For artists at all levels — and anyone curious to explore painting as personal expression.
Join me in Italy for an abstract painting retreat in 2027.
I’ve already led 3 art retreats at Chiaraluce in 2026 and all three have been wonderful. The studio is spacious enough for large paintings, with an open view across medieval villages to the Adriatic Sea. Claudia and Miguel, our hosts, make everyone feel at home. And every group has left with something meaningful: new work, new connections and a clearer sense of where they want to go next.
This five-day retreat welcomes everyone, from complete beginners to practicing artists. I’ll share my layering technique through demonstrations and time in the studio, while helping you experiment, trust your instincts and find more of your own voice in the work.
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.
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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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
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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
Sunday, June 13 — Arrival
Arrival & check-in
Guided stroll through Montefiore dell’Aso with aperitivo, pizza and gelato
Monday, June 14 — 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
14:30–17:30 Studio: continuation & 1:1 chats and guidance
18:00 Combined Wine & Olive Oil Tasting session with curated food pairings (at Chiaraluce)
Tuesday, 15 June — Layers
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:30 Studio: building, covering, revealing layers
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–15:30 Studio: continuation & guidance & 1:1
16:00 San Benedetto del Tronto tour, featuring the Museum of Art on the Sea
17:30. Studio time
19:00 Dinner
Wednesday, 16 June — Immersion & Place
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:00 Studio: deep work
12:00-12:45 Visit to the blooming lavender fields
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Studio: continuation & guidance & 1:1
17.30 Visit to a medieval village
19:00 Dinner
Thursday, 17 June — Contrast
06:00-07:30 Sunrise on the beach
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:30 Studio: contrast & structure
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Studio: continuation & guidance & 1:1
17:00-19:00 Raku Pottery Workshop in our studio (Raku firing and painting techniques)
19:00 Dinner
Friday, 18 June — Closure & Sharing
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:30 Studio: finishing & decisions. Discussing our work, take-aways
13:00–14:00 Lunch
15:00–17:00 Old Cupra Marittima tour
18.00 VERNISSAGE. Celebrating our work in vernissage with local guests. Art, music (local band) and an apericena prepared by our chef.
Saturday, 19 June— Departure
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:00–12:30 Check-out & departures
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: €3,000
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Double room: €2,500 per person
Early Bird Special: Book early to get €150 off per person!
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 6 rooms available
💳 Payment terms:
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€ 500 at registration
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the rest of the payment will be split in three installments, to be paid in 2027
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.