free yourself sketching + painting RETREAT
TUSCANY, ITALY
October 19-27, 2026
11 of 12 spaces are open
we wine, we dine, we shop, we tour and we paint & SKETCH
like there is no tomorrow!
October 19-27, 2026
Hosted by Il Chiostro Workshops
Location: Dievole Winery Resort, Tuscany Italy - Plein Air
$4475
Free Yourself Sketching + Painting RETREAT
Part of the Autumn Arts Festival
You may work in whatever medium you prefer (ink, oil, acrylic, pastel, gouache)
but also bringing a sketch pad, a sharpie and a tiny watercolor set are highly suggested, especially for beginners.
All levels of experience are very welcome.
Karen has been working en plein air in oil for over 30 years and is an experienced oil and acrylic studio painter and is an avid travel sketcher.
She works in impressionistic, representational as well as abstracted styles both en plein air and in studio.
She began leading workshops with Il Chiostro Workshops in 2007.
This Sketching + Painting RETREAT is designed to help you unlock the keys to making
art from YOUR heart. Treat yourself to a trip of a life time in Tuscany. Limited spaces.
What is the difference in a WORKSHOP and a RETREAT?
This RETREAT is designed to accommodate creative travel for both the newer painter and the experienced painter allowing for the flexibility you desire.
If you're an experienced painter, you may choose to work more independently,
possibly create a body of work for an upcoming show and still enjoying being part of the group
for meals, touring, shopping, and social outings.
If you're a newer painter, you may choose to sketch and paint with Karen each day
that the group is not touring to get as much instruction as you'd like.
Karen will be demonstrating in sketching + painting each day that we are not touring. This is a limited class size, please sign up now to secure your space.
"I visited Dievole for a wine tasting afternoon, many years ago. It was more than beautiful and I've painted from those photos for a decade. I have seen their guest rooms online and they look amazing." - Karen
HOW TO SIGN UP
Click here to go to Il Chiostro's Website
or, Contact Michael or Linda
at Il Chiostro by email info@ilchiostro.com
Or, call 800-990-3506
Pricing, Private Room Info, Getting There, Accommodations and all the details
are on the Il Chiostro website.
Click Here to Email Karen
Call Karen 843-754-0494
Photo Credit: Il Chiostro Workshops
Dievole Wine Resort is apx. 30 minutes drive from Siena, Italy
Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, specifically in the hamlet of Vagliagli, in Tuscany, Italy. The resort is situated within an 800-acre estate in the Chianti Classico region, about 12 km northeast of Siena.
Visit DIEVOLE * THE CHIANTI CLASSICO online
or, on their Instagram
to get a feel for the property.
Previous Workshop Photos
we wine, we dine, we shop, we tour and we paint like there is no tomorrow!
Since 2007, I've hosted groups in France, The Bahamas, Charleston and Italy. It's always a delicious and enriching experience. Follow along with our adventures and come with us on on the next painting trip!
Student Reviews
"This was the fourth time I've
attended one of of Karen's destination
workshops, and I always have a
fabulous experience. So inspiring
for beginners as well as
experienced artists!"
- Kathy L.
Columbia SC
"So thankful I got to experience
Karen's wonderful workshop in Italy!
Working on location was inspiring.
Painting in a poppy field, visiting
surrounding towns and enjoying
fabulous Italian meals made for
a lifetime of memories."
- Jane J.
Florence, SC
"Everything was just right! In fact, more
than just right.
It was the experience of a
lifetime. The food, the wine,
the beauty of Italy...
what's not to love?"
-Debra B.
Charleston, SC
"Wonderful!
You made a dream come true for me!"
- Wilda T.
Charleston, SC
