Italy in Mixed Media: A Sketchbook Retreat
with Samantha Williams-Chapelsky
9th - 16th June 2028
Wherever you are in your artistic journey, this culture-filled week in Italy’s stunning Le Marche region is sure to inspire!
Experience luxury accommodation in the Hotel Leone, a sensitively restored 1500’s Palazzo in the medieval town of Montelparo. Surrounded by rolling hills, and the majestic Sibillini mountains, the panoramic views and authentic culinary experiences will provide fuel for the creative spirit.
We will explore the regions charming landscapes, taking trips out on location. The unique light, and colors of the Le Marche region will excite our senses. As we explore and immerse ourselves into the architecture, and landscapes, we will use the camera lens with a “painter’s eyes”. Gathering expressions of light, or interesting architectural details with shadows. We will do some quick sketches, make color notes, or recall the emotions stimulated but our time in each place.
Capturing the essence of the villages that we can distill, simplify and then use to later design an expressive painting.
In the peaceful sun drenched studio, we will focus on creating dynamic color stories, and simplified expressive compositions using gouache or watercolour and wax pastels.
To grow in our creativity we must challenge ourselves to step into a place of the unknown. The artistic journey is about expansion within ourselves and our artistry, never about a finished painting. Wherever you may be in your journey, I will support and encourage the joy of authentic expression.
An artistic soul must be fueled by both visual and sensory stimulation.
About Samantha
Samantha Williams-Chapelsky has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Alberta majoring in painting and art history. She finished her degree by studying art and art history in Cortona, Italy for 3 months.
Samantha has been exhibiting her art extensively for the past 19 years mainly creating abstracted landscapes in both acrylic and oil paint. Her paintings are included in numerous corporate and private collections and are represented in 5 commercial art galleries across Canada.
Samantha has been instructing art workshops for over 20 years including hosting lectures on acrylic paint, texture processes and assorted workshops on landscape simplification in Canada and the United States.
Your Stay and Retreat Experience
Tuition & Creative Space
• Five days of painting tuition, including demonstrations and one-to-one advice and guidance
• Three days of painting at specially selected, stunning locations
• Unlimited use of the air-conditioned studio
• Portable easels, boards and stools and chairs are provided for use during your stay
Your Accommodation
• Seven nights accommodation in luxury, air-conditioned, en-suite rooms
• Luxury bedding
• 100% cotton waffle robes and slippers
• High-quality, 100% natural Italian toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, body lotion and hand gel)
• Daily room servicing
• Mid-week linen and towel change
Food & Wine
• All meals are provided throughout your stay
• Daily breakfast
• Buffet lunch at the hotel or lunch in local eatery
• Three course gourmet evening menu
• Local wines served with lunch and dinner
• A relaxed “pizza-giro” evening at a local trattoria, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel
Experiences During Your Stay
During your stay, we arrange a selection of small-group experiences designed to connect you with the landscape, culture and traditions of Le Marche:
• A hands-on pasta-making masterclass with a local family, learning to make traditional tagliatelle and ravioli
• Excursion to the beautiful town of either Ascoli Piceno or Fermo – to be decided nearer the time (lunch not included)
Transfers & Getting Here
For your convenience, we offer one scheduled group transfer on arrival and departure day from either:
• Ancona Airport
• Pedaso (station or bus stop)
This is provided as a complimentary service for guests arriving at similar times.
We also arrange transport for group activities during the week, allowing you to relax and enjoy each experience without logistical concerns.
Guests travelling outside of the scheduled transfer times are welcome to make their own arrangements, and we are always happy to assist with advice.
Room Type
Shared Classic Ensuite Room
Private Classic Ensuite Room
Private Superior Ensuite Room
Private Deluxe Ensuite Room
Private Junior Suite Ensuite
2 Bedroom Suite - private room, shared en-suite bathroom
Price Per Person
€3799
€4299
€4399
€4499
€4649
€4149
For more information, including pricing per room type, please fill in your details below
Deposit
To secure you spot on the retreat please click on the Retreat Booking button above, complete the form, select your preferred room type and pay a non-refundable deposit of €350.
Travel / Transfers
The group pick up is at 2:30pm from Ancona airport and 3:30pm at Pedaso train station or bus stop.
On the day of departure we will leave for Ancona airport after breakfast at 9.30am. Hotel Leone is about one hour and a quarter from the airport so you should arrive just before / around 11.00am your ideal return flight should be later than 12 noon.
If you’d like to arrive a day or two early and stay in Ancona or Pedaso, below are the hotels we normally recommend:
ℹ️
The hotel will be booked exclusively for you and your art group. Please note that the hotel is situated in a medieval hill-top town and that from the main building to the studio building there is a very brief walk on a slightly sloping but smooth cobbled street. All rooms have stairs-only access and if you choose a room the upper floor in the main building this will entail two sets of stairs. Therefore, this venue may not be suited for participants with limited mobility. Please also be mindful that the days on location may involve walking on uneven, cobbled streets. The exact locations will vary based on instructor planning, group dynamics and/or weather conditions.
