SLICE OF SORRENTO: Lemon Collage Workshop with Elizabeth St. Hilaire

Join Elizabeth St. Hilaire for a radiant week on Italy’s sun-kissed Sorrentine Peninsula, where creativity, culture, and coastal beauty intertwine. This six-night retreat is more than a workshop – it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Sorrento, as Elizabeth guides you in creating your own original collage – inspired by the iconic Sorrento lemon.

All levels are welcome!

OFFERED ONLY IN Sunny Sorrento ☀️

Your journal begins with full-day of exploration that includes a ferry ride to the stunning Isle of Capri, where a local guide will take us through the elegant streets of Capri and Anacapri. For those who wish, the chairlift to Monte Solaro offers a sweeping view across the Bay of Naples – a moment of awe you’ll carry with you. The afternoon brings a private tour of a historic lemon grove with our friend, Pia, followed by dinner right here in the grove. Magical!

The next days unfold with the joyful rhythm of art-making as you spend time in the studio space learning Elizabeth’s sought-after techniques such as layering, texture, tearing and gel printing, all while crafting a personal piece of art that reflects your experience and connection to this region.

LEARN How To…

🍋 Build a strong composition by balancing foreground, middle ground, and background

🍋 Begin with a bold, expressive underpainting to guide your collage application

🍋 Use shading techniques to achieve volume

🍋 Create your paper palette through gel printing

🍋 Incorporate natural texture by printing with local Sorrento lemon leaves

🍋 Master the art of tearing and gluing to mimic brushstrokes

🍋 Explore the effects of torn paper edges—with and without white edges

🍋 Achieve a clean, smooth finish with perfectly flat collage layers

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival

• Highlights: Arrival, Sorrento walking tour
• Dinner

After arriving independently in the enchanting seaside town of Sorrento and our beautiful accommodations overlooking the sea, (we will provide all the best options for your arrival!) you’ll be warmly greeted by Elizabeth and Pamela – your trip organizer. After settling in, we’ll enjoy a walking tour through the heart of Sorrento, followed by a group welcome dinner in one of our favorite local restaurants. Afterwards we’ll take in views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, as we make our way back to our welcoming accommodations.

DAY 2: Capri, Lemon Grove

• Highlights: Ferry to Capri, walking tour Capri & Annacapri, excursion to lemon grove
• Breakfast, dinner

Our day begins with a morning ferry ride with our guide Sasha, whose father was also a beloved local guide, as we journey across the Bay of Naples to the legendary Isle of Capri – a place that has beckoned to poets, painters, and travelers for centuries. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the elegant heart of Capri town, wandering through whitewashed alleys and flower-draped lanes, and stop to visit to the Gardens of Augustus, a quiet park set high above the sea, where colorful terraces look out onto the iconic Faraglioni rock formations below. Next, we’ll ascend to the hilltop village of Anacapri, where life moves at a slower pace. Here, you’ll visit the Church of San Michele, a tiny 18th-century chapel known for its exquisite hand-painted maiolica tile floor,

From Anacapri, the afternoon opens up for personal discovery. You may choose to ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, with sweeping views, or take time to browse Anacapri’s artisan shops and cafés. Lunch is on your own, with many inviting terraces and trattorias offering fresh seafood, lemon-scented pastas, and cool white wines.

This afternoon we make our way back to Sorrento for time to relax and refresh before joining our friend, Pia, at a historic Sorrento lemon grove, perched on magnificent cliff sides that tower above the Bay of Naples. Here you’ll take an extraordinary tour of the grove, learn about the amazing Sorrento lemon, and enjoy dinner in the open dining hall of one of the last family-owned villas in the Sorrentine Coast.

DAY 3: Sorrento & Studio

• Highlights: Studio with Elizabeth, pizza night
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, get ready for a fun, art-filled day with Elizabeth! You’ll begin the day with a demonstration with Elizabeth, as you being using a graphite transfer technique to create an accurate and proportional drawing of your lemon(s) from a provided photo image. Lunch today will be on your own.  

In the afternoon you’ll head back to the studio with Elizabeth as you create your underpainting for your lemon collage. Elizabeth will guide you in creating your sketch with accurate shading, to serve as a road map for your collage application. Learn  how to blend color, and to paint using light, medium, and dark to create depth and interest. This evening we head together to the hotel’s rooftop terrace for apertivo, as we take in sweeping views of Mout Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, before walking to a nearby pizzeria for Napoli-style pizza. 

DAY 4: Sorrento & Studio

• Highlights: Guided tour Sorrento, studio with Elizabeth
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning we get an early start as we stroll together into the heart of Sorrento’s historic center, where we’ll be welcomed by our friend and expert guide, Sasha, who will lead us on a journey through the many layers of Sorrento’s rich history. We’ll uncover the hidden tales within the church of Saint Antonino, the town’s beloved patron saint, admire the exquisite artworks and intricate architecture of the cathedral, and pause to take in sweeping views of the Bay of Naples. After our guided walk, you’ll have the remainder of the morning free to enjoy lunch on your own and explore Sorrento’s charming avenues at your own pace—perhaps discovering a tucked-away trattoria or browsing local artisan shops.

