JOIN ELIZABETH ST. HILAIRE in Venice!

Open to artists of all levels, Watercolor Sketchbook Venice is an immersive experience that combines artistic exploration with the magic of Venice itself. Along picturesque canals, charming bridges, and lively piazzas, you’ll create a personal sketch journal filled with your own watercolor memories of the city, while enjoying daily instruction and guidance from Elizabeth St. Hilaire.  

For years Elizabeth has been using watercolor sketch-journaling to document her own personal trips to Italy, and in this exciting Venice workshop she shares with you her process, techniques and approaches – plus an incredible variety of tips!

But Watercolor Sketchbook Venice is more than a sketching workshop. It’s a week filled with fellowship, camaraderie and fun beyond your wildest dreams – in one of the world’s most spectacular cities. In addition to daily lessons and demos with Elizabeth, you’ll sketch quintissential Venetian scenes at canal-side cafes, as gondolas float past. Plus you’ll take exciting excursions to the islands of Murano and Burano, with a dizzying variety of hand-blown glass shops and colorful houses.

CAPURE THE MAGIC OF Venice!

While sketching, drawing and painting in the pages of your sketchbook you’ll learn how to…

• Break your Venetian subject matter down into simple shapes
• Render reflections of light on water  – and on the colorful glass of Venice
• Incorporate vibrant colors into your work
• Achieve shading, depth and dimension
• Add text to your journal pages to document your Venice experience
• Sketch in your journal while staying within a desired palette
• Compose a compelling page layout in your own distinct style
• Incorporate borders as a design element
• Find your own personal style, as you capture the essence of Venice
• Use an empowering approach to improve your water color sketching
• Embellish your watercolor with ink pen details
• Develop imagery and form for depth and interest
• Incorporate essential light and shadow into your sketches
• Easily improve your sketching skills through daily practice
• Pencil sketch your subject and keep it loose
• Post your artwork on social media

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Monday, September 6: Arrival Venice

• Arrival, workshop orientation, welcome dinner
• Dinner

Upon your arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport, you’ll take a water taxi or water bus (vaporetto) on your own to our canal-side hotel. (Instructions provided after booking.) After check-in at our boutique hotel along one of Venice’s tucked-away avenues, you’ll enjoy a walking tour, followed by an introductory lesson with Elizabeth. Afterwards it’s time to enjoy a delectable welcome dinner at a classic Venetian restaurant. 

DAY 2 – Tuesday, September 7: Venice

• Highlights: Sketching with Elizabeth, Vivaldi Concert
• Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll set out with Elizabeth to explore the picturesque Campo S. Maria Nova, in Venice’s Cannaregio neighborhood, where you’ll settle in at a quiet coffee bar for a watercolor lesson. Afterwards you’ll choose your own location for sketching: along the adjacent canal, where gondolas slip by, or at a cafe table alongside a quintisential Venetian foot bridge.  Elizabeth will be on hand throughout the morning to guide you in capturing the essence of Venice in your sketchbook. At noon we’ll make our way to a favorite local cafe for a casual lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue your sketching journey with Elizabeth, finding inspiration in one of Venice’s charming squares or along its picturesque canals.

As the day winds down, we’ll gather for aperitivo at a classic Venetian bar, raising a spritz or a glass of prosecco together. The evening culminates in an unforgettable Vivaldi concert performed in a 17th-century baroque church, where music and architecture intertwine in true Venetian style.

DAY 3 – Wednesday, September 8: Venice

• Highlights: Sketching with Elizabeth , Basilica San Marco
• Breakfast, Pizza night

After breakfast this morning at the hotel, the day begins with a tour of Venice’s most iconic landmark—St. Mark’s Basilica. Together we’ll admire the glittering mosaics that line its domes, view the exquisite Pala d’Oro altarpiece, and continue into the upper museum where the original bronze horses are displayed. After exploring the basilica, we’ll step back outside to take a look at the Bridge of Sighs and the grand exterior of the Doge’s Palace.

From this iconic site, you can grab lunch on your own—perhaps at a neighborhood trattoria or a cozy bacaro.

Afterwards, Elizabeth will lead you into the Cannaregio district for another sketching session inspired by the area’s graceful bridges, winding canals, and tranquil piazzas. You’ll have the opportunity to sketch in the piazza or along the canal, and as you work, Elizabeth will share her best watercolor techniques that will help you bring Venetian color and light to life on the page.

This evening, we’ll gather together and head to our favorite pizzeria for a relaxed pizza dinner in the piazza —a perfect way to end the day.

