Healing Retreat

with best therapists,instructors and masseuse || 20 April - 29 April, 2021

At Villa Selva

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 8-day course its held at the beautiful Villa Selva , 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. Hatha Yoga course
4. Meditation
5. Private therapeutic session

A call to Tuscany

with Vitaly Makarov || 29 June - 07 July, 2021

At Villa Selva - Lucca

Join me in exclusive 10 day Plein Air workshop where I share with you my techniques and skills. All levels are welcome! I want you to understand the principle of work in painting. That is, the method in which direction one should go, think, see, develop. Art is not a set of recipes. This is a system. I will try to make you understand how you need in the future, after the workshop, to teach yourself. I will be very happy to share my experience with you. See you! Yours Vitaly Makarov.

1. INTENSIVE PAINTING INSTRUCTION BY VITALY
2. DAY TRIP TO COASTAL VILLAGE OF LERICI and TO SAN GIMIGNANO
3. COOKING LESSON WITH PERSONAL CHEF
4. OUTSTANDING ITALIAN FOOD DURING ENTIRE STAY WITH BEST LOCAL WINES
5. PAINTING IN PALAZZO PFANNER
6. PUCCINI CONCERT IN A ROMANESQUE CHURCH
7. BIO DYNAMIC WINE TASTING

Beautiful Tuscany

with Suzy Pal Powell || 09 July - 19 July, 2021

At Villa Selva - Lucca

There is so much beauty that we sometimes miss. Just a ray of sun on a flower petal, or a bird sitting on the fence. We don’t’ have to paint a huge painting to convey the message. We will use a small-er format due to time and space, Using a watercolour paint or sketchbook, or small pieces of watercolour paper. We will be watching for that small beautiful picture to photo and put in our books or paper. You can also bring one to journal each day while in Italy. A wonderful way to remember the trip and memories!

1. Painting instruction by Suzy
2. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
3. Best Italian Food&Wine during entire stay
4. Day trips to San Gimignano and Portovenere
5. Classical concert in a Romanesque church
6. Session with Dominika Allan -one day artist guest spot :creating bath salth and learning cyanotype technique

The Light of Tuscany

with Alex Hillkurtz || 06 August - 16 August, 2021

At Villa Selva - Lucca

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. Painting instruction by ALEX
2. Day trip to Portovenere and to Cortona
3. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
4. Viareggio and Pietrasanta day Tour
5. Classical concert in a Romanesque church
6. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinner
7. Pizza Party
8. Best Italian Food&Wine during entire stay
9. Artist guest spot with Dominika Allan -cyanothype technique and ritual bath salts.

Tuscan Adventure with Beverly Boren

with Beverly Boren || 16 August - 26 August, 2021

At Villa Selva - Lucca

In this workshop I will focus on simplification, which is the best means of planning and transforming what you see in a paining. The overall objective is to show the vast range and flexibility of watercolor and to put emotion and conviction into painting by exploring, experimenting and developing the creativity of the individual. Painting on location has benefited me in many different ways throughout my career. Although it has its challenges, it is most rewarding. It will help you to simplify shapes, understand value, and develop brushstrokes that are full of energy. We will push to try new techniques, and then develop them into techniques you can call your own. Also in this workshop, I will show you a few pieces to the puzzle that will help you see drawing as part of the painting rather than a hurdle you need to over come before you put brush to paper. As we spend our time sketching/painting, I'll push you to think of how you can create your subject with as few lines and shapes as possible. There is one rule that I have learned to be especially true: "If you want to learn to paint, learn to draw."

1. Sketching instruction by Beverly
2. Best Italian Food & Wine during entire stay
3. Portovenere, San Gimignano, , Lucca, Viareggio, Pietrasanta tours
4. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef o Wine Tasting
5. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church with dinner in restaurant
6. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinner
7. Session with Dominika Allan -one day artist guest spot :creating bath salts and learning cyanotype technique

Healing Retreat

with best therapists,instructors and masseuse || 26 August - 01 September, 2021

At Villa Selva

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 8-day course its held at the beautiful Villa Selva , 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. Hatha Yoga course
4. Meditation
5. Private therapeutic session

Viva Toscana vol.II

with Nancy E.Thompson || 02 September - 12 September, 2021

At Villa Selva - Lucca

Teaching art is a way of life for Nancy. She believe that anyone who wants to learn to paint, can do it. She teach all levels...beginner classes to master class. Nancy love introducing sketching and painting to new artists because it is a pleasure to see how surprised they are by their own talent. Teaching accomplished artists is particularly exciting because it allows help to help others find ways to keep their work fresh and evolving.

