JOIN ME in Italy!

“When we travel, we leave behind our ordinary routine, and we wake up our awareness with curiosity about a different place. We pay deeper attention. We are astonished. And as we experience the warmth and charm of life in an Italian hill town, we will tell about it in paint.” ~ Joan Fullerton

On this special Italy retreat with Joan, you’ll explore the essence of authentic self-expression through bold, abstract techniques—learning to release expectations and embrace new creative possibilities. Immersed in the beauty of the Tuscan landscape, this experience will refresh your spirit, awaken your curiosity, invite laughter, and expand your ability to express both your inner and outer worlds with paint.

All levels of experience are welcome!

Joan Fullerton is an acclaimed international Artist Educator devoted to uplifting others. She is an expert creativity coach who inspires uninhibited humor, the ability to trust your impulses, and encourages childlike play. A non-judgmental approach to art-making expands her students’ confidence, enabling genuine, expressive paintings. Joan’s fine art career of 50+ years has produced hundreds of poetic paintings that hang in museums and private collections worldwide.

Fullerton used her MFA painting degree to become an award-winning college art instructor. After 13 years of gaining valuable teaching experience in the classroom, she lived, painted, and exhibited art full-time in Taos, NM. Looking to expand her reach, she evolved her unique teaching methods to a workshop format and moved to the Denver, CO, area. As her reputation grew, she widened her reach beyond the studio. Fullerton now inspires audiences internationally.

Joan Fullerton has been featured in several television interviews, painting blogs, magazine articles, and books. In 2018, she produced an online art experience, “Paint Yourself Free”.

Instagram: @joanfullertonart
FaceBook: Joan Fullerton Art

BE INSPIRED BY JOAN as You Learn To …

• be receptive to an inspiring adventure in a beautiful location
• make soul-satisfying art
• be bold in your vulnerability
• learn new techniques for expression
• practice trusting your intuitive knowing
• create a meaningful ritual for your imagination
• utilize contrasts for visual interest
• collage local ephemera into your composition
• design visual elements into a dynamic abstract composition
• impose hints of representation into an abstract composition
• complete your paintings with titles, a signature, varnishing, and framing
• describe your art with descriptive language to understand and learn from your art

ITINERARY

Day 1, Monday, October 12: Arrival

• Highlights: Arrival, welcome, workshop overview
• Dinner

Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, our private drivers will transport you to the Italian countryside and your boutique accommodations in the unspoiled hilltop village of Città della Pieve. After check-in, and some time to get settled, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center, followed by a warm and inspiring workshop introduction with Joan. The evening concludes with a delicious welcome dinner prepared by the talented Chef Jordy.

Day 2, Tuesday, October 12: Città della Pieve & Saffron

• Highlights: Instruction with Joan, saffron tasting
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the studio for a creative session with Joan, where you’ll explore new techniques for expressive painting and visual storytelling. Later, we’ll visit our friend Alessandro’s charming saffron shop to discover the rich history of this prized spice in Città della Pieve—including its surprising use as a tint medium in Renaissance art. Your private visit includes a flavorful saffron tasting and saffron inspired lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to the studio for more time with Joan, reflecting on the textures, colors, and atmosphere of the medieval village as you continue your work. This evening, we’ll gather for a relaxed dinner at our friends’ welcoming café—a perfect way to end a day full of inspiration and connection.

Day 3, Wednesday, October 13: Città della Pieve & Pasta-making

• Highlights: Instruction with Joan, pasta making lesson
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, you’ll return to the studio with Joan, continuing your journey into soul-satisfying art as you deepen your trust in intuitive expression and creative flow. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local café, offering a taste of everyday life in the village.

In the afternoon, after more enriching time in the studio, we’ll head to our friend Cristian’s cozy bistrot for a hands-on pasta-making lesson. You’ll learn how to make a local pasta and pair it with just the right sauce. Plus you’ll try your hand at a centuries-old technique for rolling pasta by hand. After a tour of Cristian’s atmospheric wine cantina, we’ll sit down to a delicious dinner—featuring your hand-crafted pasta, of course.

