2024/2025 Courses

Discover TUSCANY

with James Richards || 01 May - 10 May, 2024

At Lucca , Italy - Villa Vistosa

Join me for an unforgettable 10 days in one of the worlds most inspirational places! I’ve been sketching and painting in Tuscany for years, and I can’t wait to share my favorite artistic and cultural immersion experience with you. Our workshops are a celebration of the transformational experience of travel, and the added richness, exuberance and creative rush that on-location sketching brings to it. You'll learn to use sketching as a tool for exploration and a doorway to discovery in some of Tuscany’s most beloved hill towns, landscapes, and coastal villages. Along the way, we’ll enjoy gourmet regional cuisine by our personal chef, the region’s finest wines, winery visits and tastings, a cooking class—even a Puccini opera performance! The goal of this workshop is not for you to draw like anyone else. My goal is to equip you with eye-opening lessons, techniques, shortcuts and inspiration from my own decades of experience and travel that can help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. Our workshop guests often say we've "given them permission" to be themselves and to enjoy every day of the process. You’ll depart with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence that's the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and continued growth.

1. Sketching instruction by James
2. Lucca, San Gimignano, Lerici &San Terenzo, Viareggio, Pietrasanta tours
3. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
4. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church
5. Glamorous Tuscan food & wine
6. Pizza feast

Tuscany with Monique Carr

with Monique Carr || 11 May - 20 May, 2024

At Lucca ,Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

Join Monique in this spectacular holiday in Tuscany. You will get a joy-filled workshop that will help you embrace freedom in both art and life! From your private villa accommodations, prepare to be immersed in a once-in-a-lifetime art adventure while enjoying gourmet meals (made with love by your private Chef), splendid wine, exquisite landscapes and spectacular seascape. You will get to experience the magic of Tuscany:Cypress, vineyards, olive trees, medieval villages, markets. It will be a journey you will never forget.

1. Instructions by Monique
2. beautiful Tuscan villa accomodation
3. Lucca,Volterra,Lerici day trips
4. Gourmet food & Wine
5. Wine tasting introducing Lucca bio-dynamic concept.
6. Pizza festival with private ,,Pizzaiolo,,
7. Puccini classical concert in 13th Century church

Rehabilitation Retreat

with Karolina Lenart || 21 May - 29 May, 2024

At Lucca , Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

Full 8 days where you can allow yourself to switch off from all concerns , fears , personal problems with nobody and nothing to disturb you. A week where you receive guidance and support to develop and nurture inner peace, relaxation, and wholeness in your life. A week where you hit the reset button to return to physical and mental health. Your Tuscan Experience Our course its held at the beautiful Villa Foresta , on the idyllic hill overlooking the city of Lucca. Tuscany is one of Italy’s best-loved regions. Its beautiful countryside is reminiscent of calming landscapes As well as rolling hills and vineyards, it also offers a rich relaxation possibilities– not forgetting premium wines and Mediterranean food.

1. Rehabilitation sessions
2. Healing massages
3. Meditation
4. Private therapeutic session

Immerse Your Senses in Tuscany

with Sandra Duran Wilson || 15 June - 25 June, 2024

At Lucca , Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

Painting in Italy is a dream come true for plein air landscape painters, but why should they have all the fun! We are the exception. You will explore interpreting your surroundings with color, context, shapes and emotions; no need to portray your story realistically. You will explore: Dynamic Color mixing and palettes to create successful compositions. Limited time painting studies to loosen your style and paint more impressionistically. Learn the value of your initial marks, follow your intuition, and tell your own unique story. Develop compositions that will visually tell your story and express your emotions. Italy is filled with beauty in the landscape, the history, food, the people, the songs, architecture, and the art. We will have access to all of this, be pampered with your own chef, your own driver, guides, and art instruction. This is my third to Tuscany and it fills my soul and nourishes my body. I know you will find such beauty here and you will have memories for a lifetime. And we get to paint. Your Tuscan experience dances between time to create time to nurture yourself, to eat, to drink, to travel and discover the treasures of Tuscany.

