Painting Tuscany

Join us for this wonderful painting holiday during Italian harvest.

See the vineyards at their ripe stages and smell the new autumn air as we paint in the Tuscan countryside and visit medieval towns nearby. Our stay is in an 18th century restored country house just outside of Sienna. Town visits to Sienna, Chiusure di Asciano and San Guismè will be part of our plein air explorations and inspiration! Most of our material is included in this trip. Professional-quality oil and acrylic paints and mediums are included, most meals, wine, excursions and accommodations. All painting levels are welcome from beginners to experienced artist, in this encouraging creative atmosphere. For more information including daily itinerary, please click on the “READ MORE” link below.

ABOUT SANDRA IAFRATE: has been instructing art in all mediums for over 20 years. Her original and published works of flowers, foliage and European landscapes take on complex compositions alive with colour, which seem to go beyond the boundaries of the canvas. Sandra has received many awards and accolades for her work and teaching and has recently been awarded International Artist Finalist for their Flower and Garden Competition and has received a Canadian Government honour for her work in the arts. Sandra comes to Tuscany to teach acrylic and oil painting during the robust harvest season. Participants will paint subjects such as: the hills, cypress trees, and images of the picturesque medieval towns.

Sandra is a GOLDEN Artist Educator qualified to teach the proper use of paints, pigments, mediums and material in a safe environment and she will be instructing painting in all mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolour and mixed media. She will provide the fundamentals of painting and composition while introducing innovative techniques to students while guiding them towards their vision.

Why Painting in Tuscany?

Tuscany is world famous for hearty food, rich culture and stunning landscapes, making it the ideal location for a painting holiday. Take your time to scan the landscape for the perfect composition, capture the details of beautiful local villages, and visit historic cities like Siena and get lost in their ancient streets, taking the chance to sketch their beautiful buildings.

Our Tour Company

Flavours Holidays is an award-winning,  ATOL bonded, tour operator offering quality cooking, painting, Pilates, language and photography holidays in Italy since 1998. Set in idyllic and unspoilt regions of Italy, guests have the opportunity to learn from experienced tutors during a special planned week just for this small group! After more than 20 years of organising holidays in Italy, you can have total confidence that a Flavours holiday is run by experts who love Italy.

Where You Will Stay?

Flavours Holidays has carefully selected one of our best Tuscan villas for this private group offering uninterrupted views of the Tuscan countryside. All rooms are en-suite with private bathrooms. Villa Casanova is a typical Tuscan homestead from the early 1800s located in the unmistakable Chianti Classico country. The beautifully restored farmhouse, with its stone facade, set in vineyards and olive groves looks out over a breathtaking panorama of spectacular Tuscan hills. The interiors are typical of Tuscan rural architecture, with handmade Florentine red brick floors and exposed beam ceilings.

Your Week-Long Itinerary:

Saturday, 2nd October

Benvenuti! Welcome to Tuscany!

Upon your arrival at Florence Airport, you will find our Flavours driver waiting for the group with a sign that says ‘Flavours’. Once the group is all together, you will be taken to the villa where you can settle in, meet your chef and your instructor and enjoy welcome drinks. Dinner this evening is at the villa, prepared by your chef.

Sunday, 3rd October

This morning you have your first sketching and painting session with your teacher. This will include discussing the course outline, aims and expectations and getting started. In order to draw, the artist must “see” and your teacher will get you “seeing” and drawing with some practical exercises in beautiful surroundings! The session will be followed by lunch prepared by your chef. The afternoon is yours to continue sketching and painting, or relaxing by the pool. Dinner is prepared for you at the villa.

Monday 4th October

After breakfast, enjoy your second day of painting & sketching with your teacher. We’ll head to the small pedestrian only town of Chiusure di Asciano with the stunning view from the Abbey of Monte Oliveto for sketching or painting. Lunch will be at a local trattoria. This afternoon, we’ll return to the villa, with dinner tonight prepared by your chef.

Tuesday 5th October

After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring Siena, one of Italy’s best preserved medieval towns. You will be encouraged to take your sketch pad and take the opportunity to sketch some of Siena’s wonderful sights which might include its architecture, a street scene, or wonderful statues! Return to the villa late afternoon for dinner.

Wednesday 6th October

This morning after breakfast, you will develop your watercolour and drawing skills in another painting session with your teacher. The afternoon is yours to continue painting, or to spend time relaxing around the villa and pool. Dinner tonight is at the villa.

Thursday 7th October

After breakfast, drawing and painting at the villa, followed by lunch. The late afternoon will be spent in the little town of ‘San Gusme’, with a chance to do some sketching before dinner at a local trattoria.

Friday 8th October

Today is your final day of drawing and painting, with time to finish off your works and relax at the villa. Later this evening, we’ll have an exhibition of your artwork to the group, followed by a special farewell dinner prepared by your chef.

Saturday 9th October

After breakfast, you’ll have some time to pack before our driver takes you on our group transfer back to Airport for your flight home. Arrivederci!

Fee: priced in British pounds sterling 1750 GBP per person

(no extra charge for single room)

Please note a non-refundable deposit of 250GBP per person is required to secure your place. (We are limited to a group size of 8 guests on this tour.)

Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Included:

• Return airport group transfer based on collection/return to Florence airport

• Private villa accommodation at Villa Casanova en-suite rooms

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily including prosecco & local wine with lunch and dinners

• Visit as per itinerary attached including lunch in Siena, lunch in Chiusure and San Gusme

• Private minibus transfers throughout

• Services of a Flavours host to look after the group throughout

• Private Italian cook to prepare all meals for group throughout

*Also included: Professional "Artist Quality" paints and mediums and tuition for daily workshops of a minimum of 3-hours of lessons per day.

Not included:

Flights to Italy / Personal travel insurance

Brushes and painting panels or canvases (Please bring your favourite brushes and recommended 7 painting panels) You will be emailed a suggested material and packing list upon registration.

HOW TO BOOK:

Please click the 'I'm interested' button below or email us at iafrate.art@gmail.com and a representative from will contact you for secure registration.

This painting holiday is Hosted by Flavours Holidays, U.K.,