LANDSCAPES IN
WATERCOLOR
7
inspiring days
of creativity in Tuscany
led by
Sarit Werner
Join us for plein air drawing and watercolor painting in the heart of Tuscany’s most poetic landscape — the rolling hills, golden light, and timeless beauty of Val d’Orcia.
This workshop is designed for artists of all levels who want to deepen their connection to nature through direct observation, expressive mark-making, and the fluid spontaneity of watercolor.
Class will meet at least twice a day in various settings for demonstrations and painting sessions. Over the course of the week, we will focus on different aspects of drawing and watercolor painting, from initial marks and washes to composition, colors, layers, and texture - all in relation to the exquisite landscape around us.
Whether you’re capturing the cypress-lined roads, ancient hill towns, or soft morning mists, this experience is about more than technique — it’s about slowing down, seeing deeply, and letting the landscape move you.
All materials included.
By Sarit Werner
By Sarit Werner
Place
The workshop will take place in Tuscany's heart, at Villa Pienza.
This villa in Val d’Orcia is just 15 minutes from picturesque villages like Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, and Monticchiello. Once a traditional Tuscan farmhouse, it has spacious grounds with aromatic herbs and wildflowers, a large swimming pool, and breathtaking 360-degree views of Val d'Orcia and Pienza. Six ensuite bedrooms and a spacious outdoor dining area, make this villa perfect for this workshop.
Closests airports to the villa are Rome (2.5 hours) and Florence (1.5 hours).
Retreat Overview
Dates
October 11th- 18th
Over the week, immerse yourself in the beauty of Val d’Orcia while developing your drawing and watercolor skills. Each day offers guided sessions focused on expressive mark-making, composition, and the fluid spontaneity of watercolor. We’ll begin each morning at the villa, then head into the landscape to paint on location—capturing the light, texture, and timeless charm of the surroundings.
*Schedule subject to change.
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September 11th: Check in and Welcome DinnerWe will meet at the villa anytime after 12 pm. Welcome Dinner
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September 12th: Large Scale CyanotypeYoga class at 10 am followed by a brunch. After brunch we will begin our workshop by learning the history of Cyanotypes. Cyanotypes are one of the earliest and simplest photographic processes. The cyanotype process was the first fully realized non-silver-based process, discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842. In his general exploration of light sensitive materials, he discovered that when a solution of ferric ammonium citrate combined with potassium ferricyanide was coated on paper, and exposed to sunlight, it resulted in a Prussian blue image formed by the photo-reduction of the ferric to ferrous. The cyanotype process was used to make blueprints for engineers and builders for about the next century beginning around 1876. We will work together on large scale pieces on fabric and paper. Free afternoon to explore nearby towns or beaches. Dinner in town.
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September 13th: Cyanotype on PaperYoga class at 10 am followed by a brunch. After brunch we will learn how to mix cyanotype chemistry and how to make them on paper. Afternoon hike in Maremma National Park. Dinner in town.
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September 14th: Adventure at SeaBoat day to Giglio Island
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September 15th: CyanolumensYoga class at 10 am followed by a brunch. We will learn how to make cyanolumens which involves combining cyanotype chemicals with photographic paper. Visit nearby town of Castiglione della Pescaia, one of the jewels of the Maremma. With its ancient fortress overlooking the blue water of the Tyrrhenian sea, it's one the most scenic of Tuscany's coastal towns
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September 16th: Toning CyanotypesYoga class at 10 am followed by a brunch. Free creative day to continue working on cyanotypes and learn how to tone them.
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September 17th: Check out by 11Check out by 11
Meet Our Hosts
Sarit Werner
Sarit Werner is a graphic artist based in Vermont, the Tuscany of the US. She has an art practice that she cultivates in her Bridgewater, VT studio, and she also works as the Creative Director of Branding at Plymouth Cheese, a heritage cheddar line that looks as good as it tastes.
Sarit Werner has been designing and painting professionally for over 20 years. She studied product design and practiced color consulting in Milan, Italy from 2002-2005. Her art direction has led clients to publish design books by Random House, and place products in stores such as Williams-Sonoma, Dean & Deluca, Urban Outfitters, and Ralph Lauren. Sarit's work has been published on The Dieline and her Plymouth Cheese Giftbox was chosen as one of Oprah's Favorite Things.
Sarit Werner specializes in drawing, painting, and design that is gestural, unique, appealing, and cool for audiences worldwide to enjoy.
Jessica Kassin
Jessica Kassin is a portrait and documentary photographer who finds magic in meaningful connections and storytelling. Born in Guatemala and educated in the U.S. and Italy, Jessica’s passion for art, photography, and travel has led her to host creative retreats exclusively in Italy — a place she fell hard for over 25 years ago.
Her connection to Italy began with a six-month study abroad in Florence, but when that time was up, she called her mom to say she wasn’t coming home just yet. That spontaneous decision sparked a lifelong bond with Italy’s people, landscapes, and rhythm of life.
Jessica is a mother of three, and lives with her family in Miami Beach, Florida.
Discover Val'Dorcia
Prices
The villa offers six spacious ensuite bedrooms, each accommodating up to two guests. Four of the rooms feature king or queen beds, while the remaining two are furnished with twin beds that can be configured as either two singles or converted into a king, providing flexible sleeping arrangements. Every room is designed for comfort and privacy, with modern amenities to ensure a relaxing and restful stay.
What's Included
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7-night accommodations in our private luxury villa
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6 days of immersive education
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transportation from Rome airport to the villa
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Daily itinerary exploring Val D'orcia
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All materials for workshop
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Daily breakfast, light lunch when we are in the villa, and all dinners (wine included at dinner).
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A hands-on cooking class
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A thermal bath adventure
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Free time in the afternoon to explore nearby villages or enjoy the villa
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Ebike's