Tuscany Portrait Painting Workshop 2025

A Transformative Painting Journey in Tuscany

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany’s breathtaking hills, this immersive 14-day painting workshop is designed to inspire and elevate your artistic journey. Under the guidance of esteemed instructors—Nic Thurman, Kristine Onsrud, and Melisa Calabria—you’ll explore classical painting techniques while soaking in the beauty of Tuscany. Connect with fellow artists, enhance your skills, and experience one of the world’s most culturally rich regions.

RESERVATIONS: https://www.kitschpaintingworkshops.com/events/tuscany-portrait-workshop-2025

What You’ll Do at the Tuscany Portrait Painting Workshop

Dive into Painting Philosophy Over Morning Coffee
Start each day with insightful discussions led by your instructors, exploring timeless painting principles. Share ideas with your peers while enjoying the serene beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

Get Guidance From World-Class Instructors
Refine your technique and get hands-on feedback from accomplished painters who specialize in classical techniques. Whether you’re refining your craft or learning new skills, this is your chance to grow under expert mentorship.

Paint Portraits from Life
Experience the timeless art of portraiture, working with live models to capture the delicate interplay of form, color, and emotion.

Learn How to Draw a Portrait in Just One Hour
Enhance your observational skills in evening live model drawing sessions, featuring timed competitions to challenge your skills.

Explore Florence
Take inspiring day trips to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Discover its historic streets, iconic landmarks, and world-class art collections while enjoying local culinary delights.

Savor Tuscany’s Finest Wines
Take a break from painting to indulge in a guided wine-tasting tour. Discover local wine varieties while relaxing in the serene atmosphere of the Tuscan vineyards.

And So Much More!
From gourmet meals prepared by the castle staff to meaningful connections with like-minded artists, every moment is designed to inspire. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany and create your own masterpieces.

Reserve Your Spot Now

What Our Participants Say

“I’ll cherish the connections I’ve made here. The food was like a five-star hotel, the teachers were wonderful, and the atmosphere—you’re in a castle in Tuscany, I mean, how much better can it get?”
— Lynne G, Canada

“The atmosphere of the castle is magical. You feel like everything you need is here—or maybe you’re being shown that everything you needed was already in you, and this place just revealed it.”
— Chloe B, Washington, D.C.

“An instructor’s small comment—something they may not necessarily think is so impactful—can utterly change how you approach a problem. That’s the power of having so many perspectives.”
— Eric C, Florida

“Being in a castle was really unique. You could see and feel the history in every space. My view of the Tuscan countryside each morning felt surreal.”
— Hank G, Virginia

“The trips we took to Florence were unforgettable. I felt like I was having a special moment in places like the Chapel with Masaccio—it was like we had our own private tour.”
— Emile M, Canada

“I thought it would be intimidating to be here, but it was the opposite. There are so many talented painters, but everyone just wants to help each other. I got to be vulnerable, humble, and focus on the craft—which was amazing.”
— Mari G, Norway

“I have never finished an oil painting before coming here. My learning has been rapid, and I feel proud of the progress and results. I’m looking forward to taking my knowledge home and putting it into practice.”
— Anonymous

Workshop Agenda: April 10-25, 2025

Note: This itinerary is a sample to give you an overview of the planned activities and learning experiences. The specific schedule and order of events may vary.

Apr 10

• Welcome Dinner
• Shuttle from Florence to the castle. Meet your instructors and fellow participants, and prepare for a transformative experience.

Apr 11

• Materials & Drawing Warm-ups
• Learn about the materials you’ll be using and stretch your canvas. Begin drawing with a live model to warm up.

Apr 12

• Oil Ground Preparation & Portrait Block-in
• Learn how to prepare your canvas with oil ground and begin the “block-in” phase of your portrait.

Apr 13

• Light & Shadow
• Dive deep into light and shadow techniques, incorporating them into your portrait work.

Apr 14

• Skin Color Variety
• Understand the Apelles palette and incorporate color variety into your portrait painting.

Apr 15

• Brushwork & Textural Variety
• Master brushwork techniques and experiment with texture in your portraits.

Apr 16

• Florence Day Trip
• Explore Florence’s iconic landmarks and art museums, including the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.

Apr 17

• Backgrounds & Unity
• Learn how to create harmonious compositions by focusing on the backgrounds of your portraits.

Apr 18

• Emotion & Focus
• Understand how to inject emotion into your work and manipulate focus for enhanced drama.

Apr 19

• Final Details
• Refine the final details of your portraits with guidance from the instructors.

Apr 20-21

• Scumbling & Glazing
• Learn how to apply glazing techniques to create depth and contrast in your paintings.

Apr 22

• Florence Pt. 2
• Visit the Patti Palace and Brancacci Chapel in Florence, followed by free time for exploring.

Apr 23

• Draw, Wine, Draw, Exhibit
• Participate in a friendly drawing competition and enjoy a guided wine-tasting tour. End the day with a final exhibition.

Apr 24

• Pack, Resolve, Celebrate!
• Reflect on your experience, share insights, and celebrate your journey with fellow artists.

Apr 25

• Farewell
• Breakfast and final goodbyes before shuttling back to Florence.

Meet the Instructors

Melisa Calabria
Master of Color & Sentimentality
Born in Buenos Aires, Melisa Calabria is an internationally recognized painter who apprenticed with Odd Nerdrum. Her work has earned acclaim in prestigious competitions worldwide.

Kristine Onsrud
Drawing Inspiration from Rembrandt to Schjerfbeck
A graduate of the Florence Academy of Art, Kristine Onsrud’s classical works have been exhibited globally. She trained with Odd Nerdrum and continues to inspire artists through her workshops.

Nic Thurman
Ethereal Enthusiast
An accomplished painter and educator, Nic Thurman has been mentored by Jeremy Caniglia and Odd Nerdrum. His works are held in private collections around the world, and he continues to share his knowledge globally.