Creative Art Escapes
Escape through the joy of exploring how to express yourself artistically. Discover your unique, inner creativity and learn how to interpret what you see using your intuition and emotions. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the rolling Chianti hills, with its medieval villages and towns and its olive groves, vineyards, birds and butterflies. Be inspired by the colours and shapes of the natural world and how they can evoke memories and a stream of feelings that you want to express through creative art.
Escapees will be guided by a professional artist who will help them experiment and experience various materials and techniques using watercolours, inks, drawing and sketching and mixed media. You will be encouraged to take risks and build your confidence in self-expression through open discussions and critique, as well as individual tuition in class.
Art materials and equipment are provided; just remember to bring an open mind and some comfortable clothing and sun hat for plein air art experiences.
Typical Art Escapes
Day 1
Pick up at Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station in the centre of Florence. Welcome and settle into your room, explore, have a swim or lounge by the pool, meet other Escapees. Aperitivi annd welcome from your art expert, Sabine followed by a long table, social dinner in the loggia.
Day 2
Buffet breakfast followed by an introductory art class. After buffet lunch, free time for swimming, relaxing, taking a walk or practising art. Aperitivi then dinner
Day 3
After buffet breakfast, there will be an art class. Following buffet lunch, take a break for a while before transfer to Montefioralle to explore this medieval village. Then on to Greve in Chianti to roam around the shops and cafes and visit San Francesco Museum with its panoramic viewing point. Return for aperitivi and dinner
Day 4
After buffet breakfast you will be taken to Florence for the day. Lunch is at your own expense and choice. At booking you’ll be asked to choose a pre-paid, beat the line ticket to one of:
- the Uffizi Galleries
- the Duomo
- Basilica di Santa Croce
- Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s sculpture of David
Return for aperitivi and dinner
Day 5
Buffet breakfast is followed by an art class. After buffet lunch you have free time for your own painting or relaxing. BBQ dinner and film night
Day 6
After buffet breakfast you will learn how to make pasta which you will get to eat at lunch. In the afternoon is an art class then free time before aperitivi and dinner
Day 7
After buffet breakfast you’ll have the opportunity to work on and select your best piece. After lunch we'll walk up to our neighbours at Fattoria Santo Stefano for a plein air art class with views of the Appennini mountains, followed by wine tasting. Return for aperitivi and your last dinner together
Day 8
Buffet breakfast, checkout and transfer to Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station
Meet Your Escape Expert
Sabine Blomqvist
Sabine is a highly acclaimed Finnish artist who has lived in Italy with her family for more than 30 years. She specialises in watercolour painting and now teaches, exhibits and sells her work internationally.
“For me, painting is how I express myself and my love of beauty that is all around us. I love the fluidity of watercolour painting, but I also experiment with different approaches and mixed media to express sensations, feelings, emotions and atmosphere”
Sabine’s approach is to encourage individuals to explore and find joy in self-expression. Through initial observational studies in sketch books and ‘plein air’ painting, she helps others seek out their own unique perspective, while guiding with technique development. For her, the journey of making art is more important than the result – it’s a way of learning how art is a strength and an escape through the joy of discovering inner creativity.
“In the Chianti I find the ever-changing light, the rolling hills of vines and olive trees and the distinctly Mediterranean flora and fauna so inspiring. The colours, shades and textures here are incredible”
You’ll find Sabine to be a bubbly, inspiring teacher who cares about everyone she works with. She’s generous in spirit and loves to share her joy and passion for making art.
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