PAINTING & WINE

On this course we take our day-trips to the rich wine destinations in central Italy. As this time of year approaches the grape harvest season, we’ll be inspired by the lush landscape, get to tour some cantinas, of course taste plenty of this magical elixir, and perhaps take in some plein-air studies amongst the vines.

This course is just a few days longer than the 7 day course, but those extra days can make all the difference. We include a ‘free day’ in which you can take a break from the studio if you need it, make the day your own and take a trip somewhere exciting, or double-down on the artwork and really push ahead with your project. The 10 days will be divided between working in the studio and painting and drawing in the surrounding area, with the extra days providing ample opportunity to hone techniques and ideas in the studio. Once again our small group sizes will ensure that you will get plenty of individual tuition and personalised development. These courses are an opportunity to forget about ‘normal life’ and immerse yourself in a professional studio-based practice.

ACCOMMODATION

This magnificent art and food retreat is set in the picturesque Italian countryside, along the border of Tuscany and Umbria. The house, called Siliano Alto, stands solid and square on its own small hill ringed with trees; olives, walnuts, and stately pines. Behind it a verdant wood, and all around golden, rolling fields and distant mountains.

The estate, "Le Coste" (meaning the border) is a hillside paradise for nature and peace. This wonderful setting gives you a rare opportunity to explore a stunning wooded and pastoral landscape, home to a wide variety of birds and animals including deer, porcupine and, more than the occasional, wild boar. White roads and tracks criss-cross this ancient estate giving you the chance to walk or cycle and breath the air of a natural reserve, surrounded by beautiful hundred-year-old pines, cypress trees and extraordinary views across the valleys of Tuscany and Umbria.

If that isn’t tempting enough there are also a swimming pool (open seasonally) to help you relax after a hard day at the easels. Wander through a hillside olive grove, walk between the shadows cast by majestic umbrella pines and cypress trees or simply be inspired by the landscape. Enjoy a glass of cold Prosecco or the sublime Brunello di Montalcino on one of the terraces whilst watching the sun set over the beautiful Tuscan town of Chiusi and the distant Montepulciano. In this environment you will paint and draw under the same mellow light that inspired the great Renaissance artists.

The guest house is now the restored former cantinas and stables on the ground /floor and have been transformed into apartments that are your Italian home for the week. One can immediately see the careful attention that went into restoring, decorating, and preparing these rooms.

CUISINE

The food is simple, delicious and Italian, using fresh ingredients from the local market in Chiusi, much of which is organically grown; pumpkin risotto, pasta al forno, slow roasted fennel with red onions, salads with wild rocket, prosciutto and fresh figs… Selection is seasonal, and you can guarantee to love and appreciate each bite.

We enjoy good local wine, from the vineyards between Chiusi and the famous wine region of Montepulciano. This type of wine is called 'vino sfuso' or 'loose wine', and is natural and free of chemicals. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are enjoyed together as a group in the studio. The course fee includes all food and wine with your meals (excluding lunches/dinner on trip days). Some lunches may be served outside on one of the terraces or taken on location, and we also enjoy dinner together at a great local Tuscan trattoria during the week.

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the villa and encompassing estate, 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 may include visits to small villages, larger towns, and outdoor activities. See smaller villages that few tourists go, and get a true education and taste of Italy with stops at some amazing cafes and "trattorias".

ART

Our courses are carefully designed for complete beginners with no previous experience, intermediate artists who would like to improve their skills and techniques, and practicing artists looking for a new challenge. Julian, the host and instructor, has over 30 years experience teaching students of all ages and abilities, and always strives to create a friendly and relaxed studio. 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.

10-DAY ART WORKSHOPS

Some people enjoy painting in a traditional way, and others feel the need to experiment and try new techniques as part of the creative process. These 'Art Workshops' follow the same pattern as the painting and drawing courses but are different in the respect that students either come with a pre-existing idea of a personal project or want help to take their work wherever it may lead them. 

As a result it’s a little difficult to be too prescriptive and to say what types of images we will produce, but that is part of the excitement of this type of course, and we work on a combination of drawing, painting, printmaking and collage. Every course is different and is based around the individual student - we love to see people working on different things throughout their time here - 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. However, feel free to bring any of your own materials.

DETAILS / PRICING

10 days / 9 nights

• Inclusive Retreat Prices
  • £2495/pp (Deluxe Room based on double occupancy , 2 people sharing in same party. Larger groundfloor bedroom with private ensuite bathroom, 1 king bed or 2 single beds)
  • +£250 (Standard Single Room. Two styles are available: smaller groundfloor room with private ensuite or larger 1st floor room with a view with shared bathroom with one other guest)
  • +£450 (Deluxe Room single occupancy. Larger groundfloor bedroom with private ensuite bathroom, 1 king bed)

• Deposit to hold space = £750

• Max # Guests = 6

  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
  * Final balance due 4 weeks before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED *:

• Accommodation

• Daily breakfast

• All meals onsite

• Wine during on-site meals

• Transfers from Chiusi train station to house

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Daily art classes

• Hiking trails, swimming pool (seasonal)

• Guided tours of area

• Various day trips to regional towns

• Winery tours & tastings

• Use of art supplies

• Tips & taxes

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

DAY TRIPS & ACTIVITIES - examples…

• Chiusi - guided walking tour, Etruscan museum visit, local market, Cathedral, etc

• Visit to Montepulciano to taste some of the famous Vino Nobile

• Tour and Tasting at local winery on border of Tuscany & Umbria

• Visit to Cortona, beautiful Tuscan hilltop town famous for Under the Tuscan Sun

LOCATION:

• Countryside on border of Tuscany and Umbria

• Nearest town: Chiusi, Tuscany

• Nearest major airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO - Rome), Galileo Galilei Airpot (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 our local 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 (walking tours)

• Bathing suit (seasonal pool, possible thermal spa day-trip)

• Plug adaptors / converters (standard EU plug)

• PROVIDED AT HOUSE: hair dryers, linens, toiletries (shampoo/soap), paid laundry service, wifi

*All activities and daytrips are weather permitting

FOR ALL OTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE REFER TO OUR FAQ PAGE