Our one week painting holiday in Tuscany takes place at an elegant villa, over 400 years old, painstakingly restored by an Italian-German team of artists who have created a wonderful international culture and study center.  Complete with a gorgeous swimming pool, Villa Palagione is nestled into the picturesque hills of Tuscany, only 6 kilometers from the art city of Volterra. Within a half hour drive of the villa are several gorgeous fortified hill towns for which Tuscany is famous.  We will pick you up at the airport in Pisa, or if you have your own car, parking is available at the villa.

Shirley, a professional graphic artist, typographer and painter for over thirty years, will lead the workshop, painting "en plein air" at sites in and around the Villa grounds. We will begin each day with a demonstration, discovering the warm light at the Villa Palagione and the surrounding area.  After a quick lunch we will find another beautiful spot to paint and end the day with a relaxed but informative critique of the day's work.

Delicious farm-to-table dinners will be served at the Villa, as well as breakfast each day.  Lunch will either be a picnic lunch, or a bistro lunch when we are offsite.  A Welcome vino e formaggio party on Saturday night, a mid-week trattoria lunch and a Farewell gastronomic dinner at a wonderful restaurant on Friday night are also included.

Some of the time will be spent walking through Tuscan hills and Volterra's cobblestone streets.  Participants should be comfortable with carrying their gear on uneven surfaces.  You always have the option of course of remaining at the villa to paint on site.