27th September -02nd October 2025 Florence Watercolour

Treat yourself to this unique 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! Our curated and well-balanced program provides the perfect opportunity to explore this historic city through the eye of an artist and take your artistic skills to the next level.

THE LOCATION

This Retreat is based at Borgo Pinti, in a magnificent historic monastery in the heart of Florence. A tranquil haven with typical walled inner court-yard and beautiful gardens, frescoes ceilings and walls antique corridors and a studio for some of our art practice.

THE ART

Our daily art classes with demonstrations and a structured program of study allow beginner and intermediate watercolour painters to take their work to a new levels under the expert guidance of your experienced tutor John.

Your tutor, John Skelcher, has over 25 years professional painting and tuition experience, and trained as a classical realist painter at art academies in Florence and Paris.

MEET YOUR TUTOR

HIGHLIGHTS

ART CLASSES WITH DEMONSTRATIONS
PLEIN-AIR OPPORTUNITIES
SKETCHBOOK & TRAVEL JOURNALING
AUTHENTIC TUSCAN & ITALIAN CUISINE
GUIDED ART & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES OF FLORENCE
IDEAL FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS, COUPLES, FRIENDS OR FAMILY
ALL ACTIVITIES ARE OPTIONAL

COST/DETAILS

€ 2,150 P.P. Twin/Double en-suite p.p.

€ 2,300 P.P. Single room en-suite p.p.

Non-painting partner/friend sharing your room discount applies. Please state twin or double at booking process.

Deposit: £500 non-refundable booking deposit.

Full amount due: 40 days prior to course start date

See our Terms & Conditions

INCLUDED*

6 days/ 5 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast and lunch or dinner
Daily art classes
Plein-air sessions
Program of study with critique of your work
Art materials required for this course
Guided walking tour of Florence
visits to historic sights, artisan & craft workshops, culinary botegas, and more
guided tour of art museum, gallery or location of historic and cultural interest

* airfare not included

** trip insurance not included. Purchase option available

*** program subject to change in case of unforeseeable events, such as meteorological, seasonal and

other factors beyond our control. A suitable alternative will be offered in this case.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

7:30am-9:00am Breakfast
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.

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.

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.

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 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

LOCATION

Nearest major airports: