Treat yourself to this fantastic opportunity to paint water colours in the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. It doesn’t really get any better than this for artists. Soak up the ambience and culture of this famous historical city. Allow your experienced tutor to guide you around from one inspirational backdrop to another. Learn to paint quickly with impressionistic flair through expert tuition from your Academy trained tutor. Whether you’re into the illustrious facades of the ancient cathedrals and palazzos or the grand spaces of Florence’s many piazzas, you really couldn’t be in better hands.

With this tour, you will learn to compose interesting urban scenes with famous landmarks as your focal points which will wow your friends and family alike! Locations may include the Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, Il Duomo, The Boboli Gardens and views of the Arno.

Watercolour can be both a challenging medium and an exciting one that offers huge scope for experimentation and unusual effects. Many techniques have been around for centuries and still form the foundation of watercolour work. These need to be mastered first- without knowing how to lay a wash or work wet-in-wet for example, little progress can be made. But it does not take long to become familiar with these processes and then the enjoyable part of experimentation can begin.

This course is based at a charming monastery in the heart of Florence, a short walk from all the main attractions of this grand city. With beautifully frescoed walls and ceilings, a beautifully landscaped inner court-yard garden and cloister walk-ways, it makes a perfect peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Thus, allowing you to re-charge your batteries after a day’s painting and exploring this magnificent city through the eye of an artist. The rooms are simply and comfortably furnished, many reflecting the monastery’s history. Yet all the mod-cons for the modern-day traveller are provided.

This Retreat takes place at Borgo Pinti, in the magnificent historic monastery in the heart of Florence. A heaven for peace and tranquillity with a typical walled inner court-yard and gardens, frescoed ceilings and walls and antique corridors.

The rooms in this B&B are simply furnished, and the focus is on providing tranquillity and a place for reflection and relaxation in this busy city, yet you will find all the modern conveniences provided for a comfortable stay.

Breakfast is included at our accommodation at Borgo Pinti.Dinners will be taken at carefully chosen Trattorias to provide a varied and local Tuscan cuisine from local fresh ingredients. Salads and a vegetarian option are also on offer. All meals are set for the week and include water and a glass of wine. If you are vegetarian or have dietary issues please ensure that this is stated on the guest registration form at the time of booking.

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 of Florence on their own accord.

• Florence Amerigo Vespucci International
• Rome Leonardo da Vinci – Fumicino
• Rome Ciampino
• Pisa international
• Bologna Giuglielmo Marconi

Florence is a busy but level urban location and an average degree of mobility is required to access the piazzas and painting locations. some locations, like the Bobble Gardens require walking up to an elevated site. You need to be able to move around freely and carry a moderate amount of water-colour equipment.

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.

From 3pm arrival and check-in. 

For earlier arrivals, you can ask to have your luggage stored in the secure room by reception and explore the area.

6 pm Meet & greet and course orientation in the reception.

7 pm Dinner at a local restaurant

8:30 pm guided evening walk

7:30 pm - 8:30 am Breakfast

8:30 am Morning Tutor led Painting Demonstration in the studio

10 am Painting the Duomo - practical painting exercise at Via Servi with tutor guidance

12:30 pm Lunch in the piazza

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

7 pm Dinner

8:30 pm - 10 pm Tutor Lead Watercolour Demonstration Casa Oblate

7:30-8:30 am Breakfast

8:30 am Morning Tutor led Painting Demonstration at the Casa Oblate

10 am student practical painting exercise at the Piazza Annunciata with tutor

12:30 pm Lunch in the piazza

2 pm- 3:30 pm Afternoon Tutor led demonstration

3:30-5 pm with Student practical painting time unsupervised.

6:15 pm critique of afternoon practical painting at Casa Oblate with aperitivi

7 pm Dinner

8:30-10 pm Watercolour Demonstration Tutor Led at Casa Oblate

7:30-8:30 am Breakfast

8:30 am Morning Tutor led Painting Demonstration at the Casa Oblate

10 am student practical painting exercise at the Piazza Santa Croce with tutor

1 pm Lunch in the piazza

3pm - 5 pm unsupervised directed practical painting time in the Piazza Santa Croce

6:15 pm Critique with aperitivi at the Casa Oblate

7 pm Dinner

8:30 pm - 10 pm Watercolour Demonstration Tutor Led at Casa Oblate

7:30 am - 8:30 am Breakfast

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

10 am tutor guided practical painting exercise at the Rose Gardens or Villa Bardini from where we have all of Florence in one stunning panoramic view. 

12:30 pm picnic in the garden or lunch at the tea-rooms

2 pm- 3:30 pm Painting views of the 'Ponte Vecchio' Bridge - The 'Old Bridge' dating back to the 14th Century, replaced an old roman bridge nearby. steeped in mystery and architectural ingenuity, it hides a secret passageway between Palazzo Vecchio and the Patti Palace, 'Il Corridorio'.

7 pm Dinner

8:30 pm-10 pm  Farewell evening drinks in one of Florence's iconic rooftop bars. 

· 7:30 am – 9 am Breakfast

· 11 am - Check out