This afternoon you’ll head to the studio with Elizabeth as you begin a delightful session of Gel Printing! You’ll be painting papers in in the colors of your underpainting that will serve as your own distinct palette for lemon collage. This evening we’ll enjoy dinner together at a local trattoria in the village of Sant Agnello. 

DAY 5: Studio & Cooking Lesson

• Highlights: Studio with Elizabeth, cooking lesson with Pia & family
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the studio for a full session with Elizabeth as you continue Gel printing papers in accurate colors and that will create shading and interest for your collage application. Plus, as Elizabeth likes to say, you can never have enough paper! Lunch today is on your own.  

This afternoon you’ll begin an exciting session with Elizabeth as you start collage application, applying your hand-painted papers overtop of your underpainting. In late afternoon, we meet up with our friend, Pia, and her family, for a fabulous cooking experience that includes Sorrentine specialties, along with special recipes from Pia’s mother. Afterwards you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner featuring the dishes made during your lesson, along with wine and olive oil from the family’s farm. Your evening concludes with an oh-so-fun limoncello-making session.  

DAY 6: Studio, Gallery & Farewell

• Highlights: Studio with Elizabeth, gallery celebration, farewell dinner
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the studio for a full session with Elizabeth as finish your lemon collage with specials touches and mark making. Elizabeth will also discuss how to seal, sign, and display your work when you return home. Lunch today is on your own.  

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the studio, where you’ll have time to add the finishing touches to your collage project and reflect on the creative journey of the week. As the sun begins to set, we’ll come together with Elizabeth for a joyful gallery-style showcase of everyone’s work—an opportunity to share, celebrate, and toast each other’s creativity over a relaxed aperitivo. This evening, we’ll gather for a memorable farewell dinner at one of Sorrento’s elegant restaurants, savoring delicious local cuisine and raising a glass to new friendships and artistic inspiration.

DAY 7: Departure

Early morning departure provided to Napoli Centrale Train Station

BOUTIQUE HOTEL Palazzo Guardati

Located in the heart of Sorrento’s historic center, Palazzo Guardati is a refined 4-star boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building. Just steps from charming artisan shops and a 10 minute walk from the workshop studio, the hotel features elegant interiors and a panoramic rooftop terrace with stunning views over the Gulf of Naples—a perfect spot to relax after a day of art and exploration. Its central location makes it an ideal base for discovering the treasures of Sorrento and the nearby Isle of Capri.

WHAT’S Included…

• 6 nights stay Sorrento 
• Private ground transportation for excursions
• Private group transport to Napoli Centrale Train Station on departure day
• All breakfasts
• 3 lunches
• 5 dinners 
• Elizabeth St. Hilaire’s in-depth lessons, demonstrations, presentations and one-to-one instruction
• Canvas panel for your project – that will fit in your suitcase
• Use of acrylic paints, papers and Italian-themed print materials
• Use of gel plates and brayers
• Lemon inspired experiences
• Time on your own for shopping and exploring

NOT INCLUDED

Princeton Catalyst #8 Short Handle Filbert Brush for collage glue application. All other workshop supplies are provided!

Also not included: airfare, meals or transportation outside of that which is specifically listed in the trip package, gratuities for hotel staff and drivers

The Unexpected is Part of the Journey: Sometimes unexpected things come up. If there is unscheduled closing or schedule change, we carefully pivot to include something that is equally as wonderful and interesting, so that the quality of your experience is never at risk. ☺️

DATES AND DETAILS

• Dates: September 6-12, 2026
• Trip Price: $4,495-$5,195 (select room type upon booking)
• Room Descriptions:
  • Single: Single occupancy, double bed, private ensuite bathroom
  • Deluxe: Double occupancy, double bed or two singles, private ensuite bathroom with tub and shower (specifically for couples or friends traveling together)
• A $700 deposit is required to book your space
• Arrival and departure airport Rome Fiumicino
• View our Terms and Cancellation Policy

OPENING SOON

ABOUT ELIZABETH ST. HILAIRE

Elizabeth St. Hilaire is an award winning full-time artist, art workshop instructor, and published author. She is an Artist Educator for Golden Paints, a former Ambassador for Princeton Brush, and Creative Team Artist for Gel Press. Her work is also featured on Fredrix Canvas packaging.

Her unique mixed-media artwork is created from torn tidbits of hand-painted paper which she glues down over an acrylic under-painting. St Hilaire’s collages are collected and have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Images of her work are reproduced and available nationwide on wall canvas, household items, stationery, clothing, jewelry, and more.

Elizabeth is a Signature Member of National Collage Society, holds a BFA from Syracuse University, and has been working in her medium for over 15 years. She has published seven books on her process. She also enjoys painting en Plein Air and has participated in the Wekiva Paint Out (FL), New Smyrna Beach Paint Out (FL), and the Sedona Plein Air Festival (AZ).

Visit Elizabeth’s website at PaperPaintings.com