# Portraits and Figures in the Landscape Retreat with Artist Michelle Dunaway in Italy Discover the art of alla prima portrait and figure painting with renowned artist Michelle Dunaway in the rolling hills and historic villages of Tuscany. With Michelle's expert guidance, you'll work from a live model in the studio and outdoors to create a personal collection of portrait, figure, and landscape paintings inspired by local culture.Michelle will walk you through her process for creating lifelike figures in the landscape, while your studio work will focus on portraiture. Through her focused demonstrations, you'll learn about painting from life, color mixing for skin tones, and composition while improving your ability to paint the human form expressively.Be inspired by two guided art trips: one to San Gimignano, the medieval hill town famous for its soaring towers, cobblestone lanes, and sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside, a place where every corner feels like a painting in itself. The other, a journey through the Chianti Classico region, where rolling vineyards, olive groves, and centuries-old wineries create a landscape rich in color, texture, and inspiration.Stay at a historic vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees, gardens, and soft Tuscan light. Take time to swim, rest, and gather with others who share your love for painting. Meals are prepared fresh each day by a private chef, and the group is kept small to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. ## Details - **Dates:** October 12 - 19, 2026 - **Location:** Certaldo, Florence, Italy - **Starting Price:** $4,650 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Alla Prima Portrait and Figure Retreat Join award-winning artist Michelle Dunaway for an immersive week of portrait and figure painting in the golden heart of Tuscany, where olive trees stretch endlessly across sunlit hills. Benefit from Michelle's guidance and group demonstrations and master key elements that will make your artwork both lifelike and expressive.You’ll study how light defines form and mood while working with a live model. Hone your figure painting skills using the Tuscan landscape to your advantage, while working on expressive portraits in the venue's bright studio. Michelle will guide you through her complete painting process, from alla prima essentials (composition, color mixing for skin tones) to more advanced techniques, such as implementing color temperature within skin tones to create luminosity and form. You'll learn the intricacies of edges and brushwork and how to use them to lead the viewer's eye through your composition.You'll thoroughly explore the fundamentals of painting that are needed to create convincing figures and portraits. Beyond technique, Michelle will show how to bring a sense of life and emotion to a portrait, moving it past likeness into genuine expression. She’ll share her methods for achieving this and provide individual guidance tailored to each student’s current work and long-term artistic growth.The retreat will cover advanced techniques and is recommended for artists with some familiarity with portraiture/figure painting. Throughout the week, Michelle will offer focused, one-to-one instruction, as well as group demonstrations. Her tailored feedback will help you strengthen your technique and clarity of vision. By the end of the week, you've have completed a collection of portraits, figure paintings in the landscape, and a deeper understanding of how art intertwines with Tuscany's rich history. Some topics covered in the classes include:The step-by-step process for creating alla prima portraits/figure paintings from life;Figure painting in the landscape - integrating the human form with natural surroundings;Understanding light and atmosphere;Composition and mixing for natural, lifelike tones;Advanced techniques of color temperature nuances, shifting your subject in space;Brushwork, edges, and leading the eye through your composition;Working with live models: observation, gesture, and proportion;Capturing breath and aliveness in your paintings;Techniques for plein-air painting and adapting to changing light;Taking and using reference photos effectively while on location;...and much more!Beyond the classroom, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the stunning Tuscan landscape, relax, and connect with a group of like-minded artists over a glass of wine. You'll stay in a beautiful historic venue nestled in the Tuscan hills and enjoy art trips to explore the region’s hidden treasures: a journey along the scenic Chianti Classico trail and a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano. Michelle will guide you in taking amazing reference photos and sketching, based on her lengthy experience of utilizing alla prima sketches made on-location when creating complex studio paintings. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Florence Airport for your 3:00 PM transfer and embark on a scenic drive through the stunning Tuscan countryside to your retreat venue, a historic estate nestled among rolling hills and vineyards. Once you've settled into your room, participate in an orientation tour of the property, where you’ll discover its tranquil gardens, welcoming common areas, and breathtaking landscapes that will inspire you throughout your artistic journey.As the evening unfolds, gather in the Holmo Garden for a delightful wine-tasting session with Michelle Dunaway and your fellow artists. Enjoy fine Italian wines while discussing art, technique, and the creative process. The night continues with a welcoming three-course dinner, providing the ideal chance to relax, connect, and anticipate the days of artistic exploration that lie ahead. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Awaken your senses with a delightful breakfast and a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee as you join Michelle and the venue hosts for a warm and welcoming check-in. After connecting with fellow artists, get ready to dive into the first class of your inspiring retreat.Your first workshop starts with a brief overview of the course structure and what you can expect to learn, followed by an introduction to your materials. Michelle will demonstrate in oil, but you're free to use any medium you're comfortable with. Soon thereafter, start your first portrait piece as you paint from a live model. Michelle will demo some of her favorite techniques and walk you through the step-by-step process of crafting a wonderful portrait from life.Take a break with a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, set out with your group in search of a suitable plein-air spot among the sprawling vineyards of the estate. Take advantage of the golden evening light and start a new piece, focusing on the figure in the landscape. Michelle will help you integrate these two elements and introduce essential concepts of framing and composition.As the sun dips behind the hills, gather around the table for a relaxed dinner, share stories from the day, and enjoy a glass of local wine as the night air fills with the scent of lavender and earth. ### Day 3: Trip to San Gimignano Begin your day with a hearty breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, preparing for another inspiring day in the heart of Tuscany.Set out for San Gimignano, a town seemingly untouched by time, where medieval towers rise proudly against the soft Tuscan sky. Known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers endless inspiration. Wander cobblestone streets lined with honey-colored stone buildings, browse lively piazzas filled with local artisans, or pause at panoramic viewpoints overlooking vineyards and olive groves that stretch for miles. Sketch as you go, or simply gather impressions to use later in your landscape and composition work back at the studio. Later on, enjoy lunch on your own at a local trattoria.Return to the venue for an afternoon art session. Building on the morning's experience of painting the ancient San Gimignano, you'll continue working on your landscape paintings in the studio. Michelle set time aside to offer tailored feedback on your work so far, helping you figure out your next steps and identifying which areas need improvement. Working slowly and with care, the storied past of the town will unfold again through your hands.As evening settles, gather with the group for a leisurely Tuscan dinner paired with local wine. Share sketches, reflections, and laughter as you unwind from the day. