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A Transformative Painting Journey in Tuscany
Nestled amidst the breathtaking Tuscan hills, this immersive 14-day painting experience is designed to inspire and transform.
Guided by esteemed instructors—Nic Thurman, Kristine Onsrud, and Melisa Calabria—you’ll explore timeless painting techniques in a stunning setting.
Elevate your skills while connecting with like-minded artists and experiencing the beauty of Tuscany.
What You'll Do at the Tuscany Portrait Painting Workshop
Dive Into Painting Philosophy Over Morning Coffee
Begin each day with stimulating discussions led by your instructors, exploring the timeless philosophies and principles of classical painting. Share insights with fellow artists while savoring the peaceful beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
Paint Portraits From Life
Immerse yourself in the timeless craft of portraiture. Work with live models to capture the subtle interplay of form, color, and emotion in every brushstroke.
Learn How to Draw a Portrait In Just One Hour
Hone your observational skills during evening live model drawing sessions. Challenge yourself in spirited, timed competitions where you’ll sketch live models alongside your peers.
Savor Tuscany’s Finest Wines
Take a break from the studio to enjoy a guided wine-tasting experience. Discover the rich flavors of locally crafted wines while soaking in the vineyard’s serene atmosphere.
What Our Participants Say
"I’ll cherish the connections I’ve made here. The food was like a five-star hotel, the teachers were wonderful, and the atmosphere—you’re in a castle in Tuscany, I mean, how much better can it get?"
-Lynne G, Canada
Chloe B
Washington, D.C.
"The atmosphere of the castle is magical. You feel like everything you need is here—or maybe you’re being shown that everything you needed was already in you, and this place just revealed it."
Evan H
Tasmania
"An instructor’s small comment—something they may not necessarily think is so impactful—can utterly change how you approach a problem. That’s the power of having so many perspectives."
Eric C
Florida
“Being in a castle was really unique. You could see and feel the history in every space. My view of the Tuscan countryside each morning felt surreal.”
Hank G
Virginia
"The trips we took to Florence were unforgettable. I felt like I was having a special moment in places like the Chapel with Masaccio—it was like we had our own private tour."
Emile M
Canada
"I thought it would be intimidating to be here, but it was the opposite. There are so many talented painters, but everyone just wants to help each other. I got to be vulnerable, humble, and focus on the craft—which was amazing."
Mari G
Norway
“I have never finished an oil painting before coming here. My learning has been rapid, and I feel proud of the progress and results. I’m looking forward to taking my knowledge home and putting it into practice.”
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,
Celebrate!
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, born in Buenos Aires in 1993, is an accomplished Argentinian painter whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. She began her painting journey at the National University Institute of Arts (IUNA), while simultaneously studying under private instructors to refine her craft.
In 2019, she became a dedicated apprentice to renowned painter Odd Nerdrum, studying under his guidance and continuing her training in Norway from 2021 to 2022. Her work reflects the timeless techniques and philosophy she honed during this transformative period.
Melisa has received accolades in prestigious international competitions, including:
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Figurativas Competition (Spain)
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ARC Salon (USA)
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Mod Portrait (Spain)
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Royal Society of Portrait Painters (UK)
Her paintings have been exhibited in numerous galleries and are part of private collections across the globe. Today, Melisa shares her passion for classical painting through teaching in her Buenos Aires studio and leading workshops internationally, inspiring the next generation of painters.
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Kristine Onsrud
Drawing Inspiration From Rembrandt to Shejerfbeck
Kristine Onsrud is a highly skilled classical painter whose work draws inspiration from masters like Rembrandt and Helene Schjerfbeck. She began her artistic journey with a BA in Fine Art from Kingston University London, before continuing her training at the renowned Florence Academy of Art. There, she excelled in the program, earning the prestigious Fourth-Year Prize, which allowed her to teach and further refine her painting practice for an additional year.
Kristine’s dedication to classical painting led her to the Nerdrum School, where she had the privilege of living and working alongside Odd Nerdrum, immersing herself in his philosophy and techniques. She later furthered her academic expertise at the Courtauld Institute of Art, a world-leading center for the study of art history and conservation.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Kristine shares her deep knowledge and passion for classical painting through workshops, inspiring painters to connect with traditional techniques and timeless craftsmanship.
02
Kristine Onsrud
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03
Nic Thurman
Nic Thurman
Ethereal Enthusiast
Nic Thurman is an accomplished painter and educator whose work has captivated a global audience, including over 250,000 followers on Instagram. His painting journey began in 2014 under the mentorship of the acclaimed classicist Jeremy Caniglia, where he gained invaluable insights into the principles that set classical painting apart from modern art.
Thurman’s commitment to mastering timeless techniques led him to become a pupil of Odd Nerdrum, the renowned master painter and philosopher, from 2018 to 2021. During his time at the Nerdrum School, Thurman refined his technical skills and embraced the philosophy of kitsch painting, deeply influencing his approach. He is also a founding member of the Memorosa Group, dedicated to promoting the eternal values of classical painting.
Driven by an unwavering quest for the eternal masterpiece, Thurman’s work has been exhibited internationally, from New York City to Norway, and is held in private collections around the world. His passion for classical painting continues to inspire and resonate with audiences globally.
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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.
