Unfortunately, they currently are not.

Participants can bring a non-participating partner for an additional lodging and transportation cost. Please let us know as soon as possible if you’d like to bring a guest.

You will need comfortable clothes, shoes and hat for painting, either in studio or in the field. You may need to walk and carry materials on a few days so please dress comfortably. Spring and autumn in Marsala are warm, with cooler evenings and occasional blustery weather; summer weather is hot, so layered clothing is recommended. We also suggest you bring a bathing suit and something smarter to change into for group dinners.

Our studio provides many basic materials, including solvents and studio easels. You will need to bring your own paint and brushes. Please consult the materials list in your welcome packet for further details. If you wish to travel lightly, consider purchasing or renting materials through us. Everything needed for your workshop will be available for purchase or rental at the Sicily Artist Retreats studio in Marsala. We recomend ordering in advance through  this website. 

Naturally, if you’re not an EU resident, you will need a valid passport. We strongly recommend Travel Insurance and Trip Cancellation Insurance, and an international driver's license if you plan to drive.

A complete materials list  will be sent to you. But here are some things to consider bringing to make the most of your trip:

Painting supplies:

Do bring your favorite brushes for oil painting, or watercolor workshops, palette and paints.  For outdoor painting, bring a plein-air painting set-up that has worked well for you and that you are familiar and comfortable with. Sicily Artists Retreats will provide all solvents and mediums, as these can not be brought with you on the plane, checked or carry-on. Brush soap, rags, paper towels, studio easles  and overnight oil paint storage on palettes are all provided.Remember to bring any specialized tools that you rely on for clay sculpture workshop.  Basic tools will be provided.

Painting surfaces:

Sicily Artist Retreats stocks a variety of canvas, paper and boards available for purchase.

Advice and recommendations on painting surfaces as well as how to safely bring finished paintings home will be sent out to participants in advance. 

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Materials Purchase and Rentals:

Should you prefer to travel without carrying your materials, you may purchase a "Paint Pass" available for all our workshops.  The Paint Pass includes everything you will need for the specific workshop, including oil or watercolor paints, plein air easle and set-up, and glass palette (refundable cash deposit only). All items may be purchased or reserved on this website; see SHOP.

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Clothing:

Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing that is suitable for warm weather. You should also bring a hat with a good brim and sunscreen for outdoor painting sessions.

Choose comfortable shoes good for walking, as not all place we will go have paved roads.

And a small, light, day backpack and reusable water bottle.

Evenings can be a little cooler so be sure to bring a light jacket.

The hotel has a lovely pool, so bringing swimwear is recommended!

With these items in your suitcase, you'll be well-prepared for an enjoyable and productive painting workshop in Sicily!

All of our faculty are hand-picked for experience and acclaim in the United States and Europe. Many of them teach or have taught at schools like the New York Academy of Art,  the Art Students League of New York, and private studios throughout . We trust them to direct each workshop according to their own specialties, while offering meaningful feedback and direction to every single participant.

The Sicily Artist Retreats team bring years of teaching and management experience to the process, ensuring the highest quality experience for our guests.

Most workshops are capped  at13 people, ensuring maximum attention for each participant from our instructors. Historically, we’ve averaged about ten participants per workshop. 

No! Obviously speaking Italian in Italy is a tremendous advantage, but our workshops are conducted in English. All Sicily Artist Retreats staff and vendors speak English as well.

Yes! Our plein air sessions will bring you to places of staggering beauty along Sicily’s western coast. Our workshops also make an ideal part of a longer sightseeing holiday; we are happy to recommend places to visit in the area.

Your Sicily Artist Retreats package will vary slightly depending on which workshop you’re attending. Generally, your tuition costs cover five days of intensive studio work with our faculty; workshop-related day trips around western Sicily for plein air painting or sightseeing;  hotel lodging with breakfast and dinner included; lunch every day, and celebratory meals. It also covers scheduled transportation to and from the airport; daily transportation to the studio; and some basic painting, drawing, and sculpting materials.