1. Painting tution by Sandra
2. Beautiful accomodation
3. Best Italian cuisine & wine during all stay
4. Day tours to : Lucca , Florence , Viareggio & Pietrasanta , Portovenere
5. Specialy selected cultural activities as : Puccini classical concert, bio-dynamic wine tour ,Cooking class with private Chef , Pizza making class , visit in marble sculpture art school
6. Your private & luxury transportation

Shades of Scotland

with Alex Hillkurtz || 05 July - 15 July, 2024

At Scotland, UK

Wonderful opportunity to sharpen your urban sketching skills with Alex in magical Scotland. Learn how to quickly capture the world around you in ink and watercolor. Alex will guide you around some of the most beautiful sketching spots, picking out details in architecture and nature that will help describe the techniques he has picked up over a decade of sketching around the world. Scotland is waiting for you , join us!

1. Visit small towns, castles and wonderful scenery known from the movies.
2. Learn how to quickly capture the world around you in ink and watercolour.
3. cooking classes with Masterchef finalist
4. visit Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Stirling, Glen Coe
5. Distillery visit and Whisky testing
6. Local beer and cheese tasting
7. Wellbeing workshops - yoga , cyanotype masterclass by Dominika from Sorores Aromatherapy
8. Best British food and drinks during your stay

Scotland in watercolor painting with Dori Beth

with Dori Beth || 17 July - 27 July, 2024

At Scotland, UK

A different way to discover Scotland – book a summer art course in Scotland. You will have many opportunities to exchange your experience with like-minded creative people and learn how to paint and improve your skills with wonderful Dori. Develop your art skills in Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, in the company of like-hearted creative travelers. Learn about Scotland rich history, explore the Highlands and the sea coast Let them all inspire your art!

1. Watercolor instruction by Dori
2. Stunning accomodation in 17th century Scottish Estate
3. Experience the unpredictable weather
4. Visit Edinburgh, Stirling, Luss, Glen Coe, Glasgow.. Discover castles, monuments and historcal signs
5. Taste the famous Scotch from the smallest and best distilleries
6. Learn about Scottish food and customs from a Masterchef finalist

The Light of Tuscany

with Alex Hillkurtz || 31 August - 10 September, 2024

At Lucca , Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

In this workshop I will teach you techniques to enhance the story you want to tell with your painting: composition, perspective, lighting, detail (or lack of detail). We will work in watercolour sketchbooks, and larger sheets, and the media will be pencil, pen and ink, and watercolour. I will show how I choose a composition designed to draw your eye into a piece. Using a quick pencil sketch to jot down spontaneous ideas, then moving to ink for rough details, and finally watercolour, I will show you how I “see” the subject on the page, and how to avoid common mistakes. I will share insights about the importance of light and shadow to define shapes, perspective to add depth, and colour to tell a story. Most of all we will have fun! You’ll come away with a sketchbook you can be proud of, full of your unique paintings and colorful memories of this beautiful part of the world.

1. Instructions and lesson by Alex
2. Day trips to : Lucca , Carrara , Pietrasanta , Cinque terre , Siena
3. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
4. Classical concert in a Romanesque church
5. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinner, Pizza Party and best Italian Food and Wine during entire stay

THE ART OF POSITIVE PERSONAL CHANGE

with NIALL KELLY || 15 September - 21 September, 2024

At Lucca - Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE 7-DAY WORKSHOP IN LUCCA IN THE HEART OF TUSCANY Challenged by posture-related issues, chronic pain, loss of ease in movement or stress? You're not alone. In today’s world many individuals face these common problems, which can limit mobility, ease, and overall enjoyment of activities. Discover the Transformative Power of the Alexander Technique The Alexander Technique is a very powerful form of practical mindfulness. Based on the discoveries of FM Alexander and modern neuroscience, it allows you to make conscious dynamic postural choices when it comes to personal performance. Our five-day workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore and learn the principles and practices of the Alexander Technique, a long-proven method for improving posture; reducing pain and stress and restoring natural breath, while enhancing ease in movement.

