Explore the magnificent Cinque Terre region on a fantastic artistic retreat. Monterosso al Mare its the perfect location for exploring the colourful buildings, coastal scene and atmospheric sunsets through the eye of an art, whilst soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the classic Italian ‘La dolce vita’ life-style, with relaxed meals and aperitivi. After your painting sessions, there is time to explore the coastal towns and walks, as well as relaxing on the beach. This retreat is a creative experience with a truly personal and luxurious touch.

You can expect to learn:

• how to use value studies and the value map system
• Develop compositions
• Colour theory and value maps
• Colour theory and value map relationships
• The principles of drawing and painting
• Techniques and developing atmosphere and mood

At the end of each session, the tutor guides the students further through critique and agreed targets

By the end of the course, you can expect to have improved considerably and to have created a collection of beautiful paintings as a perfect momento of this artistic experience of a lifetime.

During this course you have the perfect opportunity to develop your painting and drawing skills in the relaxing and beautiful surroundings of Monterosso fishing village in Cinque Terre.

You will work with professionally graded equipment to use and a highly skilled tutor to guide your progress.

This creative experience is ideally suited for beginner to intermediate level students wishing to immerse in the creative act whilst enjoying a fantastic holiday amongst like-minded people.

Your tutor will deliver theory classes and demonstrations each morning, in order to give the focus of the day’s study. During the late mornings and afternoon, students explore and create following a brief designed to give a progression route that will empower each student to become more confident and expressive.

Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five coastal villages known as the Cinque Terre. The village is located on hills cultivated with vines and olives. Its amazing beaches, its beautiful reefs and the sea’s crystal clear waters make this small village one of the most hospitable of the Ligurian Riviera.

This Retreat takes place at the beautiful Villa Adriana, at the popular Cinque Terre Town of Monterosso. Located in the new part of Monterosso, just a few step from the sea and the beach in Fegina and from the well-known statue “Il Gigante”. An oasis for peace and tranquillity, Villa Adriana is immersed in a splendid garden of Palms and Pine trees. The rooms are beautifully furnished and spacious with a focus is on providing tranquillity. Wifi and modern amenities are available in all rooms and throughout the hotel. Bicycles are available for hire for free and parking is also available for free at the hotel.

Breakfast and dinners will be taken at Villa Adrianna’s restaurant, which also has outside and terrace seating. The cuisine is Italian as well as International with a focus on a healthy menu based local fresh ingredients. Different dietary needs are catered for and several choices are available each day. Beverarges are not included in the half-board price, which includes breakfast and dinner. If you are vegetarian or have dietary issues please ensure that this is stated on the guest registration form at the time of booking.

Times may vary according to daily program and locations 

Breakfast 7:00-9:00 am

Lunch Break 12:30 pm

Dinner 19:30 pm

• Milan Linate
• Pisa
• Genoa
• Bologna Giuglielmo Marconi
• Florence

By train:

• from Pisa
• Bologna
• Florence

Transfers: Taxi services can be arranged from Monterosso Train station (500m distance) Genoa and Pisa airport by the Hotel. Please contact with us if you wish to arrange pick up at either of these locations.

7:30am-8:30am Breakfast

9:00 am: Instructor meets you at reception, then it will be a walk to the
painting location, all materials needed will be supplied, but you may need to
take spending money for coffee breaks etc, some sunscreen and appropriate clothing for the day.

12:30: end morning workshop. However you may wish to continue working or return to B+B.

Lunches are not included in this course and guests have the opportunity to eat at a location of their choice after the morning painting session or use the time to explore more on your own accord.

15:00-17:00: Workshop continues at morning location. Those who have finished work can be given a new task by the instructor. Review of work .

19:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.

The schedule may be subject to change due to weather, seasonal festivities and other reasons beyond our control.

There are 4 days of intense tuition included of which one morning or afternoon, and evenings. On the last evening before your departure, there will be a review of the group’s work and an aperitivi to celebrate before your fare-well dinner.

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.

Non-painting partners are welcome at reduced rate and can join us on all our trips and excursions.

3pm  onwards Arrival

early arrivals can store their luggage with reception and explore Monterosso or relax in the gardens, etc

· 6:30pm - Meet and greet in reception at Villa Adriana, followed by course orientation and welcome drink.

· 7:30 pm dinner

· 7:30pm - 8:30 am Breakfast

· 8.30 am Morning Tutor led Painting Demonstration in the studio

· 10 am student practical painting exercise in Monterosso with tutor

· 12:30 pm Lunch in the piazza

· 2 pm- 3:30 pm Afternoon Tutor led demonstration with Student practical painting time followed by critique

free time for exploring, relaxing or continued painting practice

· 7 pm Dinner

· 8:30 pm - 10 pm Tutor Lead Watercolour Demonstration on techniques and   

  practices

· 7:30 pm - 8:30 am Breakfast

· 8:30 am Morning Tutor lead Painting Demonstration in the studio

· 10 am painting excursion to Riomaggiore with tutor-led, practical painting exercise 

· 1 pm Lunch in the piazza

· 2 pm- 3:30 pm Afternoon Tutor led demonstration with Student practical painting time followed by critique

   3:30pm free time for exploring Riomaggiore or continue painting 

·  7 pm Dinner

· 8:30 pm - 10 pm Tutor Lead Watercolour Demonstration on techniques and   

  practices

· 7:30 pm - 8:30 am Breakfast

· 8:30 am Morning Tutor lead Painting Demonstration in the studio

· 10 am painting excursion and tutor-led practical painting exercise in Corniglia  

  and/or Manarola 

· 12:30 pm Lunch 

· 2 pm- 3:30 pm Afternoon Tutor led demonstration followed by free-time for exploration or continued painting (individual) practice

· 6:15 pm review and critique of work

· 7 pm Dinner

· 8:30 pm - 10 pm Tutor Lead Watercolour Demonstration on techniques and   

  practices

· 7:30-8:30 am Breakfast

· 8:30 am Morning Tutor lead Painting Demonstration in the studio 

· 10 am painting excursion and tutor-led practical exercise in Vernazza.

· 12:30 pm Lunch in the piazza

· 2 pm- 3:30 pm Afternoon Tutor led demonstration with individual practical painting time and time for exploring Vernazza further

6:15pm Review and Celebration of Work 

· 7 pm Farewell Dinner

· 7:30 am – 9 am Breakfast

· 11 am - Check out