Course Structure
I'm Raffaele Nobile, brought up in Naples, Sicily and the UK. I have lived for the last 12 years in Tuscany, now firmly rooted at Villa Nobile, close to the wonderful etruscan hill top town of Cortona.

As a keen painter myself, I am also passionate about Italy and all its beauties, I founded the company six years ago, in order to offer the best possible art holiday experience, drawing on my knowledge of the chosen local areas, their best painting locations, hidden secrets, friendly hotels and of course the joys of the local cuisine and wines.

We specialise in relaxed but stimulating fun holidays spent with like-minded people, combined with the highest quality tuition from top professional artists, teachers and historians, all set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful locations in the whole of Italy.

We offer 7, 10 & 14 day workshops , catering for all levels of ability, including complete beginners who will be given patient help and encouragement from our team of friendly tutors. We supply all the equipment you will need – easels chairs boards, parasols etc. All you need to bring are you own personal brushes, pencils, pastels, sketchbooks etc, and any paints if you wish.

Our workshops are carefully planned for small intimate groups of up to 12, to enable our tutors to give maximum individual attention, and focus on the talents and requirements of each person; all of this is combined with demonstrations and time for discussion, helping you to develop and progress. Our courses cover a variety of interesting techniques in oils, watercolours and mixed media, and we focus on the essentials of composition, perspective and of course the subtleties and secrets of light, tone and colour, with which Italy is so blessed.

If you have never lifted a pencil or brush since you were a child, all the more exciting - you may even surprise yourself at what you achieve. We offer you the chance to enjoy painting in Mediterranean light and take home with you the magic of Tuscany.

As a company we strive to improve by adding and diversifying whilst maintaining a high standard with excellent value for money; I lead each group, and will be on hand to ensure that every part of your holiday is exactly as you would wish it to be, and more. I hope to welcome you to Italy some time soon – a presto!

Art History Tours
From Cortona we offer both art holidays as well as a slightly different kind of art vacation. Take part in one of our Art History Tours which includes visits to several important cultural centres such as Assisi, Siena, Arezzo and Orvieto, where you will see some of the most significant works by artists of the Early Renaissance era.

The itinerary has been carefully designed to allow study and discussion (supported by slides) of the political, social and
religious climate that influenced many of the works. There will also be lots of time for sight-seeing and leisure activities. Your guides will be Graeme Willson and Carol Coller. Graeme is well known both as a professional artist and lecturer with a particular sympathy for this period of Art History. Carol moved to Italy from the USA 23 years ago and has worked as an Art historian, guide and has been involved in many archaeological explorations & restorations.

Pricing in £'s Sterling
7 day holiday	€1,595
10 day holiday	€2,275
14 day holiday	€2,995
Art History holidays pricing is to be confirmed.
Our 7 and 10 day workshops are all inclusive excluding flights.

Accommodation
Villa Nobile contains 5 apartments which are available for rent for anyone looking for accommodation in Tuscany. Equally it can be hired by art groups who wish to organise their own holiday to the area and are looking for accommodation with a local artist’s expertise in respect of locations for painting etc. The apartments can accommodate between 2 to 6 occupants in total.

• Tuscany - (Rome Fiumicino airport) Accommodation for our Tuscany courses will be at the beautiful Villa Nobile , which includes five spacious private apartments, sympathetically restored using traditional materials combined with all the advantages of modern kitchen and bathroom fittings. The villa has stunning views over the surrounding countryside, and within its large gardens you will find inspirational painting locations, a fully equipped studio, as well as a wonderful pool and relaxing area.
• Sicily - (Palermo Punta Raisi) Stay in a private Baglio (restored walled hamlet) set in endless acres of land, large rooms and with private pool. Free to pick and eat whatever is growing in the grounds

Host & Tutors
Your host is Raffaele Nobile; he is Italian/English speaking & spent a major part of his childhood in Naples and Sicily. His father is from Agrigento, Sicily and his mother is from Naples. His bonds with Italy and his family roots have kept him close to the true personality of Italy.

We work with a small number of excellent, experienced and practicing artists / tutors. These include Graeme Willson, Carol Coller, Phil Hobbs, and Tom Wood.

Location
We offer workshops in the following stunning areas of Italy:

• Tuscany: An encounter with Cortona is an encounter with art, with history and with spirituality. Acquainting oneself to this timeless city becomes a real discovery of the past. Cortona can offer testimony to its history as well as an enchanting view of the landscape between Lake Trasimeno and the Appenine mountains.
• Sicily: This is a very special part of Italy, an island with a unique sense of mystery and romance. Archaeologically this is a fascinating country. The landscape is varied and dramatic, and the Sicilian people are friendly and welcoming.

Getting There
Airport transfer is included in the price for arrivals at the airports mentioned beside each location under Accommodation above and usually up until 15:00. Please ask for specific details.