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Plein Air Techniques: Color and Atmosphere in Umbria

with Aimee Erickson - June 6-13, 2025

Plein Air Techniques: Color and Atmosphere in Umbria

with Aimee Erickson - June 6-13, 2025

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

Dates: June 6-13, 2025
Instructors: Aimee Erickson
Venue: Castello di Petroia, Gubbio, Umbria, Italy
Media: Oil or acrylic
Level: All

Supply List

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

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.

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.

Itinerary

Friday, June 6
  • Pickup at meeting spot in Rome at 1:30 
  • Arrive Castello di Petroia, Gubbio 
  • Orientation/Welcome, Aperitivo and Dinner 
Saturday, June 7
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel 
Sunday, June 8
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel 
Monday, June 9
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Wine Tasting
  • Dinner at Hotel 
Tuesday, June 10
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Excursion to Town of Gubbio
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel
Wednesday, June 11
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel 
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Aperitivo and Dinner at Hotel 
  • Outdoor astronomy lecture and stargazing
Thursday, June 12
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Lunch at Hotel
  • Full day of painting instruction
  • Farewell aperitivo and exhibit of work 
  • Farewell Dinner 
Friday, June 13
  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Depart for Rome – 9:30 AM
  • Arrive in Rome at drop-off spot – 12:00-12:30 PM
(Planned itinerary is subject to minor alterations.)

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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.

This workshop was held in the past. 

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