1. Barga afternoon tour with Ponte del Diavolo stop
2. Wine Tasting in local bio-dynamic winery
3. Puccini concert in a Romanesque church followed by 5 course dinner in Restaurant
4. Artist guest spot : Dominika Allan Cyanothype technique and ritual bath salts making
5. Day trip to Portovenere and to Volterra
6. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
7. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinner

The colors of Tuscan Autumn

with Frank Eber || 13 September - 23 September, 2021

At Villa Selva - Lucca

Bring your painting skill to a higher level! Learn how to paint luminous paintings by manipulating tonal values, color and edge. In this class, Frank will share advanced painting techniques to create atmosphere, balance and unity in your work. Topics will include design and composition, color and lighting, positives and negatives, simplification of shape, and atmospheric effects. The techniques you will learn in Frank’s workshop transcend the watercolor medium. Separate yourself from the watercolor crowd and experience firsthand why his courses are so popular!

1. Painting instruction by Frank
2. Best Italian Food&Wine during entire stay
3. Day trip to Portovenere, Viareggio and Pietrasanta
4. Ponte Diavolo plein Air painting experience, Barga town excrusion
5. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
6. Wine Tasting
7. Classical concert in a Romanesque church
8. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinner

Discover Tuscany with a urban sketching master

with James Richards || 05 October - 15 October, 2021

At Villa Selva - Lucca

Discover the authentic essence of the towns, villages and countryside of Tuscany, one of the world’s great cultural destinations, through the joy of on location sketching. Few regions in the world offer such a rich travel experience, and capturing your journey in sketchbooks through pencil, ink and watercolor takes that experience to new heights. Through sketching, we will go beyond simply capturing a likeness of a place, to capturing your personal interpretation of its life, energy and authenticity. Through sketching, we see more clearly and connect more deeply; you will make the lessons of Tuscany’s history, culture, architecture and landscape your own. You will also experience the best of Tuscany’s food, wine, and cultural riches. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s great places. Join artist, world traveler and urban design professor James Richards for a fun and enlightening 10 days that will enhance both your on location sketching skills and your appreciation for this remarkable region that holds such a very special place in the hearts of the world.

1. Sketching instruction by James
2. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
3. Wine Tasting
4. Best Italian Food & Wine during entire stay
5. Portovenere, San Gimignano, Barga, Lucca, Viareggio, Pietrasanta tours
6. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church with Glamorous Tuscan dinner

Discover Tuscany with a urban sketching master

with James Richards || 17 October - 27 October, 2021

At Villa Selva - Lucca

Discover the authentic essence of the towns, villages and countryside of Tuscany, one of the world’s great cultural destinations, through the joy of on location sketching. Few regions in the world offer such a rich travel experience, and capturing your journey in sketchbooks through pencil, ink and watercolor takes that experience to new heights. Through sketching, we will go beyond simply capturing a likeness of a place, to capturing your personal interpretation of its life, energy and authenticity. Through sketching, we see more clearly and connect more deeply; you will make the lessons of Tuscany’s history, culture, architecture and landscape your own. You will also experience the best of Tuscany’s food, wine, and cultural riches. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s great places. Join artist, world traveler and urban design professor James Richards for a fun and enlightening 10 days that will enhance both your on location sketching skills and your appreciation for this remarkable region that holds such a very special place in the hearts of the world.

