New Entry Requirement for U.S. Citizens Visiting Italy in 2026
Starting in 2026, all U.S. citizens planning to visit Italy must obtain a special travel authorization to enter any of the 27 Schengen countries.
Blog
Learning About Watercolor and Life with Sharon Pitts
Artist Sharon Pitts finds visual inspiration at every turn.
Guiding with Heart: How Amy Wynne Helps Students Grow Through Collaborative Teaching
Amy Wynne loves helping new and experienced painters tap into the beginner’s mindset to foster curiosity and freshness.
Finding Freedom in Plein Air: Looser Strokes & Stronger Bonds with Emily Passman
Emily Passman helps her students gain confidence in plein air painting with a looser approach.
Six Tips For a Better Trip to Italy
Before you board your plane for Italy, here are a few things to know to help ensure a smooth trip.
Celebrate Easter with a Traditional Torta Di Riso Pasquale – Easter Rice Pie
Linda shares one of her family’s favorite Easter desserts – a traditional Torta di Riso.
Karen Hewitt Hagan – Capturing the Light in Lake Garda
Karen Hewitt Hagan believes that learning to paint is driven by desire and that if you really want to learn to become a painter, you can.
Painting as a Lifelong Passion with Pat Fiorello
Artist Pat Fiorello believes that, with practice, anyone can paint.
Aunt Lina’s Tuna Recipe Saves Dinner
Linda always finds a way to cook a beautiful meal when in Venice. This time her Aunt Lina’s Tuna saved the day.
Buon Natale: Unwrapping the Magic of Italian Christmas Traditions
The festive holiday season touches every corner of Italy.
Unwrapping the Gift of Creativity – Lynn Travis Stender
As a teacher, Lynn Travis Stender helps students learn to see first, then paint, and helps unwrap the gift of creativity that exists in all of us.
Her Students are Kindred Spirits: A Conversation with Literary Agent Adria Goetz
Adria Goetz shares her insights into her work as a literary agent and teaching philosophy.
Artist Jan Guarino Wants Students to Fearlessly Embrace the Unexpected
We recently sat down for a lively conversation with the incredibly talented watercolor artist Jan Guarino. During our discussion, Jan shared insights into her artistic endeavors, teaching philosophy, and the upcoming fall painting workshop set against the picturesque backdrop of Verona and Lake Garda. How did you start teaching? I started a greeting card company and needed artwork, so I returned to my painting. I began taking classes and found they didn’t give me what I needed as a student. I was first asked to do art demos, and the Art League of Long Island asked me to teach a … Read more
Panettone Perfection
Ingredients Instructions: Activate the Yeast:In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy. Prepare the Dough:In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:Gradually add the activated yeast mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough … Read more
Jennifer McChristian – Teaching Students to Grow as Artists
We recently chatted with artist Jennifer McChristian about her work, teaching philosophy, and 2024 workshop in Venice with Il Chiostro. Jennifer is a good friend and wonderful artist who has shared the Il Chiostro experience with her students many times over the years. We can’t wait to welcome her back to Italy next fall. How did you start teaching, Jennifer? I started teaching after a friend of mine who worked as muralist talked me into hosting a still life class for a small group of friends who had been coming to our uninstructed figure drawing workshops. I wasn’t super eager … Read more
Meet Painter & Workshop Instructor Brian Murphy
Artist Brian Murphy has a passion for travel and painting.