Italy Painting Workshop & Art Retreat
Experience the Luminous Light of Italy—Away from the Crowds in this Intimate Painting Workshop and Retreat
October 16-23, 2026
This October, I’m returning to the source of so much of my inspiration. Join me in the High Lazio region, where the borders of Tuscany and Umbria meet, to capture the luminous light of a landscape that remains beautifully untouched. In a world where travel has become a sea of crowds, this is your sanctuary.
We avoid the tourist rush, focusing instead on the authentic, quiet soul of the Italian countryside at the villa and during our World Heritage site excursions. We handle the details so you can fully enjoy the experience. From our stay in a private villa with well-appointed en-suite bathrooms to our regional wines and gourmet meals, every detail is taken care of so you can focus entirely on your artistic vision.
Together, we will spend our days capturing the poetry of the light in a multi-medium retreat designed for all levels. Whether you work in oils, watercolor, or acrylics, this is your time to be fully immersed in the creative process without distraction.
Savor Every Moment at the Private Villa
From the first sip of your morning Italian coffee, leisurely lunch, to the final course of a freshly prepared dinner, everything is taken care of so all you have to do is paint and unwind. We source everything locally, ensuring every meal is as inspiring as the scenery.
The Ultimate Outdoor Studio – Paint the amazing views from the comfort of the Studio
Experience the convenience of painting at your own pace. Our private villa grounds offer endless inspiration, from the comfort of the indoor studio to the rolling hills and olive groves. It’s the perfect setting to master the colors of the Italian countryside.
All Skill Levels Welcome
Not a landscape painter? Never held a brush? No problem. We provide the encouragement and expertise needed to help you grow. For our advanced guests, enjoy a week of pure artistic focus and connection with fellow painters in a breathtaking setting.
Venture Out & Explore the Heart of Italy
Enjoy a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds while immersing yourself in a region bountiful with beauty, intrigue, and history:
- Explore Renaissance Art and discover medieval villages.
- Visit ancient Etruscan and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Indulge in local flavors with visits to restaurants, shops, wineries and olive presses, or simply relax and rejuvenate at one of the many natural hot springs nearby.
Internationally recognized artist Jill Harrington Nichols will help you refine your skills.
Unlock your artistic potential with Jill Harrington Nichols, MFA. Jill’s workshops offer more than just technical tips—Known for her ability to inspire students at all levels, Jill empowers artists to take creative risks and achieve exceptional results. Her distinguished career includes awards from the U.S. Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, and the Connecticut Office of the Arts. A print of her artworks Phi and Juno—which embrace the divine feminine—are even installed in the permanent collection of the Vatican Observatory Museum.
Through a blend of live demonstrations, historical insights, and personalized one-on-one guidance, you will refine your craft and explore contemporary approaches to the medium of your choice—including oils, acrylics, watercolors, gouache, and pastels. If interested in an exclusive experience, we can arrange a tour of the Vatican Observatory Museum in Castel Gandolfo as part of your workshop experience.
At left, print of “Phi” in the Vatican Observatory. At right, Jill with her painting, “Phi”, and the Director of the Vatican Observatory, Brother Guy. An optional tour of the Vatican Observatory, featuring Jill’s artwork and the Palace in Castel Gandolfo, is available—details will be provided.
Reserve Your Place at the October 16-23, 2026 Italy Retreat
Live the Dream – Register Today!
Spend 8 days and 7 nights immersed in the luminous light of the Italian countryside of High Lazio.
- Luxury Accommodations: Beautifully appointed private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
- Artistic Immersion: Painting instruction for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
- Authentic Living: Fresh local cuisine and regional wines served daily.
- Curated Excursions: Guided visits to World Heritage sites, away from the crowds.
Pricing & Early Bird Savings
- Single Occupancy Painter: $3,450
- Double Occupancy Painter: $2,950 (Save $500 each when sharing a room with a fellow painter)
- Non-Painting Companion: $1,975
🇮🇹 Early Bird Special: Save $300 on your registration! Use coupon code ITALY26 by May 5th.
