# Figurative and Portrait Painting Retreat with Artist Nick Alm in Tuscany Immerse yourself in a transformative art retreat at a beautifully restored medieval estate in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, led by renowned artist Nick Alm. This weeklong retreat is a unique chance to learn from a master of our times. Through daily classes, group feedback sessions, tailored advice, and several art trips, you'll cover advanced portraiture, figure painting, and landscape techniques.The art retreat is open to all levels, offering something for everyone. Nick will demonstrate in oil, but you may bring any medium you're comfortable with.Stay in spacious, traditional Tuscan apartments with "arte povera" furnishings and enjoy amenities like tranquil gardens, a 66-foot (20-meter) pool, a sprawling vineyard, an impressive olive grove, and a private lake. Host classes within a spacious art studio located in a marvelous reconverted 18th-century granary building, drawing inspiration from the surrounding vineyards and historic architecture.Immerse yourself in the romantic Tuscan culture with trips to the enchanting medieval town of Arezzo and try out the local flavors with a guided tasting of the wonderful wines produced on the estate and a trip to a family-run olive oil mill. ## Details - **Dates:** September 29 - October 6, 2025 - **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy - **Starting Price:** $4,600 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Portrait and Figure Painting Retreat Join an insightful art retreat with acclaimed artist Nick Alm, taking place in the romantic region of Tuscany, Italy. Tailored to artists with prior experience in acrylics, oils, or watercolor, this retreat is designed to develop your portraiture, figure painting, and plein air skills. Learn from a classical painting master and delve into a variety of techniques with daily demonstrations, personalized feedback, and unforgettable art trips. You'll paint from a live model each day, either within a controlled studio environment or among the stunning landscapes of Tuscany. The classes are designed to give you an insight into Nick's method and to take your portraiture and figure painting skills to the next level. You'll follow along with Nick's demonstrations each day, practice alongside your fellow artists, and benefit from your instructor's expert, tailored advice. Nick will be painting in oil, but you're welcome to bring any medium you wish. Throughout the retreat, you'll have plenty of classes at the venue (in the studio or the lush gardens), in addition to two art trips where you'll be able to take reference photographs and experience Tuscany's rich culture: to the historic city of Arezzo and to a traditional, family-owned oil mill. The art retreat is open to artists of all experience levels. Nick will help you refine a wide array of techniques, such as:PortraitureFigure paintingLight and shadow playPainting alla primaThe specifics of plein air paintingCohesive compositionColor mixing and pickingControl of your chosen mediumTransposing the spirit of a scene into a paintingExtracting the essentials from visual clutter...and many more. In addition to your dedicated painting practice, 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. Settle into your spacious, traditionally styled room, then meet your instructor, Nick Alm, and your art group for an orientation tour. Explore the estate’s comfortable apartments, the studio, the serene pool, and lush gardens, along with the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy a delightful dinner prepared by the estate’s private chef, accompanied by local wine, and discuss your plans for the upcoming week. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Wake up to a delicious breakfast, served with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. After a brief check-in with the venue hosts, join Nick in the studio for your first classes of the retreat.The morning class will take place in the venue's studio, focusing on portraiture. Nick will unveil the intricacies of capturing the human form and adding depth to your portraits, starting with a live demonstration. You'll have a model available for your classes throughout the day. Under your instructor's guidance, set up your materials and practice some essential techniques. You may dive right in by painting alongside Nick or simply observing.Take a well-deserved lunch break, then continue your classes in the afternoon. This more hands-on session is your chance to practice the techniques you saw during the morning class. You'll be painting alla prima, with the purpose of trying to finish your portrait by the time the class ends. Nick will offer individual feedback to each participant and give pointers for your next steps.During the afternoon, you'll participate in a lovely wine tasting experience right at the venue. You'll first get a tour of the vineyards and the wine cellars, and then enjoy a tasting of four different wine varieties produced at the estate. The day ends with a delicious chef-made dinner. ### Day 3: Trip to Arezzo After refueling with a hearty breakfast, embark on a full-day trip to Arezzo, a lesser-known gem in Tuscany, replete with art and history. Board a shuttle for a 1-hour drive from the venue, covering about 32 miles (50 km) of picturesque countryside.Immerse yourself in Arezzo’s rich artistic landscape and stroll through its