OVERVIEW

This is our classic Tuscan painting and drawing course, with accommodation on the border of Tuscany and Umbria, and our studio in the historic centre of a stunning Tuscan hilltop town.

These are our most popular courses, and are intended for anyone; a beginner wanting to have a go for the very first time, an intermediate painter looking to improve, and of course practicing artists looking for a new challenge. Every course is different and our specific activities depend 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. We will draw, paint, photograph, explore media and our small course numbers ensure that you’ll get plenty of personal attention. 

THE STUDIO

Our newly restored studio sits in the very heart of the old Tuscan town of Chiusi. This was a restoration project we took on in 2023 to transform an old taverna and we are very proud of the results. Clever lighting, floor to ceiling, in this fully equipped studio allows us to work there all day peacefully with the only disturbance being the sound of the bells from the Cathedral in the main square.

ACCOMMODATION

This art retreat takes place in the picturesque Italian countryside, at a beautiful boutique hotel, The Porsenna Hotel and Spa, on the border of Tuscany and Umbria. Behind it a verdant wood, amazing views and all around golden, rolling fields and distant mountains, perfect countryside for a classic Tuscan painting. This grand country house is just a short distance from Lake Chiusi and Lake Trasimeno. The hotel boasts spacious and salubrious guest rooms, an on-site Restaurant and Bar as well as an outdoor swimming pool and spa to help you relax after a hard day at the easel.. Beautiful gardens surround the buildings, which are surrounded by historic and ancient Etruscan towns, hilltop villages, and storybook scenery. It gives us a perfect home base to explore the area on our day trips and see what this green heart of Italy has to offer. White roads and tracks give you the chance to walk or run and breath the air, surrounded by majestic hundred-year-old pines, cypress trees and extraordinary views across the valleys of Tuscany and Umbria.

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.

Guests will not only enjoy the house 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 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 "trattorias".

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 nearly 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 Price £1995/pp for UPGRADED SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY
  £150 discount per person for shared room (only 2 rooms / 4 spaces available for this option)

• Deposit to hold space = £600

• Max # Guests = 8
  * Final balance due 4 weeks before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.
  

INCLUDED*:

Accommodation
Daily breakfast
Use of hotel site including pool, spa, gardens, and common areas
Selected lunches and dinners
Transfers from Chiusi railway station to the hotel
Transportation to/from day trips
Daily 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

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)
Bathing suit
Plug adaptors / converters (standard EU plug)
PROVIDED AT HOTEL: hair dryers, linens, toiletries (shampoo/soap), paid laundry service, wifi

7-DAY COURSE SAMPLE SCHEDULE*

DAY 1

    3:30 - 6:00 - Check-in

    6:00 - Aperitivo + Orientation

    7:00 - Dinner

DAY 2

    Breakfast

    9:30 - 12:30 CHIUSI

    1:00 - Lunch

    3:00 - 6:00 STUDIO

Dinner

DAY 3

    Breakfast

9:30 - 1:00 PLEIN AIR painting

1:00 Lunch

   3:00 - 6:00 Afternoon in STUDIO

    Dinner

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