Course Description
Immerse yourself in art during this five-day drawing and painting retreat with Juliette Aristides—internationally recognized painter, author of Classical Drawing Atelier and Classical Painting Atelier, and founder of one of America’s leading Ateliers. Working from direct observation, you will explore a variety of subjects through drawing and oil sketching, painting both the beautiful grounds and the interiors of the Renaissance chapel. This retreat offers the rare combination of rigorous instruction, thoughtful dialogue, and sustained time for focused work. You will leave with stronger technical skills, a deeper understanding of your creative process, and new ways of approaching your work.
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Instruction progresses from structure, proportion, and value toward increasingly resolved studies. Daily demonstrations are paired with thoughtful critiques, providing individualized guidance alongside group discussions on process, perception, and the enduring questions of representation in art.Inspired by the nineteenth-century artist colonies, each day balances concentrated studio practice with shared meals and conversation, creating a community of artists learning and working together.
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Evenings feature informal salon-style roundtable discussions led by Dr. Paul Kidder, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Seattle University. Drawing on philosophy, selected readings, and participants' own experiences, these conversations explore beauty, meaning, and what it means to create deeply human work in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Open to these discussions invite reflection, curiosity, and the exchange of ideas.
Course Outline​
Saturday
16:00 - Check in & Estate Tour
18:00 - Welcome aperitivo followed by dinner
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Sunday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Morning session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Afternoon session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
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Monday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Morning session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Afternoon session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
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Tuesday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Morning session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Afternoon session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
Wednesday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
Class Break - Stay at Rignana and relax, or visit Florence for the day
Thursday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Morning session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Afternoon session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
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Friday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 - 13:00 - Morning session
13:00 - 14:00 - Farm to table lunch at Rignana
14:30 - 16:30 - Afternoon session
18:30 - Aperitivo followed by dinner
Saturday
08:30 - 9:30 - Italian breakfast
10:00 -Check out
About Juliette
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Juliette Aristides is a Seattle based painter who seeks to understand and convey the human spirit through art. Aristides exhibits nationally in dozens of one person and group shows including multiple museum exhibitions including the solo: Observations in Reading, PA and A Life’s Work at the Customs House Museum, TN. She received Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. She is the recipient of the Elisabeth Greenshields Grant and is recognized as a living master by The Art Renewal Center. She was the Director of the renowned Aristides Atelier for 25th years, the first Atelier in the Northwest. She is in dozens of magazines and authored seven books including Classical Painting Atelier and Lessons in Classical Drawing. Her newest book: The Inner Life of the Artist published by Monacelli Press, NYC spring of 2025.
“I have met many thousands of artists over the last fifty years of painting and thirty-five years of making paint. Very rarely do I meet someone who is as good at writing as she is at her visual art. Juliette Aristides is one such person–both a terrific writer and great artist.” –Robert Gamblin, founder of Gamblin Artist Colors.
Accommodation & Inclusions
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
Suite - Master bedroom, Living room, Mezzanine bedroom & Bathroom:
Single Occupancy: €3,150
Extra person: €1,000 each
What's included
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7 nights accommodation with airconditioning
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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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Painting Easel
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Arrival & departure 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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City tax (€2.50 per person per day to be paid in cash on arrival)
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Materials
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Day trips
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Optional Add-ons
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Wine Tours
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Massage