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 could have fun as you gain confidence working "en plein air" overlooking Italy’s stunning scenery or perfecting skils in "still life or portraiture" in our dedicated studio set in the heart of historic 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 an organised social gathering – at the beginning or 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 eight participants. Most art classes are held over five days. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on a selection of optional excursions during your time away from the easel which we can help to arrange.
Work towards exhibiting your art
Depending on teacher requirements, the art class may finish with a Graduate Exhibition on the last day. You may have the choice to showcase your artwork in the studio space.
Local artists, ex-pats and supporters in the Todi community will all be invited. You may 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.
Personal Service
Planning your art holiday with us (Christine and Stephen) as your hosts will ensure your stay in Todi is carefree and memorable. We maintain connections with a network of fluent, English-speaking, local guides and service providers based in Todi. Accommodation in Todi, transfers to and from Todi, local tours and restaurant recommendations are all easily and efficiently available through us.
Accommodation
Whatever level of accommodation you require, we can advise you of the various accommodation options and assist to a streamline the 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.
Before finalising your accommodation we recommend you contact your hosts (Christine and Stephen) who have negotiated discounts with some luxury palazzo accommodation venues in Todi that will provide a sizable discount on your accommodation rates.
Transfers
Transfers from Rome, Milan and Perugia airports, as well as local Umbrian railway stations, are made hassle-free when organised through us. We can also provide you with up to date information about bus services to and from Todi, carparking arrangements in Todi and the most efficient ways to travel by train or aeroplane around Italy both before and after your stay with us in Todi.
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. Take a Language class and learn to cook and shop for supplies in a 4 day course arranged by us. The Wellness Language Centre in Todi has teamed up with us to develop this class so that you can come home to a n authentic home cooked Italian meal after a day in class.
Go on exhilarating nature walks in the spectacular countryside, which comprises lakes, mountains and national parks. Sample the local viticulture on a wine tour. Join guided art and historical tours of significant churches, palazzi, parks and even ancient underground ruins. Whatever your preferred holiday style, your hosts 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 your hosts at info@artclassitaly.com 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 us , your hosts.
Here are a few helpful tips
- Add a few days to the start and end of your class to make the time Todi relaxing.
- Contact us, your hosts, for suggestions e.g. accommodation and transfers and discount offers.
- When your your class is confirmed book your flights unless you are already going.
- If the class is postponed or cancelled for reasons out of our control you will be refunded your paid booking fee.
OUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY
Hello, we are your hosts, 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
When you join Art Class Italy, you will develop your artistic talent and improve your skills in a warm and welcoming setting in the historic town of Todi with views of 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 (particularly Todi in Umbria).
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy has given the world some of its greatest masters, including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and Leonardo da Vinci to name a few. This artistic 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 and the many tourists in major cities. The people of Todi are warm and welcoming, and Todi has a vibrant 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, 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.
A personal service
As your hosts, we will provide a personal service to you. Our numerous events and classes in Todi have resulted in us gaining extensive knowledge and experience in making your "art class" holiday a hassle free experience which is both enjoyable and memorable. We have established relationships with accommodation providers that will save you money. We can provide information about your transfers from major towns to Todi that will make life easy and save money.