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, letting the quiet rhythm of the morning ground you.This morning will have you return to your portrait studies, starting an entirely different piece with a new pose. Once again painting from a live model, follow Michelle as she demonstrates her preferred techniques in mixing colors, creating luminous skin tones, and leading the viewer's eye through the composition. If you need an extra hand, don't hesitate to ask Michelle for some one-to-one guidance.After a satisfying lunch, the afternoon will be all about figure painting within the landscape. Here, proportions and composition take center stage as you paint the live model outdoors with the verdant olive groves as your backdrop (weather permitting). Towards the end of the class, Michelle will present a short tutorial on how to best gather reference photos while out and about, in preparation for your upcoming trip to the Chianti Classico trail.As the evening unfolds, gather for a cozy dinner accompanied by a glass of local wine, surrounded by warm company and the satisfying feeling of a day well spent. ### Day 5: Trip to Chianti Classico Fuel up for the day's adventures with a nourishing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee before setting out into the sunlit hills of Chianti Classico, one of the most iconic regions in Tuscany.Your first stop is the charming hilltop town of Castellina, where ivy gracefully climbs stone walls and cobbled lanes open into delightful small squares lined with inviting cafés and shops. Stroll at your own pace, soak in the vibrant colors and textures, and stop to photograph whatever captures your imagination. If a moment feels right, pull out your sketchbook and capture a loose scene.Next, head to Radda in Chianti, where the gentle rhythm of daily life flows through shaded alleyways and quaint piazzas. Explore the village at your leisure, wander past weathered doorways, and savor a delicious lunch at a cozy local spot. Let the patterns of tile, shadow, and distant hills ignite your creativity for future paintings or color palettes.In the late afternoon, arrive in Panzano. This peaceful village, nestled between Florence and Siena, is surrounded by terraced vineyards and open skies. Here, time seems to slow down just for you. Sketch a passing moment at the edge of the piazza, snap photos of vineyard rows glowing in the warm light, or simply sit back and absorb the beauty of it all.Return to the venue as the sun dips below the hills, painting the sky with warm hues. Close the day with a relaxed dinner and a glass of local wine, sharing stories and laughter with Michelle and the group as the table fills with delightful conversations and the joy of togetherness. ### Day 6: Art at the venue Start your day by refueling with a delicious breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then get ready for another exciting day of classes with Michelle at the venue.In the morning, take some time to wander the beautiful grounds with your sketchbook or camera in hand. Stroll along the garden paths, meander through the shaded terraces, and soak in the enchanting way light dances across the walls and plants. Pay close attention to the vivid colors and intricate textures of the gardens, and gather inspiration for your upcoming class.After enjoying a light lunch, return to the studio for an engaging art session with Michelle. You may continue the work you started during the previous art session or start a new piece altogether (inspired by elements seen during your morning walk, or by the San Gimignano or Chianti Classico trips). Focus on angles, composition, and proportions, then try out some more advanced techniques of color temperature and creating movement. As always, Michelle will be available for some tailored advice should you need some extra pointers.As the afternoon gently transitions into evening, unwind with a leisurely stroll through the gardens, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or continue painting if inspiration still flows. Conclude your day with a relaxed dinner prepared by the chef, paired perfectly with a glass of local wine, and savor the delightful flavors of the region. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Begin your day by sharing a delightful breakfast, taking a moment to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished during this inspiring retreat.Return to the studio with Michelle for a focused morning session that will weave all of your new techniques together. Start your final portrait piece and take note of how your approach has changed over the week. You may feel more confident in your artistic choices, have a better grasp on mixing colors and matching skin tones, or aptly portray more expressivity in your subject's eyes.Break for lunch, then return to the studio for your final class; add the last details to your collection of artwork, or start a new painting if you're feeling ambitious. Michelle will guide you in polishing your masterpieces and, importantly, help you understand when a painting is finished.The late afternoon brings a special event: a lovely group exhibition featuring the group's paintings. Participating isn't compulsory, but you may find that your peers have unique insights to share. Michelle will also provide individual feedback and critiques, ensuring you have a clear path of progress once you're back home.As the sun lowers over the hills, gather for a farewell dinner served with local wine. The evening is filled with laughter and reflection, a warm close to a week shaped by color, growth, and the landscapes of Tuscany. ### Day 8: Departure After a delightful breakfast with Michelle and the art group, it’s time to say your goodbyes and exchange any last-minute contact details. Prepare for your transfer to Florence Airport, with check-out scheduled for 10:00 AM. ## Instructors - **Michelle Dunaway** - Fine Artist and Art Educator ## Accommodation ### Historical Tuscan Estate ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Shared bathroom - single room ### Single superior ensuite room ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/portraits-figures-landscape-retreat-artist-michelle-dunaway-italy](https://uptrek.com/retreat/portraits-figures-landscape-retreat-artist-michelle-dunaway-italy) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*