Our story and class program
Whether you’re a novice artist keen to explore your inner creativity or an experienced illustrator, painter or printmaker looking for inspiration and to learn new techniques, our art class program offers a transformative experience for all artistic levels.
Our holistic art classes
Combine instructive and engaging art lessons with Italy’s inspiring beauty and local knowledge from our on-the-ground support network.
Improve your art technique
Learn new artistic skills with guidance from our talented tutors. Each of our art teachers is passionate about sharing their knowledge gained over years of practical experience in various mediums, techniques and genres. They’ll draw on their expertise to help you discover your inner artistic talent, expand your creative horizons or move past feeling creatively blocked. You’ll have fun as you gain confidence working en plein air surrounded by Italy’s stunning scenery and in our dedicated studio set in the heart of Todi.
Become part of the local artistic community
Experience the artistic tapestry of Todi, a warm and welcoming community of local and international artists and art enthusiasts. Look forward to two organised social gatherings – one at the beginning and one at the end of your stay – to mix and mingle. You’ll also have opportunities to experience la dolce vita during impromptu after-class gatherings in restaurants and cafés – who knows what lasting friendships you’ll forge!
An intimate, small-group experience
To ensure you get the most out of your art holiday, classes typically have no more than ten participants. Most art classes are held over ten days (two sets of five consecutive days with a two-day weekend interval) or a limited number of 5-day courses. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on a selection of optional excursions during your time away from the easel too.
Work towards exhibiting your art
The art class culminates with a Graduate Exhibition on the last day, where you’ll have the choice to showcase your artwork in a professional gallery space. Local artists, ex-pats and supporters in the Todi community will all be invited. You can even offer your artwork for sale and return home with an international exhibition on your CV.
A supportive environment
Each art class has been designed to offer a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, with time for one-to-one and group advice. Our art classes cover various media and artistic genres, including still life, botanical, landscape, portrait and abstract, with art tutors specialising in their chosen field. Although we offer a wide variety of genres and media, we recommend acrylic paints for their fast-drying time.
Concierge Service
Planning your art holiday with us is made easy through our fluent English-speaking Concierge Service based in Todi. This optional service is provided exclusively to Art Class Italy by ArtEX, the Association of Contemporary Art & Cultural Exchange for Umbria. From accommodation and tours to the best food and wine, we can ensure your stay in Todi is carefree.
Accommodation
Whatever level of accommodation you require, we can advise you on the best options and ensure a streamlined booking process. In addition to budget and mid-range villa and hotel accommodation in Todi, there is five-star Palazzo accommodation and Agritourismo lodgings nearby.
Transfers
Transfers from Rome, Milan and Perugia airports, as well as local Umbrian railway stations, are made hassle-free when organised through us.
Activities for companions
Travelling with a partner, companion or family? We can recommend a variety of authentic and stimulating activities to enjoy, either together or apart. Go on exhilarating nature walks in the spectacular countryside, which comprises lakes, mountains and national parks. Sample the local viticulture on a wine tour. Try Italian cooking or language classes. Join guided art and historical tours of significant churches, palazzi, parks and even ancient underground ruins. Whatever your preferred holiday style, our Concierge Service will help you tailor an excursion program to rival your own art experience!
How your art holiday works
01
Choose art
class
Be quick to choose your preferred art class and reserve your place.
- Consider what you want to achieve.
- Choose your class according to your aims – read the artist information.
- Do you like the teacher’s style, techniques and materials?
- Are you happy with the class dates?
02
Begin your art adventure
Whatever your artistic level, from novice to accomplished artist, our expert art teachers will guide, inspire and push you to reach new creative heights.
- Email us if you have any questions about the class.
- Email our Concierge service if you have any questions about your stay in Todi.
- Consider visiting other towns and locations in Umbria before moving on from Todi.
- Check out our FAQs page.
03
Make your travel arrangements
Once your art class reservation is confirmed, book your flights and accommodation – either independently or through our local concierge service. Then pay the balance of your class fees.
- Add a few days to the start and end of your class to make the time Todi relaxing.
- Contact our concierge service for suggestions e.g. accommodation and transfers.
- When your flight bookings are complete pay the balance of your tuition fees.
OUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY
Hello, we're Christine and Stephen, founders of Art Class Italy.
We enjoy helping artists of all levels, from hobbyists to professionals, find their inspiration and share their creations with the world.
Together we have over 30 years of experience with art and design, from curating art exhibitions to art consultancy.
Sharing our love of art
With Art Class Italy, you can grow your artistic talent in a warm and welcoming setting amid the spectacular Italian countryside.
Our inspiration for creating Art Class Italy
Our love of art and Italy ignited the spark to create Art Class Italy back in 2019. Not only do we live and breathe art, but we can think of few destinations that are as appealing to artists than Italy.
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy has given the world some of its greatest masters, including Michaelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. This artist legacy continues to the present day, with Italy acting as a muse for many contemporary artists.
Why choose Todi as an artistic getaway?
Picture-perfect Todi captured our hearts with its historic streets and relaxed pace of life free from many of the distractions of the modern age. The people are warm and welcoming, plus it has an active art scene making it the ideal setting for our art classes.
In partnership with ArtEX - Exhibitions; Residencies and Cultural Exchange
We work with ArtEX, a local art association made up of ex-pats and local artists and arts supporters who are dedicated to promoting contemporary art and cultural exchange. ArtEX partners with us to host exhibitions in Todi that are curated by us. ArtEX also facilitates our Concierge Services that will make your art holiday a memorable and enjoyable experience in which you meet local artists and supporters.
A personal service
Our Concierge Service is run in Todi by Violetta Chiara Frederici, a long-term resident with unparalleled knowledge of all things local. She has extensive experience providing travel assistance and advice to Australians and other English-speaking visitors, as well as expats living in Todi. Violetta will be delighted to help you in any way possible to ensure your time with us in Todi is both enjoyable and memorable.