DAY 4 – Thursday, September 9: Murano & Burano

• Highlights: Sketching with Elizabeth, excursion to Murano & Burano
• Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, after breakfast, we set out by vaporetto across the Venetian lagoon. First stop is the island of Murano, world-renowned for its centuries-old glassblowing tradition. Here you’ll have time to explore artisan workshops and perhaps pick up a one-of-a-kind treasure. From Murano, we continue by vaporetto to Burano, a picture-perfect island celebrated for its lace-making heritage and brightly painted houses. After a guided stroll through its colorful lanes, you’ll enjoy lunch at a classic Burano trattoria, where island specialties are the highlight.

In the afternoon, we return to Venice where you’ll enjoy a laid-back sketching session with Elizabeth in the historic Ghetto district. Among its quiet courtyards and centuries-old synagogues, you’ll find abundant inspiration for capturing Venice’s more intimate side.

Dinner tonight is on your own, leaving you free to discover a local favorite or revisit a spot that’s caught your eye.

DAY 5 – Friday, September 10: Venice 

• Highlights: Artisan demo, Gondola Ride, Instruction with Elizabeth
• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll walk to the workshop of our friend Franco, a master forcolaio. Franco is one of the few remaining artisans who hand-carves the elegant wooden oarlocks—forcole—used by Venice’s gondoliers. As he demonstrates his craft, you’ll discover the surprising complexity and beauty of these sculptural forms, each one unique to its gondola. From there, it’s off to the gondola dock for a leisurely ride through the city’s winding canals.

Afterwards, Elizabeth will share her favorite techniques for sketching gondolas and capturing the movement of water. Lunch today is on your own, followed by a wrap-up session with Elizabeth in the afternoon.

This evening, we’ll gather together for a celebratory aperitivo and farewell dinner at a welcoming trattoria housed in a former gondola workshop—a fitting finale to your week in Venice.

DAY 6 – Saturday, September 11: Departure

Departure to Venice Marco Polo Airport or Venice Santa Lucia Train Station

ABOUT Elizabeth St. Hilaire

Elizabeth St. Hilaire is an internationally recognized mixed-media collage artist, author, and instructor known for transforming hand-painted papers into vibrant works of art. A Signature Member of the National Collage Society, she holds a BFA from Syracuse University and is the author of 12 instructional art books, including the bestselling Painted Paper Art Workshop.

For more than two decades, Elizabeth has taught workshops, retreats, and online courses throughout the United States and internationally, helping thousands of students discover the creative possibilities of collage. Her teaching style is encouraging, accessible, and focused on building both skills and confidence.

Through her workshops, books, videos, and online programs, Elizabeth continues to inspire artists of all levels to explore color, texture, and storytelling through mixed-media collage.

Visit Elizabeth’s website at PaperPaintings.com

VENUE: Boutique Hotel Kette – San Marco

Steeped in classic Venetian elegance, Hotel Kette welcomes guests with beautifully patterned polychromatic marble floors, rich wood accents crafted in traditional style, and exquisite Murano glass details throughout. Intimate salons invite moments of relaxation, surrounded by prestigious paintings from the 15th to 17th centuries and panoramic views that capture the timeless charm of Venice. Blending historic character with refined comfort, the hotel offers a warm and authentic Venetian atmosphere in the heart of the city.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 5 nights stay at Boutique Hotel Ca d’Oro, Venice
• All breakfasts
• 3 dinners
• 2 lunches
• Walking tour Venice
• Excursion to the islands of Murano & Burano
• Visit to Basilica San Marco and Piazza San Marco
• Live Vivaldi concert (optional/extra)
• Private visit to Franco the oarlock artisan
• Gondola ride
• Daily in-depth lessons, demonstrations, presentations  – plus group and one-to-one instruction with Elizabeth in cafes, coffee bars, piazzas and alongside romantic Venetian canals
• Free time for shopping and exploring on your own

Not included: Airfare, meals, alcoholic drinks, buses, trains or boat transportation outside of that which is specifically listed in the trip package, plus gratuities for 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. ☺️

SUPPLIES

INCLUDED: A complete watercolor sketching kit containing all essential drawing and painting supplies needed for the workshop, conveniently packaged in a zip pouch.

NOT INCLUDED: Watercolor sketchbook and optional artist-grade brushes. Elizabeth will provide instructions before the workshop for creating your own handmade book, or you may bring a purchased sketchbook of your choice.

DATES AND DETAILS

• Dates:
  • September 6-11, 2027
• Trip Price: $4,995 – $6,595 USD (Select room type upon booking.)
• Room Description:  All rooms feature a private bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, minibar, coffee-maker, complimentary toiletries, and hairdryer. Upper rooms can be accessed by an elevator.
  • Classic Double (double or twin occupancy)
  • Classic Single (single occupancy)
  • Superior Double (double or twin occupancy)
  • Superior Single (single occupancy)
• A $900 deposit is required to book your space
• View our Terms and Cancellation Policy

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