Watercolor painting holiday in Italy - sketch your memories en plein air
Limited spots!!
18 - 25 September, 2026
From €3,499 (~$4,000 USD) per person
Have you ever dreamed of painting holiday in Italy, staying in a palazzo, exploring a picture-postcard setting of medieval villages, mountains, and coast, and capturing your entire journey in a sketchbook? Then this is the perfect trip for you.
Join me for this 7 day art retreat in Le Marche - one of the most beautiful areas of Italy!
We paint OUTSIDE – that's where the magic happens
This retreat is about capturing life as it unfolds. Our focus is painting on location - every winding alley and sun-soaked vineyard is a scene waiting to be captured in your sketchbook.
In a encouraging atmosphere, with plenty of laughter, a glass of wine in hand (if needed!) and the day to day details all taken care of, I promise you'll leave Italy with a sketchbook bursting with memories and the confidence to paint anywhere, anytime.
We also have a dedicated studio space, covering concepts of perspective, composition, colour theory, and watercolour techniques. We’ll tackle a variety of subjects, and my goal is to give you the confidence to never go anywhere without your sketchbook again.
During our week together you’ll connect with fellow artists, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse yourself in cultural activities that will ignite your creativity. And we’ll sketch and paint it all!
Her teaching style is not only exemplary but also infused with genuine support and encouragement that makes learning so much more enjoyable.
Off the beaten track : a medieval Italian town full of charm
Hotel Leone is a restored pre-1500s palazzo which has been transformed into an award-winning luxury boutique hotel. It sits at the foot of the ancient hilltop town of Montelparo and rests elegantly between the Sibillini Mountains and the Adriatic coast.
It's the perfect place for an art holiday in medieval Italy. This medieval hill town is full of charm, with narrow streets, worn stone steps, shady courtyards, and open piazzas that offer stunning views.
At Hotel Leone, guests can experience the real day-to-day life of Le Marche, where the changing seasons still guide local traditions and work. **This is undiscovered, authentic Italy!
What makes this retreat special: small groups, big impact
Small group sizes mean I have ample time to help each person every day. You'll receive:
- Daily one-on-one feedback tailored to your level and goals
- Step-by-step demonstrations showing my process and decisions
- Personal guidance on color, composition, and perspective
- Encouragement to be brave and try things outside your comfort zone
Plus, you'll be thoroughly looked after by our exceptional hosts, Madeline and Tim. They're very well known for making guests feel welcome and well looked after.
Non-painting partners welcome! There's plenty to do beyond painting: kayaking, hiking, swimming, exploring local markets, or simply unwinding with a book in the French countryside.
Renee has an amazing way of breaking down complicated subjects into concrete steps.
What you'll learn: watercolor skills that travel with you
This retreat is for watercolor enthusiasts of all levels – whether you're a complete beginner or have experience but want to grow your confidence painting on location.
Core skills you'll develop:
- How to become confident painting en plein air with minimal materials
- How to choose what scene to paint (when everything is so beautiful!)
- Working with a limited watercolor palette for harmony and cohesiveness
- Understanding perspective (and not being afraid of it!)
- Capturing light, shadow, and atmosphere quickly
- Creating loose, expressive sketches that capture the feeling of a place
- How to develop your sketches into full studio paintings
- Building a visual travel journal, that reflects your personality, and that you'll treasure forever
Beyond technique:
This retreat is about more than just improving your painting skills. There's a magic combination of shared meals, laughter, and unforgettable moments – whether we're gathered around the table or enjoying a picnic after a morning of sketching. There's a special camaraderie that forms here, a sense of connection that makes it feel like friendships will last a lifetime.
We'll be staying in our own Italian palazzo
Hotel Leone is all about comfort and relaxation. There are plenty of inviting spaces to unwind—whether it’s the cosy sitting room, the bar, the poolside lounge, or the terrace and courtyard, perfect for long breakfasts or relaxed evening meals. The on-site restaurant, set under a vaulted ceiling, adds to the charm.
Bedrooms are spacious and thoughtfully equipped, some with balconies and internet radio. All rooms include air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, TVs with a wide choice of free films, soft towels, and crisp high-quality linen.
Each floor also has an honesty mini-bar if you’d rather enjoy a quiet drink than join fellow painters for a cocktail in the Empire bar.