1. Reenergise - learn to focus - build Your confidence
2. Intensive teaching by Niall Kelly
3. Beautiful and peaceful villa setting
4. Delicious and organic Mediterranean diet meals with Biodynamic wines
5. Special selected activities and day tours

Finding Individual Expression with Frank Eber

with Frank Eber || 22 September - 02 October, 2024

At Lucca, Italy - Villa Vistosa

This workshop is about the finding your personal style while negotiating the challenges of painting en Plein air. Personal artistic expression should be the goal for any serious painters. Technique is important of course, but it is only the first step. The most important thing to bring to your art is yourself. Frank’s work is emotionally based, painted with a ‘limited palette’, softly expressive and suggestive. He was trained by an Italian master painter in the early 90’s. Typical in his art are color mixes and light that evoke nostalgia while remaining absolutely in the present. Frank's workshops reach beyond technique, observing the elusive balance of forces that create beauty in painting. 

Frank stresses a solid foundation in the basics, “…so that our focus is on creating timeless art. An emotional link is necessary in our work, as well as the connection to the vibrancy of everything we paint.” All levels are welcome as long as you come with an open heart and mind :) watercolor/oil

1. Intensive instruction by Frank
2. Best Italian food and wine during entire stay
3. Day trip to Lucca , Lerici, Viareggio, Pietrasanta,Carrara
4. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
5. Classical concert in a Romanesque church
6. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinner

Discover TUSCANY

with James Richards || 04 October - 14 October, 2024

At Lucca , Italy - Villa Vistosa

Join me for an unforgettable 10 days in one of the worlds most inspirational places! I’ve been sketching and painting in Tuscany for years, and I can’t wait to share my favorite artistic and cultural immersion experience with you. Our workshops are a celebration of the transformational experience of travel, and the added richness, exuberance and creative rush that on-location sketching brings to it. You'll learn to use sketching as a tool for exploration and a doorway to discovery in some of Tuscany’s most beloved hill towns, landscapes, and coastal villages. Along the way, we’ll enjoy gourmet regional cuisine by our personal chef, the region’s finest wines, winery visits and tastings, a cooking class—even a Puccini opera performance! The goal of this workshop is not for you to draw like anyone else. My goal is to equip you with eye-opening lessons, techniques, shortcuts and inspiration from my own decades of experience and travel that can help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. Our workshop guests often say we've "given them permission" to be themselves and to enjoy every day of the process. You’ll depart with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence that's the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and continued growth.

1. Sketching instruction by James
2. Lucca, San Gimignano, Lerici & San Terenzo, Viareggio, Pietrasanta tours
3. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
4. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church
5. Glamorous Tuscan food & wine
6. Pizza feast

Tuscany with Nancy Ellen Thompson

with Nancy E.Thompson || 15 October - 25 October, 2024

At Lucca , Tuscany -Villa Vistosa

Teaching art is a way of life for Nancy also a best therapy in this imprevedibile times. She believe that anyone who wants to learn can do it. She teach all levels...beginner classes to master class. Teaching accomplished artists is particularly exciting because it allows help to help others find ways to keep their work fresh and evolving.

1. Wine Tasting in local bio-dynamic winery
2. Puccini concert in a Romanesque church followed by 5 course dinner in Restaurant
3. Day trip to Lucca , Volterra , Lerici , Pietrasanta ,Florence.
4. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
5. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinners with local wine selection
6. Healing massages
7. The ancient technique of applying gold leaf to artwork is brought to life at Vino & Vinci with this short, inter-active workshop. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of prosecco and pastries as we introduce the history of the gold leaf process.
8. Pizza festival-learn how to do Italian pizza.

