Treat yourself to this fantastic opportunity to paint water colours in the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. It doesn’t really get any better than this for artists. Soak up the ambience and culture of this famous historical city. Allow your experienced tutor to guide you around from one inspirational backdrop to another. Learn to paint quickly with impressionistic flair through expert tuition from your Academy trained tutor. Whether you’re into the illustrious facades of the ancient cathedrals and palazzos or the grand spaces of Florence’s many piazzas, you really couldn’t be in better hands.
With this tour, you will learn to compose interesting urban scenes with famous landmarks as your focal points which will wow your friends and family alike! Locations may include the Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, Il Duomo, The Boboli Gardens and views of the Arno.

Accommodation

This Retreat takes place at Borgo Pinti, in the magnificent historic monastery in the heart of Florence. A heaven for peace and tranquillity with a typical walled inner court-yard and gardens, frescoed ceilings and walls and antique corridors.

The rooms in this B&B are simply furnished, and the focus is on providing tranquillity and a place for reflection and relaxation in this busy city, yet you will find all the modern conveniences provided for a comfortable stay.

Meals

Breakfast is included at our accommodation at Borgo Pinti.Dinners will be taken at carefully chosen Trattorias to provide a varied and local Tuscan cuisine from local fresh ingredients. Salads and a vegetarian option are also on offer. All meals are set for the week and include water and a glass of wine. If you are vegetarian or have dietary issues please ensure that this is stated on the guest registration form at the time of booking.

Lunches are not included in this course and guests have the opportunity to eat at a location of their choice after the morning painting session or use the time to explore more of Florence on their own accord.

Program

Watercolour can be both a challenging medium and an exciting one that offers huge scope for experimentation and unusual effects. Many techniques have been around for centuries and still form the foundation of watercolour work. These need to be mastered first- without knowing how to lay a wash or work wet-in-wet for example, little progress can be made. But it does not take long to become familiar with these processes and then the enjoyable part of experimentation can begin.

Day 1 (Arrival)

Meet & greet and course orientation at 6pm in the reception.

Dinner at a local restaurant 7pm

8:30pm guided evening walk

Day 2

7:30-8:30am Breakfast

8:30am Morning Tutor led Painting Demonstration at the Casa Oblate

10am student practical painting exercise at Via Servi with tutor

12:30pm Lunch in the piazza

2pm- 3:30pm Afternoon Tutor led demonstration

with Student practical painting time followed by critique

Dinner 7pm

8:30pm-10pm…Tutor Lead Watercolour Demonstration Casa Oblate

Day 3

7:30-8:30am Breakfast

8:30am Morning Tutor led Painting Demonstration at the Casa Oblate

10am student practical painting exercise at the Piazza Annunciata with tutor

12:30pm Lunch in the piazza

2pm- 3:30pm Afternoon Tutor led demonstration

3:30-5pm with Student practical painting time unsupervised.

6:15pm critique of afternoon practical painting at Casa Oblate with aperitivi

7pm Dinner

8:30-10pm Watercolour Demonstration Tutor Led at Casa Oblate

Day 4

7:30-8:30am Breakfast

8:30am Morning Tutor led Painting Demonstration at the Casa Oblate

10am student practical painting exercise at the Piazza Santa Croce with tutor

1pm Lunch in the piazza

3-5pm unsupervised directed practical painting time in the Piazza Santa Croce

6:15pm Critique with aperitivi at the Casa Oblate

7pm Dinner

8:30-10pm Watercolour Demonstration Tutor Led at Casa Oblate

Day 5

7:30-8:30am Breakfast

8:30am Morning Tutor lead Painting Demonstration at the Casa Oblate

10am student practical painting exercise at the Rose gardens with tutor

12:30pm picnic in the garden

2pm- 3:30pm Afternoon guided tour of the Pitti Palace Art Gallery

Dinner 7pm

8:30pm-10pm…celebration evening drinks in Florence centre.

Day 6

7:30-9am Breakfast

Checkout 11am

Materials supplied: Winsor & Newton Watercolours, a selection of Kolinsky sable brushes, aprons, watercolour paper/sketchbook A4, carry caddy, etc. Some more experienced painters may wish to bring some of their own brushes and paints out of preference.

Gallery visit included to either the Pity Palace, Boboli Gardens, Uffizi or Bargello Museum.

Evening time leaves you free to relax and enjoy the city of Florence.

Non-painters: Non-painters are welcome on all our painting excursions and outings where there is plenty of opportunity for sight-seeing and exploring the beautiful city of Florence.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Breakfast 7:30am-9:00am
9:00 am: Instructor meets you at reception, then it will be a walk to the
painting location, all materials needed will be supplied, but you may need to
take spending money for coffee breaks etc, some sunscreen and appropriate clothing for the day.
12:00: end morning workshop. However you may wish to continue working or return to B+B.

15:00-17:00: Workshop continues at morning location. Those who have finished work can be given a new task by the instructor. Review of work .

19:30: Dinner at a local restaurant.

The schedule may be subject to change due to weather, seasonal festivities and other reasons beyond our control.

There are 4 days of tuition included of which one morning or afternoon will be dedicated to a group gallery visit. Your instructor will provide the ticket (included) and guide you through the gallery. On the last evening before your departure, there will be a review of the group’s work and an aperitivi to celebrate before your fare-well dinner.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

5 nights accommodation with breakfast and evening meals
4 mornings tuition and afternoon program of study with critique of your work in the evening
all materials, Winsor and Newton watercolour paints, Kolinsky sable brushes, drawing equipment, incl. watercolour sketchbook
guided tour of Florence’s historic art museums

WHAT TO PACK
Comfortable casual clothing and sensible shoes for walking, sandals, for the summer and comfortable shoes for when we are out and about all day. It rains even in Italy, and at times heavily. A rain coat, umbrella, layered clothing, a hat and long sleeves for sun-protection are recommended. Adequate clothing for painting, clothes may get stained. Aprons will be provided.

Spring/Autumn: Days are usually mild and sunny but it can be cooler in the mornings and evenings. We recommend layers and a raincoat as well as a jumper.

What are the requirements for attending this course?

Florence is a busy but level urban location and an average degree of mobility is required to access the piazzas and painting locations. some locations, like the Bobble Gardens require walking up to an elevated site. You need to be able to move around freely and carry a moderate amount of water-colour equipment.

For Groups: If you are wishing to book a tour with your painting group, we are happy to arrange a specific course of your choice for you. Group discounts apply. Simply contact us with your requirements.

Non-painting partners are welcome at 15% reduced rate and can join us on all excursions.

COURSE LOCATION

This course is based at a charming monastery in the heart of Florence, a short walk from all the main attractions of this grand city. With beautifully frescoed walls and ceilings, a beautifully landscaped inner court-yard garden and cloister walk-ways, it makes a perfect peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Thus, allowing you to re-charge your batteries after a day’s painting and exploring this magnificent city through the eye of an artist. The rooms are simply and comfortably furnished, many reflecting the monastery’s history. Yet all the mod-cons for the modern-day traveller are provided.

Nearest major airports: