Course Description
This workshop is designed as a relaxed yet focused introduction to painting from life, combining portrait and landscape studies in the unique atmosphere of Tuscany.
Over five days, participants will create one or two portrait studies as well as several small landscape paintings, working directly from observation. The course is suitable for all levels, with individual guidance provided throughout.
The main focus will be on understanding light, color relationships, and building form. Students will learn how to approach painting in a direct, intuitive way capturing the essential character of the subject rather than overworking details.
Through demonstrations and one-on-one feedback, Alisa will guide participants in developing a more confident and expressive approach to painting.
The goal of the workshop is not only to improve technical skills, but also to enjoy the process of painting in a beautiful and inspiring environment.
Course Outline
Saturday
16:00 - Check in & Estate Tour
18:00 - Welcome aperitivo followed by dinner
Sunday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Painting Session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Painting Session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
Monday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Painting Session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Painting Session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
Tuesday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Painting Session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Painting Session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
Wednesday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
FREE BREAK DAY. Optional trip to Florence.
Thursday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Painting Session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Painting Session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
Friday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Painting Session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Painting Session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
Saturday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 -Check out
About Alisa Semenova
Alisa Semenova is a contemporary realist painter specializing in figurative work and portraiture. She graduated from the Ilya Repin Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg in 2023, where she received a rigorous academic training in drawing and oil painting.
Her work is rooted in academic tradition while embracing a more painterly and expressive approach. She is particularly interested in light, tonal relationships, and the subtle psychological presence of the model.
Alongside her studio practice, Alisa regularly teaches workshops across Europe and Asia, focusing on alla prima portrait painting and the study of light, color, and form.
Accommodation & Inclusions
What's included
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7 nights accommodation
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Daily breakfast, 5 lunches and 6 dinners with wine
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Pizza making experience
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Daily Aperitivo
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A2 size drawing boards
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Painting Easel
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Transfers
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Infinity pool
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Tennis court
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Wifi
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Laundry facilities
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VAT tax
What's not included
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Painting materials
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Wine Tours
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Massage
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City tax (€2.50 per person per day to be paid in cash on arrival)
Materials to bring
Oil Paints
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Titanium White, Lemon Cadmium or Indian Yellow, Light Ochre, Natural Sienna (optional), English Red, Transparent Mars Orange / Transparent Red Oxide (Red Oxide Transparent), Light Cadmium Red, Umbra (Burnt Umber or similar), Van Dyke Brown, Bone Black (Ivory Black / Bone Black), Cobalt Blue Hue (Royal Blue), Ultramarine, Emerald Green
Mediums & Painting Materials:
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Odorless painting medium
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Thinner + varnish option (e.g. damar varnish or similar)
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Optional additional brush cleaner
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Small metal palette cups (clip-on type for palette)
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Disposable paper palettes
Brushes & Tools
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Flat brushes (mainly recommended)
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Bristle and synthetic brushes
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Sizes from small to large (approx. 4–20)
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Rags / cloths for wiping brushes
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Soap (solid bar soap for cleaning brushes)
Supports (Canvas & Drawing Surfaces)
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5–10 painting supports per participant (depending on workflow)• Small to medium canvases
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Canvas on cardboard panels (oil-ready)
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Small stretched canvases on stretcher bars
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Oil sketchbooks / oil paper sketchbooks (prepared for oil painting)
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Optional sketchbooks for studies
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Pencils, colored pencils, and pastels for preliminary sketches
Note: Participants can mix different support types (canvas, panels, sketchbooks). This flexibility is
encouraged depending on working speed and personal approach.
Small bedroom shared bathroom:
Single occupancy: €1,750
Double occupancy: €2,240
Bedroom with shared bathroom:
Single occupancy: €2,295
Double occupancy: €3,295
Bedroom with ensuite:
Single occupancy: €2,590
Double occupancy: €3,590
Superior bedroom with ensuite:
Single occupancy: €2,890
Double occupancy: €3,890