1. Sketching instruction by James
2. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
3. Wine Tasting
4. Best Italian Food & Wine during entire stay
5. Portovenere, San Gimignano, Barga, Lucca, Viareggio, Pietrasanta tours
6. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church with Glamorous Tuscan dinner

la Dolce Luce Painting Escape with Lin Luciano Fiore

with Lin Ann Luciano Fiore || 28 October - 07 November, 2021

At Lucca - Villa Selva

Imagine yourself escaping your daily life. Think of it. You are suddenly on a plane, and you are anticipating some time for yourself- finally, you will have some "me time”. You have wisely chosen an exquisitely beautiful location. The rolling hills of Tuscany! You get off the plane and you immerse yourself in the beauty. You submerge your soul in the creativity. Congratulations! You've enrolled in Lin's Studia la Dolce Luce (study the sweet light) Painting Escape! What will you do in these refreshingly, lovely days together? Artists will relax, tour comfortably, and paint! The timeofyear, golden autumn, will both invigorate and relax. The refreshing time in Lucca,, the region of 100 churches dotted among the medieval towns, with their 16th century walls, will afford the unprecedented opportunity to breath in the culture as we learn to capture well on canvas the beauty that fills one’s soul. From the ancient, restored farmhouse, our comfortable base in Lucca, there will be a morning excursion to San Gimignano, studded with it's historic towers in a sea of gold and green hills. Packing easels, travel will take place to one of the prettiest small villages of the Italian west coast, Porto Venere! An enchanting castle,an elegant church, and the magnificent sea. It is certainly an option to just rest there, shall we not paint? This enchanting town, along with SanGimignano, is listed on the world Heritage list of places deemed not to miss while enjoying Tuscany. A day trip to unforgettable Florence will cap off the week. Delicious meals, and scrumptious wine tastings are all a part of our time in Lucca. When we need to relax, we will enjoy painting the orange glow of the autumn vineyards and the cool grey-greens of the olive trees surrounding our farm house, or perhaps we will paint a lovely, simple still life on the patio.

1. Intensive instructions by Lin
2. Beautiful setting in Villa Selva
3. Most delicious food made by Your personal Chef
4. Specialy selected activities
5. Day tours : Florence , San Gimignano ,Lucca , Portovenere

Tuscan dream with Monique Carr

with Monique Carr || 29 April - 07 May, 2022

At Lucca /Tuscany

Mamma Mia! Let’s Paint Tuscany! Join artist instructor Monique Carr in Tuscany, Italy for an exciting 8-day painting adventure! In addition of breathtaking vistas, experience the best Italian food, wine, music, and immerse yourself in the gorgeous Tuscan culture. Discover authentic towns, villages, and countryside. During Monique’s instruction, she will share her technique in acrylic and oil. Learn skills to paint loose and express yourself. Capture your surroundings by sketching, quick study paintings, and journaling. Build successful designs and compositions. Simplify a scene when painting outdoors (en plein air). Finish your work during studio time. All levels are welcome, as the instruction will catered to each participant’s needs. Also, plenty to do for non-artist companion. This is the perfect artist retreat to incite your inspiration, energy, and creativity, in one of the world’s greatest cultural destinations, Tuscany!

1. Painting Instructions by Monique
2. Best Italian Food and Wine During Entire Stay
3. Day Trip to Portovenere, San Gimignano, Lucca.
4. Classical Concert in Romanesque Church
5. Delightful Cooking Lesson with Personal Chef
6. Glamorous Tuscan Farewell Dinner

Discover Tuscany with a urban sketching master

with James Richards || 08 May - 18 May, 2022

At Villa Selva - Lucca

Discover the authentic essence of the towns, villages and countryside of Tuscany, one of the world’s great cultural destinations, through the joy of on location sketching. Few regions in the world offer such a rich travel experience, and capturing your journey in sketchbooks through pencil, ink and watercolor takes that experience to new heights. Through sketching, we will go beyond simply capturing a likeness of a place, to capturing your personal interpretation of its life, energy and authenticity. Through sketching, we see more clearly and connect more deeply; you will make the lessons of Tuscany’s history, culture, architecture and landscape your own. You will also experience the best of Tuscany’s food, wine, and cultural riches. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s great places. Join artist, world traveler and urban design professor James Richards for a fun and enlightening 10 days that will enhance both your on location sketching skills and your appreciation for this remarkable region that holds such a very special place in the hearts of the world.

