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Creativity Retreat & Painting in Cinque Terre Italy
Amanda Houston
September 27, 2025 - October 4, 2025
$3695Awaken Your Creative Spirit through Painting
The workshop is the perfect combination of art, culture and food.
It will include 6 days of plein air painting with pastels and gauche in the Cinque Terre area, morning lectures, art discussions, excursions to neighboring villages and of course daily delights of Italian food, open air markets, and culture. Steeped in a cultural exploration of all that Cinque Terre has to offer, come to enjoy the warmth, the sights and dive into your own creative retreat.
Daily creative exercises, demos and lots of one-on-one instruction. I purposely keep the group small so it’s an intimate private experience. I will be demo-ing in pastel and gauche, but all mediums are welcome!
Our creative painting time will be split in two areas:
- In studio creativity exercises that will open up new pathways for you to explore your mark making, your own process and a variety of different techniques.
- Plein air painting time that will focus on compelling composition of the town and landscapes in plein air as well travel and portability tips.
Every day will start with optional morning mediation, gentle morning movement, and breakfasts followed by art lectures, demos and painting. Come awaken your creative spirit and leave a more expanded artist than you came.
A total of 30 hours of instruction time. Experience necessary.
Establishing strong compositions and focal points- Understanding the power of value patterning to create dynamic subjects
- Exploring how to create mood and atmosphere in your work through the use of color, value and mark making
- Improvising your plein air work in the studio to discover your voice
This workshop is not just about painting. It’s about connection: with your artistic self, the others in the group and the environment you are submerging yourself in. The Cinque Terre are magical seaside villages on the rugged Italian coastline where we will soak in this warm compelling culture. Come tap into your deeper creative self and learn to let go, be free, and have fun while we take in the jagged hillside, coastal scenes, harbor boats, and bright cheerful picturesque villages of this magical region. Leave more inspired, confident and energized.
Supply List:
CREATIVITY RETREAT GENERAL SUPPLY LIST
for Pastel Workshops
For Plein Air Painting:
- Backpack or carrying case
- Field Umbrella (optional but very helpful to have)
- Tripod and case
- Travel box with your pastels (Heilman makes a great box in 3 sizes. The backpacker or sketchbook is ideal.)
- Small plastic bag for garbage
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Waterbottle
- Camera/phone or tablet
- Palette tray (Heilman Palette Tray clips to box) or small Tupperware and clips to keep a palette
- Windbreaker
- Plastic bag for paper towel garbage.
- Watercolor Travel set (Winsor Newton or Sennelier)
- One tube of white GUACHE PAINT
- Collapsible container to hold water.
PASTEL BOX: to carry all your pastels in, Amanda uses the Heilman Design Pastel boxes in the mini pack or the backpacker size. (Heilmendesigns.com) Note: hand-carry your pastel box on the plane with you, tape a picture of the contents to the outside of the box, and label PROFESSIONAL ART SUPPLIES. PASTELS. HANDLE WITH CARE.
PASTELS: Bring a mixture of soft and hard pastels, with a range of brights, darks, and neutrals. You can use any brand you have and may want to pick up extras, esp. in the darks and neutrals. NO oil pastels.
SOFT PASTELS: Any brand you have. Amanda has her own collection through Richeson: (Amanda Houston 80 pc. Landscape essentials set and a 40 pc. Neutral essentials set). She also uses Terry Ludwig (v100x, B3560, G540, R160).
HARD PASTELS: (10-30): Girault or NUPastel – a variety of darks and lights. You can pick up hard pastels by the stick. These are my favorite workhorse colors for skies and water and scumbling techniques.
- NUPastel: 48pc set or these individual sticks: 207,212,257,256,276,245,235,285,244,277,376,314,235,288,305,298
- Girault: 199,178,463,375
DRAWING BOARD: Gator-board (preferably black), black foam core, or Masonite board for taping your papers and inspiration references. 12×16 is a good travel size and can fit a 12×16 or smaller paper (3/16 “ is fine. No need for The thicker version.)
