Renee Walden - watercolour artist & plein air painter. Art & Illustration.
     













For a small group of 10 only!

My French retreat for this year sold out very quickly. Now you have a chance to join me in Italy!
Check availability
 

Painting holiday, Tuscany, Italy
Oct 2025.

 

A dream week of watercolour in Tuscany. I can't wait! Join me in October 2025.

I’ve been invited by the Steinberg family to guide a small group on a painting holiday. We’ll be staying at their completely renovated rural complex, Hortulanus, that stretches over twenty hectares in the Seggianese countryside.

Overlooking Castle Potentino and opening its gaze on the pretty village of Seggiano, Hortulanus is a tranquil paradise of beautiful gardens and century old olive trees. Sounds like a dream come true!



We will have 5 days to go on excursions, paint in the studio set up in the pretty limonaia / glasshouse, and enjoy cultural experiences like wine tasting and pasta or pizza making. We will travel into the lovely countryside to paint and visit some of the scenic towns in the area. Being late October, we might even be there in time for the olive harvest - an experience I’m told is very special.

A week of painting in Tuscany – from 3,950euros per person (includes airport pickup, local transport, luxury accommodation & meals). Limited spots!

Reserve Your Spot


Group sizes are small... 


A maximum of 10
Allowing me to have ample to time to help each person every day. And you'll be thoroughly looked after by our hosts.

Fully hosted...


Situated on 20 tranquil hectares, Hortulanus has been lovingly restored in close contact with unspoiled nature. There are beautiful landscapes and views, wonderful gardens, an infinity pool and a hot tub, comfortable, cozy accommodations, a wine tasting room and artist studio from the converted ‘limonaia’ (a type of glasshouse). You’ll be able to explore it all. Food will be inspired by local cuisine and we’ll dine together around a large table, giving us a chance to share stories.



Traveling alone? No problem! Many of our guests come solo and leave with new artist friends. And we'll be there to pick you up, drop you off and everything in between.

The details...


When…
18 - 24 October 2025

Where…
Hosted by Hortus Courses at Hortulanus (click on the links to find out more about the location, accommodation and booking information)

Cost…
1. Private single bedroom at Hortulanus - 4,300 euros pp
2. Double occupancy at Hortulanus - 3,950 euros pp
3. Private single room at nearby B&B - 3,950 euros pp

Please note that on booking you pay a 50% deposit. The remainder is payable when the course is fully confirmed. Please don't book your air tickets until the course is confirmed.

Cost includes - pretty much everything!
  • fully hosted, luxury accommodation
  • all meals and drinks (except 2 lunches)
  • transport from and to Rome airport
  • local transport and excursions during your stay
  • tuition by me
  • Not included are your flights to Rome or travel insurance.


    • Reserve Your Spot


    For watercolor enthusiasts of all levels!

    • Whether you're a beginner or experienced, you'll get expert guidance in a relaxed, inspiring setting.
    • Learn how to become more confident when painting on location.
    • Learn how to create sketches with minimal materials.
    • Be guided by me step-by-step by following demos.
    • Have plenty of time to ask questions and receive one-on-one feedback.
    • Learn about the different kinds of perspective (and to not be afraid of perspective).
    • Learn to work with a limited palette of colors to ensure harmony and cohesiveness in your work.
    • Go on excursions to beautiful places to sketch.
    • Explore charming towns full of history and character.
    • Enjoy local cuisine lovingly prepared at Hortulanus.
    • Experience true Italian culture and connect with other artists who share your passion for creativity.
    • Enjoy a fully immersive art experience, with everything taken care of, and the cares of the world far away!


    Ready to join us?


    Bookings are open! Please drop me an email or a message on Facebook or Instagram.





    Travel sketching is a passion of mine.


    18 years ago, I packed a sketchbook along with my climbing gear on a trip to Spain and France and I filled it. Since then the sketching part of a trip has overtaken my climbing passion and I never go anywhere without a sketchbook.

    I’ve been visiting Europe for about 6 months a year, almost every year, since 2007 and I have a massive stack of sketchbooks that are filled with priceless memories. There are watercolour sketches of villages, landscapes, flowers, food, and people in every sketchbook, along with little notes that bring me straight back to a place whenever I open a sketchbook. Sketching outside has immersed me in places, creating very vivid memories and has allowed me to meet so many local folks I would not have encountered otherwise.

    I've been teaching people to paint in watercolours since 2017. I've run classes outside giving people the tools to learn to sketch plein air; studio based classes on painting birds, flowers, and landscapes; and classes on Zoom. Since June 2022 I've been guiding painting holidays annually in France and I can honestly say these trips are some of my favourite days of my year! I'm excited to guide one in Italy this year.



    Ask me for more details...


    Please drop me an email



What past workshop attendees have said...


In no time at all Renee will have you on your way
The hardest thing about Watercolour painting is getting started. So, take the plunge and join one of Renee’s classes, you won’t regret it. Renee is super supportive offering plenty of clear instructions and useful advice. Importantly you’re not left with any time to stare at a blank page – the only way to learn and improve is to jump right in! In no time at all Renee will have you on your way and encouraging you to leave all doubts behind in order to just relax and enjoy the process. I wholeheartedly recommend Renee’s classes and online tutorials. SL, Wanaka, New Zealand		   Your encouragement has helped me believe in myself more!
I attended Renee's two day workshop and gained so much by doing so! Not only did it boost my confidence in painting outdoors, but I gained skills to take on landscapes and perspective drawing, both of which I was intimidated by. I have been an artist all my life ... more seriously in the last few years. I found the course suited both beginners and experienced artists. Renee is a wonderful teacher and such a positive person to learn from. I highly recommend you take this course yourself. HB, Lake Hawea, New Zealand
 
French Retreat 2023
It was an experience I will remember forever. You helped me by teaching me how to let go of the “how to video “ sessions that I had become accustomed to and to try doing it on my own. This was my first experience doing Plen Air, and I think I absolutely loved it, nothing like it, I will try and incorporate this, when the weather permits. PB, Vancouver, Canada 		  French Retreat 2023
I really appreciated your calm, enthusiastic and patient demeanor in your teaching. You nurtured this group from day one on the FB group and upon arrival so that we all already felt like friends. I can't talk you up enough to friends and family. I could not have imagined a more perfect trip other than in my dreams. RC, USA
     
 
French Retreat 2023
The retreat was a fabulous experience for me as a studio watercolor artist with little experience in plein air painting. Also, journaling through sketching is a new experience for me. I love to travel and my new lessons in journaling with watercolor will be an integral part of my future trips.
Being part of a group of painters with a passion for watercolor was wonderful. I learned so much from you, the instructor, and also from our group. Everyone brought something delightful and meaningful to our daily experience. Sharing delicious meals together also created a camaraderie that I believe will be long-lasting. Also, your attention to each of our questions or needs, as well as your helpful input every step of the way were very positive experiences. MB, USA. 		  Your encouragement has helped me believe in myself more! I attended Renee's two day workshop and gained so much by doing so! Not only did it boost my confidence in painting outdoors, but I gained skills to take on landscapes and perspective drawing, both of which I was intimidated by. I have been an artist all my life ... more seriously in the last few years. I found the course suited both beginners and experienced artists. Renee is a wonderful teacher and such a positive person to learn from. I highly recommend you take this course yourself. HB, Lake Hawea, New Zealand
Join the Tuscany retreat!