The Fearless Sketchbook- How to Sketch with No Consequences

with Iain Stewart || 27 October - 06 November, 2024

At Lucca ,Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

Simply sitting down with my sketchbook and recording the world around me is perhaps the most enjoyable and rewarding thing I can think of when traveling. My cares drift away and I am in the moment observing. There is no pressure to perform or to allow my sketches to become precious. Sketches are simply a record of my day and where it has taken me. We all have something unique to say and my goal is to show you how to listen for that inner voice that only you own. I have designed a simple process to help you let go of the desire of accuracy in favor of interpretation and your impression of place. There is an honesty in a sketch that is hard to replicate emotionally or visually. Join me as we explore the riches of one of the worlds most beautiful and historically rich destinations. As an architectural illustrator and Professor of design drawing and presentation I will show you how to move past representation and embrace gesture and the suggested.

1. Instructions by Iain
2. Day excursion to Lucca , San Gimignano , Portovenere , Pietrasanta .
3. Beautiful accomodation
4. Delicous Italian food & wine during the course
5. Cultural activities :Cooking class , Puccini classical concert, Wine tasting, Pizza making class.

Tuscan Crochet Retreat with Emma – Oh So Pretty And Clever & Marina – Bloodimaryart Crochet

with Emma & Marina || 07 November - 12 November, 2024

At Lucca, Tuscany

Join our crochet experts on this all-inclusive 5-night Tuscan crochet retreat. Indulge in your favourite hobby whilst taking in the best of what Tuscany has to offer. We aim to inspire you through the natural beauty of Italy, envelop your senses with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, awaken your taste buds with delicious home-cooked organic cuisine, and excite you with local culture and extraordinary experiences centred around your love of crochet. Re-ignite your creative spark and nurture your body, mind, and spirit with an abundance of nature, and magnificent views of the Tuscan valley and Italian countryside. All yarns, patterns & daily workshops are included for a truly immersive experience doing the craft that you love with like-minded people.

1. Daily crochet workshops with Emma & Marina
2. Beautiful all-inclusive accommodation in a traditional Tuscan Villa on the hills of Lucca
3. Coordinated private transportation
4. A range of tailored crochet projects with instruction and guidance
5. A wonderful gift bag including all materials, patterns and extras from our sponsors
6. Day trip to Florence and a visit to a charming family-run yarn shop
7. Personal chef offering freshly prepared gourmet Italian cuisine & wine throughout the entire stay
8. Tour of Lucca and the local area
9. Excursion to the beautiful marble caves of Carrara, including aperitive inside the caves
10. Handmade traditional pizza feast with a private Pizzaiolo
11. Puccini concert set in a 13th century Romanesque church followed by dinner at a local restaurant
12. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinner & showcase of projects

Express your urban sketching technique with Pat Southern-Pearce

with Pat Southern-Pearce || 11 April - 20 April, 2025

At Lucca, Tuscany

For so long I’ve yearned to drink in the feel, the heart, the essence of Tuscany and at last its finally happening! I cant wait to be here, with like- minded others, capturing it all, teaching every day in sun and dappled shade, wandering the villa’s gorgeous gardens and sketching, exploring Lucca town (oh my!), a day in Florence, a Puccini Concert..a town filled with inspirational towers. ..and it goes on. There is such a warm, welcoming history here and an energy, a relaxation that glows and calms. I will teach skills every morning, with demos and a new focus. And each afternoon we’ll pick up on these skills and deveop them, sketching, with help and more demos, wherever we go: around the villa or further afield. On day 1, exciting!..we’ll prepare a collection of different textural backgrounds that we can slip in our sketchbooks and carry with us, to choose from at will. Some will be coloured inks and water plus maybe a little gouache and acrylic. Some will be collaged.Some will be mixed media. We’ll have fun! Each day will bring new learning, new looking, new experiences. And each new day will build on the one before. We definitely wont be drawing a whole picture in ink or pencil, then colouring it in. Nor will we just be making marks on paper. The most important thing to me when Im sketching, is the sense of place: the feeling a place gives me, the light, the softness, the blueness of shadows, the unexpected patterns and textures, the shapes against the sky, the sky itself: ever changing. Places speak to me and bring me joy as I sketch and I lose myself and the dance begins. I trained as a painter. I love sensitivity of line and the punctuation of darks, freedom and energy balanced by precision. And all of this I want to share with you.I want you to know this joy too, wherever we go, lost in the zone but with me by your side. What a gift this long luscious course here, will be, to me and to you: with time to linger long, learn and grow, one day at a time..with your hearts and mine singing. Do join us. Pat

