Sketching and Printing with Sam Marshall, May 24-30, 2026

JOIN SAM MARSHALL in Italy!

This extraordinary sketching, linocutting and printing workshop in Italy includes daily lessons and expert guidance with Sam, hand selected excursions, authentic cultural experiences and spectacular scenery that provides endless inspiration.

From experimenting with drawing materials in the studio to exploring and sketching along medieval avenues, you’ll learn to improve your drawing skills through observational drawing, as you create sketches in both graphite and colour. Then, with Sam’s expert guidance, you’ll select one of your drawings to create a linocut that you’ll learn to ink up and print in a variety of ways.

I’M SAM!

I’m an artist who specialises in drawing and printmaking. I did my BA in Fine Art at the at the Slade School of Fine Art in the early 90’s and completed my art studies at the Royal Drawing School with an MA diploma in drawing.

I originate from the flat fens of Lincolnshire in the UK, where my Dad was a cabbage farmer. I fled the countryside aged 18 and moved to London where I lived for 22 years before returning to the countryside in 2018. I now live in a cottage in rural Northamptonshire with Miss Marple, my mini dachshund, and have two studios in my garden where I make my work and run my online workshops and coaching sessions.

In January of 2023, my best-selling LINOCUT book was published by Bloomsbury and I’m currently working on a new book all about drawing called SKETCH which will be published in 2026.

IN THIS WORKSHOP You’ll Learn How to 

  • Experiment with drawing materials in the studio and select which ones to take out sketching
  • Pack and organise your bag ready for sketching outside
  • Draw in the Italian landscape/village and discover what inspires you and catches your attention
  • Create sketches in graphite and colour
  • Improve your drawing skills through observational drawing
  • Return to the studio and evaluate your sketches
  • Discuss linocut as a process and learn about materials
  • Select one drawing to turn into a linocut
  • Redraw your chosen drawing, simplify it and make it suitable for linocut
  • Transfer your drawing to a linoleum block
  • Carve your own image using selected linocut tools
  • Ink up your carved linoleum block
  • Print your block using the hand burnishing technique
  • Experiment with different papers and methods of inking up a linoleum block
  • Use different registration methods
  • Create a small edition of your single-coloured linocut
  • Experiment with adding different colours to your block through multiple methods
  • Add colour to your linocut using collage, known as Chine Collé
  • Discuss and evaluate your work with the rest of the group and celebrate your success!

ITINERARY

Day 1: 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 hotel accommodations in the unspoiled village of Città della Pieve. After check-in you’ll head to the workshop studio with Sam for an overview of the week ahead, followed by a walking tour of the historic center of the village. Afterwards it’s time to enjoy a welcome aperitivo, followed by a delectable Tuscan-style dinner.

Day 2: Città della Pieve 

  • Highlights: Studio with Sam, visit to local church
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after a delicious breakfast, you’ll head to the studio space with Sam to get to know your fellow students, to organize your sketchbook and materials, and to get prepared for outside drawing. Lunch today will be taken at our friends’ inviting cafe.

This afternoon you’ll gather with Sam in a beautiful location for outside drawing as you learn to capture the spectacular Italian landscapes that surround the village. With Sam’s personalized instruction and guidance you’ll gain confidence in drawing onsite, as well as improving your drawing skills. Later, we’ll head to a 11th century church on the outskirts of the village where you’ll enjoy a private visit that includes an up-close look at medieval frescoes, followed by a rustic-style bbq hosted by a local confraternity. 

Day 3: San Casciano dei Bagni

  • Highlights: Excursion to San Casciano dei Bagni, archeological site, sketching on site
  • Breakfast, lunch

This morning, after breakfast, our driver will transport you into the heart of Tuscany, and the medieval village of San Casciano dei Bagni, situated on a scenic hill that is teaming with hot springs. Here you’ll enjoy a private visit to an extraordinary archeological site, followed by a picnic-style lunch. Then it’s time to wander the inviting avenues with Sam where you’ll find charming alleyways with sweeping views of the valley as you settle in for an afternoon of drawing. In late afternoon, you’ll continue to the town’s luxurious  thermal spa where you can relax and soak in the hot, mineral waters. Dinner this evening is on your own. 

Day 4: Studio, Pasta Making

  • Highlights: Lino carving, pasta making lesson
  • Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the studio with Sam to prepare for your first linocut (so exciting!) and to learn how to transfer your image onto linoleum. Lunch today is on your own.

This afternoon you’ll return to the studio with Sam as she guides you in continuing to carve your linocut. In late afternoon, you’re in for a treat, as we walk to our friend, Cristian’s, bistro for a delightful pasta-making lesson where you’ll learn about the history of pasta and other farm-to-table foods in Italy. So fun! After a peek inside Cristian’s private cantina, you’ll enjoy dinner, featuring your hand-made pasta, of course.

Day 5: Città della Pieve

  • Highlights: Cathedral art tour, printing in studio
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll meet up with our friend, Maria Luisa, for a fascinating tour of the art inside the town’s beautiful cathedral with its many Renaissance works of art. Afterwards it’s off to the studio with Sam, as you begin your first printing! Today lunch will be served at a nearby cafe.

This afternoon it’s back to the studio with Sam for an exciting afternoon session as you print your linocut in a single colour and then learn to create a small edition. This evening we’ll gather for a special food tour (i.e. walking dinner) as you sample specialities from the area.

Day 6: Studio, Farewell Celebration

  • Highlights: Studio, saffron tasting, farewell dinner
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, it’s off to the studio with Sam as you experiment with techniques and colours in your printing. Then we take a short walk as we step into the world of one of the region’s most precious treasures: saffron. You’ll be welcomed by our friend and local saffron cultivator, Alessandro, whose passion for this delicate spice runs deep. He will share the remarkable story of how saffron is grown, and harvested by hand, followed by a private, delicious saffron tasting.

This afternoon you’ll head back to the studio for a final session and discussion with Sam, as you finish up your project. After a celebration of the amazing workshop experience, we walk to a lovely trattoria for a delicious farewell dinner.

Day 7: Departure 

Early morning transport to Rome Fiumicino Airport

VENUE 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

  • 6 nights stay at Boutique Hotel Vannucci, Città della Pieve
  • Group transportation to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport on arrival and departure days
  • Private transportation service to/from all towns and sites included in the itinerary
  • Daily group and individual sketching, linocutting and printing lessons with Sam Marshall
  • All breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 5 dinners featuring regional specialties and accompanied by local wines
  • Pasta-making lesson
  • Visit to archeological site
  • Saffron tasting
  • Village walking tours
  • BONUS from Sam!! Creative coaching to anyone who would like further help with their work. “I’m more than happy to follow up with anyone with questions, etc.” ~ Sam

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

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. ☺️

WHAT STUDENTS are Saying!

“What a fantastic week, with a lovely group. This was a wonderful opportunity to get back to drawing – something I hadn’t done in a long time – and then learn how to create a linocut. Sam was great at guiding and helping me to produce a final print, while always letting me develop something in my own style. The location was beautiful and inspiring, and the balance between the sketching and seeing the sites just right.” ~ Deborah, UK

“Sam is such an encouraging teacher, helping to build my confidence in my drawing abilities. I had a wonderful time, and there was a good balance of drawing, printmaking, sightseeing, and eating delicious Italian food. Pamela’s passion for the local people and places really shines throughout each activity, and I have so many memories to treasure from our week in Italy”. ~ Rebecca, UK

“This was the trip of a lifetime! I hadn’t travelled outside the US in nearly 40 years, and this retreat was everything I hoped for — and more. The town of Città della Pieve is stunning, the food was incredible, and the hotel staff couldn’t have been kinder. Sam is a thoughtful, encouraging teacher who helped me reconnect with drawing and create a block print I’m truly proud of. I returned home with new skills, new friends, and a full heart.” ~ Lisa, USA

DATES & PRICES

  • Dates:
    • May 24-30, 2026
  • Trip Price: $3,995 USD – $4,495 USD per person (choose room type upon booking)
  • Room Descriptions:
    • Single: Single occupancy, single bed, private ensuite bathroom
    • Classic: Single occupancy, double bed, private ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
    • Superior: Single occupancy, double bed, private ensuite bathroom with tub/shower combination
    • Deluxe: Double occupancy, double bed or two singles, private ensuite bathroom with tub and shower (specifically for couples or friends traveling together)
  • $700 deposit (partially refundable for 30 days) is required to secure your space on this workshop
  • Arrival/departure airport is Rome Fiumicino
  • View our terms and cancellation policy here

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