Courses

Creative Horizons – Albert Kiefer in Tuscany

With Albert Kiefer

At Lucca, Italy

18 October - 25 October, 2026

Welcome to my workshop in the beautiful Villa Sole! I would be thrilled to have you join me for an eight day long stay in the wonderful city of Lucca and its surroundings. We’ll be sketching together, enjoying the scenery, and exploring the amazing nearby places. Have you ever felt stuck on a sketch, or afraid to start because you think you’ll mess it up? I want to show you how to let go of perfection and create great and expressive sketches that you can be proud of! I’ll teach you how to enjoy fast and free sketching with colored markers. We’ll have sessions of instruction, followed by plenty of live and on-location sketching. I’ll show you why perspective isn’t always necessary, and definitely not a must for a great sketch! You’ll also learn how to give buildings a unique twist, so you can highlight their striking features in your sketches. Are you ready for that expressive adventure in the Tuscan sun? Join me! Albert Kiefer

Course Highlights

1. Personalized Instruction: Daily sessions with Albert Kiefer, focusing on techniques to capture the essence of Tuscany in your artwork.
2. Scenic Excursions: Explore and sketch in picturesque locations such as Lucca, San Gimignano, and the Ligurian coast in charming village of Portovenere.
3. Culinary Delights: Savor authentic Italian cuisine prepared by our personal chef, featuring organic ingredients and traditional recipes.
4. Wine Tasting: Visit local biodynamic wineries to sample some of the region’s finest wines.
5. Cultural Experiences: Enjoy a Puccini concert in a historic Romanesque church and participate in a hands-on cooking class to learn the art of Tuscan cooking.

Day by Day Workshop Schedule

1. Day 1: Arrival at Pisa or Florence Airport. • Private transfer to Villa Sole, a beautifully restored 300-year-old Tuscan villa near Lucca. • Afternoon: Welcome aperitivo and orientation at the villa. Meet Albert Kiefer and fellow participants, review the workshop agenda, and prepare sketching materials. • Evening: Welcome dinner featuring Tuscan specialties prepared by the villa’s personal chef.
2. Day 2: Sketching Lucca’s Medieval Beauty: Morning: Breakfast at the villa, followed by a workshop session in the studio introducing sketching techniques by Albert • Lunch home by chef Luciana • Afternoon : Excursion to Lucca, a city renowned for its medieval walls and historic charm. Focus on sketching key landmarks like: • Piazza Anfiteatro (a circular square built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater). • San Michele in Foro (a stunning Romanesque church). • after session time to explore , shop on own • Evening: Return to the villa for a group critique session and a Tuscan dinner.
3. Day 3: San Gimignano – The Town of Towers: Morning: Breakfast, then a brief workshop on techniques for sketching intricate architectural details, such as stone textures and tower structures. • Late Morning to Afternoon: Visit San Gimignano, the “Town of Fine Towers,” famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Focus on: the towers of San Gimignano (sketch the town’s skyline from different vantage points). • Lunch on own with more exploring time • Evening:Back home for fun pizza party!
4. Day 4: A Day of Rest and Reflection: Morning: Optional activities like yoga or a walk through the villa’s olive groves to recharge. Breakfast time . • Studio and painting time with Albert . • Afternoon:Lunch home ,back in studio. • Evening: Celebrate with a Puccini concert in a historic Romanesque church in Lucca, soaking in the connection between music and architecture afterwards dinner with friend Pasquale in his beautiful restaurant-feast of local specialities with special selection of local wines.
5. Day 5: A Day at Fabbrica di San Martino – Sketching and Wine Tasting: • Morning: Breakfast at the villa, followed by a relaxed studio session. Focus on sketching techniques for rural villas, capturing Tuscan architectural details such as stone facades, terracotta roofs, and the interplay of light and shadow. • Late Morning: Explore and sketch the villa grounds, including its historic estate and the surrounding vineyards. Albert will offer guidance on perspective and composition as you capture the tranquil beauty of this traditional Tuscan setting. • Afternoon: Lunch home followed by a private wine tasting experience at the Fabbrica di San Martino winery. Learn about the estate’s organic and biodynamic winemaking processes while sampling its renowned wines, paired with local cheeses and cured meats. • Evening: Return to the villa for dinner and informal critique session, reflecting on the day’s sketches and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
6. Day 6: Portovenere – Coastal Architecture and Charm: • Morning: Breakfast at the villa. • Late Morning to Afternoon: Excursion to Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Ligurian coast. Sketch highlights include: • San Pietro Church, perched dramatically on a rocky cliff. • The Doria Castle, an imposing medieval fortress with panoramic views of the Gulf of Poets. • The Colorful Harborfront, a row of tall, narrow pastel houses lining the waterfront. • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a seaside trattoria, followed by free exploring and sketching time to capture the unique blend of natural and architectural beauty. • Evening: Return to the villa for a relaxing dinner and an informal group critique of the day’s work.
7. Day 7: Final Studio Session and Gala Celebration: Morning: Breakfast at the villa, followed by the final workshop session in the studio. Albert Kiefer will guide participants in completing their favorite works or refining key architectural sketches created throughout the week. • Afternoon: A relaxed lunch at the villa, featuring light, seasonal dishes prepared by Chef Luciana . Afterward, enjoy free time to pack, explore the villa’s grounds, or prepare your works for the evening exhibition. • Evening: • Gallery of Works: Showcase your sketches in a curated exhibition at the villa, celebrating the week’s creative journey. • Gala Dinner: Conclude the workshop with a luxurious multi-course Tuscan feast, specially prepared by Chef Karolina. Savor local wines, traditional recipes, and a festive atmosphere with your fellow artists.
8. Day 8: Departure day: Breakfast and transfer to airport. Until we see you again!

Course Cost: 3799Euro