1. SKETCHING LESSONS WITH PAT
2. PRIVATE CHEEF, BEST FOOD AND DRINKS THROUGHOUT YOUR STAY
3. DAY TRIP TO LUCCA, FLORENCE, PORTOVENERE, SAN GIMIGNANO
4. PIZZA PARTY WITH PRIVATE PIZZA CHEF
5. COOKING LESSON, WINE TESTING AND LIMONCELLO MAKING CLASS
6. ALL INCLUSIVE VILLA WITH SWIMMING POOL
7. PUCCINI CONCERT IN A ROMANESQUE CHURCH
8. PRIVATE VAN TRANSPORTATION

Essence of Tuscany with Barbara Hack

with Barbara Hack || 20 April - 30 April, 2025

At Lucca, Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

I am so thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to paint with you in the culturally rich area of Tuscany! We will not only capture the feeling of this gorgeous environment in paint, but also experience the food, wine and history of this region. Join me for 10 amazing days in Beautiful Tuscany ! What better way to embrace the true essence of Italy than bringing people into our experience. Our goal is to Master facial proportions and anatomy to create realistic portraits in our Oil Portrait painting Workshop. For 10 days This hands-on workshop is designed to take you through a classically inspired approach to painting the head/portrait from a live model. All four stages of the painting process will be covered, including underdrawing, with the emphasis on improving color, drawing skills, value relationships, understanding edges, and capturing the feeling of light. Through a series of demonstrations, guided exercises, and one-on-one instruction, attendees will learn how the power of light and shadow add dimension and drama to a portrait . My intention is to help you better tackle the difficulties of this challenging subject. No matter what background you have with oil paints, I will assist in teaching you at your comfort level. What better place to capture memories than painting in Tuscany! We will truly make memories together!!! All levels are welcome, Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today.

1. Instruction by Barbara
2. Excusion to most beautiful corners of Tuscany
3. Specialy selected activities
4. Accomodation in beautiful Tuscan Villa
5. Private Villa Chef

Discovering Tuscany with Ian Fennelly

with IAN FENNELLY || 01 May - 08 May, 2025

At Lucca , Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

Join exceptional UK artist for unforgetable one week sketching experience in heart of Tuscany. Come with me on a journey of looking as together we sketch and discover the beautiful landscapes and cities in Tuscany. Each day I will deliver an Urban Sketching Workshop in pen and watercolour, which will enable you to tell your story, what you notice and experience, and to express your feelings about being in such a visually rich environment. My workshops are divided into clearly structured steps; from outlining the big shapes, to introducing colour and emotion, and finally going deeper into the subject to record detail, texture and pattern. They are suitable for artist of all abilities. Sometimes we pass through this world without allowing our senses a chance to really take notice of the things that surround, and what really matters. This magical adventure of creativity will fix you in the moment, and help you to appreciate through drawing and painting, how beautiful out world is. Check the book here : https://www.ianfennelly.co.uk/urban-sketching-books/

1. Itensive classes and instructions by Ian
2. Most beautiful destination for skeching session in Tuscany&Liguria -Lucca -Colonnata -Arcola -Villa Torrigiani -Monarola -Iddylic vineyards
3. Beautiful Villa Setting
4. Special selected activities
5. Private Chef offering best Tuscan & Italian cuisine
6. Private transportation

