Join artist Sophia Rodionov for an immersive watercolor and mixed media art retreat in Le Marche — often called the new Tuscany — a region of rolling hills, medieval towns, vineyards, and unspoiled Italian landscapes.

This retreat is an invitation to slow down and reconnect: with place, with your artistic voice, and with the pleasure of creating without pressure. Over six nights at the beautiful Chiaraluce Country House, we will paint, sketch, observe, and explore — working both in the studio and on plein air, surrounded by the quiet rhythm of Italian countryside life.

My teaching approach blends clear structure with intuitive freedom. We’ll focus on attentive seeing, expressive composition, and working at the edge between abstraction and reality — using watercolor and mixed media as tools for presence, emotion, and exploration rather than rigid technique. Demonstrations, guided painting sessions, and individual support are combined with time to rest, reflect, and absorb inspiration.

Our days will include painting sessions in historic villages such as Offida, a full-day visit to Ascoli Piceno, seaside sketching, and time spent painting directly from the landscape around the venue. All activities are optional, allowing you to shape the retreat according to your own pace and energy.

This retreat is suitable for artists with some painting experience who wish to deepen their practice, gain confidence in plein-air work, and rediscover joy and freedom in the creative process. Non-painting partners are welcome to join cultural excursions and shared meals.

Expect meaningful artistic growth, generous Italian hospitality, and a week where creativity unfolds naturally — supported by beauty, conversation, and shared experience.

🌍 7 Days
👥 Max. 10 Participants (5 rooms)
🗣️ Available in English
🎨 Mediums: Watercolor & Mixed Media (other mediums welcome)
🌿 Focus: Abstract Art, Landscapes, Nature, Composition, Architectural Sketching
💰 All prices in EURO
💎 Pricing: 

• Single room: €1900
• Double Room: €1700 per person sharing
• Triple Room: €1,500 per person sharing

Non-painting partners are warmly welcomed if accommodation is still available, price for accommodation and activities on demand.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM OF THE RETREAT 

Day 1 – Arrivals

• From 3 p.m. arrival and check-in (no charges on earlier arrivals)
• 6 p.m. Welcome meeting with local wines and briefing of the week 
• 7 p.m. Dinner
  
  

Day 2 – First Immersions (Nature Focus)

• 9 a.m. Breakfast
• 10-12.30 a.m. morning workshop: introduction, warming up, start painting
• 1 p.m. Buffet lunch
• 2.30-5.30 p.m. demo and painting Chiaraluce /view in the local garden
• 6 p.m. Relax
• 7 p.m. Dinner

Day 3 – Exploring Cityscapes, Offida

• 9 a.m. Breakfast
• 10-10.30 a.m. Offida: draw views from the big square, town hall, churches. Packed lunch from Chiaraluce
•  5.30 p.m. back to Chiaraluce
• 6.00 p.m. relax before Dinner
• 7.00 p.m. Dinner

Day 4 – Deepening Expression. Montefiore

• 9 a.m. Breakfast
• 10-13.30 a.m. Montefiore: morning plain air workshop. 
• 2 p.m. Buffet lunch
• 4.00-6.00 p.m. Wine tasting (optional), bring sketchbooks, sketch the wine/glasses/vineyards/barrels of wine or relax at the venue
• 6.30 p.m. relax before dinner
• 7 p.m. Dinner

Day 5 – Ascoli

•  9 am Breakfast
• 10-12:30 am DAY TRIP to Ascoli Piceno to sketch in Piazza del Popolo
• 1 pm Lunch at a local restaurant
• 2:30-5:30 pm Optional free time, shopping, exploring Long demo in a second location after lunch
• 6:00 pm relax before dinner
• 7:00 pm dinner

Day 6 – Synthesis 

• 9 am Breakfast
• 10-12:30 am Final Venue, sketch at the seaside
• 1 pm lunch at Chiaraluce
• 3:00 pm FAREWELL MEETING: informal exhibition of works during the week & "awards"
• 7:00 pm dinner

Day 7 – Departure

• 9 am Breakfast
• 10-12:30 am Check out

BOOKING INFORMATION

All prices are in EURO

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of our control, we will let you know as soon as possible and refund the total cost of the retreat will be made.

All payments are actioned by Chiaraluce Country House, by booking your place here you provide us your name and e-mail address, then you will be contacted by O House employees regarding your payment details.

Book your transformative artistic adventure today and discover the magic of creating art in the heart of Italy. A 30% deposit is payble on confirmation of retreat. The remaining balance must be settled no later than one month prior to the event. Guests who secure their FULL payment before February 15th, 2026 will receive a complimentary wellness package, which includes a kneipp path, salt room, sauna and relaxation area with tea, along flipflops and a robe.

You may send your questions or comments to Chiaraluce on chiaraluce.retreat@gmail.com or to  Evgenia on evgenia@canotstop.com