Capitignano Tuscany Painting Retreat

may 10th - 17th, 2025

highlights:

Step into History:

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the retreat is held at Capitignano, a breathtaking location with ancient Roman foundations and a meticulously restored, luxurious interior. Overlooking the stunning Mugello Valley, it’s more than just a place to paint—it’s a living piece of history waiting to inspire your creativity.

Flexible and Fulfilling Schedule:

Start your mornings with expert painting classes led by renowned artist Damon Lehrer, and spend your afternoons as you please—painting, hiking the scenic hills, or exploring the surrounding villages. With a perfect balance of structured learning and free time, you’ll find both creative growth and rejuvenation.

Immerse Yourself in Italian Culture:

Take advantage of the optional trips to Florence, where the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David at the Academia await. Additional excursions to charming local towns, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks offer an authentic taste of Tuscany’s rich artistic heritage.

Connect with a Creative Community:

Evenings are all about connection—share meals, enjoy music, and take part in games, fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere of camaraderie among like-minded artists.

Relax in Comfort:

From the moment you arrive, every detail is taken care of—delicious meals, refreshing drinks, and thoughtful amenities ensure you feel at ease. After a day of painting, unwind by the pool or enjoy the on-site tennis court for a perfect end to the day.

With its combination of artistic focus, cultural exploration, and peaceful relaxation, this retreat promises to be an unforgettable experience for artists of all levels.

Escape, create, and be inspired—this is your time to paint the beauty of Tuscany.

Itinerary

Join Damon Lehrer, founder of the BFAC, for our first annual painting retreat to Capitignano in Tuscany, Italy. Capitignano is an ancient farm estate, with building foundations going back to Roman times, and luxurious renovated interiors filled with repurposed antique elements.  Flanked by olive trees and vineyards, with views down to the mist-filled Mugello valley on two sides, it offers stunning pastoral painting opportunities, as well as beautiful hilly hiking, and the curated natural beauty that Tuscany is famous for.  A swimming pool and tennis court complete the picture.

Participants are encouraged to rent a car and drive themselves directly from the airport to the estate (in under an hour), or may opt to take the 45 minute train ride from Florence to Borgo San Lorenzo, where we will meet them at the station and drive them 10 minutes up the hill to the estate.

Upon arrival, everyone will find their room pre-stocked with essential food and drinks- bread, cheese, snacks, wine, seltzer, etc, and the first dinner will be served that evening. During the week, full breakfasts and dinners will be served, while lunch will be left open so that people can feel free to disperse on hikes or paint throughout the day with a packed lunch, or spend the day on the road or in Florence sightseeing.

On Sunday morning after breakfast everyone will be encouraged to carpool down to the town, walk around to get oriented, and purchase lunch supplies for the coming few painting days.  By 1:00 pm we’ll be back up at Capitignano to eat a light lunch and/or siesta before an introductory painting class with Damon in the afternoon. Dinner will be served at about 7:00, followed by games, strolls, music, or whatever suits each participant.

Each weekday morning Damon will lead a painting class from about 10 am to 1:00pm (optional of course) Later in the afternoon, Damon will invite people to paint alongside him for some informal painting interaction.  One weekday (depending on the weather) will be devoted to walking around Florence and seeing the sights.  Those interested in visiting the Uffizi Museum and the Academia (housing Michelangelo’s sculpture of David) may need to purchase tickets in advance- more information will be available in the month prior to departure.

On Saturday we’ll have a final breakfast, bring whoever needs to catch the train to the station to get to Florence, and say goodbye to those who are driving back.  Extensions to the trip will be available through GoForAJourney, our travel partner, and can be arranged by emailing here.

Pricing:

(first to put deposit down gets Priority)

  • $1900.00 per person

  • $2300.00 Per Person

  • $4000.00

  • Please reach out to DRAW@BOSTONFAC.COM