Discover TUSCANY

with James Richards || 09 May - 19 May, 2025

At Lucca , Italy - Villa Vistosa

Join me for an unforgettable 10 days in one of the worlds most inspirational places! I’ve been sketching and painting in Tuscany for years, and I can’t wait to share my favorite artistic and cultural immersion experience with you. Our workshops are a celebration of the transformational experience of travel, and the added richness, exuberance and creative rush that on-location sketching brings to it. You'll learn to use sketching as a tool for exploration and a doorway to discovery in some of Tuscany’s most beloved hill towns, landscapes, and coastal villages. Along the way, we’ll enjoy gourmet regional cuisine by our personal chef, the region’s finest wines, winery visits and tastings, a cooking class—even a Puccini opera performance! The goal of this workshop is not for you to draw like anyone else. My goal is to equip you with eye-opening lessons, techniques, shortcuts and inspiration from my own decades of experience and travel that can help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. Our workshop guests often say we've "given them permission" to be themselves and to enjoy every day of the process. You’ll depart with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence that's the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and continued growth.

1. Sketching instruction by James
2. Lucca, San Gimignano, Lerici & San Terenzo, Viareggio, Pietrasanta tours
3. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
4. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church
5. Glamorous Tuscan food & wine
6. Pizza feast

The Light of Tuscany

with Alex Hillkurtz || 20 May - 30 May, 2025

At Lucca , Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

In this workshop I will teach you techniques to enhance the story you want to tell with your painting: composition, perspective, lighting, detail (or lack of detail). We will work in watercolour sketchbooks, and larger sheets, and the media will be pencil, pen and ink, and watercolour. I will show how I choose a composition designed to draw your eye into a piece. Using a quick pencil sketch to jot down spontaneous ideas, then moving to ink for rough details, and finally watercolour, I will show you how I “see” the subject on the page, and how to avoid common mistakes. I will share insights about the importance of light and shadow to define shapes, perspective to add depth, and colour to tell a story. Most of all we will have fun! You’ll come away with a sketchbook you can be proud of, full of your unique paintings and colorful memories of this beautiful part of the world.

1. Instructions and lesson by Alex
2. Day trips to : Lucca , Carrara , Pietrasanta , Lerici & San Terenzo , Volterra
3. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
4. Classical concert in a Romanesque church
5. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinner, Pizza Party and best Italian Food and Wine during entire stay

Going Home-Sketching Scotland with Iain Stewart

with Iain Stewart || 22 June - 01 July, 2025

At Scotland, UK

My favorite place to explore and sketch is with beyond a doubt my home country of Scotland. It is where I spend my sketching vacations and I’ve been drawing and exploring it my entire life. My family moved to the US from Glasgow when I was very young but when we would visit my parents always said “we’re going home for the summer.” That stuck with me and seeing the country man and boy and finally as a professional artist has taught me so much about where to go, the little tips that help anyone work in a country that can toss 3 seasons at you in an afternoon, and most importantly how to convey that love of place to others. I have taught numerous workshops in Scotland but this one is the first I’ve had a real hand in curating. As aways my motto is low stress and more places visited. Simply sitting down with my sketchbook and recording where I am whether it’s something extremely familiar or a new location I get to explore the thrill is always there. For me it’s the kind of beauty that just makes me want to throw my hands up and shake my head knowingly. Scotland gives and I certainly take what I can from that. Join me as I share my love of such an amazing country.

1. Learn how to quickly capture the world around you in your sketchbook
2. visit Edinburgh, St Andrews, Stirling, Glen Coe and South Queensferry
3. Distillery visit and Whisky testing
4. Local beer and cheese tasting
5. Best British food and drinks during your stay
6. Experience the unpredictable weather
7. tunning accomodation in 17th century Scottish Estate

DISCOVER THE ESSENCE OF CRACOW

with IAN FENNELLY || 04 August - 10 August, 2025

At CRACOW-POLAND

Explore the beauty of Cracow with a pen and watercolour. Professional urban sketcher Ian Fennelly will show you techniques and methods that help you to create your own lively and atmospheric sketches. Learn to find your individual style and fill your sketchbook step by step. Intensive course of 5-6 h a day.Inspired by the charm of the unique Cracow scenery you will be able to capture your favourite travel memories with brush and pen.

