SO WHAT'S INCLUDED?

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                    August 28nd-September 4th, 2025!                                  Summer 2025: Please note group size is extremely limited.  Only 5 to 7 participants!​

Join us for an intensive, immersive week of plein air painting in the heart of Tuscany. Using gouache as our expressive medium, we’ll explore the luminous light, atmospheric vistas, and ancient textures of Cortona.  Over seven focused days, we’ll absorb the rhythms of this historic place through paint. Mornings will be spent in the field — studying light, sketching architecture, capturing fleeting scenes. Afternoons will offer guided lessons in gouache technique, composition, color mixing, and critiques to push your work further. Whether you're refining your plein air skills or diving into gouache for the first time, this week is designed to deepen both your practice and your vision.

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• Accommodations for 7 nights.  Choose between a authentic and simple Tuscan albergo or a small boutique hotel with a more refined atmosphere. 7 days of gentle guided instruction from Garrett Speirs.                                                                                                                                                              

• Each day features one or two sessions drawing or painting at carefully selected locations, allowing you to fully absorb the surrounding beauty. Participate in daily critiques and discussions centered on plein air painting, all while honing your skills in a nurturing atmosphere. Discover both curated and hidden gems as you explore the expansive hills, uncovering the artistic inspiration that Cortona provides.                                                                                                        

• All dinners are provided.  Lunches are included when we are out painting-lunch is a simple affair of local market sandwiches taken while painting in the field.   Wine & beverages are included with dinner!  Wines are typical regional red and white varietals.  *Beverages while hiking are up to your personal preferences.                                                                                                                                                   

• Daily guided excursions to abbeys, historic sites, famous paintings.  Historical discussions are included for those who are interested in art history.  This includes entrance to all museums and churches.                                                                                                                                           ​

• A guided day in Montepulciano tasting wine and painting in the countryside.  Heaven!                                   

• Included is a                                     

• Train and bus tickets to sites, in the event of rain we will have plenty to do.