Rediscover Ancient Art, Pigments, and Italian Light
Rome Art Retreat – Early October
5 Days / 4 Nights | Max 6 Participants
An immersive art retreat in the artistic heart of Rome, designed for those who love classical art, history, craftsmanship, and authentic cultural experiences. In early October, when the city slows down after summer tourism and the light turns soft and golden, we will explore ancient painting techniques, natural pigments, and the unique relationship between portrait, architecture, and Italian light.
This is an intimate, carefully curated retreat combining daily artistic practice, artisan workshop visits, live drawing, and the pleasures of Roman food and wine.
Climate & Atmosphere
• Ideal temperatures: 18–22°C
• Soft golden light, perfect for painting and drawing
• A calm, livable city after peak tourist season
Accommodation
We will stay at B&B ColosseoInn, just 10 minutes walking distance from the Colosseum.
• Private room for each participant
• Private bathroom
• Small private balcony
• Central, authentic neighborhood ideal for exploring Rome on foot (Rione Monti, Colosseum, historic center)
Artistic Techniques Explored
• Egg tempera painting (classical Renaissance technique)
• Drawing with natural pigments and earths
• Portrait studies
• Understanding Roman light and architectural volumes
• Live drawing from observation (models, urban details, mosaics)
What’s Included in the Experience
• Daily guided painting and drawing sessions
• Visits to artisan ateliers
• Ancient mosaic workshop in Rione Monti
• Live drawing sessions in historic and alternative locations
• Painting & Wine Dinner Experience (one dinner included)
• Panoramic aperitivos on Roman terraces
• ✨ Personal Painting & Pigment Kit – a gift for each participant to take home
Daily Program
Day 1
Welcome to Rome | Ancient Light
Morning / Early Afternoon
Arrival in Rome and check-in at B&B ColosseoInn.
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Introductory walk through the Colosseum area, Roman Forum, and Rione Monti.
First urban sketching session, focusing on light, proportions, and atmosphere.
7:00 PM
Panoramic aperitivo at a rooftop terrace (Pantheon / Piazza Navona area).
Dinner at leisure (recommended in Rione Monti).
Day 2
Natural Pigments & Egg Tempera
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Studio session:
• Introduction to natural pigments
• Preparing colors
• Egg tempera technique
Lunch break at a local trattoria.
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Painting exercises focused on classical subjects and light.
6:30 PM
Rooftop aperitivo (Pantheon or Piazza Navona area).
Dinner in Trastevere – authentic Roman cuisine.
Day 3
Live Drawing & Ancient Mosaic
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Live drawing session in a lesser-known historic location (courtyards, cloisters, or interiors).
Lunch break.
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Ancient mosaic workshop in Rione Monti:
• Traditional Roman techniques
• Materials and symbolism
• Creation of a small personal mosaic
7:00 PM
Aperitivo in the Monti district.
Dinner at leisure.
Day 4
Portrait, Wine & Painting
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Portrait studies focusing on light, form, and expression.
Lunch break.
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Final painting session and refinements.
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
✨ Painting & Wine Dinner Experience (included):
A convivial evening with wine, food, art, and shared reflections on the works created.
Day 5
Closing & Farewell
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Light drawing session or final review of artworks.
Gift Moment
Each participant receives a personal painting and natural pigment kit as a gift, to continue practicing after the retreat.
Check-out and departures.
Artistic & Cultural Locations
• Rione Monti (artisan workshops, mosaic studios)
• Colosseum & Roman Forum (light and architecture studies)
• Hidden courtyards and cloisters
• Trastevere (traditional Roman dinners)
• Panoramic rooftops for aperitivos (Pantheon / Piazza Navona area)
Retreat Price
Final price per participant: €1,650
Price Includes:
• 4 nights accommodation in a private room with private bathroom
• All guided painting and drawing sessions
• Basic art materials during workshops
• Ancient mosaic workshop
• Artisan atelier visits
• Painting & Wine Dinner (one dinner included)
• Organized aperitivos
• 🎁 Personal painting & natural pigment kit (gift)
Not Included
• Travel to/from Rome
• Lunches and dinners (except Painting & Wine Dinner)
• Personal art supplies beyond the gifted kit
Who This Retreat Is For
• Artists and creatives
• Lovers of classical art and ancient techniques
• Cultural travelers
• Anyone seeking an authentic, slow, and inspiring Roman experience
