For artists at all levels — and anyone curious to explore painting as personal expression.
After years of painting, exhibiting and working both independently and with galleries — and seeing my work enter collections in over 30 countries — I’ve learned one essential thing: most people don’t need more techniques. They need clarity.
This five-day abstract painting retreat is an immersive, studio-led experience open to all levels — from practicing artists to complete beginners, and also to those who don’t yet identify as artists but feel drawn to painting as a form of expression.
During the retreat, I will demonstrate my own layering technique, including how I build color fields with raw marks and dynamic surfaces, offering practical, visual clarity without imposing specific rules.
This is not about learning how to paint in five days.
It’s about understanding your own visual language, trusting your instincts and creating the conditions to move your work forward with clarity.
Chiaraluce is a family-run country house set on a hillside, surrounded by olive groves and open views. With a restaurant, a pool and just six rooms, the atmosphere remains intimate, calm and personal.
The Italian cucina follows the seasons and can accommodate dietary needs with prior notice.
Costs & What’s Included
All accommodation, dining, beverages and transfers are operated by Chiaraluce Country House, located in the beautiful Massignano area of La Marche, Italy.
Participation Fees
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Single room: €1,900
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Double room: €1,700 per person
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Triple room: €1,500 per person
What’s Included
Accommodation & Dining
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6 nights’ accommodation at Chiaraluce Country House
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All meals and beverages throughout the stay
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Soul-healing cuisine focused on fresh, local Marchegian flavours
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Organic ingredients, many grown directly in the garden
Art Retreat Programme
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5-day abstract painting workshop led by Flavia Birsan
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Group studio practice, community moments, one-to-one discussions
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A supportive, immersive studio experience designed to deepen your personal practice
Materials
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All painting materials provided: canvases, acrylic paints, markers, and tools
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Everything prepared so you can work just as you would in a studio
Excursions & Transfers
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Local excursions as outlined in the retreat programme
- Wine tasting excursion
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Arrival & departure transfers on official retreat days:
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From/to Pedaso Train Station
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From/to Ancona Airport (AOI)
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All local transfers required for excursions and programme-related activities
Not Included
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Transfers from or to airports other than Ancona (AOI)
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Airfare and travel insurance
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Additional beverages outside of meal times
Programme
Wednesday, May 27 — Arrival
15:00–18:00 Arrival & check-in
Exploring Chiaraluce property & Seaside
19:00 Welcome dinner
Thursday, May 28 — First Layers
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:30 Studio: getting to know each other, verbalizing our objectives, warm-up, first layers
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Studio: continuation & 1:1 chats and guidance
18:00 Walk in Montefiore dell’Aso, followed by pizza, cocktails & gellato in this charming place
Friday, May 29 — Layers (Canvas & Tiramisu)
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:00–10:00 Seaside walk for inspiration
10:00–12:30 Studio: building, covering, revealing layers
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Studio: continuation & guidance & 1:1
17:30–18:30 Cooking workshop: tiramisu layers with the chef
19:00 Dinner (and our own cold tiramisu)
Saturday, May 30 — Immersion & Place
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
10:00–12:30 Studio: deep work
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Studio: continuation & guidance & 1:1
17.30–19:00 Visit & wine tasting in Pedaso
19:30 Dinner
Sunday, May 31 — Contrast
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:30 Studio: contrast & structure
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Visit Ripatransone
17:30–18:30 Studio: continuation & guidance & 1:1
19:00 Dinner
Monday, June 1 — Closure & Sharing
05:30–07:30 Catching the sunrise on the beach & coffee
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:30 Studio: finishing & decisions
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Discussing our work, take-aways
18.00 VERNISSAGE. Celebrating our work in vernissage with local guests. Art, music (local DJ or band) and an apericena prepared by our chef.
Tuesday, June 2 — Departure
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00–12:30 Check-out & departures
Registration & Payment
To secure your place, please complete the registration form and indicate your preferred accommodation option. As the number of places is limited, Chiaraluce Country House will contact you directly by email to confirm the accommodation option and provide details regarding payment and next steps.
✨ Places are limited — only 5 rooms available
📅 Registration deadline: February 15
💳 Payment terms:
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30% at registration
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70% one month before the event
This programme is orientative and intentionally flexible.
The retreat is shaped around a respectful, supportive community, where everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace. Time is shared between studio practice, one-to-one discussions, group exchange, moments of rest and local exploration.
Studio sessions may last several hours or be divided into shorter intervals, depending on the energy of the group and the needs of the work. The structure adapts to what is happening in the studio.
While layers are drying, we may pause by the pool, take short walks around Chiaraluce Country House, or simply stay and talk.
The focus is on allowing painting, conversation and rest to support the process naturally — without pressure, comparison or fixed outcomes.