OVERVIEW

Our studio right in the center of the Tuscan hilltop town of Chiusi gives us the opportunity to explore plein-air painting without venturing too far from home. This space used to be the community “taverna” and before that, a stable for donkeys. It became the meeting place for the Santa Maria “contrada” (neighborhood) and has maintained its historical value in the culture of Chiusi.

Now we feel as though the torch has been passed on to us to keep this space a special meeting area for culture and community and are very much enjoying using it for our groups of students this year, and for many years to come.

As the studio is in the center of this charming hilltop town, guests will be staying at a beautiful family-fun historic palazzo with 2 acres of Italian gardens, just a minute’s walk from the studio across the old square. We will meet at the studio each day for our lessons and throughout the week we will also enjoy daytrips around the countryside and get to visit the rich offerings of sites and towns in the area. Guests will be living in an Tuscan village for the week and will be able to walk to the market, the local cafe for a cappuccino, and even perhaps get to know the local barista.

ACCOMMODATION

We are lucky to have been able to reserve this beautiful historic palazzo, located in the heart of the ancient city of Chiusi, with links to its Etruscan origins. Staying in this palace is like stepping back into the Belle Epoque and the wonderful restoration carried out here in the nineteenth century - the superb with extraordinary frerscoed ceilings and hand painted wallpaper, and surrounded by original period furnishings.
The palazzo has just six rooms, each with private bathroom, TV, air conditioning, Wi-fi, minibar and safe.
A special part of the day for all guests will be breakfast provided by Chef Patissier Donatella, enjoyed in the palazzo’s enchanting garden.

CUISINE

We will be enjoying our meals in several locations throughout the week. Breakfast is provided at the hotel each morning and our dinners and lunches will be split at various selected restaurants in town as well as out on our daytrips. There are a few occasions during the week where guests will be free to explore the town on their own. There will be both a special award winning olive oil tasting followed by dinner , as well as a local wine-tasting with dinner by the beautiful Lake Trasimeno, both events led by sommeliers. Our final dinner will be in the Grand Sala of the Palazzoto finish off our memorable and productive week in style!

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the center of Chiusi, but also the richness of the Italian cities in nearby regions. Day trips will allow students to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience. Trips include visits to see smaller villages that few tourists get to enjoy, and get a true education and taste of Italy with stops at some of our favourite cafes and "trattorie".

ART

Our courses are carefully designed for complete beginners with no previous experience as well as intermediate artists who would like to improve their skills/techniques, and, of course, practicing artists looking for a new challenge.

JULIAN HYZLER - HOST

Julian, your host and instructor, has over 30 years of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities, and always strives to create a friendly and relaxed studio atmosphere. Read more about his story on the ABOUT page. We offer a variety of custom-made art courses in order to build confidence and inspire you across a range of themes and disciplines. These unique courses also reflect the culture and history of the area and are interwoven with art-history excursions, providing inspiration, variety and interest throughout the week. Above all, this is a real opportunity for developing artists to work in small groups alongside an experienced teacher.

7-DAY PAINTING AND DRAWING COURSES

These are our most popular courses, and are intended for anyone who is a beginner or an intermediate painter looking to improve or just have a go for the first time. Every course is different and our specific activities are dependent on the nature of the group and, of course, the weather. We vary the content to keep it lively and fun, whilst ensuring that you go home with work you’re proud of. As with all our courses, all the basic materials you might need are provided in the studio. However, feel free to bring any of your own materials if you wish. This course has an emphasis on PLEIN-AIR painting, and outdoor portable easels will, of course, be provided as well as canvas for oil or acrylic painting.

DETAILS / PRICING

• 7 days / 6 nights

• Inclusive Retreat Prices
  £1995/pp Superior Room ** base price on this retreat is based on single occupancy

• Deposit to hold space = £650

• Max # Guests = 8
  * Final balance due 4 weeks before retreat start date.

• Couples wanting to share a room, please contact us for options.

• Please read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.
  

INCLUDED*:

Accommodation
Daily breakfast
Select Dinners and Lunches
Welcome Aperitivo
Olive-oil Tasting and Dinner with Olive oil sommelier
Wine Tasting Aperitivo with Sommelier
Transfers from Chiusi railway station to the hotel
Transportation to/from day trips
Daily on-site art classes
Guided tours of area
Various day trips to regional towns
Use of art supplies
Tips & taxes

* airfare not included, selected meals during day-trips not included

DAY TRIPS & ACTIVITIES:

Chiusi - guided walking tour, Cathedral visit, Etruscan Museum, ancient underground tunnels and tower, local market etc

Olive-oil Tasting and Dinner with Olive oil sommelier
Wine Tasting Aperitivo with Sommelier
Half-day trips to smaller villages around area ( Lake Trasimeno , Castiglione del Lago, Panicale, etc)

LOCATION:

Countryside on border of Tuscany and Umbria
Nearest town: Chiusi, Tuscany
Nearest major airports: Fiumicino Airport (FCO - Rome), Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA - Pisa)
Nearest local airports: Sant'Egidio Airport (PEG - Perugia), Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR - Florence)
Nearest train station: Chiusi-Chianciano Terme
Transfers between the retreat and train station can be arranged at no charge on first and last day of retreat. Single and group airport transfers are possible and pricing discussed upon request. Train transfer from all airports is quite easy, and we will help guide you on the directions

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.
ART SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED but feel free to bring any personal supplies you prefer
Comfortable shoes (for walking tours)
Plug adaptors / converters (standard EU plug)
PROVIDED AT HOTEL: hair dryers, linens, toiletries (shampoo/soap), wifi

7-DAY COURSE SAMPLE SCHEDULE*

DAY 1

    3:30 - 6:00 - Check-in

    6:00 - Aperitivo + Orientation at the Studio

    7:00 - Dinner in Chiusi old town

DAY 2

    Breakfast

    9:30 - 12:30 CHIUSI tour

    1:00 - Lunch

    3:00 - 6:00 STUDIO

    Dinner in town

DAY 3

    Breakfast

9:30 - 1:00 PLEIN AIR painting

1:00 Lunch

   3:00 - 6:00 Afternoon in STUDIO

    Apericena and wine-tasting at Lake Trasimeno

DAY 4

    Breakfast

    9:30 - 12:30 Day trip to local town

    1:00 - Lunch

    3:00 - 6:00 STUDIO

    Dinner in town

DAY 5

    Breakfast

    9:30 - 12:30 STUDIO

    1:00 - Lunch

   3:00 Plein air painting in local town

    Evening Activity Out

DAY 6

    Breakfast

    9:30 - 12:30 STUDIO and underground tour of Chiusi

    1:00 - Lunch

    3:00 - 6:00 STUDIO

    Aperitivo and Dinner Out

DAY 7

    Breakfast

    10:00 - Check out

*all activities and day-trips are weather permitting

FOR ALL OTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE REFER TO OUR FAQ PAGE