Included With Every Ticket:
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All Painting Materials: Canvas, easels, brushes, and paint provided.
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Accommodations: Your full stay in beautifully restored castle suites with breathtaking views.
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Meals & Wine: Breakfast, lunch & dinner with full service, and local wine.
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Daily Painting Sessions: Live model painting sessions.
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Hands-on Guidance: Personalized critiques and feedback during all painting sessions.
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Day Trips to Florence: Explore museums and cultural landmarks.
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Wine Tasting: Enjoy a guided tasting at a local vineyard.
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Shuttle Service: Round-trip shuttle service to/from Florence and all planned excursions.
Not Included With Tickets:
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Air Travel: Travel to Italy and flights are not included.
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Meals Outside: Meals and wine during our day trips to Florence are not included.
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Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, but it is not provided.
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Personal Purchases: Souvenirs, snacks, and supplies beyond what’s provided, or other personal expenses are not included.
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Additional Transportation: Any transportation outside the planned schedule (such as early arrivals, late departures, or personal trips) is not covered.
How to Purchase Your Ticket:
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Select Your Preferred Room Type:
Find your preferred accommodation option below. Photos of specific rooms are available on this page to help guide your choice.
Each ticket includes full access to the workshop, all listed amenities, and room + board. Pricing varies by room type.
If you’d like assistance choosing a room, please reach out using the contact form at the bottom of this page — we’re happy to help. Note: Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is highly recommended.
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Apply the EARLYBIRD Discount Code:
If you're booking before July 1st, 2025, use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout to receive 20% off your total. Don't forget to enter the code before completing your payment!
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Choose Your Payment Option:
You can pay in full today or, if available, place a deposit for a payment plan option. For more info on payment plans, please send us a message through the form at the bottom of this page.
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Complete Checkout:
Once you’ve submitted a payment, your spot is reserved.
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Watch for a Confirmation Email:
You’ll receive a confirmation email with more details, including your next steps to prepare for the trip, and more.
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Refund Policy:
Your ticket is fully refundable within 30 days of purchase. For full refund terms, please visit the Refund Policy which is also available during checkout.
Tuscany Portrait Workshop 2026
A once in a lifetime painting experience in Tuscany. Come paint portraits with live models alongside Melissa Calabria, Kristine Onsrud, and Nic Thurman, while soaking up Tuscany from a historic castle.
Time & Location
Apr 18, 2026, 1:30 PM GMT+2 – May 03, 2026, 12:10 PM GMT+2
Castello di Montalto, Strada Comunale di Montalto 16, 53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga SI, Italy
Tickets
La Scuola - Garden Villa
You will have a completely private villa, with a Queen Bed, a private bathroom, a private living space, and a small private garden. Note: You may add your spouse or partner for an additional fee.
$9,950.00
+$248.75 ticket service fee
La Voliera - Garden Villa
You will have a completely private villa, with a Queen Bed, a private bathroom, a private living space, and a small private garden. Note: You may add your spouse or partner for an additional fee.
$9,950.00
+$248.75 ticket service fee
San Martino - Castle Villa
San Martino Villa is Reserved
$9,950.00
+$248.75 ticket service fee
Sold OutQueen Bed Private Bath
Enjoy a private queen bedroom with your own en-suite bathroom, located within the historic castle. Room selection is first come, first served within this category. If you'd like assistance finding the room that best fits your needs, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of the tickets page. Note: You may add your spouse or partner for an additional fee.
$7,950.00
+$198.75 ticket service fee
Queen Bed Shared Bath
This option includes a private queen bedroom with access to a shared bathroom, shared with one other guest of the same sex. Room selection is first come, first served within this category. If you’d like help choosing the best room for your needs, please use the contact form at the bottom of the tickets page.
$7,500.00
+$187.50 ticket service fee
Twin Bed Shared Room & Bath
With this option, you’ll have a twin bed in a shared bedroom, paired with one other participant of the same sex. You’ll also share a bathroom with that same roommate only. Room selection is first come, first served within this category. If you have questions or would like help selecting the best fit, please use the contact form at the bottom of the tickets page.