For those not working in Pastel, bring a small assortment of Gouache or acrylic paints, a 9×12 disposable paper palette pad, and your favorite brushes, and a collapsible water container.
PAPERS: If you have a favorite, please bring it. I will be demoing on LaCarte paper (Sienna color), Art Spectrum Colorfix (terracotta, plum, or eggplant color), and LUX Archival (cream). You can buy a large sheet and cut it down into smaller workable sizes for the class: 6×8, 9×12, 11×14, or 12×16 for the class. We will focus on lots of small work. Bring at least enough for 15-20 small paintings.
EASEL of YOUR CHOICE: Any field easel that you can feel comfortable traveling with. I have studio easels and boards but you will need to bring your own plein air easel. I use a Heilman pastel box on a lightweight tripod for my lightweight plein air setup.
Miscellaneous Supplies:
- Sketchbook: Small personal sketchbook. MUST HAVE! Any size. Amanda likes “Strathmore Toned sketchbooks” in either gray or tan for doing thumbnail value studies.
- Selection of pencils: a variety of hardness: (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
- Charcoal pencils (white, LT, med, dark)for value studies OR Tombow or Faber-Castell grey set of 4 pens (for value sketches) (optional).
- Kneaded eraser
- Vine charcoal for sketching on your surface (soft or very soft)
- Black Artist tape 3/4″-1″ and/or ___Clips (to quickly clip paper to boards
- Paper towels (Viva, Home Depot Shop Towels, or Wypall towels)
- Wet wipes
- View Catcher or Composition Finder (by Guerrilla Painter)
- Brush assortment: 1” small cheap hardware brush, 1-2 different-sized synthetic brushes from “Snap!” by Princeton or Simply Simon: ¾” flat or stroke (optional but I like them because they are cheap).
- Small plastic container for putting alcohol, ink, or water in
- Glassine Paper: to put over your finished work to protect it in transport. Or sandwich between two pieces of gatorboard. (optional).
The following items may be provided by Amanda but will be confirmed at a later date:
- Exacto Knife or straight edge to cut (by Olfa)
- Alcohol or mineral spirits for doing underpainting techniques (water works in a pinch too)
- Pad of Newsprint paper 18×24 (optional)
- India ink
- Gesso 16×20 printmaking paper and drawing boards
A checklist format of the above supply list will be sent via email upon booking this course for additional reference.
Where we’ll stay: Our home away from home for the week, La Cabana, is a typical Ligurian farmhouse that has belonged to one family for generations. The vines and the olive trees form the backdrop to the rooms that have been recently refurbished with the utmost respect for the environment and the traditions of the Cinque Terre, but without forgetting modern comforts. The 9 rooms are furnished with antiques and finishes intended to frame the unparalleled panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. It is an oasis of relaxation completely surrounded by greenery and silence with wonderful vistas and gardens to paint. Our group will take over the entire hotel for the week.
Join Amanda for a week of art instruction, touring, and fun as we create memories together!
Additional Activities: Our daily painting will be combined with other adventures such as:
- train pass to visit other towns
- market day in Vernazza
- boat trip to Porto Venere to sketch, shop, have lunch or cappuccino in the cafes
- free shuttle service from the hotel to the main town
- pick up in Florence on the first day; optional return to Florence on the final day
The Cinque Terre – is a rugged portion of the coast on the Italian Riviera. “The Five Lands” comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Paths, trains, and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside. For more about the Cinque Terre, the Lonely Planet gives a nice description with photos: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/cinque-terre
The Food – We will have 5 dinners organized together at local restaurants and trattorie. We’ll sample the pastas, seafood and specialties of the area. Wine is included in all meals. Lunches and 2 dinners will be independent for you to explore the local cuisine on your own.
