Spark your true creative essence painting in the heart of Italy. Capture the 360 degree views of the sea, fields, and hills of Italy. All from the ease and comfort of a grand villa and atelier and the extensive grounds. Conveniently located just 1 1/2 hours from the Rome airport at the border of Tuscany and Umbria. Gain mastery while expressing the exquisite light and expressive colors native to Italy.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Italy in your private villa. Find the perfect spot in the art studio or among the olive groves to paint. Not a landscape painter? No problem we can find some fun painting projects to do – such as work on color, composition or customized to your needs.

Everything is convenient at the villa. Rest in the comfort of the well appointed rooms. Savor the sumptuous local cuisine prepared fresh for you daily. Discuss painting and art with new friends under the stars. Unwind in one of the several comfortable living spaces in the spacious villa. The entire art retreat is designed to allow for you to fully relax and expand while experiencing exhilarating outings and valuable lessons in painting.

Venture out and explore the Region. It’s not all about painting. You can make the most of your painting vacation and go off exploring on your own or with the group to take in the Renaissance Art, ancient Etruscan historic sites and other interests in the region. The villa is at the outskirts of the medieval village of Farnese which has many intriguing points of interest and restaurants. Visit the wineries, olive presses or for a little pampering head to one of the many natural hot springs.

Each attendee’s experience will be optimized. Internationally recognized artist, Jill Nichols will be assisting you in honing your skills. Accustomed to teaching students at all levels, Jill has a way of instilling confidence and encouraging students to take risks with remarkable outcomes. Jill’s demos and talks will review the basics and her own insights into what makes a successful painting. Jill will be working with each painter individually to enhance their painting practice.

The private villa is located at the intersection of the fertile ground of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany, abundant with olive groves. You will be sure to bring home amazing memories and paintings!

“The week in Farnese as part of the workshop filled our senses and left an edible mark that won’t be soon forgotten. From the early morning meditation walks, the tantalizing and delectable freshly cooked local cuisine, the wonderful company of newfound friendships, to the wealth of knowledge and craft shared by an outstanding mentor and teacher – it was pure Italian and artistic perfection!”

Cindy M

Jill will work individually with each painter in achieving individual goals. We will investigate historic and contemporary approaches to painting technique.

Find out more!

Find out more about the Italy Workshop and Retreat by filling out this simple form.

Please note that transportation is not included. We will facilitate all attendees arrival and departure between the Villa and the Fiumicino Airport, Rome. Options include car rental, private-ride and carpooling.

Daily Snapshot

• Paint the sunrise (optional) -this will be a quiet time of painting without instruction
• Breakfast, in the Italian style of sweet and savory 
• A moment of quiet reflection and meditation to ease the mind and begin to focus 
• Morning immersed in painting
• Lunch served 
• Rest, relaxation and revitalization
• Capture the Italian landscape bathed in the late afternoon light or go on outing or take a siesta
• Savor a sumptuous dinner, abundant with the region’s fresh flavors

A complete updated list of suggested materials will be provided upon registration

• Easels are provided in the studio. Bring a portable easel to paint en plein air
• Canvas and solvent will be provided 
• Demos will be in oil paints. Other mediums are fine, including watercolors, acrylics and pastels. A list of suggested colors and other materials will be provided after registration. A variety of oil paints will be at your disposal for experimenting with subtle temperature/value shifts.

Ask Jill

FAQ

How do I get there?

Book your flight into Fiumicino Airport, Rome, Italy and we will work out a simple solution for you to get to and from the villa. We strongly recommend renting a car, very simple to do with your drivers license. Driving is on the same side as in America. Transportations costs are not included.

I’m traveling alone, is anyone else?

This retreat is a wonderful opportunity to meet and make new friends and a friendly and welcoming environment for the solo traveler… We will introduce the workshop attendees to each other via email previous to travel.

What is your teaching style? Jill will be working one on one with students and well as holding a few demos and talks that will review color and composition, often overlooked aspects, and her own insights into what goes into a successful painting.

Is the Studio at the Villa? Yes, the studio is only a short walk across the courtyard from the main house. The grounds and views are extensive and surrounded by olive groves. There are some photos below to give you an idea of where you will spend 8 spectacular days.

Where is Italy is it? Here is the link to Google maps so you can see exactly where it is:

goo.gl/maps/321sS6t1PPN2

Jill’s Farnese, Italy Paintings and Demos

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