ITALY
Italy Painting Tour of Tuscan Hill Towns
- Plein Air Small Format Landscape Drawing and Painting workshop with Professional Tour Leader Kathleen Jacobs.
- Maximum of twelve participants to ensure quality instruction and enjoyment.
- Overnight in Florence with dinner, departing the next day for eight evenings staying in one Tuscan village.
- Your accommodations are in the heart of Chianti with pool, overlooking panoramic views, and a wellness center for those that would like to partake in a sauna or Turkish bath.
- You’ll be immersed in the Tuscan countryside, not having to pack and move every few days.
- Explore Castellina in Chianti in depth, painting each day, and enjoying the tremendous choice of restaurants.
- Take a few day trips to explore and paint the famous sights of this region, much of it unchanged over hundreds of years: mile after mile of orderly rows of grapevines, cypress trees piercing the skyline, village and fortress towns that crown nearly every hilltop.
MORE INFO HERE
IRELAND
Ireland
September 7-14, 2027
Essence of Mulranny, COUNTY MAYO, WESTERN IRELAND
The Outer and Inner Landscape
Plein Air Landscape Sketching and Painting Workshop
with artist Kathleen Dunn Jacobs
Place: ESSENCE OF MULRANNY ARTS
Mulranny, County Mayo, Ireland
SEPTEMBER 7 - 14, 2027
Skill Level: All levels
Join artists Kathleen Dunn Jacobs for an outdoor landscape painting and drawing workshop at the culturally rich Essence of Mulranny Arts, located at an Old Convent Campus, on the Western Coast of County Mayo Ireland. The landscape surrounding the Essence of Mulranny Arts, will be our muse that offers inspirational coast views and sunsets that have stirred artists for many generations.
About this class:
This weeklong creative painting and drawing retreat will help to immerse yourself in the delight of our natural world and rejuvenate your inner landscape by tapping into your creative process.
Kathleen will provide individualized instruction, demonstrations, discussions and presentations that will provide the format for an intensive exciting learning experience. There will be quiet, morning walks to scenic paths, balanced with quiet study to feed your vision and heart. Working small, participants will seek to create work with a spirit of place by emphasizing “slow looking” to understand the elements of the natural world, while responding to the grace, order and beauty that is in front of you and from within you. There will be ample opportunity to discuss each other’s work and to discuss international landscape painters throughout history. Nourishing food and stimulating conversation will be balanced with time to work alone to reflect on your purpose within your artistic life and process.
Mulranny is a small seaside village on Clew Bay in Co. Mayo. It is located at the dramatic western edge of Ireland, the end boundary of Europe. Here, land and sea meet at the threshold of a powerful creative adventure. Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, rises majestically from the sea on the opposite side of the bay. It is here that the ancients as well as the modern-day pilgrims have climbed the steep path to the summit. You can see the small chapel’s reflective glint on the top.
This is sheep country and below the village the sheep stand still as the tide comes in over their grazing patch on a salt marsh. They have learned to patiently stand and wait for the waters to recede so they can once again graze the salty grass. The rhythm of life here is dominated by these tides, flowing over the white sand beaches and then leaving in hasty withdrawal to the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Included in your retreat:- Workshop
instruction
- Some
supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
- 7
nights lodging
- Transportation
from Westport to the Studio (it is recommended to fly into Dublin airport
and get a train to Westport where we will meet you to take you to
Mulranny).
- All
meals except - 1 lunches & 1 dinner
- All
tour & excursion fees
- New
friends and an art tribe!
MORE INFO HERE
FRANCE
September 26 - October 3, 2027
Outdoor Landscape Painting Workshop on the French Riviera
at the La Napoule Art Foundation
September 26 - October 3, 2027
Experience an inspiring week of outdoor painting at the Immersive Workshop led by Kathleen Dunn Jacobs, hosted from September 26 to October 3, 2027, at the historic Château de La Napoule Art Foundation on the French Riviera. This exceptional retreat combines the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline, lush gardens, and centuries-old architecture, offering a setting where creativity can truly flourish.
Nestled within the exquisitely restored château, participants are surrounded by elegant stonework, ornate arches, and vibrant formal gardens dotted with ancient cypress and colorful blooms. The tranquil fountains and sweeping sea views create a serene atmosphere that has inspired artists for generations. The château, rich in history and artistic heritage, has been lovingly preserved and transformed by Henry and Marie Clews into a cultural haven that continues to foster artistic exchange and innovation.
Artists of all levels are welcome, making this retreat an ideal opportunity to connect with a diverse community of creatives. Participants will engage in immersive artistic sessions, learn about the foundation’s storied legacy, and explore the opportunities available at this internationally renowned venue.
Accommodations are provided at Villa Marguerite, a charming and character-filled retreat offering both comfort and a true taste of European living. Guests enjoy private en-suite rooms with either garden or sea views, access to shared kitchen and laundry facilities, and inviting communal spaces that encourage relaxation and camaraderie. The villa’s sunlit interiors and lush gardens provide the perfect backdrop for reflection and artistic inspiration.
Each day begins with an optional rooftop yoga session, followed by a continental breakfast and dedicated time for painting or drawing. Afternoons may include guided museum tours, hikes to scenic viewpoints, or self-guided excursions to nearby Cannes. Two evenings feature chef-prepared dinners with wine receptions, while other nights offer the flexibility to explore local dining options.
The program is thoughtfully designed to balance creative work with cultural enrichment. Participants can enjoy complimentary access to exhibitions, guided tours of the château and its gardens, and potential evening concerts that add to the retreat’s vibrant atmosphere. Wireless internet in common areas ensures you can stay connected throughout your stay.
Arrival is scheduled for September 24, with check-in at Villa Marguerite after 1:00 PM. The retreat concludes on October 3, with departures by 10:00 AM. Travel to and from the venue is self-arranged, with convenient train and car access from Nice and Cannes.
Pricing includes a $100 discount for full payment at registration. Private en-suite rooms with a sea view are $4150, while garden view rooms are $3850. A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your place, with the balance due in two equal payments leading up to the retreat. If cancellation is necessary more than three months before the start date and your spot can be filled, payments minus a $500 fee will be refunded. After the final payment, no refunds or transfers are available. By registering and submitting your deposit, you agree to these terms and to securing your own trip
insurance.