Flexible Booking
A $500 deposit holds your spot (and your companion’s) and is fully refundable until July 1, 2026. The remaining balance is not due until August 15, 2026.
Note: I accept Zelle (no fee) or Credit Card (2.9% fee). Spots are reserved in the order confirmed.
Prices do not include airfare or ground transportation.
Early Bird Special: $3,150 (Save $300, use ITALY26 coupon by May 5th!) with just a $500. deposit
Reserve your Spot: A $500 deposit holds your spot (and your companion’s, if applicable).
Following your deposit, the remaining balance isn’t due until August 15, 2026.
“Italy was a fabulous experience, and I would highly recommend it.”
Rita P
“To paint in Farnese is to engage in a conversation with history and light. My work in Italy is an investigation into the ‘spirit of place’—capturing the dramatic shifts of a passing thunderstorm over the hills or the quiet, ethereal mist of morning.
In my own paintings, such as Passing Thunderstorm Farnese and the celestial works Phi and Juno, I seek to bridge the gap between the earthly landscape and the divine. I am drawn to the atmospheric transitions at dawn and dusk, when the colors of the Italian sky challenge us to see more deeply.
When I lead workshops in this region, my goal is to help you move beyond mere representation. I want to share techniques that let you capture not just the light playing on the forms of expansive skies and rolling hills but also the feeling of the wind and the warmth of the sun on your skin. Together, we will explore the same light that has inspired masters for centuries, finding our own contemporary voices within these ancient landscapes.” JillBelow are several of Jill’s demos and plein air paintings inspired by the Italian countryside.
You will be sure to bring home remarkable memories and paintings!
Figs picked from the villa property.
“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
Daily Snapshot
- Paint the sunrise (optional) -This will be a quiet time for painting without instruction.
- Breakfast, in the Italian style of sweet and savory
- A moment of quiet reflection and walking meditation to ease the mind and focus
- Morning immersed in painting
- Lunch served
- Rest, relaxation, and revitalization
- Capture the Italian landscape bathed in the late afternoon light, go on an outing, or take a siesta; we usually take one day for an excursion.
- Savor a sumptuous dinner, abundant with the region’s fresh flavors. (One night out at a restaurant, not included in cost)
A complete, updated list of suggested materials will be provided upon registration.
- Canvas and solvent will be provided.
- Oil paints are available, some courtesy Golden’s Williamsburg paints.
- The demos will be in oil and watercolor/gouache paints. Assistance with any medium, such as watercolors, acrylics, casein, gouache, multi-media, and pastels.
- After registration, you will receive the details. Below is a link to suggested materials, by medium, and for plein air painting curated by Jill.
FAQ
I’m traveling alone. Is anyone else? This retreat is an excellent opportunity to meet and make new friends, offering a friendly and welcoming environment for solo travelers. Attendees will be introduced to one another via email before travel.
What is your teaching style? Jill will work one-on-one with students, hold a few demonstrations, and review color, composition, space, and often-overlooked aspects, sharing her insights into what goes into a successful painting.
Is the Studio at the Villa? The studio is a short walk across the courtyard from the main house. The grounds and views are extensive and surrounded by olive groves. Some photos above will give you an idea of where you will spend eight spectacular days.
Do you know if I need a European Travel Visa? The EU, which includes Italy, may require visas in late 2026, which shouldn’t affect travel in June. If it comes into effect, all travelers, regardless of age, will be required to have a separate and approved ETIAS to travel to the European Union. However, individuals under 18 or over 70 are exempt from paying the €7 processing fee. There is a small processing fee, so be sure you’re at the legitimate site. We will watch the situation and provide you with up-to-date info. U.S. State Department
Where is it in Italy? Our private villa is perfectly situated in the medieval Farnese, Italy—just a 90-minute drive from Rome’s Fiumicino airport—in the heart of Italy! On the outskirts of the medieval village of Farnese, VT. Here is the link to Google Maps so you can see exactly where it is: goo.gl/maps/321sS6t1PPN2
Ask Jill
“A once in a life-time trip.”
Claudia H
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