Watercolour painting holiday in Italy with Lorraine Simonds

Planet

Lorraine Simonds’ watercolour workshop in Urbania isn’t just an artistic retreat—it’s a celebration of conscious creativity and sustainable living. Set in the serene hills of Le Marche, this immersive experience invites you to slow down, observe deeply, and connect with the natural world through your art.

From staying in family-owned accommodations to enjoying locally sourced, seasonal meals, every aspect of the workshop is designed to support the environment and local economy. You'll spend your days painting en plein air in stunning landscapes, exploring charming historic towns, and engaging with artisans who practice time-honored, low-impact crafts. Lorraine’s approach to painting—focused on emotion, spontaneity, and storytelling—encourages participants to forge a deeper relationship with their surroundings.

By choosing this workshop, you're not only nurturing your creative spirit, but also treading lightly on the earth and supporting a way of travel that values authenticity, community, and sustainability.

We are also committed to reducing our carbon footprint by prioritizing slow, low-impact travel. Our excursions take place in small groups, using eco-conscious transportation whenever possible, and we encourage walking through the picturesque streets of Urbania and Urbino to fully appreciate their rich history and architectural beauty. We partner with sustainable farms and organic wineries, supporting regenerative agriculture that helps combat soil depletion and climate change. By staying in heritage properties that emphasize restoration over new construction, we help preserve the architectural legacy of the region while reducing waste and energy consumption. Through these efforts, we strive to ensure that our artistic retreat not only inspires creativity but also promotes a deeper respect for the planet.

People

Supporting Local Communities & Creative Traditions
At the heart of Lorraine Simonds’ watercolour workshop is a deep respect for the people who make Le Marche such an inspiring and culturally rich place. This experience goes beyond painting—it’s about connecting with those who preserve and share Italy’s artistic soul.

Throughout the week, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Visit the studios of local artisans, from master ceramicists to traditional paper-makers, learning directly from those who keep centuries-old crafts alive.

Enjoy an intimate wine tasting at a nearby family-run vineyard, where the passion for sustainable winemaking is passed down through generations.

Take part in a hands-on culinary experience, preparing classic regional dishes in a private countryside home using ingredients grown just steps away.

These experiences not only deepen your appreciation for Italian art and culture but also ensure your presence directly supports the skilled individuals and small businesses that give the region its character.

People
Lorraine’s workshop is thoughtfully designed to create meaningful cultural exchange while supporting the local economy:

Family-Owned Accommodations: Stay at a warm, welcoming agriturismo where your visit directly benefits local hosts and their community.

Fresh, Local Dining: Every meal features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—supporting small farmers, reducing waste, and celebrating regional culinary heritage.

Authentic, Small-Scale Excursions: Rather than large tourist groups, you’ll explore in an intimate, respectful way—visiting Urbino’s Renaissance treasures and uncovering the charm of small towns like Mercatello sul Metauro and Urbania.

Join Lorraine for a week of watercolour, connection, and community in the heart of Italy—where every brushstroke supports the people who help keep creativity alive.