1. Sketching instruction by James
2. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
3. Wine Tasting
4. Best Italian Food & Wine during entire stay
5. Portovenere, San Gimignano, Barga, Lucca, Viareggio, Pietrasanta tours
6. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church with Glamorous Tuscan dinner

Discovering undiscovered Tuscany with Ian Fennelly

with IAN FENNELLY || 20 May - 27 May, 2022

At Lucca

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.

1. instructions by Ian
2. Most beautiful towns exploration
3. Beautiful Villa Setting
4. Special selected activities
5. best food &wine during entire stay

Essence of Tuscany with Barbara Hack

with Barbara Hack || 02 June - 12 June, 2022

At Villa Selva - Lucca

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 , we will explore some of the fundamentals of painting in oils, working with landscapes, the figure, and still lifes. What better way to capture the true essence of Italy than bringing people into our experience. During each painting session, I will begin with a demo and then assist students with their paintings and provide advice. So many different subjects will allow us to approach our paintings from many aspects, from the initial strokes to the final painting. 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!!! Workshop Information: For 10 days, we will explore some of the fundamentals of painting in oils, working with landscapes, the figure, and still lifes. During each painting session, I will begin with a demo and then assist students with their paintings and provide advice. A variety of subjects will allow us to approach our paintings from a variety of aspects, from the initial lines to the final painting. No matter what background students have with oil paints, I will assist them in learning techniques and how to incorporate those techniques in paintings.

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

Essence of Tuscany with Barbara Hack

with Barbara Hack || 02 June - 12 June, 2022

At Villa Selva - Lucca

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 , we will explore some of the fundamentals of painting in oils, working with landscapes, the figure, and still lifes. What better way to capture the true essence of Italy than bringing people into our experience. During each painting session, I will begin with a demo and then assist students with their paintings and provide advice. So many different subjects will allow us to approach our paintings from many aspects, from the initial strokes to the final painting. 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!!! About Artist: From courtroom artist to fashion illustrator and everything in between, I have always held a great passion for the figure. An ongoing reflection on people and their emotions, my subject matter reflects my love for figurative work and the challenge of realistic portraiture. Working predominantly in painting mediums, I aim to push beyond realism and capture resonant moments in time. The paintings pursue figures from the pasts, showing both their moods and contexts. Three years ago, I made the decision to pursue this love for painting full time. Since then, numerous galleries, including the Salmagundi Club, Rehs Gallery, Abend Gallery, and the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, have exhibited my paintings, as well as magazines, such as Fine Art Connoisseur and Artists Magazine. In addition, my work also received recognition as a finalist in the ARC, from Portrait Society of America, and, most recently, as just one of ten chosen for Outstanding Artists over 60. While seemingly simple momentary presences, ephemeral figures, nonetheless, still have the ability to make lasting, even shaping, impressions. Through my work, I strive to understand these figures and their ephemerality and to share that understanding with others. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in drawing and painting after an intensive study in Europe and additional training in New York. My various career paths have challenged me with alternative contexts for figurative artistry, and in a variety of mediums, including graphite, pastels, Prismacolor, and oils. I continue to teach fine art classes and lessons during the week. Please join me for this wonderful experience in Tuscany! Workshop Information: For 10 days, we will explore some of the fundamentals of painting in oils, working with landscapes, the figure, and still lifes. During each painting session, I will begin with a demo and then assist students with their paintings and provide advice. A variety of subjects will allow us to approach our paintings from a variety of aspects, from the initial lines to the final painting. No matter what background students have with oil paints, I will assist them in learning techniques and how to incorporate those techniques in paintings.

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

Inspired by Impressionists Provence tour with Nancy E.Thompson and Art Leguage of Ocean City

with Nancy E.Thompson || 14 June - 24 June, 2022

At Villa Oliviers - Provance / South of France

Experience magical Provence: lavender, vineyards, olive trees, best food, wine, medieval villages, markets and sun-filled landscapes. You will discover why the region has been an inspiration for artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet. It will be a journey you will never forget! Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s great places. Join Nancy Ellen Thompson for a fun and enlightening 10 days that will enhance both your on location sketching skills and your appreciation for this remarkable region of France.

