Paint Yourself Free in Sorrento with Joan Fullerton ~ Sept. 27 - Oct. 2, 2027

Click or swipe to view the slideshow below!

PAINT YOURSELF FREE IN SORRENTO with Joan Fullerton

On this special Sorrento retreat with Joan, you’ll discover the joy of authentic self-expression through bold, intuitive abstract painting. By letting go of expectations and embracing experimentation, you’ll unlock new creative possibilities and learn to trust your own artistic voice.

Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Italy’s Sorrentine Coast, you’ll find inspiration at every turn. This immersive experience is designed to refresh your spirit, awaken your curiosity, spark laughter, and deepen your ability to express both your inner landscape and the vibrant world around you through paint.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or picking up a brush for the first time, all levels of experience are warmly welcome.

ABOUT Joan Fullerton

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

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1 – September 27: Arrival

  • Highlights: Arrival, Sorrento walking tour
  • Dinner

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

DAY 2 – September 28: Sorrento & Studio

  • Highlights: Studio with Joan, guided walking tour Sorrento
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll walk with Joan to the nearby workshop studio, tucked inside our friend, Pia’s, family-run flower nursery. Adjacent to one of Sorrento’s historic lemon groves, this unique and casual setting is where you’ll take part in creative sessions with Joan as you explore new techniques for expressive painting and visual storytelling.

Lunch today is taken at a nearby cafe, and this afternoon, it’s back to the workshop studio with Joan for another creative session.

In late afternoon, you’ll meet our friend and expert guide, Sasha, who will lead you on a journey through the many layers of Sorrento’s rich history where you’ll uncover the hidden tales within the church of Saint Antonino, the town’s beloved patron saint, admire the exquisite artworks and take in the intricate architecture of the cathedral. Afterwards, you’ll head to one of our favorite Sorrento restaurants for a traditional Sorrentine-style dinner.

DAY 3 – September 29: Studio & Lemon Inspiration

  • Highlights: Studio with Joan, visit to private lemon grove
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll walk with Joan to the nearby workshop studio, tucked inside our friend, Pia’s, family-run flower nursery. Adjacent to one of Sorrento’s historic lemon groves, this unique and casual setting is where you’ll take part in creative sessions with Joan as you explore new techniques for expressive painting and visual storytelling. Lunch today is taken at a nearby cafe.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to the studio for more time with Joan, reflecting on the textures, colors, and atmosphere of Sorrento, as you continue your artwork. Afterwards, you’ll have some time 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 4 – September 30: Studio & Cooking Lesson

  • Highlights: Studio with Joan, Sorrento cooking lesson
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the studio for a full session with Joan in the nearby workshop space, followed by lunch at a nearby cafe. In the afternoon you’ll continue your work with Joan in the studio.

Later you’ll 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 5 – October 1: Studio, Gallery & Farewell

  • Highlights: Studio with Joan, wrap-up celebration, farewell dinner
  • Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the studio for a full session with Joan as finish your Moor’s Head inspired 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, you’ll join Joan once more in the studio for a wrap-up session, followed by a joyful gallery celebration where everyone’s work will be displayed. As the sun begins to set, you’ll head to Pia’s family’s trattoria, overlooking the Amalfi coastline, for a memorable farewell dinner as you savor delicious local cuisine and raise– a glass to new friendships and artistic inspiration..

DAY 6 – October 2: Departure

Early morning departure provided to Napoli Centrale Train Station

HOTEL Tourist

Just a short stroll from Sorrento’s historic center, Hotel Tourist is a cheerful spot with a lovely garden of citrus trees and a sparkling outdoor pool—perfect for a dip after a day of collaging or exploring. From this central location, you’re just five minutes on foot from Sorrento’s charming old-town shopping streets, with their winding alleys and fun little shops—or head the other way to reach the private workshop studio space. Its central location makes it an ideal base for discovering the treasures of Sorrento and the nearby Isle of Capri.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 5 nights stay Hotel Tourist, Sorrento, Italy
  • Private ground transportation for excursions
  • Private group transport to Napoli Centrale Train Station on departure day
  • All breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 5 dinners
  • Daily instruction with Joan 
  • Cooking experience
  • Guided walking tour Sorrento
  • Visit to private lemon grove
  • Time on your own for shopping and exploring

SUPPLIES: Many materials are included, however, Joan asks that you bring with you the following items:

Click to download the list!

HOW TO ARRIVE: ✈️ 🚕 We recommend students arrive in Sorrento via private transport service from Napoli Centrale Train Station or Napoli International Airport. Links to available services will be provided in advance of the trip start date.

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 27 – October 2, 2027 
    • $4,195 – $4,695 USD per person. Choose from double occupancy, single occupancy or 2 bedroom apartment (specifically for 2 friends traveling together. Note that we do not pair up guests.) All rooms have private bathrooms, wifi, air conditioning, hair dryer and kettle for coffee or tea.
  • A $700 deposit is required to book your space
  • Arrival: We recommend students arrive in Sorrento via private transport service from Napoli Centrale Train Station or Napoli International Airport. Links to available services will be provided in advance of the trip start date.
  • View our Terms and Cancellation Policy

BOOK NOW