Watercolor Art Retreat at La Romita School of Art, Italy

Join me for an unforgettable art retreat in Italy.

• 16 - 25 April 2027
• 10 days from €xxx per person
• Small group (10-15 students)

Fill a sketchbook with vibrant watercolour memories of Italy's hidden heart – sun-drenched piazzas in hilltop villages, the play of light on ancient stone, cypress trees punctuating rolling landscapes, markets bursting with colour. Become confident with your paints and sketchbook so you'll never travel without them again.

I feel so much more comfortable sketching on location which is adding so much joy to my life. I can’t recommend Renee's classes and retreats highly enough.

For 60 years, artists have gathered at La Romita School of Art, a restored 12th-century monastery nestled in the Umbrian hills. Here, ancient stone walls hold the creative energy of thousands who've come before you, and the views across olive groves and medieval villages seem painted by the masters themselves. This is where your watercolour journey through Italy begins.

Where we'll explore: Umbria's timeless villages and landscapes

Over 10 inspiring days, we'll sketch and explore Umbria's most paintable treasures. We’ll sketch the dramatic landscape that inspired Perugino and countless artists before us.
Each location is carefully chosen for its beauty, atmosphere, and the painting opportunities it offers – from the secluded corners of monastery cloisters to sweeping views across the Umbrian countryside.

• Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, is the most famous city in Umbria.
• San Gemini features beautiful architecture and great panoramic views, and is full of people who appreciate artists visiting the town.
• The gorgeous classic mannerist garden of Villa Lante. Attributed to Vignola, the gardens are a fantastic painter’s destination with terraces, sculptures, gargoyles, and cascading waterways that tie the various levels together.
• Todi has one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy and is recognisable from the exterior shots in “the Agony and the Ecstasy”.
• Cascata Delle Marmore, Europe’s second largest waterfall. The Cascata was originally created by Roman hydro-engineers in the third century BCE and modified over the centuries to give it its current majestic form.
• Dramatic Orvieto, perched on a butte of volcanic tufa, is known for its white wine and the architectural marvel of its cathedral.

We paint OUTSIDE – that's where the magic happens

This is about capturing life as it unfolds in real time. Our focus is plein air watercolor sketching – setting up in sun-dappled piazzas, beneath the shade of ancient loggias, along quiet lanes where locals pause to admire your work and share stories about their village.

In an encouraging atmosphere, with plenty of laughter, perhaps a glass of local wine in hand, and all the practical details taken care of, I promise you'll leave Italy with a sketchbook bursting with memories and the confidence to paint anywhere, anytime.

La Romita's legendary studio – flooded with natural light and surrounded by inspiring views – is available 24/7 for demos, skills practice, or when inspiration strikes at midnight. The monastery's peaceful grounds, with their terraces, gardens, and quiet corners, become an extension of your creative space.

What makes this retreat special: personal instruction in an extraordinary setting

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

By the end of our time together, you'll be the artist who never travels without a sketchbook.

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.

Everything taken care of

Whether you’re coming with paints in hand or just a curious heart, this week is about more than sketching — it’s about experiences you’ll carry home long after the trip.

Cost includes - pretty much everything!

What's included...

• Teaching instruction every day: group and one-to-one tuition outside or in the studio in the form of demonstrations and individual feedback.
• Pickup and Drop-Off at Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci airport.
• Transport for all excursions in a private bus
• Accommodations
• Most meals* (Contintental breakfast, lunch and dinner).
• 24 hour access to the studio space
• Entrance fees for whole-group itinerary items (like the Marmore Falls)

What is not included...

• Airfare and travel insurance
• Art materials. You won't need much and a materials list will be sent out a few months before the retreat.
• *On some occasions we will take full day trips to certain larger towns, like Assisi and Perugia. On those days, lunch at a cafe or restaurant is not included.

What you'll learn: watercolour skills that travel with you

This retreat welcomes watercolour enthusiasts of all levels – whether you're a complete beginner or have experience but want to grow your confidence painting on location.

Drawing inspiration from Italy's rich artistic heritage and Umbria's ever-changing light, we'll develop skills that serve you long after you leave La Romita.

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 watercolour palette for harmony and cohesiveness
• Understanding perspective in the context of medieval architecture
• Capturing the warm Italian 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 improving your painting skills. There's a magic that happens at La Romita – a combination of legendary Italian cuisine served family-style, shared meals under the stars, laughter echoing through ancient corridors, and unforgettable moments both in your sketchbook and around the table. The monastery's peaceful rhythm, the supportive creative community, and the beauty surrounding you create a sense of connection that makes friendships feel like they'll last a lifetime.

Want to see my teaching style in action? Here's a full painting demo from a previous art retreat...

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.

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 Umria in April?
Daytime highs typically range from about 55–65°F (13–18°C). It's comfortably mild but not yet warm, nice for outdoor painting and exploring. Evenings can be cooler, and there’s a small chance of rain, but we have the chapel studio as backup. Despite the occasional shower, there are plenty of sunny days, and the landscape is strikingly green and lush with spring flowers in bloom.

Can my partner come if they don't paint?
Yes! We’re happy to welcome "non-painters". There is a lot for the adventurous to experience, even if they don't explore with sketchbooks & paints. We will make sure that your spouse knows about the "extras" in each town. We offer a discount to anyone who brings along a spouse or friend – your "Plus-One".

How do I get to La Romita?
When planning your trip, all you need to do is book your flight so that you arrive at Rome Leonardo Da Vinci (FCO) airport before 10:30AM on the morning of the first day of your session, and that your return flight leaves from Rome after 10:30AM on the last day of the program. We will pick you up from Rome in a chartered bus and bring you to La Romita, and drop you off with plenty of time to check in.

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.