# Landscape Painting Retreat with Artist Chris Fornataro in Tuscany

Join artist Chris Fornataro for an inspiring art retreat at a beautifully restored medieval estate in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. With daily classes, individual feedback, and meaningful art-focused trips, this retreat is designed to encourage confidence and creativity in artists of all levels.Learn how to make the most of photo references, simplify compositions, create strong value studies, and develop a more fluid approach to alla prima painting. Chris will primarily teach in oils, but artists who prefer acrylics are welcome.Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Tuscany with two enriching experiences. Wander through the medieval town of San Gimignano, sketching its distinctive skyline and capturing the essence of its historic charm. Then, visit a family-run olive oil mill, where you’ll discover local traditions and gather inspiration from the surrounding landscapes.Stay in inviting Tuscan apartments featuring traditional "arte povera" furnishings, set among peaceful gardens, a 66-foot (20-meter) pool, rolling vineyards, olive groves, and a private lake. A reconverted 18th-century granary serves as a spacious, well-equipped studio, offering the perfect setting to create while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and historic architecture.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 1 - 8, 2025
- **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy
- **Starting Price:** $4,600
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Alla Prima Landscape Painting Retreat
Join an inspiring art retreat with artist Chris Fornataro in the picturesque region of Tuscany, Italy. Open to artists of all levels, this retreat focuses on capturing landscapes from photos and painting on location. Whether you prefer working in oils or acrylics, the program is designed to accommodate your chosen medium.Throughout the retreat, you’ll explore a range of landscape painting techniques through daily demonstrations, personalized feedback, and hands-on practice. Chris will guide you in taking effective reference photos, creating strong compositions, and simplifying scenes into shapes. You’ll also work on value studies, quick plein air sketches, and urban landscapes while practicing alla prima painting techniques.Deepen your understanding of Chris’s approach and refine your skills in a structured, supportive setting. Follow along with his demonstrations, paint alongside fellow artists, and receive individualized guidance. Classes will take place both in the studio and outdoors, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Tuscany. The retreat also includes two art-focused trips: a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano, with its striking architecture, and a trip to a traditional family-run oil mill, offering rich inspiration for your work.By the end of the retreat, you’ll have created several small paintings to take home, along with valuable skills and fresh motivation to continue your artistic journey.Topics you will cover include:Learning how to take photos for landscape paintingsFiguring out compositional sketchesDoing quick plein-air studiesExploring urban landscapesEditing photos for paintingsPracticing value studiesSimplifying photos into shapesMastering alla prima painting...and many more! Experience Italy's lively culture through chef-made food every day, delicious wine served with dinner (plus a wine tasting), a historic venue dating back to medieval times, and the lovely company of 15 other like-minded artists.

### Day 1: Arrival
Get transferred from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) at 4:00 PM and arrive at the venue by 5:00 PM. After settling into your spacious, classically designed room, join Chris Fornataro and your fellow artists for an introductory tour. Discover the estate’s inviting apartments, well-equipped studio, tranquil pool, and beautiful gardens, all surrounded by picturesque vineyards and olive groves. Conclude your first evening with a delicious meal crafted by the estate’s private chef, paired with local wine, as you discuss the exciting plans for the week ahead.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast, accompanied by coffee or tea, and a relaxed check-in with the venue hosts. Once you're ready, join Chris in the studio to begin your creative journey.The morning focuses on photographic references to translate landscapes into paintings. Chris will start by walking you through how to look at photos with a painter’s eye, break down composition, and pinpoint the key elements to focus on. Learn what makes a strong composition and demonstrate how to simplify a scene into a quick sketch. You are encouraged to take your time and experiment, with plenty of opportunities to practice these techniques hands-on. Chris may provide a quick demonstration to show how to move from a reference photo to a small, expressive painting.After a break for a leisurely lunch, the afternoon session shifts outdoors. Together, you’ll explore the beautiful estate, including its gardens, vineyards, and surrounding landscapes, as you hunt for compelling compositions. Chris will demonstrate how to frame scenes and capture the mood of your environment through photography, helping you develop an eye for intriguing angles and details. This relaxed yet focused class will encourage you to see potential painting subjects everywhere.Later in the day, there’s time to unwind and connect with fellow artists during a wine-tasting experience hosted at the venue. Begin with a guided tour of the vineyards and wine cellars, followed by a tasting of four distinctive wine varieties crafted on-site. The day concludes with a delicious chef-prepared dinner, giving you the chance to reflect on your progress and look forward to what’s ahead.

