Tuscany Portrait Painting Workshop
Learn the Craft of Painting
Experience the Magic of Tuscany
April 10-25 2025
Description
Nestled amidst the breathtaking Tuscan hills, this immersive 14-day painting experience invites you to embark on a transformative journey guided by esteemed instructors: Nic Thurman, Kristine Onsrud, and Melisa Calabria.
What We'll Do
Each morning, we gather as a collective to savor coffee and engage in stimulating discussions on the philosophy of painting. Delve deep into the realm of painting techniques through comprehensive lessons, followed by painting a live model, during which you will receive hands-on guidance from the instructors. As the sun sets, nights come alive with spirited drawing competitions, where we gather around a live model, sketching their portrait in intense one-hour sessions.
Day Trips To Florence
Enriching our experience further, we embark on two enlightening tours to Florence, strolling along its enchanting streets and delving into the masterpieces housed at the Uffizi Gallery, Brancacci Chapel, and more.
Included With Your Ticket
The price of your ticket includes: Shuttle Transportation, Accommodation, All Painting Materials, Meals Prepared By Castle Staff, Wine with Lunch & Dinner, Two Day Trips to Florence, Museum Tickets, Wine Tasting, Daily Lessons, Live Models, and 1-on-1 Guidance.
Agenda
April 10-25 2025
*Note: This itinerary is an example designed to give you a sense of the activities and learning opportunities planned. The specific schedule and order of events may vary.
Apr 10
Welcome Dinner
Scheduled shuttle from Florence Airport to the castle. Find your room, and enjoy a warm welcome dinner where you will meet the instructors and attendees. Begin your journey in this captivating setting. and get ready for an immersive experience.
Note: Shuttle transportation from Florence to the castle will be provided at a scheduled meeting point near the Santa Maria Novella Train Station.
Apr 11
Materials
& Drawing Warm-ups
Day 2 begins with an insightful lesson on the materials you'll be working with, gaining a deeper understanding of their qualities and significance in your process. Next, a hands on canvas stretching lesson, where you will get your canvas ready for painting. In the afternoon, you will begin drawing with a live model to warm-up and better understand their structure before diving into the painting sessions to follow.
Apr 12
Oil Ground
Preparation &
Portrait Block-in
Learn the techniques of mixing oil ground and the process of applying it to your canvas. Gain valuable insights into achieving a smooth and durable surface that will enhance your work. You will start the "block-in" phase of your portrait. Setting the important foundation that the rest of your portrait will be built on.
Apr 13
Light & Shadow
Prepare for a day filled with inspiration and insights as we delve into this fundamental aspect of form. Gain a deeper understanding of the significance of light and shadow structure in creating depth, volume, and atmosphere within your work. Continue working on your portraits, incorporating the knowledge and techniques you've acquired.
Apr 14
Skin Color
Variety
You will learn how the Apelles palette works as a harmonious range of colors that can be used to create lively paintings. We will look at examples of masterworks to gain inspiration, learning techniques worth emulating in your own work. More portrait painting sessions from life and a drawing competition!
Apr 15
Brushwork
& Textural
Variety
A day of learning and hands-on practice as we delve into the techniques that add depth and dimension. Continue working on your portraits, honing your skills and experimenting with different brushstrokes. Engage in a drawing competition.
Apr 16
Firenze
Day Trip
Walk the enchanting streets, visit the iconic Uffizi Gallery, Bargello museu, and explore landmarks like Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo. Enjoy dinner in Florence, either at a recommended spot or one of your choosing. We'll reconvene and return to the castle by shuttle.
Note: Museum tickets and shuttle transportation are provided. Meals and personal purchases while in Florence are the participants' responsibility.
Apr 17
Backgrounds
& Unity
Embark on your 6th painting sessions, where you'll have the chance to apply the techniques and concepts learned throughout the workshop to both of your portraits. With a focus on backgrounds, discover how to create harmonious and cohesive compositions.
Apr 18
Emotion
& Focus
Lessons and demonstrations examining emotional expression and focus in paintings. The types of expression and details that offer emotion to the viewer. How to manipulate the focus to enhance drama and realism. Evening drawing competition.
Apr 19
Final Details
Demonstrations to help you find the final details and unlock the transformative power of small, subtle touches that elevate your paintings. Receive personal guidance from the instructors as they help you navigate the final stages. At night there will be a drawing competition.
Apr 20-21
Scumbling
& Glazing
Demonstrations on glazing and final effects that can help to produce enhanced contrast and depth. Discover how carefully applied translucent layers can create a remarkable interplay of light and shadow. Engage in the final painting sessions, putting into practice the techniques learned.
Apr 22
Firenze pt. 2
In the morning we will be shuttled to Florence where we will spend our day at the Patti Palace and Brancacci Chapel. After our visits, we will have the opportunity to wander through the charming streets of Florence. Discover hidden gems, visit local sites, and indulge in the beauty that surrounds you. We'll reconvene and return to the castle by shuttle.