1. Intestive learning course by Ian
2. beautiful accomodation in heart of Cracow
3. The best Polish food during stay
4. Airport and local transportation
5. Guided tours of Old town , Wawel castle and Jewish Quarter

Painting People from Photographs- Watercolor workshop with Ted Nuttall

with Ted Nuttall || 01 September - 10 September, 2025

At Lucca, Tuscany

“I’ve always been drawn to people and the figure and I think one of the most exciting things about a country’s culture and environment are it’s people. Having had the good fortune to teach workshops in several different countries I came away each time with great images and feelings that developed themselves into paintings. I’m excited to have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Tuscan region of Italy and work with Karolina and David at their charming “Villa Sola”. And I would like to invite you to join me”. Although painting a person in watercolor may seem daunting, it is every bit as approachable as creating a still life or landscape. Ted Nuttall will demonstrate the techniques, and instill the confidence to enjoy painting people. He will discuss the benefits of photographic reference, as well as how to interpret a photograph in order to give life and energy to the subject. In Ted’s daily demonstrations and presentations, he will share his personal approach to painting. Plus, he will introduce the work of other artists with the objective of inspiring enriched seeing and thinking skills. What’s more, significant time is allowed for one-on-one instruction. In an atmosphere that’s both creative and supportive, Ted encourages in each participant a renewed enthusiasm for his or her art – regardless of their skill level.

1. Personalised painting session with Ted
2. Day trip to Portovenere, Lucca and Siena
3. Gourmet Italian Food and wines
4. Pizza party- make your own pizza with our pizza master
5. Wine testing in nearby vineyard
6. Cooking class with the private Chef
7. Winter tasting in bio dynamic winery with one of the top producers in Lucca

Restore Your Soul In Beautiful Tuscany with Mindset Coach Alicia Michelle

with Alicia Michelle || 12 September - 22 September, 2025

At Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Ready to refresh your mind, body and spirit as you explore one of the worlds most beloved regions? Join ICF-Certified Christian Mindset Coach, author and award-winning podcaster Alicia Michelle for an unforgettable 10 days of rejuvenation, exploration and fun in beautiful Tuscany, Italy! Imagine being able to fully escape the pressures of daily life as you immerse all your senses in the Italian culture-the incredible scenery, historical monuments, dynamic cultural experiences, and amazing food-while also connecting deeply with Christ and other Christian women through intentional coaching exercises, Bible study, prayer, journaling and more. Together we will restore our focus on God and rediscover His direction for our lives as we honor past struggles, discover current opportunities and dream big about what could be. In addition, we will release stress and refresh our minds as we explore some of Tuscany's most beloved hill towns, coastal villages and old-world city centers (such as the amazing towns of Florence, Lucca, Volterra and Portovenere)! Along the way we will enjoy gourmet regional cuisine by our personal chef, the regions finest wines and cultural experiences, two cooking classes, yoga, massage, shopping, and so much more. And our accommodations? We will stay at a spacious, breathtaking Italian villa surrounded by lovely gardens that overlooks the Tuscan countryside! Discover a renewed sense of freedom and confidence in Christ as you enjoy a full 10 days to hit the reset button and switch off from all concerns and worries to focus on wholeness in God, relaxation and fun. There is truly nothing else like this experience-a life-changing gift of spiritual, mental and physical restoration that you will always remember!

