026 Oil Painting Retreat with Ian Layton
The Retreat, Le Marche Italy
Ian Layton is a celebrated British plein air painter and a leading figure in the resurgence of this dynamic movement. As a founder member and President of the distinguished collective, The Northern Boys, he stands at the vanguard of a group of contemporary British artists united by their passion for painting directly from life.
Layton’s body of work is a masterful exploration of light and atmosphere. His landscapes and cityscapes, created en plein ar, capture the transient beauty of the natural world with remarkable freshness and energy. This physically demanding discipline is the cornerstone of his practice, as it allows him to observe and interpret a scene in a way that a photograph cannot.
He is widely recognised for his bold application of contre jour, the art of painting a subject directly against the light. This technique is a hallmark of his skill and an assurance of his artistic integrity; it requires the human eye, with its superior ability to perceive a broad spectrum of light and shadow, to truly render the luminous drama of a backlit scene. Layton’s paintings are not just depictions of a place; they are a successful translation of a complex visual experience, alive with the vitality of direct observation.
What to expect:
On-location plein air sessions: practice quickly capturing subjects against the light, using Ian’s Hallmark ‘contre jour’ techniques in a quick and bold manner
Studio-based painting sessions: learn how to use a broad spectrum of light and shadow to bring luminosity and drama to your work
Demonstrations and technique breakdowns of: Ian’s unique ability to combine classical painting techniques with a captivating modern, impressionistic sensibility of his work.
Individual feedback and group discussion, tailored to help you develop your personal voice and refine your technique
With expert guidance, you’ll explore essential oil techniques such as capturing light and shadow, composition, and expressive brushwork.
Whether you’re an experienced painter or a curious beginner, this retreat offers personal instruction in a small group setting—ensuring that each participant receives support tailored to their level and style.
A well balanced and curated program of demonstrations, studio and plein-air painting, cultural and culinary explorations of the area, make this a perfectly relaxing and creative adventure in one of Italy’s most beautiful and varied regions, Le Marche.
COST/DETAILS
€ 2.500 p.p. single en-suite
€ 2.350 p.p. twin/double en-suite
€ 2.350 p.p. single room with shared bathroom (shared with 1 other same-sex guest)
Deposit: €600 on booking
Full amount due 21 days prior to arrival.
Non-painting partners sharing room with participant at discount
See our Terms & Conditions.
INCLUDED*
- 6 Nights Accommodation/7 Days
- Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, aperitivi, coffee/tea breaks at The Retreat
- packed lunch on full day painting excursion
- one meal at local restaurant
- tuition & demonstrations
- studio and plein-air sessions on 5 mornings 9:00-12:30 am and 3 afternoons 15:00-17:30
- all day open studio
- painting excursions to select locations in the area
- Paint & Sip in vineyard with wine tasting.
- afternoon sight-seeing visit to the Renaissance city of Ascoli Piceno
- cultural and sight-seeing visits to local hill or sea-seaside towns
- use of studio easel and field easel, A4 & A3 canvas boards and a selection of stretched canvases
- pick up and drop off at San Benedetto del Tronto train or coach station for all main-line and Rome and Rome airport connections at specified times
- solvents and art supplies not suitable for travelling
* The tutor will provide a list of materials to bring.
**Airfare and travel insurance not included
MEET YOUR TUTOR IAN LAYTON
THE ART
On this art escape, we’ll be painting & drawing the stunning landscapes, urban and marittime themes of the beautiful and dramatic le Marche region. Daily practical demonstrations and tuition by Ian Layton, will enable you to take your work to a new level. Ian will guide you in your work throughout, whether you are a complete beginner or already have some experience. You will be able to improve your technical understanding of the media and learn techniques and processes. More experienced practitioners will also benefit from the constructive discourse that helps overcome any hurdles they may meet in their work. What sets this art escape apart, is that you are guided in your work throughout. Your work will develop through high quality demonstrations followed by practical sessions and personal target setting. Whether you are a complete beginner, or have experience but are looking to add more depth, texture and dimension to your work – you’re in the right place on this retreat.
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.
Beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms, provide comfort and relaxation. A large guest lounge, gym, furnished terraces and refreshment area with tea/coffee and snacks available all day, a large garden with panoramic views and pool area and yoga/exercise area are available for guest use.
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?
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’s meals for 15 years. Her daily fresh and vibrant meals are a feast for the senses and will have your taste buds working in overdrive. From delicious breakfasts, to lunches, dinners and her speciality aperitiviti 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.
LOCATION
Nearest Airports
- Ancona
- Pescara
- Rome
- Florence
- Bologna
- Bari
- Perugia
Train Connections – all main lines from Milan, Florence, Bologna, Bari, etc.
Direct air-conditioned Coach Shuttles from Rome airport & Rome Centre
Pick-up and drop-off at San Benedetto del Tronto at specified times. All travel and arrival information for overseas and domestic arrivals are provided in your comprehensive information package with our booking confirmation.
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 artistic explorations and a big portion of relaxation, this retreat will not only energise your creative vibes, inspire your art work, and built beautiful memories.
and 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.