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.
ACCOMMODATION
This Retreat takes place in the magnificent historic monastery 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 tranquility, 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 tranquility.Wifi and modern amenities are available in all rooms and throughout the hotel. Bicicles are available for hire for free and parking is also available for free at the hotel.
MEALS
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. One glass of wine is included with each meal and extra beverages 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.
Breakfast 7:00-9:00 am
Lunch Break 12:30 (lunches not included)
Dinner 19:30
ABOUT THE COURSE
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.
Course Price:
| Room Type | 6-Days |
|---|---|
| Twin/double en-suite p.p. | € 2,250 Euros |
| Single room en-suite p.p. | € 2,300 Euros |
Deposit: non-refundable
Full amount due: 21 days prior to course start date
For our full cancellation policy see our Terms & Conditions
Double/Twin Occupancy Deposit €600.00 p.p.
Single Occupancy Deposit €600.00 p.p.
Day 1
14:00 onwards check in at Villa Adriana
17:00 group orientation and course outline and material distribution
20:00 Welcome Dinner
Day 2 ‘Draw to Paint’
9:00-12:00
- Theory and Demonstration session
- Drawing foundation
- 3 value ‘road’ map demonstration of scene in pencil
- Followed on by demonstrations of how to take this into painting.
15:00-17:00
- practical painting study on location demonstrating principles learnt in the morning
- Critique with focus on agreeing and setting targets
19:30 Dinner
Day 3 ‘Advancing into Colour’
9:00-12:00
Theory and Demonstration sessions
- Colour theory
- Colour and value map relationships
- Practical demonstrations on location
15:00-17:00
- Practical Painting study on location demonstrating principles studied in the morning
- Critique and target setting
19:30 Dinner
Day 4 'Composition Matters'
9:00-12:00
- Composition Bootcamp: the 8 classic composition types
- Produce 3 value notans
- Perspective explained
- Select and develop composition
- Using 3 stage wash process
Compositional concerns will be discussed and enlightened by the use of a viewfinder. There, we can create a Two-point perspective view and lay in watercolours. We will use flat wash to create a background sky. Techniques-Flat wash, lifting out, hard edges
15:00-17:00
- practical painting study on location demonstrating all principles learnt so far
- Critique and target setting
19:30 Dinner
Day 5 'Advancing with Paint'
9:00-12:00
- Atmosphere and Mood
- The 5 Elements
- The 5 Value Map
- The 6 Principles
A more advanced scene is introduced, combining all of the elements and with increased level of control and measurement. The composition will be explained and demonstrated.
15:00-17:00 Vista-view with demonstrations and practical.
Final critique of work achieved
The course will be concluded with a critique of the work achieved during the course over aperitivi and a farewell dinner.
19:30 Dinner
Day 6 Breakfast
Check-out by 11:00 am
Materials supplied: Winsor & Newton Watercolours, a selection of Kolinsky sable brushes, aprons, watercolour paper/sketchbook A4, carry caddy, etc. Some more experienced painters may wish to bring some of their own brushes and paints out of preference.
Non-painters: Non-painters are welcome on all our painting excursions and outings where there is plenty of opportunity for sight-seeing and exploring the Monterosso area of Cinque terre. A 15% discount is applied to non-painting companions sharing a room with a painting partner.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
- 5 nights accommodation with breakfast, lunch and evening meals
- 4 mornings tuition and afternoon program of study with critique of your work in the evening
- all materials, Winsor and Newton watercolour paints, Kolinsky sable brushes, drawing equipment, incl. watercolour sketchbook
- guided tours or excursions
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS COURSE?
No prior drawing or painting experience is required. The course instruction is in English, and no Italian skills are required, though a few words may make your holiday experience more authentic when exploring on your own accord.
MOBILITY
The Cinque Terre is a coastal region famous for its 5 little towns dotted across the steep coast line. The towns and coastal walks can be explored on foot and therefore require a good level of mobility to access the piazzas, viewpoints, beach and painting locations. You need to be able to move around freely and carry a moderate amount of water-colour equipment.
COURSE LOCATION
Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five coastal villages known as the Cinque Terre. The village is located on hills cultivated with lemons, 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.
Nearest major airports:
- 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.
WHAT TO PACK
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.
Deposit: non-refundable
Full amount due: 21 days prior to course start date
For our full cancellation policy see our Terms & Conditions
