Plein Air Techniques: Color and Atmosphere in Umbria

with Aimee Erickson - June 13-20, 2025

Plein Air Techniques: Color and Atmosphere in Umbria

with Aimee Erickson - June 13-20, 2025

Joy, exploration, discovery and deliberate color decisions in the Umbrian foothills of Italy!

Dates: June 13-20, 2025
Instructors: Aimee Erickson
Venue: Castello di Petroia, Gubbio, Umbria, Italy
Media: Oil or acrylic
Level: All

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Join Aimee Erickson, author of the acclaimed Plein Air Techniques for Artists, for a week of plein air painting in the Umbrian foothills of Italy.  Aimee’s approach is very much about joy, exploration, discovery and deliberate color decisions. The workshop focus will be on color and atmosphere, using smaller studies for ease of setup and transport. Aimee’s daily format will include demonstrations and instruction in the morning, followed by a leisurely lunch or free painting period, with the afternoon session taking full advantage of the exquisite late afternoon Umbrian light. The setting for this art adventure is the beautiful Castello di Petroia, an 11th century castle set in the rolling hills, olive orchards and forests of the Umbrian countryside, near the historic medieval city of Gubbio. Come paint, explore and get inspired!

About the Instructor
Accommodations
Itinerary
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About the Instructor

About the Instructor

Aimee Erickson is an oil painter living in Portland, Oregon. She was trained as an illustrator and holds a BFA in Visual Communication Design. She has studied with a number of prominent painters including Sherrie McGraw, David Leffel, Burton Silverman, Joseph Paquet, William Park, Stephen Hayes and Ray Roberts. Aimee teaches studio and plein-air painting, drawing and color theory locally and at venues nationwide.Her work has been awarded top prizes in many national competitions, including Oil Painters of America, American Women Artists, the Portrait Society of America, and multiple notable plein air competitions, and most recently at Plein Air Easton.
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Luxury Accomodations at Castello di Petroia

The venue for this week-long art immersion is the 10th Century Castello di Petroia, an authentic medieval fortress perched on a hilltop between the towns of Perugia and Gubbio, with inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. The castle, birthplace of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino (b.1422), is surrounded by a 600-acre traditional Umbrian farm with beautiful olive groves, hiking and horse-riding trails, meadows, woods and abundant wildlife.

The castle’s 16 bedrooms, each with ensuite bathroom, feature original wooden beams, stone arches, antique furniture and painted ceilings. The luxurious accommodations have been restored with an eye to modern amenities, while preserving the authentic medieval structure. The 13th Century dining room is warm and refined, with historic furnishings, soft light, fireplaces and candles. Breakfasts, which include homemade yogurts, breads, pastries, jams, fresh fruit and local meats and cheeses, are served in the historic Guidobaldo Hall, an elegant book-lined, wood-beamed room with magnificent views of the Umbrian countryside.
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Itinerary

Friday, June 13
• Pickup at meeting spot in Rome at 2:00 PM
• Arrive Castello di Petroia, Gubbio
• Orientation/Welcome, Aperitivo and Dinner
Saturday, June 14
• Breakfast at the castle
• Morning painting instruction
• Lunch at the castle
• Afternoon painting instruction
• Aperitivo and Dinner at the castle
Sunday, June 15
• Breakfast at the castle
• Morning painting instruction
• Lunch at the castle
• Afternoon painting instruction
• Aperitivo and Dinner at the castle
Monday, June 16
• Breakfast at the castle
• Morning painting instruction
• Lunch at the castle
• Afternoon painting instruction
• Wine tasting and aperitivo
• Dinner at the castle
Tuesday, June 17
• Breakfast at the castle
• Excursion to Perugia
• Aperitivo and Dinner at the castle
Wednesday, June 18
• Breakfast at the castle
• Morning painting instruction
• Lunch at the castle
• Afternoon painting instruction
• Aperitivo and Dinner at the castle
Thursday, June 19
• Breakfast at the castle
• Morning painting session
• Lunch at the castle
• Afternoon painting instruction
• Farewell aperitivo and exhibit of work
• Farewell Dinner at the castle
Friday, June 20
• Breakfast at the castle
• Depart for Rome – 9:00 AM
• Arrive in Rome at drop-off spot – 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
(Planned itinerary is subject to minor alterations.)
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Plein Air Techniques: Color and Atmosphere in Umbria

with Aimee Erickson – June 13-20, 2025
at Castello di Petroia, Umbria, Italy

Total cost is based per room and number of occupants:

Solo workshop participant: $4,850.
Two workshop participants sharing a room: $7,550.
Workshop participant with travel companion: $6,950.

What’s Included:  

  • 8 days, 7 nights accommodation, private room with ensuite bathroom at Castello di Petroia
  • Ground transport from Rome to venue and return
  • All breakfasts, 5 lunches, all dinners with wine
  • 5 full days of painting instruction
  • Additional activities include: Welcome aperitivo, excursion to Gubbio, wine tasting, closing reception.
A deposit of $750 per person will reserve your room and space(s) in a workshop. You may cancel your reservation for a full refund of the deposit within 24 hours. After 24 hours, the deposit is non-refundable. Full balance and signed contract are due four months before the beginning of the workshop.

Choose your Room Option:

Single Occupancy

Solo Workshop Particpant - $750 deposit

Double Occupancy

Two Workshop Participants - $1500 deposit

Double Occupancy

Workshop Participant with Travel Companion - $1500 deposit

Please read the contract for complete terms and conditions.
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Experience Counts

Martha and the Winslow Art Center team have over 10 years of experience organizing destination art workshops. We personally participate in every travel workshop to ensure the quality of the accommodations and cuisine as well as to coordinate the special needs of the art instruction program.

If you have any questions, please use the form below, phone 206-715-6663 or email martha@winslowartcenter.com to contact us.

© 2024 Winslow Art Center •  206-715-6663 • martha@winslowartcenter.com • Online Class Catalog

© 2024 Winslow Art Center  • 206-715-6663 • martha@winslowartcenter.com

© 2024 Winslow Art Center •  206-715-6663 • martha@winslowartcenter.com

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