winding medieval streets. A local guide will share the stories behind the centuries-old architecture and the town’s past. Explore the narrow, winding streets and hidden piazzas and find a spot to sketch on location if inspiration strikes. The centuries-old buildings lend themselves to both detailed studies and broader, more abstract interpretations.Take a break and enjoy lunch on your own at a traditional trattoria, where you can try local Tuscan dishes. Afterward, visit some of the main landmarks (like the Church of San Francesco and its Reinassance frescoes, painted by Piero della Francesca) or grab a souvenir for your loved ones back home.You'll arrive back at the venue in time for dinner, inspired by this off-the-beaten-path town. ### Day 4: Art at the venue After another nutritious breakfast and a brief check-in over coffee, reconvene with your art group for another creative session.Weather permitting, you may paint outdoors within the lovely surroundings of your historic venue. Find a scenic spot and set up your materials. Your model will once again pose for the entire day. You may focus either on portraiture or figure painting; Nick will explain the intricacies of painting en plein air. Observe his techniques, then begin a new artwork to practice on your own. Painting outdoors is an excellent exercise in learning to handle different light conditions.Refuel with a light lunch, then continue your studies in the afternoon. You may either set up outdoors once again or return to the studio to try out an entirely new pose. As usual, Nick will offer personalized feedback as you work.Unwind in the afternoon as you wish (maybe with a dip in the pool or a walk in the nearby countryside), or continue painting if you're feeling ambitious. The day concludes with another chef-made dinner, paired with fragrant wine. ### Day 5: Trip to a traditional oil mill 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.Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Frantoio Pasquini Mill, where you'll learn about traditional and modern oil-making methods. The tour includes a visit to the olive groves, a behind-the-scenes look, and a chance to discover the family's long history in olive oil production, now spanning over four generations. During your visit, you can sample the freshly produced olive oil at their eno-oleoteca, paired with Tuscan specialties like their olive pastes—perfect for an authentic local experience.Return to the venue just in time for lunch, then gear up for another session in the studio alongside Nick. You'll start a new portrait or figure painting, now becoming even more confident in your choices. Whenever you need a little extra help, ask Nick for some tailored advice. In the afternoon, unwind before joining your group for another delicious dinner that the private chef has prepared, accompanied by a glass of local wine. ### Day 6: Art at the venue Following a refreshing breakfast, return to the studio for a class focused on figure painting.Your model will once again be available for the whole day. You'll have two back-to-back classes dedicated to a new painting; plenty of time to put all the techniques you've learned to the test. Incorporate inspiration from your reference photos from the trips to Arezzo and the oil mill if you wish; there'll be plenty of natural elements to enhance your painting. Otherwise, challenge yourself with another insightful session of alla prima painting, guided by Nick.There'll be a lunch break between the morning and the afternoon classes. Return to your studies, asking Nick for feedback whenever needed, in order to measure your progress so far.After the class, enjoy a spirited chat with your fellow artists or relax by the pool. The day ends with a chef-made dinner, thoughtfully paired with a glass of wine. Reflect on your creative achievements of the day and enjoy quality company. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Your final day of classes starts with another delicious breakfast, followed by a brief check-in with Nick and the hosts.You'll spend the morning refining your artwork and adding those essential finishing touches. The session is a wonderful opportunity to ask Nick any remaining questions about improving your technique.Enjoy a relaxing lunch break, then prepare for a special event. You'll participate in a mini-exhibition and group feedback session of everyone's paintings, sharing insights and feedback in a supportive setting. While participation is not compulsory, the exhibition is a wonderful way to get feedback from your peers and celebrate your progress.The retreat concludes with a special farewell dinner. This chef-made meal, paired with a glass of wine, marks the end of your artistic journey in Tuscany. Toast to the memories made, the friendships forged, and your amazing creative growth. ### 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 - **Nick Alm** - Painter ## Accommodation ### Tuscan Vineyard Estate ### Shared standard room - adjacent bathroom (female only) ### Shared superior ensuite room (female only) ### Single standard room - adjacent bathroom ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single deluxe apartment ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/figurative-portrait-painting-retreat-artist-nick-alm-tuscany](https://uptrek.com/retreat/figurative-portrait-painting-retreat-artist-nick-alm-tuscany) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*