1. Painting and sketching sessions
2. French Cooking class with private Chef
3. wine and cheese tastings
4. Day trip to Avignon and St Remy
5. The essence of French lifestyle in a beautiful, traditional villa
6. The half day excrusions to most beautiful little villages of Provence
7. Balanced itinerary with time to sketch explore and relax as our motto says:Eat,create,travel!

Discover Scotland with Nancy Ellen Thompson

with Nancy E.Thompson || 08 July - 18 July, 2022

At Scotland

Your 10 days experience : Welcome to Scotland. The land of virgin landscapes, wild nature, beautiful islands, castles, best seafood in the world and… whisky! Stand with your feet among the glens and lochs that inspired artists such as Alexander Naysmith. Embarking on your own all inclusive trip to Scotland armed with a sketchbook and a camera. It is a lifetime opportunity to get to know Scotland closer with all the most beautiful corners of this magical country. Scotland has a varied and beautiful landscape.We paint with different daily views; majestic lochs, historic villages, farmlands and the Scottish coastline with endearing fishing villages. About the teacher : Teaching art is a way of life for Nancy. She believe that anyone who wants to learn to paint, can do it. She teach all levels...beginner classes to master class. Nancy love introducing sketching and painting to new artists because it is a pleasure to see how surprised they are by their own talent. Teaching accomplished artists is particularly exciting because it allows help to help others find ways to keep their work fresh and evolving.

1. Instructions by Nancy
2. Discover the Culture and traditions
3. Visit Isle of Arran also known as “Scotland Miniature”
4. Experience the unpredictable weather
5. Visit places we know only from stories and movies- Edinburgh, Stirling, Loch Lomand, Glen Coe
6. Taste the famous Scotch from the smallest and best distilleries
7. Enjoy the Gin tasting
8. Life music concert
9. Cooking class with private Chef
10. Afternoon Wellbeing session with Dominika (from Sorores Aromatherapy)

Tuscany with Nancy Ellen Thompson

with Nancy E.Thompson || 02 September - 12 September, 2022

At Villa Selva - Lucca

Teaching art is a way of life for Nancy. She believe that anyone who wants to learn to paint, can do it. She teach all levels...beginner classes to master class. Nancy love introducing sketching and painting to new artists because it is a pleasure to see how surprised they are by their own talent. Teaching accomplished artists is particularly exciting because it allows help to help others find ways to keep their work fresh and evolving.

1. Pizza Festival with private Pizzaiolo
2. Wine Tasting in local bio-dynamic winery
3. Puccini concert in a Romanesque church followed by 5 course dinner in Restaurant
4. Artist guest spot day with Dominika Allan from Sorores Aromatherapy : Cyanotype
5. Day trip to Portovenere ,San Gimignano ,Lucca
6. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
7. Glamorous Tuscan farewell dinners with local wine selection
8. Healing massages

Creating history and Mystery in Tuscany with Sandra D.Wilson

with Sandra Duran Wilson || 26 September - 06 October, 2022

At Villa Selva - Lucca

Creating History and Mystery is more than a painting technique, it is a way of seeing through the layers. We begin our journey exploring the hills of Lucca and our beautiful restored farmhouse. Absorb the surroundings and let their history mingle with yours. The painting classes will proceed with developing concepts for your paintings. Shapes will define the composition, your interaction with your surroundings will influence your colors and the textures will be incorporated into your paintings. We will paint using acrylic paints and mediums. I will share with you my formulas and techniques for creating textures, building layers to create history and veiling to add mystery. We will also incorporate local materials into our mixed media piece and we will add a transfer or two. When we begin with intention, our painting will join us in the adventure. I like to think of this way of painting as intentional spontaneity. As we work, we dialogue and listen to what the painting is calling for. The layers are added and then we intuitively veil and add shapes to create mystery. You will learn new painting techniques, but more importantly you will learn innovative ways to see. Please join us for this lifetime experience to open your eyes and paint the mystery from within. Your Tuscan Experience Our 10-day courses its held at the beautiful Villa Selva on the idyllic Pieve Santo Stefano hill overlooking the city of Lucca. Tuscany is one of Italy’s best-loved regions. Its beautiful countryside is reminiscent of the landscapes of Renaissance masterpieces. As well as rolling hills and vineyards, it also offers a rich artistic heritage including exquisite art and architecture – not forgetting premium wines and delicious cuisine. Set down between the blue-green Apennine Mountains and the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany is the heart and soul of Italy. Known and loved for its splendid landscapes, charming low hills, olive groves, vineyards, and beautiful old farmhouses, Tuscany is the ideal location for any artist. The weather in Autumn is wonderful, with warm days and cooler nights. The air is clearer than in the hot summer months, making for excellent views and great painting weather. Your days will be divided between painting at home with Sandra and day time excursions to local points of interest. As an immersive cultural experience, we also offer activities including a classical Puccini concert, cooking class with our Chef specialized in Tuscan Cuisine , vine tasting in Our favourite local vineyards, artist guest spot by Dominika Allan creating Cyanotype.

