Dates: October 2-11, 2027
Instructor: Jean Mackay
Venue: Castello di Petroia, Umbria, Italy
Medium: Ink & watercolor
Level: Open to all levels
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Italian countryside in Umbria. Working primarily in a sketchbook/journal, we’ll take a broad view of “nature” to also include the cultural and artistic traditions of our surroundings and come away with a truly rich and creative approach to journaling that captures your experience of this beautiful and historic place.
Your home for the week is a medieval castle set on a hilltop, surrounded by expansive vistas of fields and mountains, a canopy of spreading oaks, and an olive grove. You’ll also explore two neighboring cities, Gubbio and Perugia. A special visit from falconry experts brings this ancient cultural heritage practice to the castle for an unforgettable afternoon with birds of prey. We’ll sketch it all, plus elements from the castle’s unique architecture, furnishings, period artwork, and map room.
Our schedule includes daily instruction in nature journaling and watercolor painting. You’ll also have studio time in the castle’s spacious new studio space to work on techniques or sketches at your own pace. These will be interspersed with nature walks, cultural excursions, and delicious food—a perfect combination for capturing the nature of Umbria at a relaxed pace.
This immersive workshop is the perfect opportunity to gain confidence and build your artistic skills with Jean’s guidance. The group will work together in a supportive environment and people at all levels of experience are welcome. Jean will work with you to expand your skills and leave you feeling inspired.
Set in the heart of Umbria, Castello di Petroia offers an extraordinary venue for a 10-day art immersion. The 11th-century medieval castle combines the romance of a historic castle with the ease and comfort of a refined countryside retreat.
Perched on a hilltop between Perugia and Gubbio, the castle overlooks the rolling Umbrian countryside and sits within a 500-acre estate of ancient olive groves, meadows, forests, and abundant wildlife.
The birthplace of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino (b. 1422), a major figure of the Italian Renaissance, Petroia offers a rare opportunity to experience the history, beauty, and hospitality of the region.
With just 15 guest rooms, Petroia offers an intimate and unhurried stay. Each artist who registers individually has a private room with ensuite bathroom, featuring exposed beams, stone arches, antique furnishings, and painted ceilings—historic character combined with modern comfort.
The castle and its estate are a painter’s paradise: weathered medieval walls and quiet courtyards, silvery olive groves, open meadows where Chianina cattle graze, and long views rolling out across the Umbrian hills.
A newly renovated 450-square-foot studio with soaring 25-foot vaulted ceilings is yours for the entire stay at the castle, so you can paint whenever inspiration strikes. This bright comfortable workspace offers ample room to spread out and paint, whatever the weather. It’s also a perfect space for painting the still life and the figure. Nearby, the covered loggia on the top floor of the main building offers another sheltered space with sweeping views.
We provide the equipment: easels and painting materials are included and available throughout your stay. Just bring your favorite brushes and we’ll take care of the rest.
Note: We provide traditional oil paints, acrylics, and gouache. Other mediums are not provided.
Meals are served in the castle’s historic spaces, from a breakfast of homemade sweet and savory specialties to relaxed family-style lunches and a daily aperitivo on the terrace. Each evening, Michelin-starred chef Walter Paseri presents a four-course dinner inspired by traditional Umbrian cuisine and seasonal local ingredients.
Beyond painting, guests can relax by the pool among the olive groves, hike the estate’s trails, take a cooking lesson, or simply read and enjoy the views. Gubbio, Assisi, Perugia, and Spoleto are within easy reach, and we’re glad to help arrange visits to hill towns and markets, as well as hiking and biking in the countryside.
What’s Included:
With over 10 years of experience organizing art tours, and with part of our team, our daughters Anne and Amy, living in Europe and fluent in Italian and Spanish, we maintain long term relationships with the owners and staff of our favorite venues. We personally participate in every travel workshop to ensure the quality and to coordinate all the needs of an 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.
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