Art Food Explore
Art In Tuscany
Urban Sketching
With The Sketching Troubadour
Explore stunning towns nestled in Tuscany's rolling hills, all while refining your urban sketching skills.
Whether you're a beginner interested in learning the basics of sketching or an experienced artist looking to hone your urban sketching techniques, this course offers something for everyone. Sketching isn’t about natural talent—it’s a skill that anyone can develop with the right principles, techniques and dedicated practice.
As you explore the charming towns of Tuscany, you'll learn to capture the beauty of Italy’s architecture. Peter will guide you through the fundamentals of composition, teaching you how to arrange elements in a dynamic and engaging way. You’ll hone key skills such as perspective, depth, shadow, layering, and colour, all while nurturing your unique artistic style. Each evening, we’ll gather to share our work, exchange ideas, and enjoy a friendly dinner in the cosy Tuscan villa. It’s the perfect chance to connect with like-minded people, bond over your love for sketching, and savour great food and conversation in a stunning setting. Bring your sense of fun as there might be music, dance and magic…….. It’s going to be a blast!!!!!!
Saturday 11th to 18th October
£1,950 per person
Min 4 people Maximum 6 people
Day 1 Travel & Settle In
Saturday 11th October
- Collection from Pisa airport at prearranged time
- Transfer to Tuscan farmhouse rental accommodation
- Arrival: Unpack, chill, meet your sketching colleagues, stroll in the village, knock out 100 lengths in the pool or just relax. We’ll chat through the itinerary and get to know each other.
Day 2: Tuscan Village Sketch
Sunday 12th October
- Morning: Easy start, introduction to the sketching week, and discussing aspects of urban sketching we’ll be exploring. Peter will show how the techniques we will be using during the week will enable you to compose your unique urban sketches.
- Lunch: Alfesco under the pergola.
- Afternoon: Explore the village of Guzzano using some of the techniques we have looked at in the morning. Before enjoying a home cooked Tuscan meal with drinks.
Day 3: Tuscan Spa Town & River Sketch
Monday 13th October
- Morning: Assemble in the village of Bagni di Lucca for a sketching session with Peter.
- Lunch: Relax at Peter’s favourite restaurant in the world, ‘Circolo dei Forestieri’
- Afternoon: Wander around the village free form sketching.
Day 4: Lucca City Visit or Chill Free Day
Tuesday 14th October
- Visit wondrous Lucca, stroll, sketch or just chill by the pool, the choice is yours.
Day 5: Dante Urban Sketch
Wednesday 15th October
- Morning: Sketching session with Peter a visit to Montefegatesi a traditional Tuscan village
- Lunch: At a local trattoria
- Afternoon: Wander around the area free form sketching. Evening: Pizza making extravaganza with wine
Day 6: Castelnuovo Town Urban Sketch
Thursday 16th October
- Morning: Experiencing the market in the walled town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.
- Lunch: Leisurely lunch at a local bar
- Afternoon: sketching session with Peter in the magical town of Castelnuovo
Day 7: Beautiful Barga Urban Sketch
Friday 17th October
- Morning: A sketching session with Peter in the magical fortified town of Barga to sketch the morning away.
- Lunch: Leisurely lunch at a local bar
- Afternoon: Wander around Barga free form sketching, shopping or just relax with a coffee in one of the amazing coffee bars Back late afternoon to relax and prepare for the evening throw down extravaganza. Showing your weeks sketching showpieces. Bring your glad rags as we prepare to celebrate with your workshop showdown dinner.
Day 8: Travel Home
Saturday 18th October
- Airport Transfer. Morning group pick up from accommodation & drop off at Pisa airport
- Sad day, its not good bye though its…. alla prossima
Included
- Itinery with food and drinks as advettised
- Biligual guides
- Urban sketch tutor and tutoring
- Tourist taxes
- Transfer to and from trips advertised
- Wi-Fi
- Sketchbook and folding stool supplied.
Not Included
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Medical and health insurance
- Additional food and drinks other than advertised
- sketching and painting supplies: a travel-size watercolour paint set, brushes and water pot is recommended, as watercolour will be our primary colour medium although colour pencils are handy also.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of urban sketching skills do I need? None, it is aimed at people who are complete beginners to more experiened
What is the minimum needed to secure a booking?
The minimum number is 4 the maximum is 6 people
Do I need a rucksack or bag?
Its always best to bring a bag that will carry a waterproof, brolley, water bottle, hat and suncreen. Whether it is a rucksack or crossover bag as long as it is comfortable to wear.
What clothes and footwear do I need?
Clothes depend on the time of year you book your getaway. Ask Jo & Antonio, your hosts, on booking; they will be able to better advise you then. Footwear: comfortable shoes
Should I bring a water bottle?
Yes, if you forget, don't worry, they have spares. Water is supplied for you before you set off, and some of the walks have fresh mountain water fountains along the way to refill your bottles.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, simply let us know when booking any allergies or dietary requirements.
If I am ill, are there medical facilities nearby?
Yes, doctors, chemists, and the Red Cross medical station are all nearb
Will we each get our own bedroom?
The accommodation has 3 ensuite bedrooms 2 twin bedrooms and 1 double room. If there are more than 4 in your group 2 twin rooms will be shared. If the number is 6 then the kingsized bed will also be shared.
How will the bedrooms be allocated?
You can leave it to us to allocate or your lead person booking can stipulate who sleeps in which room. The choice is yours.
How is payment made? Through our booking system. Contact us to find out more.