Given its location on the Mediterranean, seafood is plentiful in the local cuisine. Anchovies of Monterosso are a local specialty designated with a Protected Designation of Origin status from the European Union. The mountainsides of the Cinque Terre are heavily terraced and are used to cultivate grapes and olives. This area, and the region of Liguria, as a whole, is known for pesto — a sauce made from basil leaves, garlic, salt, olive oil, pine nuts and pecorino cheese. Focaccia is a particularly common locally baked bread product. Farinata is also a typical snackfound in bakeries and pizzerias — essentially it is a savoury and crunchy pancake made from a base of chick-pea flour.
Price: $3,695 p/p based on double occupancy; (non-painters $3,395)
Optional Supplements:
- $485 for single room – limited availability
- $285 p/p for suite with terrace and jacuzzi, minimum 2 persons
Includes:
- Shared double room in Hotel La Cabana in Monterosso (singles available for a supplement)
- Daily traditional breakfast
- 5 dinners with wine
- Daily painting classes, creativity exercises and critiques with Amanda
- Train passes for exploring other towns
- Boat trip to Porto Venere
- Pick up from Florence train station on arrival day (on the departure day you can either go back to Florence with the group, or board a train from the local station to reach your next destination.)
Does Not Include:
- Airfare
- Lunch
- Art supplies
- Independent meals and sight-seeing
- Gratuities for staff, which are always appreciated
To Register: just 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 on line 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 prior to the workshop with information about Italy, a supplies list and an electronic invoice for the balance. Final Balance is due by August 15th. Any time prior to 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 workshop, full refund due less non-refundable deposit.
- 30-60 days prior to workshop, 50% refund of balance paid allowed, less non-refundable deposit.
Less than 30 days prior to workshop, no refund due.
Il Chiostro recommends personal travel insurance to cover the possibility of unexpected or last-minute cancellation.
Contact us for more information: info@ilchiostro.com or speak to us live at 800-990-3506.
Our small hotel, La Cabana, sits on a small hill that divides the historic center of Monterosso from the new part, Fegina. It is a typical Ligurian farmhouse that has belonged to one family for generations. The vines and the olive trees that they have cultivated form the backdrop to the rooms that have been recently refurbished with the utmost respect for the environment and the traditions of the Cinque Terre, but without forgetting modern comforts.
The 9 rooms are furnished with antiques, parquet floors, curtains, and finishes intended to frame the unparalleled panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. It is an oasis of relaxation completely surrounded by greenery and silence, with wonderful vistas and gardens to paint. Our group will take over the entire hotel for the week.
To get down to Monterosso you can take advantage of their free shuttle service or, if you are up for it, walking down is not difficult and takes less than ten minutes. It's a nice walk down that offers beautiful panoramic views. On the descent, you will pass the ancient 11th-century castle (today houses the cemetery of the village) and wind through olive trees until you reach the historical center of town. Coming back up, the shuttle might be a good idea!
For more information, visit their web site: lacabanacinqueterre.com/en
The Cinque Terre are in the section of Italy known as Liguria on the western coast. The main city of Liguria is Genova. These 5 towns were traditional fishing villages, cut off from the mainland by a steep range of mountains. For centuries, they were only accessible by sea.
For our program, we will meet the group in Florence on the first day. From there, a private bus will take the group to our hotel in Monterosso-al-Mare.
To visit the town from our hotel, there is a regular shuttle bus. The towns are small with narrow roads, so the shuttle will leave us off in the newer section, then we will walk through a short tunnel to the historic center of town, where most of the shops and restaurants are located.
To go between towns (Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, or Rio Maggiore), there are local trains connecting all of them.
Travel Agents & Insurance: Over the last few years, the way we travel has undergone significant changes. For that reason, we now encourage everyone to use a professional travel agent when arranging their trips. Travel agents save you time and stress by handling all the details and tailoring your itinerary to your needs. One of the most important services they offer today is helping you choose and enroll in the right travel insurance program. With COVID and the continued possibility of schedule changes or postponements, travel insurance has become essential, and selecting the right plan on your own can be overwhelming.
