Portraits and Figures in the Landscape Retreat in Tuscany Italy

Enjoy an 8 day immersive Art retreat nestled in the rolling hills and historic villages of Tuscany. We will paint the portrait and figures in the landscape, working with a live model in the studio and outdoors to create a personal collection of portrait, figure, and landscape paintings inspired by local culture.

Our home during the retreat will be a historic vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees, gardens, and the beauty of Tuscany. Take time to swim, rest, and gather with others who share your love for painting. The property produces its own wine, olive oil, and truffles from its expansive woodland and meals are prepared fresh each day by a private chef. Indulge in the rich flavors of Italian cuisine, expertly crafted by the venue’s chef. Each meal is a celebration of local ingredients- The chef, renowned both in Italy and internationally, infuses every dish with creativity and a deep respect for the region's culinary traditions. 

This 395-acre self-sustaining  historic estate is nestled in the heart of Tuscany, just a short distance from Florence and perfectly marries traditional charm with modern comforts. Two beautifully restored villas, Casale Fornace and Fienile Fornace, will be exclusively booked for our art group.  With a history that traces back to Roman and medieval times, the estate seamlessly blends Italian heritage with contemporary comforts. The stunning views of the Val d'Elsa Valley provide a captivating backdrop for your art retreat. 

We will be creating luminous figurative paintings en Plein air in the picturesque landscape at our historic estate . As well as giving painting demonstartions and helping each artist individually, I will give guidance on  gathering reference on location to create larger studio paintings  once you return home. In the beautiful light filled studio we will also cover the nuances of the alla prima portrait . You will learn about painting from life, color mixing for skin tones, and composition while improving your ability to paint the human form expressively.We will focus on how light defines form and mood while working with a live model.

Be inspired by two guided art trips: one to San Gimignano, the medieval hill town famous for its soaring towers, cobblestone lanes, and sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside, a place where every corner feels like a painting in itself. The other, a journey through the Chianti Classico region, where rolling vineyards, olive groves, and centuries-old wineries create a landscape rich in color, texture, and inspiration.

 The retreat will cover advanced techniques and is recommended for artists with some familiarity with portraiture/figure painting, but all levels are welcome