Beyond the Garden Wall: Plein Air Painting in Florence and Tuscany through the Eyes of Sargent – SOLD OUT

During this eight-day workshop, you will sketch and paint in the same Tuscan locations where John Singer Sargent painted en plein air, exploring the qualities of form and light that inspired him. This immersive experience will allow you to connect more intimately with Florence and Tuscany. Rather than depicting grand landscapes or famous cityscapes, Sargent focused on intimate studies of light over both manmade and natural forms, captivated by the way colors shifted across varied surfaces and structures. Tuscany’s sunlit villas, Renaissance courtyards, sparkling fountains, Baroque sculptures, and classical and medieval architecture—so masterfully captured by Sargent—remain for us to experience today.

You will spend the first three days in Florence, followed by five days in the Chianti vineyard area of Tuscany. Each day, Wennie will provide at least two live demonstrations, primarily in watercolor with touches of gouache, drawing from Sargent’s approach to composition, color, light and shadow, movement, gesture, and brushwork. You’ll have the opportunity to position yourselves near the vantage points Sargent once chose, guided by reproductions of his watercolors. From there, you can select a spot to work from direct observation, with Wennie available on-site for individual guidance and feedback.

Optional sunrise and sunset painting sessions near your accommodations will allow you to independently observe the iconic Tuscan light and color. On days of inclement weather, you will work from sheltered locations or use reference snapshots back at the villa. Between lessons, you’ll gather informally to share your sketches and paintings, refining your technique, composition, and appreciation for Sargent’s passion for painting Italy en plein air.

More on John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), the most celebrated portraitist of the 19th century, was born in Florence in 1856, into traditions rich in both classical history and creative innovation.

Throughout his career as a portrait painter and following his retirement, the American ex-patriate painter and world traveler sojourned in various Italian villas accompanied by family and friends, painting in the most celebrated Renaissance and Baroque gardens and villas in Tuscany including the Boboli Gardens of the Medici in Florence, Villa Medici Castillo, and Lemon Garden at Villa Reale de Marlia in Lucca as well as in the lush rural Tuscan countryside outside of Siena, renowned for vineyards and dotted with Chianini cattle.

His watercolors which capture garden fountains, figures, architecture, and the cultivated nature of the region remain to this day fresh and unconventional, continuing to inspire generations of artists.

Additional Activities: Our daily painting will be combined with other adventures such as:

• Painting in the Boboli Gardens in Florence
• Painting in the Medici Villa di Castello in Florence
• Full-day trip to Lucca
• Painting in the Villa Reale di Marlia, Lucca

After excursions or painting on location, we’ll return each evening to our place of stay. We can enjoy the surroundings, have a glass of wine, and relax after the day’s rich experiences. 

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Price: $3,795 p/p; non-painters $3,495

Optional Supplements:

• $585 for a single room, limited availability

$500 deposit due upon registration.  Balance due by April 15th.

Includes:

• Shared double room in both Florence and Tuscany (single available for a supplement, see above)
• Daily painting classes and individual guidance
• Painting in the Boboli Gardens in Florence
• Painting in the Medici Villa di Castello in Florence
• Full-day trip to Lucca
• Painting in the Villa Reale di Marlia, Lucca
• All local transportation
• 3 dinners in Florence, 5 in Casa al Vento, wine included
• All breakfasts
• Fully escorted by Il Chiostro program managers for all outings and excursions

Does Not Include:

• Airfare
• Lunch (lite lunch will be available for purchase in the restaurant when we are not out on excursion)
• Art supplies
• Independent meals and sight-seeing
• Gratuities – appreciated by your hard-working staff.  We suggest €10-20 per participant per day.

To Register: Click on the Sign Up Now button.  A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot in the workshop.  Payment can be made online with a credit card, or you can follow the instructions to send in your registration and payment by mail.  Once we receive your deposit we will send you a formal Registration Confirmation with further information about the program.  You will receive 2-3 other correspondences by email before the workshop with information about Italy, a supplies list, and an electronic invoice for the balance.  The final Balance is due by April 15th.  Any time before your arrival if you have questions about anything regarding the trip or the program, you can contact us by email or phone and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Cancellation policy:  

$500 deposit is non-refundable. For cancellation:

• 60 days prior to the workshop, full refund due less non-refundable deposit.
• 30-60 days prior to the workshop, 50% refund of balance paid allowed, less non-refundable deposit.

Less than 30 days prior to the workshop, no refund is due.

Il Chiostro recommends personal travel insurance to cover the possibility of unexpected or last-minute cancellations.

Contact us for more information: info@ilchiostro.com or speak to us live at 800-990-3506.