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Quattro Archi

STUDIO & GALLERY

Barga, Tuscany

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Enquire / Book

Artist's Retreat for Like-Minded-People

Enquire / Book

🕝   6 days


From £885 each for 2 friends in a shared ensuite room. Private Ensuite Room £1283. See price list at bottom of this page for other options.

Description

A retreat for artists of all abilities in beautiful Barga. Just paint and draw with friends or take advantage of structured exercises in different techniques to help broaden your portfolio.


If you fancy some space to be creative with the option to share  your ideas and work with others and the option to tap into some advice and feedback, this retreat is for you.   The beautiful Tuscan village environment will help you slow down, find the opportunity to learn new processes and give you time to observe your surroundings, the Barga heritage, architecture and colour.​We start the course searching for that 'sense of place' as we explore the cobbled streets and sunlit piazzas of our medieval  town overlooking the spectacular Apuan mountain range between us and the azzure Mediterranean sea.  We gather inspiration from the people, their  centuries old buildings and traditions as we soak up the rhythms of Italian village life.​Jane will help you select interesting vistas, subjects, colours and themes for you to practice and develop your skills.  Take our map of potential vantage points and explore at will or discuss what might be an interesting perspective for you.  Re-group at will and get feedback, share your successes or move on to another technique or approach. Jane will help you evaluate options to select an image or two to work with and ultimately produce your finished masterpiece if you wish, using the facilities of the studio.​At the end of the course we usually have an optionally pop-up exhibition of the work to which the public are invited.  It has proved very popular with the local community who love to see what our artists have produced.​We have a good level of flexibility, so if you need to head off for some outdoor fun or retail therapy or just chill, we can work round that so you still get the most from the retreat.


Join us for an immersive 6-day retreat in the heart of Tuscany. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills in while surrounded by the inspiring beauty of medieval Barga.

Retreat Details

Skill Level

All levels


Availability

Open

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Jane Richardson


I'm often busy with the day-to-day work at Quattro Archi, so I really appreciate the need to make some creative ME time where I can think, feel inspired, relax, create and try something different.  This is what this retreat is for and I love the opportunity to help artists do their own thing.....but not alone. I also love the buzz and excitement which accompanies the end of course pop-up show in our adjacent gallery.  Often this is the first time people have had the chance to show anything in a public place and they love it! Art and making have always been a central part of my life.  Drawing was a favourite activity as a child which evolved into a graphic design degree and career teaching art and design to all ages. My own work starts with observations, photography and sketching inspired by architecture both in Italy and Scotland as well as a particular favorite woodland where I have been able to record the turmoil of our changing climate alongside the wonderful magic of our natural environment. My work is loose, busy and full of pattern with an element of freedom and expression which I use to convey that moment in time, that sense of place, that atmosphere which makes an original painting, sketch or print more than a picture.

What's Included

  • Professional studio access and equipment

  • Expert tuition and guidance

  • All materials and supplies

  • Accommodation options

  • Welcome breakfast

  • Studio time throughout your stay

Sample Schedule

  • Day 1: Welcome & Introduction to Watercolour. Sketching outside. 

  • Day 2-4: Trying different techniques. Trying something different?

  • Day 5: Finalising in the studio. Exhibition. 

  • Day 6: Departure.

Getting Here

Nearest airport is Pisa with taxi, train, bus and car connections to Barga

What's Not Included

𝐗  Flights, lunch, dinner, travel insurance, return travel to airport

Accommodation

We offer comfortable rooms in the heart of Barga, each thoughtfully designed to provide a peaceful retreat after your studio time. All rooms feature traditional Tuscan character with modern amenities.

View Accommodation Details

☞ Quattro Archi


Barga, Tuscany, Italy


Most guests arrive via Pisa or Florence airports and continue by train to Barga–Gallicano station. We're happy to help you plan the easiest route and can arrange local transfers if needed.

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