Capturing the Essence of the Italian Countryside
En Plein Air Painting and Sketching with Julie Drew
October 8-15th 2027
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Registration opens on August 18, 2026. Sign up for my newletter to recieve an early bird registration link.
Join Julie Drew in an unforgettable painting and sketching adventure in the medieval village of Montelparo with amazing food and a taste of the culture.
You will explore, paint and sketch in Montelparo and 2 nearby historic locations. All around you there will be archways, doorways, cobblestone paths, vistas and Medieval villages to inspire you with color and texture.
Julie will teach you how to focus in and paint with your heart. There will be time to paint freely as well as guidance and demonstrations, where we will cover tricks and tools of painting that you will be able to use long after the retreat is over. At the end of our excursions, we will talk about our paintings, sharing ideas and learning from each other.
In the afternoons, you may continue to paint in the studio or take a rest by the pool.
We will experience one fun afternoon making pasta with a local family.
On the day free from painting, you will enjoy an excursion to the beautiful town of Ascoli Piceno. (lunch not included)
You’ll leave not only with a sketchbook full of memories, but with new confidence, ideas, and inspiration to continue your art practice at ho
What’s Included:
All retreats are immersive — thoughtfully curated so that you can simply arrive, unpack and create.
Tuition & Creative Space
• Five days of painting tuition, including demonstrations and one-to-one advice and guidance
• Two days of painting at specially selected, stunning locations
• Unlimited use of the air-conditioned studio
Your Accommodation
• Seven nights accommodation in luxury, air-conditioned, en-suite rooms
• Luxury bedding
• 100% cotton waffle robes and slippers
• High-quality, 100% natural Italian toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, body lotion and hand gel)
• Daily room servicing
• Mid-week linen and towel change
Food & Wine
• All meals are provided throughout your stay
• Daily breakfast
• Buffet lunch at the hotel or lunch in local eatery
• A choice of up to four courses from our daily changing gourmet evening menu
• Local wines served with lunch and dinner
• A relaxed “pizza-giro” evening at a local trattoria, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel
Experiences During Your Stay
During your stay, we arrange a selection of small-group experiences designed to connect you with the landscape, culture and traditions of Le Marche:
• A hands-on pasta-making masterclass with a local family, learning to make traditional tagliatelle and ravioli
• An excursion to the historic town of Ascoli Piceno, known for its elegant piazzas, boutique shops and cafés (lunch not included on this day)
Transfers & Getting Here
For your convenience, we offer one scheduled group transfer on arrival and departure day from either:
• Ancona Airport
• Pedaso (station or bus stop)
This is provided as a complimentary service for guests arriving at similar times.
We also arrange transport for group activities during the week, allowing you to relax and enjoy each experience without logistical concerns.
Guests travelling outside of the scheduled transfer times are welcome to make their own arrangements, and we are always happy to assist with advice.
Room Type / Price Per Person
Shared Classic Ensuite Room €3099
Private Classic Ensuite Room €3799
Private Superior Ensuite Room €3899
Private Deluxe Ensuite Room €3999
Private Junior Suite Ensuite €4199
2 Bedroom Suite - private room, shared en-suite bathroom €3649