Day 4, Thursday, October 14: Orvieto

• Highlights: Instruction with Joan, excursion to Orvieto, pizza night
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, you’ll return to the studio with Joan to explore how visual design elements come together in a dynamic abstract composition. You’ll also begin to incorporate subtle hints of representation, balancing structure with spontaneity. Lunch is on served up at a local cafe.

In the afternoon, we’re off to the magical hill town of Orvieto, perched high above the Val di Chiana with its spectacular views. You’ll have time to visit the awe-inspiring Duomo, wander inviting alleyways lined with maiolica ceramics, and soak up the charm of this ancient city at your own pace. We’ll finish the day gathered at our favorite pizzeria for a wood-fired pizza dinner—simple, joyful, and unmistakably Italian.

Day 5, Friday, October 15: Città della Pieve

• Highlights: Instruction with Joan, gallery celebration
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll return to the studio with Joan for your final, inspiring day of painting. As you bring your artwork to completion, you’ll title and sign your piece, and learn valuable techniques for varnishing and framing your finished work. Lunch is on your own, with time to relax or reflect on your creative journey.

In the afternoon, you’ll join Joan once more in the studio for a wrap-up session, followed by a joyful gallery celebration where everyone’s work is displayed. We’ll then gather for a festive aperitivo in a private home, raising a glass to creativity, connection, and all you’ve experienced. The evening concludes with a delectable farewell dinner prepared by Chef Jordy, the perfect ending to a richly meaningful week.

Day 6, Saturday, October 16: Departure 

Early morning transport to Rome Fiumicino Airport

BOUTIQUE Hotel Vannucci

Hotel Vannucci began as a project of Vittoria Spinola, daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele II, who fled Pisa (and an arranged marriage with her elderly husband) to start a new life with her lover in Città della Pieve. Here, she and her soon-to-be new husband, Paolo, built two villas that became luxurious holiday accommodations for wealthy Romans vacationing in the countryside. In 1903 one of the villas became Hotel Vannucci, and today it maintains the elegance and refinement of its inception, with luxurious sleeping rooms, marble bathrooms and inviting gardens. A stay here is truly special, nestled just outside the medieval walls of the historic, and unspoiled, village of Città della Pieve. 

VIEW the Photo Gallery

WHAT’S INCLUDED

•  5 nights stay Hotel Vannucci, Città della Pieve
• Group transportation to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport on arrival and departure days
• Private, group transportation on excursions
• All breakfasts
• 3 lunches
• All dinners featuring regional specialties and accompanied by local wines
• Excursion to Orvieto
• Pizza night!
• Saffron tasting
• Pasta-making lesson
• Aperitivo in a private home
• SUPPLIES: Many materials are included, however, students are required to bring a few items. CLICK HERE to download the supply list! 

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. ☺️

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare or transportation, outside of that listed in the trip itinerary, alcoholic drinks or meals ordered “on your own”, gratuities for drivers and hotel staff.

DATES & TRIP PRICE

• Dates:
  • October 12-17, 2026
• Trip Price: $3,895 USD – $4,495 USD (based on room selection)
• Room Descriptions:
  • Single Occupancy Standard: single bed, ensuite bathroom
  • Single Occupancy Classic: double bed, ensuite bathroom, walk-in shower
  • Single Occupancy Superior: double bed, ensuite bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Double/Twin Occupancy Superior: double bed or 2 singles, ensuite bathroom, tub/shower combination (for two people traveling together – we do not pair-up guests)
  • Double/Twin Occupancy Deluxe: more spacious room with double bed or 2 singles, ensuite bathroom, separate tub and shower (for two people traveling together – we do not pair-up guests)
• A $700 deposit is required to book your space
• View our terms and cancellation policy here

OPENING SOON