- After a hearty Italian breakfast, we will walk in the vicinity of the
venue to photograph and forage for objects suitable for our first art session. With olive trees, geckos, pine cones, cacti, and a beach close to hand, we
won’t be short of inspiration.

- Sarah will kick off the first workshop by guiding you through the core skills of drawing and painting from life, using the subjects observed on the morning stroll. This is a light hearted session and ideal for anyone interested in developing their art journaling skills or for anyone lacking confidence in their drawing skills. Light snacks, fruit and refreshments will be available throughout the lunch time period, after which we will dive into Jane’s first lesson. During this afternoon session Jane will guide you through the fun process of creating a rich “treescape” inspired by the olive trees that abound in the area. Watch with excitement as a beautiful piece emerges as you employ Jane’s unique way of applying paint and water to the page. With this practical session finished you will have time to relax and refresh ready for a beautifully prepared evening meal in the ancient town of Oria.

- Your third day unfolds with breakfast, fresh juices and coffee where we can chat about the day ahead.

- After breakfast, you will be taken to the sleepy little town of Nardò where you will be able to take your own photo references, or even indulge in some plein-air painting whilst sitting on the steps of a church or under the umbrella of a cafe. 

- Sarah will be on hand to talk about composition and perspective when it comes to choosing and painting larger areas, such as street scenes. We will then head over to nearby seaside town of Santa Marina Al Bagno. This pretty little coastal area lines a beautiful sea front. On this part of the excursion Jane and Sarah will guide you through some of the best spots to observe and photograph the crystal blue ocean and the crashing waves as they hit against the nearby rocks. 

- We will return back to the Masseria for a spot of delicious lunch before Jane and Sarah deliver a combined workshop demonstrating different approaches to depicting the Sea. During this enjoyable session, you’ll get to use masking fluid, gouache and gel pens to bring alive the majestic and complex nature of crashing waves and sea foam.

- Once the lesson has finished, there will be a couple of hours for relaxation followed by Aperitivo hour and then a traditional home cooked evening meal at the Masseria. 

- After breakfast, Sarah will lead the morning workshop in which you will get to depict a cafe scene inspired by your trip to Nardo. Sarah will explain the rules of perspective and composition as you map out the scene on the paper. Using a range of playful and experimental techniques, you will get to paint a bustling cafe scene, depicting the weathered masonry, rusting balconies and white umbrellas that make these scenes so iconic.

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- After a light lunch, Jane will help you create your first animal portrait of the holiday, a stunning equine portrait. Using Jane’s free flowing method, allow the water to carry the pigment over the paper as a beautiful horse emerges off the page. 

- At 4:30 you will take a well earned break from painting for an organised trip to Grottaglie, an ancient town famed for its ceramic heritage. This is an excellent opportunity to pick up quality, hand made souvenirs for the home or for loved ones. 

We will return to the Masseria in time for a beautifully and freshly prepared evening meal. 

- Day five brings you the amazing opportunity to visit a local equestrian centre with Jane and experience a magical morning horse ride along the Salento shore line. There is no need to be a skilled horserider: before each excursion, information briefings are carried out to get on the saddle safely and both beginners and more experienced itineraries are available.

- If you’d prefer not to visit the stables, then your breakfast will be served at the Masseria and you’ll get the chance to grab a free period for a painting session with Sarah who will be running a masterclass in colour mixing. 

- Once the horse riders have returned, the whole class will gather together for a session led by Jane on how to paint a wonderfully vibrant flamingo. You will learn how to depict feathers with an emphasis on the key skills of timing and pigment control. 

- After lunch Sarah will lead a class on how to paint Italy’s national bird, the sparrow. Using a beautiful rich palette of warm neutral greys and browns, you will get to paint our feathered friend with an emphasis on building up layers whilst letting go of too much detail. At the end of the painting session, there will be the chance to relax or alternatively to take a stroll along the nearby nature reserve to spot flamingoes in their natural habitat.

- The day is completed with a splendid evening out, dining under the stars in the nearby town of Marrugio.

- After a nutritious breakfast, we will embark on our day trip to the wonderful city of Lecce. With the option of a tour provided by a guide you will get the chance to spend the whole day in this Baroque inspired town. 

- Famed for its stunning architecture, Roman amphitheatre, Cathedral and Churches, it is one of the most awe inspiring cities in the world. It is filled with ancient palaces and squares, vibrant cafes, museums and restaurants… ideal for painting plein-air, gathering photo references or simply for taking time out to absorb the atmosphere.

- On our return to the Masseria we will have a relaxing evening dinner over which we can share our experiences of the city and the retreat as a whole and make plans for our final day.

- Having refuelled with breakfast, this is a great opportunity to transform memories from Lecce into captivating artworks. Dive into your photographs and be inspired to complete your previously started pieces or embark on a new artistic journey.

- With freedom in your choice of subject you might be inclined to paint a seascape or depict some of the animals that you’ve seen on your stay in Italy. To this end Jane and Sarah will be on hand to help you bring your vision to life.

- After lunch there will be free time for you to continue painting, to spend time exploring the expanse of beaches in the local area, or if you are a gastro enthusiast, to partake in an impromptu cooking lesson from one of the Masseria's chefs. As the sun sets on our final evening, unique blends of cocktails will be served using locally sourced herbs and spices as a band of local musicians provide us with the perfect musical backdrop to our last evening meal together.

- Enjoy breakfast together, exchange any last contacts and transfer to Brindisi airport (transfer times will be confirmed after booking)

- Please note that the Masseria is very much in the heart of rural Puglia. As such the majority of our trips will be via mini bus with the journeys ranging from 15 to 60
minutes in duration. 

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