30th September - 06th October 2027
Florence Urban Sketching

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 takes place at Borgo Pinti, in a magnificent historic monastery in the heart of Florence. A tranquil heaven with a typical walled inner court-yard and beautiful gardens, frescoed ceilings and walls and antique corridors. All modern conveniences are provided for a comfortable stay.

THE ART

Watercolour is an exciting media 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.

MEET YOUR TUTOR

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

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COST/DETAILS

€ 2,400 P.P. Twin/Double en-suite p.p.

€ 2,600 P.P. Single room en-suite p.p.

Deposit: £500 non-refundable booking deposit.

Pay in your own currency.

Various payment methods available in your country (credit or debit card, Apple, Google, Transfer, etc.)

Interest Free Installment Payments

Full amount due: 30 days prior to course start date

See our Terms & Conditions

7 days/ 6 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast and lunch or dinner
Daily classes with studio demonstrations and practice
Daily guided painting & sketching sessions of iconic locations and viewpoints of Florence
daily feedback with evening drinks
Free Day for personal exploration
Carefully curated Program of Study
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
*airfare not include
** 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

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: Lunch and free time

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 on location in Florence. Those who have finished work can be given a new task by the instructor. Review of work .

19:30: Dinner at a local restaurant.

LOCATION

Nearest major airports:

Florence Amerigo Vespucci International
Rome Leonardo da Vinci – Fumicino
Rome Ciampino
Pisa international
Bologna Giuglielmo Marconi

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.