Have you always wanted to paint in Tuscany? This is the perfect time!

 

Whether you're an experienced artist or haven't drawn or painted since you were a kid, here's your chance to join renowned Vermont artist and instructor Susan Abbott for a memorable week of en plein air sketching and painting... capturing magnificent old-world Renaissance architecture and stunning Tuscan and Chianti landscapes. You will take home drawings and paintings filled with treasured memories of your European adventure.

 

You'll enjoy amazing Italy in the autumn... the beautiful Tuscany & Chianti countryside... picturesque ancient villages of Lucca, and Siena... and majestic Florence, the Renaissance art capital. 

 

Each day we'll feed our creative souls. There will be daily sketching and painting plein air painting sessions, demonstrations, and individual instruction by Susan which will improve your skills and expand your art experience.

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In addition to painting sessions... we'll visit Florence's two world-famous art museums, the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery where Michelangelo's David statue is displayed.

 

We’ll be based in Florence for six-nights staying in a boutique hotel along the Arno Rivers. We'll paint in Florence's historic city centre and along the picturesque Arno River with the beautiful Ponte Vecchio medieval stone bridge. We’ll take painting daytrips to the Tuscan & Chianti countryside and we'll visit two UNESCO World Heritage site cities -- Siena and Lucca. In Siena, we'll see the famous shell-shaped Piazzo del Campo where horse races are held twice a year and we'll visit Siena's Duomo, a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with Michelangelo statues and Bernini sculptures. In Lucca, we'll paint in the city's ancient centre with its Renaissance buildings and cobblestone streets.

 

We'll take an Italian cooking class learning about Tuscan cuisine and having a group meal with a local chef... and we'll have a Tuscan wine tasting session with a local expert.

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There will be free time for personal painting... sightseeing in Florence to tour Florence's Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore and taking a stroll through the grand Boboli Gardens... shopping in Florence's fabulous boutiques...  sampling Italian gelato... and relaxing at sidewalk cafes.

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Optional before breakfast group pleasure walks through Florence's city centre, parks and gardens are organized for travelers who want some morning exercise before starting their vacation day.

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Non-artists friends and spouses are welcome to join.

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Experience Level - Beginner to Advanced.

This workshop is open to all levels, including beginners with no drawing or painting experience. To get the most out of the workshop, participants with no art experience can prepare for the trip by taking Susan’s March 2022 four-day online workshop “Traveling with Your Sketchbook” (see susanabbott.com/sabbottworkshops) in addition to her free 2-1/2 hour Zoom class. Beginners would also find a pre-trip “introduction to watercolor” class useful.

 

Supplies.

Susan will provide a detailed supply list before the trip. The class will be working in sketchbooks using pen and watercolor or colored pencil. When painting in the field we’ll be using watercolor or gouache and watercolor pads or sketchbooks. Portable stools are recommended for those not bringing an easel.

 

Before the Trip.

Susan will offer a free 2-1/2 hour Zoom workshop to introduce the class to the drawing and watercolor techniques we’ll be using in our sketchbooks and while painting in the field.

 

Itinerary Outline.

 

Sunday, Day 1

Welcome reception with Tuscan hors d'oeuvres & wines hosted by Susan and Paint Europe.

 

Monday, Day 2

We’ll start our morning with a walking and sketching tour to get oriented to central Florence, including a “sketchbook treasure hunt” in the San Lorenzo Market, with lunch and more drawing at the market. In the afternoon we’ll begin our exploration of the magnificent art and architecture of Florence with visits to Santa Maria Novella and nearby churches and piazzas -- with a stop in a cafe for refreshments and discussion.

 

Tuesday, Day 3

A daytrip to the Chianti countryside for landscape painting in a vineyard on the grounds of a lovely country restaurant. Susan will offer a brief demo of watercolor techniques. We’ll enjoy a lunch and be back in Florence in time for an evening stroll and dinner.

 

Wednesday, Day 4

A morning visit to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery and nearby art history treasures. After lunch we’ll continue our tour of the highpoints of Renaissance art with sketchbook explorations of churches such as Santa Croce as well as the vibrant neighborhoods of Piazza della Signorio and the Arno.

 

Thursday, Day 5

A daytrip to Siena, with a morning sketchbook exploration of this beautiful city’s famous art and fascinating history. Then we'll drive into the nearby countryside for lunch and a painting session in a charming Tuscan village. For dinner we’ll experience a professional Tuscan cooking class and sample delicious Florentine specialties.

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Friday, Day 6

We'll spend the day in Florence, painting in the morning along the Arno River, capturing the beauty of Ponte Vecchio. In the afternoon there will be time for personal painting, sightseeing or last minute shopping. In the evening we'll have a gala farewell dinner with traditional Tuscan cuisine and wines.

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Saturday, Day 7

After breakfast Susan will lead a review session. Then we'll say our goodbyes before departing for home or onward destinations.