### Day 3: Trip to San Gimignano
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a scenic drive to San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most iconic medieval hill towns. Known as the "Medieval Manhattan" for its striking skyline of ancient towers, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of inspiration for artists. The 1.5-hour journey offers plenty of time to chat with your fellow artists and prepare for the creative opportunities ahead.Once in San Gimignano, Chris will guide you in exploring the town with an artist’s perspective, focusing on taking reference photos that highlight a variety of angles and details. You’ll think about how to capture scenes from different angles, considering how they might later translate into your artwork. As you wander through the narrow streets and admire the medieval towers, Chris will be there to offer advice on framing shots and finding unique viewpoints.Take a moment to enjoy a coffee at a local café, then settle in for a relaxed lunch at a traditional trattoria. The afternoon offers more opportunities to immerse yourself in the visual charm of San Gimignano. Continue taking photos, focusing on how different perspectives and elements can work together in a composition. As you sketch directly from the scenes around you, Chris will guide you in analyzing how to balance light, shadow, shapes, and focal points to create harmonious and engaging compositions. Gain insight on how to simplify complex scenes into manageable shapes for plein-air painting with a quick demo from Chris.As the day winds down, wander the cobblestone streets, sketch in the piazzas, or simply enjoy the views before heading back. Board the shuttle for the scenic ride back, arriving in time for dinner.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Kick off your day with a nutritious breakfast and a relaxed coffee chat before joining Chris and your fellow artists in the studio.Focus on refining your approach to landscapes by using the photos you’ve taken during your trip. Chris will provide a demo on the first stages of painting, emphasizing how to move from initial sketches to blocking in key shapes and values. Study how to simplify complex scenes and bring them to life in your paintings. Practicing how to block out shapes, and experiment with painting from blurred photo references to focus on the overall structure rather than getting lost in the details. The atmosphere will be relaxed, with plenty of time for you to ask questions, get feedback, and gain confidence in your process.A light lunch gives you a chance to recharge before heading back to your workspace. The afternoon session allows you to continue developing the pieces you started earlier in the day. Whether you’re refining sketches, adding layers to your paintings, or experimenting with new techniques, Chris will be on hand to offer personalized support and encouragement.There’s time in the late afternoon to unwind in whichever way feels best—take a walk in the surrounding countryside, enjoy a quiet moment by the pool, or keep painting if inspiration strikes. The day ends with a relaxed, chef-prepared dinner paired with wine, giving everyone a chance to share their experiences and look forward to the next steps in their artistic journey.

### Day 5: Trip to a traditional oil mill
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and embark on a half-day trip to Frantoio Pasquini, a family-run olive oil mill known for its commitment to quality and tradition since 1920. Located in the scenic countryside of Reggello, Tuscany, the mill is just 4.3 miles (7 km) from your venue—about a 10-minute drive through rolling hills and olive groves.When you arrive at Frantoio Pasquini Mill, you’ll get to explore its rich blend of traditional and modern oil-making techniques. The tour takes you through the olive groves, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, and shares the family’s four-generation legacy in olive oil craftsmanship. You’ll also have the chance to taste freshly made olive oil at their eno-oleoteca, accompanied by Tuscan specialties such as their flavorful olive pastes.Returning to the venue for lunch, you’ll refuel before heading outdoors for an inspiring afternoon session. Chris will guide a plein-air painting demo, perhaps near a serene lake, to help you observe and interpret the landscape around you. Together, you’ll walk the grounds and nearby lakes, taking in the textures, colors, and light that make Tuscany so captivating. Chris will point out key elements to notice when observing the landscape, encouraging you to refine how you see and translate your surroundings into art.The rest of the afternoon offers time to gather more photo references, sketch, or simply enjoy exploring the venue’s beautiful setting. Chris’s relaxed and supportive approach ensures you feel confident experimenting with new techniques. The day wraps up with a delicious dinner, where you can share your progress and connect with the group over a glass of local wine.

### Day 6: Art at the venue
Following a refreshing breakfast, head into the studio for a focused and uninterrupted painting session.With a full day dedicated to your work, you’ll dive deep into translating landscapes from your own photos or ones Chris provides. The morning will begin with value studies, exploring the composition and structure of your chosen subject, perhaps even working in black and white to hone your understanding of light and shadow. Chris will offer one-on-one feedback throughout the session, ensuring you feel confident and supported as you develop your skills.Take a break for lunch, then return to your painting with fresh energy. The afternoon is all about refining details, building layers, and making your landscapes come to life. Whether you continue in the studio or opt for an optional plein-air session to capture the Tuscan light directly, Chris will be there to guide you, answer questions, and help you navigate any challenges in your process.As the day winds down, spend some time connecting with your fellow artists, reflecting on your progress, or simply relaxing by the pool. Dinner will be a delightful moment to celebrate your creative achievements, paired with a glass of local wine and good conversation.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Your final day of classes begins with a delicious breakfast and a relaxed check-in with Chris and the hosts.The morning is yours to focus on whatever aspects of your painting journey you feel need the most attention. It’s a flexible session designed to allow you to work on what you prefer, whether it’s finishing a piece you’ve been developing, exploring techniques you didn’t have time to try earlier, or starting something entirely new. Revisit topics you’ve wanted to improve on and experiment with newfound confidence. Chris will be available throughout the session, offering one-on-one feedback, providing additional teaching if needed, and answering any questions to help you make the most of this final creative opportunity.Following a laid-back lunch, prepare for a special group event. Everyone will have the chance to showcase their work during a mini-exhibition, where you can share your pieces, gather feedback from peers, and discuss your creative process in a supportive and encouraging environment. Chris will guide the discussion, offering insights on where to go next with your painting practice and helping you reflect on how far you’ve come. Participation is optional, but the exhibition provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your progress and exchange ideas with your art group.As the retreat comes to a close, gather with your fellow artists for a farewell dinner. This final meal, paired with a glass of local wine, is a chance to toast the friendships made, the inspiration found, and the artistic strides you’ve taken during your time in Tuscany. It’s a relaxed and meaningful way to end your journey, leaving you with new skills, fresh confidence, and lasting memories.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast with your art group, exchange any last contact details, and get ready for your transfer to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- **Chris Fornataro** - Artist, educator

## Accommodation

### Tuscan Vineyard Estate

### Shared standard room - adjacent bathroom (female only)

### Shared superior ensuite room

### Single standard room - adjacent bathroom

### Single superior ensuite room

### Single deluxe apartment

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/alla-prima-landscape-painting-retreat-ii-artist-chris-fornataro-tuscany](https://uptrek.com/retreat/alla-prima-landscape-painting-retreat-ii-artist-chris-fornataro-tuscany) to make a reservation.

*Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*