Fine Arts, Art History and Italian language courses in Florence

One day of Art

A day dedicated to Fine Arts in our studio or in Florence or in any town of Tuscany

An intensive day of Art

One-day Art classes are meant for those art lovers who have little time to spend in Tuscany, but who wish to experience an intensive day of Art in our studio or among the monuments and buildings of Florence or in any another area of Tuscany, such as the charming Chianti hills, the medieval Siena and San Gimignano, or the charming Lucca.

Group lessons are normally made up of 8-9 students and they are available every week between Monday and Friday.

  • The 3-hour group class usually takes place from 10.00am to 1pm. Recommended mediums: pencil, charcoal, watercolor.
  • The 3.5-hour group class usually takes place from 1.30pm to 5pm. Recommended mediums: pencil, charcoal, watercolor.
  • The 5-hour group class takes place from 11.30am to 5pm (lunch break from 1pm to 1.30pm). Recommended mediums: pencil, charcoal, watercolor, acrylics, pastels.
  • The 6.5-hour group class takes place from 10am to 5pm (lunch break from 1pm to 1.30pm). During this one-day course students can choose to practice one of the following mediums: pencil, charcoal, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, oil, sculpture with clay, fresco.

One-to-one and two-to-one classes (and also classes for small preexisting groups) are available every day even at weekends. Students can practice the medium they prefer according to their skills as well as to the the duration of the class.

Students can take their lessons en plein air in the squares and streets of Florence, in its beautiful surroundings or in the famous Chianti hills. Students can also choose one or more among these destinations in Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Pisa, Vinci, Volterra, Certaldo, Lucca, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino, Arezzo.

Students will always be guided at their level of expertise

For individuals and small groups the program and the schedule of these courses can be totally tailored to their needs and interests.

At the end of the lesson students will have accomplished a small but meaningful artwork which they will bring back home as a keepsake of their stay in Italy.

The programs

A. One day of Drawing and Painting in Florence and/or in its surroundings

This is a very in-depth course conceived for those artists who, while spending a day in Tuscany, wish to be immerged in the Renaissance atmosphere, drawing and painting under the supervision and guidance of our experienced Art teachers.

During this course students will have the opportunity to choose and practice various drawing and painting techniques, such as graphite, charcoal, pastel, water-colour, acrylic, oil.

En plein air sessions can take place along the Arno river, in the ancient squares and in the “secret” gardens of Florence, away (but not far) from the madding touristic crowd. We can advice you on where to paint and draw before the lesson starts but you can also decide your destination on the day of your lesson.

This course is suitable both for Art novices as well as for experienced artists and professionals.

Please note:

  • Our en plein air group classes are only available from March 15th to October 15th.
  • Our en plein air classes involve walking and climbing stairs to reach outdoor locations for drawing and painting stunning, iconic views. If you have mobility limitations, this class may not be suitable. We recommend contacting us to discuss alternative options. Refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis for documented mobility issues that prevent participation.

B. One day of Drawing and Painting in the studio

A very intensive, tailored Art course for those who wish to focus on drawing and painting techniques, either on an individual basis or in very small groups. Four options of classes are available:

a 3.5-hour group from 1.30pm to 5pm;
a 6.5-hour group class from 10am to 5pm;
a 4-hour private lesson  or a 6-hour private lesson at the time you wish.

For these lessons our teachers will arrange a programme according to your needs, artistic experience and background.

C. One-to-one Drawing and Painting

A very intensive, tailored private Art course for those who wish to focus on drawing and painting techniques, in studio or en plein air:

a 4-hour private lesson or a 6-hour private lesson at the time you wish.

For these lessons our teachers will arrange a programme according to your needs, artistic experience and background.

D. One day of Drawing and Painting in Tuscany

This is a very special private course that will take you in a full day to one or more of the following unforgettable places:

  • the Chianti area, between Florence and Siena;
  • Siena. San Gimignano, Monteriggioni;
  • Pisa, Volterra;
  • Vinci, Certaldo;
  • Lucca;
  • Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino;
  • Arezzo.

You will take sketches of the marvellous Tuscan countryside and towns and you will be able to paint breathtaking “scorci” en plein air.

A private car will take you and your Art teacher to the place you have opted for: you will have the opportunity to draw in a relaxed atmosphere and to achieve some artworks that you will take home and maybe use to get inspired in the future.

Our Art teachers will help students to develop their observation abilities while reproducing a natural landscape or a townscape, or even a monument or an ancient building. Students may choose to approach and practice one or more techniques according to their skills and preferences, such as charcoal, pastel, oil.

The programme

– Departure from Florence between 8am and 10am.
– Arrival and sketching/painting at the open air in the area you have singled out from our list.
– Light lunch.
– More sketching and visits
– Back to Florence by 6-7pm.
Total duration of the programme: approx. 8-10 hours.

We advise students should wear trekking or comfortable shoes and a wide-brimmed hat.

This course can be recommended both to Art novices and to experienced artists and professionals.

  • Please note: Our en plein air classes involve walking and climbing stairs to reach outdoor locations for drawing and painting stunning, iconic views. If you have mobility limitations, this class may not be suitable. We recommend contacting us to discuss alternative options. Refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis for documented mobility issues that prevent participation.

Price details

Price

A. One-Day in Florence and its surroundings

Between Monday and Thursday
3 hours 1/2 in group classes €95
6 hours 1/2 in group classes €180

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B. One-Day in Studio

Between Monday and Friday
3 hours in group classes €85
3 hours 1/2 in group classes €95
5 hours in group classes €140
6 hours 1/2 in group classes €180
Combined, 2 hours 1/2 PRIVATE + 3 ore 1/2 in GROUP €210

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C. Private classes

In studio or en plein air

From Monday to Friday
4 hours of private tuition €225
6 hours of private tuition €295

Saturday or Sunday
4 hours of private tuition €285
6 hours of private tuition €395

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D. One-day in Tuscany

Between Monday and Saturday
The Chianti area, between Florence and Siena, €790
Siena, €850
San Gimignano/Monteriggioni, €850
Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino, €850
Pisa, €850
Vinci, €850
Lucca, €850
Arezzo, €850

Prices are meant for 1 student.

For 2 students please add 95 Euro to the above mentioned prices.

For small groups, other options or more information, please contact us.

Course price includes

  • All the necessary Art materials;
  • a certificate at the end of the course.

Please note

  • Small group classes are normally made up of 8-10 students.
  • Group and private classes are held both in English and in Italian.
  • Upon request, private classes can be held also in Russian, Spanish, French and German.
  • The programme can be tailored to the student’s needs, skills and interests.
one day en plein air
Please note
  • Art material will be provided by the school, but students can also bring with them the material they normally use in their studios or in other academies.
  • Upon signing up for Art classes each applicant is kindly requested to specify the technique(s) he or she wishes to study during his or her course.

Contact us

Testimonials

  • Ruby and I took a one day Plein air course June 20. Thank you for this great experience !!! It was top on my list of activities spent in Italy for the past three weeks !!! I want to return to your fine school in the near future !!
    Debb and RubyCanada
  • The one day (6.5 hr) En Plein Aire was wonderful. This was a birthday gift for my husband who wanted to learn how to sketch & he truly enjoyed the experience! Thank you Martha for being a great teacher. (more…)
    Brigitte P.USA