Traditional Fresco Painting Course 2027
The Ancient Art of Fresco
Traditional Fresco Painting Course 2027
From 9th to 15th June 2027
7 days / 6 nights
Immerse yourself in the ancient art of fresco in the heart of Tuscany
Treat yourself to a unique artistic experience in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, birdsong, and the peaceful atmosphere of a historic monastery.
Perched on a green hill offering an incredible panorama, the Franciscan convent of Colleviti was built in the late 15th century. This place of peace and prayer, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, underwent numerous modifications between the 17th and 18th centuries, including the renovation of the current cloister, which features a pietra serena colonnade overlooking a large cistern. The complex includes the church of San Ludovico, featuring splendid paintings, a large marble altar, and a fabulous 17th-century wooden choir, along with an important library of approximately 3,000 books, incunabula, and illuminated manuscripts, only partially surviving the fury of Napoleonic suppression.
This intensive course is dedicated to the study and practice of traditional Italian fresco painting.
Your Instructor
For 6 days you will live and work in the historic Convento di Colleviti, learning traditional techniques directly from Master Claudio Stefanelli – Graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts and former Director of the Museums of the City of Pescia.
Who can join
This workshop is suitable for:
- Complete beginners
- Drawing and painting enthusiasts
- Art students
- Amateur artists
- Experienced painters and illustrators
No previous experience is required.
Activities and instruction will be adapted to each participant’s individual level and artistic goals.
Getting Here
The recommended airports are:
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA)
- Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)
To reach Pescia by plane, you can land at Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport or Florence Peretola Airport.
Both are approximately 50 km from the town.
From Pisa (PSA):
Take the Pisamover shuttle service from the airport to Pisa Centrale station (about 3 minutes). Take the regional train to Lucca, then continue by train or suburban bus (line E6) to Pescia. The total travel time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
From Florence (FLR):
Take the T2 tram to the Guidoni stop and from there take the bus to Lucca/Pistoia, or take the train to Florence Santa Maria Novella station. Take the regional train directly or with a change at Lucca/Montecatini Terme towards Pescia. The estimated travel time is approximately 2 hours.
Workshop Programme
Five Days of Fresco Course and Excursions
Day 1 – 9th June – Arrival
Day 2 – 10th June
- 8:00 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 am: Theoretical work in the laboratory, historical notes on fresco painting, execution method, and colors.
- 1:00 pm: Lunch
- 4:00 pm: City tour along the convent’s pedestrian Via Crucis, visit the church and convent of St. Francis, founded by the Saint in 1211, and view the 14th- and 15th-century frescoes.
- 8:00 pm: Dinner
Day 3 – 11th June
- 8:00 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 am: Workshop with presentation of the support on which the fresco will be painted, preparation of the sketch and execution of the dusting
- 1:00 pm: Lunch
- Train transfer to nearby Lucca and
dinner in a typical restaurant, then return by minibus.
Day 4 – 12th June
- 8:00 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 am: Transfer to the city for the weekly market
- 1:00 pm: Lunch
- 4:00 pm: Workshop with preparation of the mortar and application to the substrate, preparation of the
colors. - 8:00 pm: Dinner
Day 5 – 13th June
- 8:00 am: Breakfast and departure by train to Florence, (1 hour) city tour, lunch in a typical restaurant, return by train in the late afternoon
- 8:00 pm: Dinner at convent
Day 6 – 14th June
- 8:00 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 am: Workshop with execution
of the veil (very fine mortar) and the fresco - 1:00 pm: Lunch
- 4:00 pm: Execution of the fresco
Day 7 – 15th June
- 8:00 am: Breakfast and departure of participants
What You Will Learn
Throughout the week participants will explore:
- History of fresco from the Renaissance to today
- Preparation of the arriccio and intonaco plaster
- The techniques of sinopia and the "giornata"
- Use of natural pigments
- Daily practical exercises with individual guidance
- All professional materials included
WHAT YOU TAKE HOME
At the end of the course each participant can take home their own fresco artwork created during the lessons. A unique memory of your experience in Tuscany.
Workshop Fee
€3,750
per person (All inclusive)
€3,550
per person (All inclusive)
Immersive Course Formula
The workshop fee combines accommodation, tuition, local transfers, selected materials and the shared dinners and experiences included in the programme.
Everything you need to focus on art, landscape and hospitality
Useful to budget separately before confirming your trip
Registration & Payment
Upon reaching the number of registered membersPlaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until all places have been filled.
Maximum 10 / Minimum 6The workshop will be confirmed once the minimum number of participants has been reached.
30% non-refundable depositRegistration is considered confirmed only after receipt of the deposit and written confirmation from the organisers.
Single Room €1125Shared Double Room €1065
Due no later than 15 days before the beginning of the workshopThis final payment secures accommodation, transfers, workshop participation and all experiences included in the programme.
Payment Information
After payment, please email a copy of the bank transfer receipt to confirm your registration.
Cancellation Policy
The 30% deposit is non-refundable.
In the event of cancellation before payment of the final balance, only the deposit will be retained.
No refund can be provided after payment of the final balance, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the organisers.
Should the organisers be forced to cancel the workshop, all payments received will be refunded in full.
An Exclusive Workshop
Limited to Only 10 Participants
To ensure a high-quality learning experience and personal attention from the instructor, the workshop is strictly limited to eight participants.
Every guest will benefit from individual guidance and ongoing support throughout the week.
Request Availability
Information & Bookings
Colleviti Monastery
Tuscany, Italy
Email: info@pleinairumbria.com
Telephone / WhatsApp: contatto su richiesta via email
Art • Nature • Culture • Hospitality
Spend a week immersed in creativity, beauty, and authentic Italian culture.
Paint inspiring landscapes, discover medieval villages, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the timeless atmosphere of Colleviti Monastery in the heart of Tuscany.
This is more than a painting workshop — it is an experience you will remember for a lifetime.