Paint in Lucca & Florence with James Willis
Florence, Pisa and Lucca have some of the finest Romanesque and Renaissance architecture in Italy. Join senior art tutor, art historian and figurative painter James Willis on this exceptional painting holiday to all three towns. The beautiful small town of Lucca is the more suitable base for painters and Pisa and Florence will be painted on day visits. This 11–day instructional holiday is ideal for intermediate students.
Lucca is a fascinating medieval citadel encased by its sixteenth century tree-lined walls. It was the birthplace of Puccini, and is as colourful and textured as any opera. Narrow streets are lined with tall terracotta-roofed buildings painted in amber and yellow hues, and wonderful piazzas are filled with grand churches. The Duomo, San Michele in Foro, Piazza San Michele and Palazzo Pfanner are all within walking distance of our hotel. Pisa’s Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) with its famous Leaning Tower, the Battistero, Camposanto and Duomo is one of the most dramatic settings in Italy, and there are grand views to paint along the banks of the River Arno. Florence is Italian Renaissance Art at its best. Whether you choose to paint or sketch the Duomo, Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti or just admire the works in the Uffizi, Medici Chapels and Michelangelo’s David, Florence is magnificent.
James Willis is a senior tutor at the Open College of Arts and of the fine art workshops at the Sir John Soane Museum in London. He is also an accomplished figurative artist and fast gaining international recognition. James works in all mediums and has a keen interest in materials and how they perform. James is an inspirational and attentive tutor, devoted to helping you improve your style and develop as an artist. He is happy for you to work alongside him and he will provide individual guidance and teaching as well as informative group critiques. James is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic art historian and will provide informative talks on the history of Lucca. Pisa and Florence. To learn more about James Willis click here
The holiday arrangements have been chosen for their suitability for artists and everything is organised for you and taken care of by an accompanying programme co-ordinator from the UK, enabling you and James to concentrate solely on painting. You will be staying in the heart of Lucca so everything is within walking distance from the hotel. A day visit to both Pisa and Florence are included and trains are available for any further trips. Scheduled flights, private transfers, accommodation and dinners are also included in the price.
This holiday is on behalf of the The Artist Magazine
Summary Itinerary
| 29 May | 0910 hours depart London Heathrow. 1225 hours arrive Pisa. Transfer to in Lucca. Introductory talk from James Willis and walk through the heart of Lucca to see the range of painting subjects within easy walking distance of the hotel. Lucca is a fascinating medieval citadel encased by its sixteenth century tree-lined walls. Narrow streets are lined with tall terracotta-roofed buildings painted in amber and yellow hues, and wonderful piazzas are filled with grand churches. The Duomo, San Michele in Foro, Piazza San Michele and Palazzo Pfanner are all within walking distance of our hotel. Dinner in Lucca. |
| 30 May – 1 Jun | Breakfast in the hotel. Three full days painting in Lucca. Dinner in Lucca. |
| 2 June | Breakfast in the hotel. Full day painting in Pisa. Spend the morning painting in Pisa’s Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) – with its famous Leaning Tower, the Battistero, Camposanto and Duomo is one of the most dramatic settings in Italy. Later paint the grand views along the banks of the River Arno and the 11th century San Piero a Grado basilica, which is a lovely example of Romanesque architecture and has some vibrant 12th and 13th century frescoes. Dinner in Lucca. |
| 3-4 June | Breakfast in the hotel. Two full days painting in Lucca. Dinner in Lucca. |
| 5 June | Breakfast in the hotel. Full day painting in Florence, where you will find Italian Renaissance Art at its best. Whether you choose to paint or sketch the Duomo, Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, in the Giardino Bardini or di Boboli, or just admire the works in the Uffizi, Medici Chapels and Michelangelo’s David, Florence is magnificent. Dinner in Lucca. |
| 6 – 7 June | Breakfast in the hotel. Full day painting in Lucca. Dinner in Lucca. |
| 8 June | Breakfast in the hotel. 1345 hours depart Pisa. 1455 hours arrive London Heathrow. |
| Number of students: | 10-16 |
| Price per person : | £2,595.00 |
| Single room supplement: | £300.00 |
Price includes: scheduled flights, 10 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast & dinner daily, airport transfers in Italy, two days of private transport to visit Pisa and Florence, guest artist, Spencer Scott Travel escort.
Images of James Willis’ work :
Paint in Lucca & Florence with James Willis
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