Note: Museum tickets and shuttle transportation are provided. Meals and personal purchases while in Florence are the participants' responsibility.
Apr 23
Draw,
Wine,
Draw,
Exhibit
We begin the day with a morning meeting, where we gather to reflect on our journey and engage in a friendly drawing competition. After a satisfying lunch, we venture into a nearby town for a delightful guided wine tasting tour.
Immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of local wines, learning about the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. Returning to the castle we will have another drawing competition! We will end the day with a final exhibition where everyone can display their paintings, talk with friends, and receive any final critiques from the instructors.
Apr 24
Pack,
Resolve,
Party!
On our final day in the castle, we come together for a meaningful gathering that allows us to reflect on our transformative journey, share insights gained, and engage in philosophical discussions that have shaped our perspectives. Together, we seek resolutions and further our understanding of the profound connections between painting, life, and personal growth.
You will have time to pack and organize your belongings as we prepare for the end of our enchanting stay. In the evening, we come together once again to continue our discussions and celebrate the culmination of your hard work. Embrace the camaraderie and connection that has blossomed throughout the workshop as we toast to your achievements.
Apr 25
Farewell
We will have one final breakfast and morning meeting as a group, then a shuttle will take us all to Florence where we will say our final goodbyes.
The Instructors
3
FEATURED PAINTERS
01
Melissa Calabria
Melisa Calabria
Master of Color & Sentimentality
Melisa Calabria is an Argentinian painter born in Buenos Aires, in 1993. She started her studies in IUNA (National Universitary Institute of Arts) and studied at several private workshops at the same time. She became an apprentice and student of Odd Nerdrum´s in 2019, and from 2021 to 2022 she continued her studies there in Norway. Melisa has been a part of many exhibitions and her work is in private collections worldwide.
She has recieved mentions in international contest such as Figurativas Competition (Spain), ARC Salon (USA), Mod Portrait (Spain), Royal Society of Portrait Painters (UK).
Currently she’s working in Buenos Aires, where she teaches in her studio. She is also teaching in workshops internationally.
FOLLOW
Kristine Onsrud
Drawing Inspiration From Rembrandt to Shejerfbeck
Kristine Onsrud is a highly skilled classical painter with influences ranging from Rembrandt to Helene Shejerfbeck. After concluding her BA in Fine Art at Kingston University London she enrolled at the Florence Academy of Art. After completing the standard program, she was awarded the prestigious fourth-year prize. That allowed her to stay at the Florence Academy for an additional year to teach and further develop her own painting practice.
After leaving Florence, she had the privilege of continuing her journey at the Nerdrum School, where she lived and worked alongside Odd Nerdrum. Kristine went on to the Courtauld Institute of Art, a world-leading center for the study of art history, conservation, and curating, where she furthered her studies and expertise. Kristine has exhibited her work worldwide, and continues to share her knowledge through workshops.
02
Kristine Onsrud
FOLLOW
03
Nic Thurman
Nic Thurman
Ethereal Enthusiast
Nic Thurman is an accomplished painter who has dedicated his career to exploring universality in painting . His journey began in 2014 when he had the privilege of receiving mentorship from the acclaimed classicist Jeremy Caniglia. During that time he gained invaluable insights into the principles that distinguish classical painting from its modern counterpart.
Building upon this strong foundation, Thurman continued his development by becoming a pupil of the renowned master painter Odd Nerdrum from 2018 to 2021. Under Nerdrum's guidance, he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of timeless principles and kitsch philosophy. Thurman was also one of the founding members of the Memorosa Group.
Thurman's unwavering quest for the eternal masterpiece serves as the driving force behind his endeavors, and his dedication to the craft has earned him recognition worldwide. He has participated in exhibitions spanning from New York City to Norway, and his work is collected privately around the globe.
FOLLOW
14
03
22
DAYS
INSTRUCTORS
PARTICIPANTS
The Venue
53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga SI
Italy
Steeped in over ten centuries of rich history, Castello di Montalto exudes an enchanting tranquility amidst its picturesque surroundings. Nestled within reach of local artisans and vineyards, this extraordinary estate offers a harmonious balance between seclusion and convenience. Located a mere hour from Florence, the estate encompasses vast landscapes adorned with an organic farm, spanning over 200 hectares that produces olive oil, honey and cereals. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Castello di Montalto, where history, nature, and artisanal craftsmanship converge.
Where You'll Stay
The Castle offers a variety of accommodations, including numerous villas, each boasting distinctive bedrooms, bathrooms, and inviting common rooms. Your lodging will be determined by the ticket type you select, providing you with a range of options tailored to your preferences. Choose from a luxurious private villa for ultimate privacy, a private bedroom with an en suite bathroom in a shared villa or a shared bedroom with a shared bathroom, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences. Select the accommodation that best suits your needs and immerse yourself in the unique charm of the Castle.
Testimonials