$6,950.00
+$173.75 ticket service fee
Deposit for Payment Plan
This deposit does not cover the full cost of the workshop ticket. However, it secures your spot as an attendee and reserves your room. After placing the deposit, you’ll have the option to complete your payment through a flexible payment plan. Please note: the full balance must be paid by March 1st, 2026, and our standard refund policy still applies. For more details on the payment schedule, feel free to contact us directly.
$1,950.00
+$48.75 ticket service fee
Total
$0.00
Room Options
Choose from a variety of exquisite villas and rooms, each offering unique comfort and charm. Specific room choices are first come first served!
Whether you choose a private villa or a shared space, you’ll enjoy the character of our historic castle and modern comforts.
Private Villa - 2 Available
Our most exclusive accommodations, offering privacy, luxury, and breathtaking views.
Private villas are in high demand.
Don’t miss the opportunity to book one early!
Private Bedroom & Bathroom - Available
Enjoy the best of both worlds: a private bedroom with a private bathroom and a shared common space to connect with fellow painters.
Perfect for those seeking both privacy and community, these accommodations include private bedrooms with en-suite baths, shared living areas, and access to all castle amenities.
Shared Rooms – Available
The perfect option for painters who value community and camaraderie during their retreat.
Share a room with a fellow participant and enjoy the same enchanting castle experience at a more affordable price.
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Do I need prior experience in portrait painting?No. It is recommended that you have some basic knowledge about oil painting. We have had complete beginners, who have never painted a portrait before, make outstanding portraits during the workshop though!
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Will I receive feedback on my work?Yes! This workshop is intended to be hands-on, with frequent critiques from the instructors.
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What is the main focus of the workshop?The workshop focuses on portrait painting from life, emphasizing classical techniques and philosophy. Participants will explore methods like layering, impasto, Rembrandtesque effects, the Apelles palette, and much more.
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Are there opportunities for continued learning after the workshop?Yes, you’ll be invited to join our online courses for ongoing instruction and you'll get priority access to future workshops and events.
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Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?Absolutely. Please let us know your dietary needs when registering.
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Are meals included?Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the castle will be included. Lunch and dinner are served with complementary wine as well! The only meals not included during your stay, are while we are in Florence for our day trips.
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How do we get to the castle?There is a shuttle that will meet in Florence and drive us to the workshop. More details will be provided after registration.
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Should I rent a car?It is not necessary to rent a car because most of our time will be spent at the castle. Our day trips will include shuttles to take us to Florence. With that said, there is parking on the premises if you would like to drive to the workshop.
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Which airport should I fly into?The meeting point for the shuttle will be in Florence. So you can fly to the Florence airport. However, there is a speed train from Rome to Florence that you can take if you fly into Rome.
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What materials do I need to bring?You only need to bring the recommended drawing materials.
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Can I bring my own paint and supplies?You do not need to bring your own painting supplies for the live model painting sessions and will not be allowed to use it. This workshop emphasizes the use of high quality materials and we want to give you the best painting experience possible, so there will not be exceptions! However, you are welcome to bring other supplies, such as watercolors, if you would like to do additional painting in your spare time - note that the days will be quite full as is!
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What should I pack besides art supplies?Comfortable clothing for painting, and excursions; sturdy walking shoes; and any personal items you may need. There is a washing facility at the castle available for your use.
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Will there be any excursions?Yes, we will take day trips to Florence to visit the Bargello, Pitti Palace, Uffizi Gallery, and Brancacci Chapel.
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What does a normal day look like?A normal day at the castle will involve live model painting sessions with critiques and guidance from instructors, a lesson or demonstration, and potentially a drawing competition. Each day we will also gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which is served by castle staff.
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Will there be other guests at the castle who are not a part of the workshop?No, we have the entire castle to ourselves! The only people at the castle will be the participants, instructors, and castle staff.
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Who will be in the shared room with me?You will only share a room if it is the option that you selected. All shared rooms are with a participant of the same sex.
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Who will share a bathroom with me?You will only share a bathroom if it is stated in the option that you selected. You will only share a bathroom with a participant of the same sex.
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Will there be heating in the bedroom?Yes, the bedrooms have heating.
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Are payment plans available?Yes, payment plans are available. Please fill out a contact form or send an email to info@nicthurman.com for more info.
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What happens if I need to cancel?Cancellation policies are detailed in the registration terms. Refunds may be available depending on the timing of your cancellation.
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