It’s the ideal base for a creative week—somewhere you can truly switch off, recharge, and focus on your sketchbook.
Dates, pricing & what's included
When:
18 to 25 September 2026
Hosted by:
Hotel Leone - – click for more details about accommodation and booking.
Price:
From €3,499 (~4,000USD) per person (7 nights)
What's included (Pretty much everything!)
- 5 days of painting tuition, including demonstrations and one-to-one guidance
- 3 days of plein air painting at hand-picked scenic locations
- Botanical eco-printing workshop with local artisans
- Hands-on pasta-making class with three generations of the same family
- Pizza giro night at a local trattoria
- All meals included — daily breakfast, buffet lunch, and 4-course gourmet dinners
- Private group transfers to and from either Ancona airport or Pedaso (station or bus stop)
Not included: Flights to Italy, travel insurance, art supplies (detailed list provided upon booking).
I'm passionate about travel sketching
For 18 years, I've never traveled anywhere without a sketchbook. What started as a side hobby on a climbing trip to Spain and France completely transformed how I experience the world. Now I have a massive stack of sketchbooks filled with priceless memories – villages, landscapes, flowers, food, people, and little notes that transport me straight back to those moments.
Since 2007, I've spent about 6 months a year in Europe and now I live in Spain, and sketching outside has immersed me in places in ways I never could have imagined. It's created vivid memories and allowed me to meet so many locals I wouldn't have encountered otherwise.
I've been teaching watercolor since 2017. My approach is simple: I want to make you braver. Whether you're nervous about painting in public, unsure about color mixing, or intimidated by perspective, I'll guide you through it with patience, encouragement, and practical demonstrations. By the end of our time together, you'll be the artist who never travels without a sketchbook.
Ask me for more details...
Please drop me an email
I have been truly fortunate to attend Renee's watercolor retreats on two occasions, and both experiences have been nothing short of transformative. Her teaching style is not only exemplary but also infused with genuine support and encouragement that makes learning so much more enjoyable. ... beyond her exceptional skills, Renee exudes warmth and kindness, making her a joy to learn from and be around.
I absolutely love painting lessons with Renee. I first discovered her on Patreon last year, what a fabulous selection of tutorials and everything is so easy to find and well laid out! ...
Then I was lucky enough to join Renee at Perigord Retreats and I absolutely loved it! We had such fun painting each day, going on excursions, chatting, eating and drinking, Renee and everyone were so friendly and supportive it was so great I'm booked again for next time! 😊
Renee has an amazing way of breaking down complicated subjects into concrete steps. Watching her paint in real time, and explain her “why” behind choices such as color palettes and composition was so valuable to me. I learned so much about perspective, capturing light and shadow, and questions to ask yourself when planning a painting that I now apply to my creative practice since coming back.
Renee is a phenomenal teacher and artist! She explains techniques and fundamentals for sketching and painting in such an understandable and applicable way. When painting, she also gives wonderful encouragement and tips to help you not only feel confident in your work, but also push you to be brave. Working with her is absolutely the best. Renee is friendly, knowledgeable, kind, and so incredibly talented.
Ready to paint your Italian adventure?
Limited spots for September 2026
This is your chance to fill a sketchbook with vibrant memories, gain the confidence to paint anywhere, and join a community of like-minded artists in one of Italy's most beautiful regions.
Please drop me an email or a message on Facebook or Instagram.
Frequently asked questions
What level of experience do I need?
All levels welcome! Whether you're a complete beginner or experienced painter, you'll receive personalized guidance suited to your skill level.
What watercolor supplies do I need to bring?
A detailed supply list will be provided upon booking. We focus on painting with minimal, portable materials – perfect for travel sketching.
What's the weather like in the Montelparo in September?
September is beautiful! A high of 77°F (25°C) to a low of 61°F (16°C). Some would describe the temperature to be pleasantly warm :-) Occasional rain is possible, so we have indoor studio space as backup.
Can my partner come if they don't paint?
Absolutely! Non-painting partners are welcome. There are villages to explore, lovely walks to do, beautiful countryside to enjoy and a pool to relax next to.
How do I get to Hotel Leone?
Most guests fly into Ancona, an hour away and we arrange pickup from there. You can also catch the train to Pedaso. Full travel details provided upon booking.
What if I've never painted en plein air before?
Great! This is the perfect place to start :-) I'll teach you everything you need to know to feel confident painting on location.