Hi, welcome!
We’ve created an opportunity to explore not only one of the world’s most beautiful cities, but also your own unique way of seeing and absorbing it. Every weekend we spend time doing what we love: working en plein air and building bonds with people from around the world through our shared passion for art.
What awaits you?
The workshop includes a focused portrait assignment in plein air, developed over 2–3 days. We will explore how natural light influences the overall atmosphere and colour relationships in portrait painting.
Each day consists of approximately 4 hours of practical work in the morning, alternating between landscape and portrait studies. On one evening, we will complete a dedicated evening study to observe changes in light and colour.
In addition, one hour per day is devoted to theory: discussions on landscape painting, specific technical approaches, and group analysis of the previous day’s work. Altogether, the programme offers around 5 hours of daily practice.
Immersion
During the master class, you will plunge into the process of drawing & painting from nature -- the landscapes of narrow streets, medieval towers and churches, magnificent natural landscapes of Italy.
Individual goals
Following shorter studies, you will have the opportunity to develop selected works into more sustained, large-scale pieces. Individual artistic goals will be discussed and refined through the review of sketches and plein-air studies.
Development
Painting from nature develops sensitivity to environment, light, and atmosphere. Throughout the workshop, you will build the skills necessary to convey both the visual and emotional qualities of a landscape.
Support
Throughout the process, you will work under the guidance of an experienced artist and teacher, receiving continuous feedback and practical advice to support your progress as an artist.
The results of Landscape Practice
All works created during the plein-air sessions will be reviewed and presented, with the aim of developing them into resolved landscape paintings with clear compositional, colour, and technical solutions.
During the year, selected works will be prepared for exhibition. We are planning an exhibition in Venice at Palazzo Barbaro, historically a significant centre for American artists, often referred to as the “Venetian Mecca.” The palazzo is now reopening its doors, welcoming us into its richly historic interiors, adorned with works by major American artists of the 19th century.
In 1881, the older palazzo was rented by Daniel Sargent Curtis, a relative of the American painter John Singer Sargent, who later purchased it in 1885. Together with his wife, Ariana Curtis, he restored the building and transformed it into a vibrant centre of American artistic life in Venice. The palazzo was visited by figures such as Sargent himself, Henry James, Whistler, Robert Browning, and Claude Monet. Among the members of the so-called “Barbaro Circle” were Bernard Berenson, William Merritt Chase, Isabella Stewart Gardner, Edith Wharton, and Charles Eliot Norton.
Henry James completed The Aspern Papers at a desk that still remains in the palace today. He described the Barbaro ballroom as one of the finest examples of Venetian Baroque interiors, later immortalising it in The Wings of the Dove. In 1898, John Singer Sargent painted a group portrait of the Curtis family in the salon, titled An Interior in Venice.
Participation
You can choose the type of participation depending on your own schedule.
ONE-DAY EXPRESS WORKSHOP
130 €
Even if you want to spend only one day with us, we can make it absolutly beneficial and incredible. The workshop starts early in the morning and is held in several locations.
TWO-DAYS WORKSHOP
220 €
The weekend workshop is a two-days study journey. It perectly suits for those who want to spend the weekend in the company of like-minded people and immerse more deep in the process of life-painting.
THREE-DAYS WORKSHOP
300 €
Starts in the Friday's aternoon and ends on Sunday. Great option for slowly diving into the process and explore the life-painting sessions.
FIVE -DAYS WORKSHOP
390 €
Great option for slowly diving into the process and explore the life-painting sessions.
FULL WORKSHOP
550 €
Designed for anyone regardless of the previous artistic practice. Take your favorite creative material and enjoy the journey of exploring city within yourself.
BOOKING OF ROOMS
It is possible to reserve accommodation at all workshop locations at a cost of €25–50 per participant. Places are limited.
Save Your Spot
I'd like to join you
VENICE In June
PLEIN AIR workshop
ITALY 2025
For any level
No age restrictions
- English-speaking
- Russian-speaking
- Landscape from sketch to picture
FLORENCE on April 21-28
PLEIN AIR workshop
ITALY 2025
For any level
No age restrictions
- English-speaking
- Russian-speaking
- Portrait with a model in the open air
- Landscape from sketch to picture
