13th-18th May 2024 Sorrento & Amalfi Watercolour Retreat

We are delighted to be hosting this exclusive retreat at a luxury historic villa which is the former home to Princess Elizabeth and Margaret’s childhood governess. Herself, author of works like ‘The little Princesses’, Marion Crawford found inspiration and serenity for her writings in this elegant location with it’s classical Italian garden. It is a truly tranquil heaven of unrivalled architectural and natural beauty, overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Our ‘garden rooms’ offer a touch of luxurious comfort and exclusivity to the bespoke traveller wanting to unwind and re-charge before releasing all that creative energy in-between our painting sessions.

THE PROGRAM

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.

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 evening a là carte 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.

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

and lots more based on your individual artistic needs, which the tutor will asses.

Daily Schedule*

Day 1

14:00 onwards check in at Villa Crawford

17:00 group orientation and course outline and material distribution

20:00 Welcome Dinner

Day 2 ‘Draw to Paint’

9:00-12:00

Theory and Demonstration session
Drawing foundation
3 value ‘road’ map demonstration of scene in pencil
Followed on by demonstrations of how to take this into painting.

15:00-17:00

practical painting study on location demonstrating principles learnt in the morning
Critique with focus on agreeing and setting targets
19:30 Dinner

Day 3 ‘Advancing into Colour’

9:00-12:00

Theory and Demonstration sessions

• Colour theory
• Colour and value map relationships
• Practical demonstrations on location

15:00-17:00

Practical Painting study on location demonstrating principles studied in the morning
Critique and target setting

19:30 Dinner

Day 4 ‘Composition Matters’

9:00-12:00

• Composition Bootcamp: the 8 classic composition types
• Produce 3 value notans
• Perspective explained
• Select and develop composition
• Using 3 stage wash process

Compositional concerns will be discussed and enlightened by the use of a viewfinder. There, we can create a Two-point perspective view and lay in watercolours. We will use flat wash to create a background sky. Techniques-Flat wash, lifting out, hard edges

15:00-17:00

practical painting study on location demonstrating all principles learnt so far
Critique and target setting
19:30 Dinner

Day 5 ‘Advancing with Paint’

9:00-12:00

• Atmosphere and Mood
• The 5 Elements
• The 5 Value Map
• The 6 Principles

A more advanced scene is introduced, combining all of the elements and with increased level of control and measurement. The composition will be explained and demonstrated.

15:00-17:00 Vista-view with demonstrations and practical.

Final critique of work achieved

The course will be concluded with a critique of the work achieved during the course over aperitivi and a farewell dinner.

19:30 Dinner

Day 6 Breakfast

Check-out by 11:00 am

*the program may be subject to change according to tutor’s assessment

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.

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 Monterosso area of Cinque terre. A 15% discount is applied to non-painting companions sharing a room with a painting partner.

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 excursions or tours

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.

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.

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.