15th - 20th September 2025 Sorrento & Amalfi
We are excited to announce this Brand New Watercolour Retreat on Italy’s magnificent Amalfi Coast. Enjoy some La Dolce Vita and soak up the atmosphere whilst sketching and exploring the colourful little towns dotted along the Amalfi Coast. Capture the ‘scorcio’ (focal points) that can be found throughout the little lanes and view points across the Bay of Naples before indulging in the typical flavours of the Amalfi with the fine cuisine accompanying this painting retreat.Join us on our visits to the picturesque towns along the Amalfi coast, such as Positano and Praiano. There, we will take time to sketch, journal and gather ideas for painting projects, as well as stopping for visits to the bottegas for tasting the world-famous authentic local Limoncello, admire the traditional local maiolica (ceramics) and treat ourselves to little breaks for delicious ice-creams or aperitivi, fully indulging in the spirit of Italian Life.
A truly tranquil haven of unrivalled architectural and natural beauty, Villa Crawford is overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
THE PROGRAM
Join us on our visits to the picturesque towns along the Amalfi coast, such as Positano and Sorrento. There, we will take time to sketch, journal and gather ideas for painting projects, as well as stopping for visits to the bottegas for tasting the world-famous authentic local Limoncello, admire the traditional local maiolica (ceramics) and treat ourselves to little breaks for delicious ice-creams or aperitivi, fully indulging in the spirit of Italian Life.
Around every corner, you will find views waiting to be captured, from coastal views, beaches with their colourful umbrellas, lemon groves, quaint lanes and classic Italian architecture….. You may want to stop for some sketching and journalling along our morning excursions, gather ideas for future projects with your camera, or sit and enjoy the moment surrounded by the immense beauty of the location. Afternoons, we will be dedicated to releasing your creative forces watercolour painting in the shady courtyard of our elegant location. Your tutor will demonstrate techniques, which you will be able to put to practice during guided painting time.
The dinner menu is the perfect opportunity for sampling the delicious local flavours enjoying fine Italian cuisine in the company of like-minded people. After dinner, your tutor will introduce you to painting techniques and practices that will provide the focus for our artistic exploration the following day.
This retreat is ideal for solo-travellers, friends and family alike. Suitable for all levels of experience, from complete beginner to experienced art practitioner. All materials required for this retreat are supplied.
MEET YOUR TUTOR
COST
€2,350. Twin/double en-suite p.p.
€2,500. Single room en-suite p.p.
Deposit: €600 upon booking
Non-painting partner/friend sharing your room discount applies. Please state twin or double room at booking process.
Full amount due: 21 days prior to course start date
For our full cancellation policy see our Terms & Conditions
What can you expect to learn from this course?
Our structured approach to tuition, allows every painter, from beginner to experienced to take their work to a new level during the duration of this course, so that you will be leaving with the satisfaction of having produced some fantastic artwork and lots of future projects to work on.
The tuition is centred around:
- principles of watercolouring
- colour theory
- 5 value maping
- edge quality
- placement
- perspective
- proportion
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- 6 days/5 nights accommodation
- daily breakfast and evening meals
- tuition with demonstrations
- painting sessions
- plein-air and sketchbooking critique of your work in the evening
- all materials, Winsor and Newton watercolour paints, Kolinsky sable brushes, drawing equipment, incl. watercolour sketchbook
- guided sightseeing excursions and painting tours in Sorrento and towns of the Amalfi Coast
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 are not 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.
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.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS COURSE?
No prior drawing or painting experience is required. The course instruction is in English, and no Italian skills are required, though a few words may make your holiday experience more authentic when exploring on your own accord.
MOBILITY
The Amalfi Region is a coastal region famous for its towns dotted across the steep coast line. The towns and coastal walks can be explored on foot and therefore require a good level of mobility to access the piazzas, viewpoints, beach and painting locations. You need to be able to move around freely and carry a moderate amount of water-colour equipment.
COURSE LOCATION
Nearest major airports:
- Napoli
- Rome
By train:
- from Rome
- Napoli
Transfers: Taxi services can be arranged from Sorrento Train station (5min distance) Napoli and Rome airport. Please contact with us if you wish to arrange pick up at either of these locations.
Some Images From Our Sorrento Courses
