Painting in Cortona and Hill Towns

September 21 - 28, 2025

Join us for an unforgettable painting journey through the stunning landscapes of Tuscany, centered near the charming hilltop town of Cortona. This 7-day immersive experience will combine world-class art instruction, delicious food, unforgettable wines, and the breathtaking beauty of one of Italy’s most renowned regions.


This tour is tailored for everyone—whether you want to learn from Vlad, paint at your own pace, or simply enjoy the experience as a non-painter. Immerse yourself in Tuscany's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and boundless artistic inspiration.


Our workshop is designed for painters of all levels, from beginners to experienced artists. You’ll enjoy capturing the beauty of this iconic region with expert guidance from Vlad, using sketchbooks and watercolors.

Tour Highlights
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev


  • 7 Nights at 4-star Villa at the foot of Cortona
  • All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Daily painting - 6-day Painting Workshop
  • One-on-one instructions
  • Visits to Siena, Montepulciano and Arezzo
  • Guided Tours
  • Wine Tasting
  • Private transportation between the cities
  • Gastronomic exploration
  • Small private group setting
  • Some alcohol (local wines)
  • Florence Airport transfer
Accommodation
Former 17-century Four Star Villa

The facility is appreciated for the quiet location, the panoramic position, the typical character of the building and the accurate furniture. It features luxurious rooms, pool and 7 hectares of park with fruit and olive trees. Thanks to a careful restoration, the original features are basically intact: the typical well, the trees, the stone-paved paths, the rooms with their antique paintings and furniture. All rooms have private bathroom and every modern comfort: hairdryer, high-speed wifi, TV, heat pump, air conditioning, safe, minibar and mosquito nets. 

PAINTING WORKSHOP
Two in One: Painting and Urban Sketching
  • Lectures and demonstrations
  • Studio painting and sketching at the Villa
  • Plein Air Painting at the locations
  • All medium and all levels are welcome
  • Individualized approach 
  • Small group (up to 12 students)
  • Non-painters and independent painters receive discount. 
Workshop Description

I. WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOP

The workshop will concentrate on reinterpreting the scenery into loose impressionist perception style. Composition, hierarchy of elements, painting techniques, approaches to highlight only important elements will be the focus of this workshop. Students will:

  • Discover how to simplify the most complex scenery 
  • Learn the tonal values and fundamental connection between colors and values
  • Learn to breakdown everything into primitive forms 
  • Understand the stages involved in painting process to eliminate guesswork 
  • Advance your loose brush techniques
  • Practice dry brush, wet on wet, soft gradation and calligraphy
  • Learn to increase sense of depth and enhance focal areas

II. URBAN SKETCHING WORKSHOP

In this engaging workshop, Vlad will not only demonstrate but also guide YOU in honing your skills to craft captivating color sketches using waterproof ink pens and watercolors. Our emphasis will be on achieving immediacy in presentation, mastering composition, and, most importantly, channeling focused creativity to produce vibrant and impactful images that captivate the viewer's attention.

Topics will Include:

  • Choosing a Subject
  • Basic Composition and Focal Point
  • Drawing and Shading Techniques
  • Ink Application and Transition to Color
  • Detailing and Balancing Techniques
  • Softening and Creating Atmosphere


RESERVE YOUR SPOT

What's not included?
  • Airfare 
  • Travel Insurance
  • Optional Activities
  • Some meals and drinks 
  • Service gratuities and tips
Select Your Room

All prices are per person and include

 accommodations, the workshop with Vladislav Yeliseyev, and all activities listed in the description above.

We warmly welcome non-painting partners and friends, as well as independent painters who wish to explore with us but prefer to paint on their own. 


A Discount of $500 will be applied for these participants.


Deposit to reserve your spot: $700/person


Please note that room availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Economy Classic

1 Double bed


Single - $4160


Availability:  wait list

Classic

1 King or 2 Twin beds


Single - $4250

Double - $3810/person


Availability:  wait list

  • one bed available in a shared room
Superior

1 King or 2 Twin beds


Double - $3890/person


Availability:  1

Deluxe

1 King or 2 Twin beds


Double - $3970/person


Availability:  wait list