1. Instructions by Sandra
2. Beautiful vila setting
3. Best Italian food served by Your own private chef
4. Lots of activities besides of painting selected by Your art instructor
5. One day Excrusions to Lucca, San Gimignano,Portovenere

Discover Tuscany with a urban sketching master

with James Richards || 08 October - 18 October, 2022

At Villa Selva - Lucca

Discover the authentic essence of the towns, villages and countryside of Tuscany, one of the world’s great cultural destinations, through the joy of on location sketching. Few regions in the world offer such a rich travel experience, and capturing your journey in sketchbooks through pencil, ink and watercolor takes that experience to new heights. Through sketching, we will go beyond simply capturing a likeness of a place, to capturing your personal interpretation of its life, energy and authenticity. Through sketching, we see more clearly and connect more deeply; you will make the lessons of Tuscany’s history, culture, architecture and landscape your own. You will also experience the best of Tuscany’s food, wine, and cultural riches. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s great places. Join artist, world traveler and urban design professor James Richards for a fun and enlightening 10 days that will enhance both your on location sketching skills and your appreciation for this remarkable region that holds such a very special place in the hearts of the world.

1. Sketching instruction by James
2. Cooking Lesson with personal Chef
3. Bio Dynamic wine tasting
4. Best Italian Food & Wine during entire stay
5. Portovenere, San Gimignano, Barga, Lucca, Viareggio, Pietrasanta tours
6. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church with Glamorous Tuscan dinner

Capturing the beauty of Tuscany

with Kim Minichiello || 19 October - 29 October, 2022

At Villa Selva - Lucca

I’m thrilled to have the incredible opportunity to paint with you in the culturally rich area of Tuscany, where you will not only capture the feeling of this gorgeous environment in paint, but also experience the food, wine and history of this region, a real gem in Italy. Each day will include an instructional session and demonstration. I will guide you through the basics to get you started on our own journey of recording your surroundings whether it be in your own backyard or on your world travels.  Learn how to analyze the scene in front of you for the most appealing compositions. When sketching or painting outdoors en plein air, many find it to be intimidating because the surroundings can seem chaotic with an overwhelming amount of detail. I will show you how to simplify a scene breaking it down into basic large shapes. You will also learn proportion, fitting the scene on the page, and basics in one point and two point perspective. I will demonstrate to you how to get just the right amount of detail information needed with a pencil sketch, to allow you to go right to paint sketching more definition in watercolor.” I will also go over, color mixing, for example, how to get a variety of greens in a “mostly” green vista, the importance of paint viscosity working in watercolor, and mixing neutrals and grays. I will be working in a sketchbook as well as a larger format with watercolor paper en plein air. There will also be studio time allotted, to cover nuances of watercolor painting, help students finish work from daily outings, and for me to answer any questions or concerns you may have as you progress through the week. What better place to capture memories via sketching and painting than Tuscany!

1. Sketching and painting instruction by Kim
2. The best Italian food & wine during your entire stay
3. Excursions to Viareggio, Pietrasanta, Lucca, Barga, Volterra & Portovenere
4. Wine Tasting
5. Cooking lesson with personal chef
6. Puccini Concert in a Romanesque church with 8 course dinner
7. Pizza Party at villa