1. Science-and-scripture based mindset teaching from a trained coach that’s worked with hundreds of women
2. Private tours and transportation to idyllic Tuscany destinations, including Florence, Lucca, Volterra and even Portovenere (the Italian Riviera)
3. Beautiful villa setting filled with quiet places to calm your spirit and connect with God Cooking classes, massages, yoga and other creative experiences
4. Mouth-watering Italian cuisine prepared by personal chefs, including an outdoor pizza feast, four-course gourmet meals, bio-dynamic wines from local wineries, and dessert at every lunch and dinner at the villa

Tuscany with Monique Carr

with Monique Carr || 05 October - 14 October, 2025

At Lucca ,Tuscany - Villa Vistosa

Join Monique in this spectacular holiday in Tuscany. You will get a joy-filled workshop that will help you embrace freedom in both art and life! From your private villa accommodations, prepare to be immersed in a once-in-a-lifetime art adventure while enjoying gourmet meals (made with love by your private Chef), splendid wine, exquisite landscapes and spectacular seascape. You will get to experience the magic of Tuscany:Cypress, vineyards, olive trees, medieval villages, markets. It will be a journey you will never forget.

1. Instructions by Monique
2. beautiful Tuscan villa accomodation
3. Lucca,Volterra,Lerici day trips
4. Gourmet food & Wine
5. Wine tasting introducing Lucca bio-dynamic concept.
6. Pizza festival with private ,,Pizzaiolo,,
7. Puccini classical concert in 13th Century church

Discover TUSCANY

with James Richards || 17 October - 27 October, 2025

At Lucca , Italy - Villa Vistosa

Join me for an unforgettable 10 days in one of the worlds most inspirational places! I’ve been sketching and painting in Tuscany for years, and I can’t wait to share my favorite artistic and cultural immersion experience with you. Our workshops are a celebration of the transformational experience of travel, and the added richness, exuberance and creative rush that on-location sketching brings to it. You'll learn to use sketching as a tool for exploration and a doorway to discovery in some of Tuscany’s most beloved hill towns, landscapes, and coastal villages. Along the way, we’ll enjoy gourmet regional cuisine by our personal chef, the region’s finest wines, winery visits and tastings, a cooking class—even a Puccini opera performance! The goal of this workshop is not for you to draw like anyone else. My goal is to equip you with eye-opening lessons, techniques, shortcuts and inspiration from my own decades of experience and travel that can help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. Our workshop guests often say we've "given them permission" to be themselves and to enjoy every day of the process. You’ll depart with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence that's the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and continued growth.

1. Sketching instruction by James
2. Lucca, San Gimignano, Lerici & San Terenzo, Viareggio, Pietrasanta tours
3. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
4. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church
5. Glamorous Tuscan food & wine
6. Pizza feast

Tuscan Crochet Retreat with Emma – Oh So Pretty And Clever & Marina – Bloodimaryart Crochet

with Emma & Marina || 27 October - 02 November, 2025

At Lucca, Tuscany

Join our crochet experts on this all-inclusive 5-night Tuscan crochet retreat. Indulge in your favourite hobby whilst taking in the best of what Tuscany has to offer. We aim to inspire you through the natural beauty of Italy, envelop your senses with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, awaken your taste buds with delicious home-cooked organic cuisine, and excite you with local culture and extraordinary experiences centred around your love of crochet. Re-ignite your creative spark and nurture your body, mind, and spirit with an abundance of nature, and magnificent views of the Tuscan valley and Italian countryside. All yarns, patterns & daily workshops are included for a truly immersive experience doing the craft that you love with like-minded people.

1. Daily crochet workshops with Emma & Marina
2. Beautiful all-inclusive accommodation in a traditional Tuscan Villa on the hills of Lucca
3. Coordinated private transportation
4. A range of tailored crochet projects with instruction and guidance
5. A wonderful gift bag including all materials, patterns and extras from our sponsors
6. Day trip to Florence and a visit to a charming family-run yarn shop
7. Personal chef offering freshly prepared gourmet Italian cuisine & wine throughout the entire stay
8. Tour of Lucca and the local area
9. Excursion to the beautiful marble caves of Carrara, including aperitive inside the caves
10. Handmade traditional pizza feast with a private Pizzaiolo
11. Puccini concert set in a 13th century Romanesque church followed by dinner at a local restaurant
12. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinner & showcase of projects