If you encounter any issues during your travels, your agent can provide quick support and solutions, taking the pressure off your shoulders. While booking through online sites like Expedia or Hotels.com may seem more convenient or less expensive, they offer little help if you need to modify your plans. A travel professional, on the other hand, is there to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience.
If you choose to Go It Alone, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance for the trip in the event of any unforeseen obstacles to your travel. We recommend Travelex (800) 504-7883 or Travel Guard International (877) 901-7599.
The Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. "The Five Lands" comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Paths, trains, and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside.
For more about the Cinque Terre, the Lonely Planet gives a nice description with photos: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/cinque-terre
The Food: Given its location on the Mediterranean, seafood is plentiful in the local cuisine. Anchovies of Monterosso are a local specialty designated with a Protected Designation of Origin status from the European Union. The mountainsides of the Cinque Terre are heavily terraced and are used to cultivate grapes and olives. This area, and the region of Liguria, as a whole, is known for pesto — a sauce made from basil leaves, garlic, salt, olive oil, pine nuts, and pecorino cheese. Focaccia is a particularly common locally baked bread product. Farinata is also a typical snack found in bakeries and pizzerias — essentially it is a savoury and crunchy pancake made from a base of chick-pea flour. Epic porcini mushrooms are presented in a wooden box for you to choose for grilling with olive oil and garlic.
Growing up on three continents, Amanda has been inspired by much of the world.
As a child living in Africa and Saudi Arabia, she remembers watching her mother paint oil landscapes as a hobby. Amanda was educated in New England and holds a B.S. in Apparel Design & Merchandising from University of Vermont and a graduate degree in Textile Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
After almost 20 years of corporate America she took the leap, embraced motherhood and allowed the artist in her to finally come out. “I knew I wanted to be an artist when I retired, but I didn’t want to wait until I was 65 to start.” Amanda has been painting and refining her evolving voice ever since. She has been teaching and mentoring others nationally and internationally since 2016.
She is a Master’s Circle Member of IAPS (International Assoc. of Pastel Societies) and the current President and Signature member of the NW Pastel Society. She participates in national shows as a member of the American Women Artists, American Impressionist Society and Pastel Society of America. She has won numerous national awards and is collected internationally. She is nationally published by Editions Limited Inc. and is seen throughout the nation in the hospitality industry. She is represented by Cole Gallery in Edmonds, WA, Scott Milo in Anacortes, WA and Valley Art in Forest Grove, OR. She works with private clients, art brokers, interior designers, as well as two winery tasting rooms in Oregon, (Penner Ash Wine Cellars and Colene Clemens Vineyards).
Find out more about Amanda at: https://www.amandahouston.com
Artist Statement
I’m always drawn to the moments when the light is the most dramatic, often at the edges of our days. I gravitate to rural scenes that speaks a peaceful, simpler place in our lives. Trying subconsciously to continually capture rhythm and depth in my work, I love working with overlapping elements and aerial perspective. My work is described as calming yet uplifting through my use of color and texture. My goal is simply to capture the light I see with whatever I am present with.
Pastels give me the pleasure of drawing and painting at the same time. I love their forgiving quality, ease and the buttery sensation of drawing with pastels directly to the surface, without the mastery of any tools.
I work on many different surfaces from smooth to very textured, some of which I prepare myself like sanded gesso boards and plates of copper. I use multiple layers, building up richness and depth. Whenever I can I paint plein-air but also work in the studio from field studies and photographs.
My voice is constantly exploring and evolving. After formal design and illustration training, I am trying to loosen my style to become more painterly and impressionistic. The act of painting teaches me to enjoy the journey as much as the result. Each painting brings its own set of joys and challenges, which pushes me to grow and learn while allowing me to fully engage in the presence of inspiration and creativity in its purest form.
