# Expressive Abstract Painting Retreat with Artist Pamela Caughey in Tuscany Join artist Pamela Caughey for a focused art retreat in the warm, sun-drenched hills of Tuscany. Each day includes practical instruction in abstract painting through demonstrations, dedicated studio time, and personal mentoring. You’ll build a strong foundation in design and color theory, receive individual feedback, and develop a cohesive body of abstract work. Pam’s teaching is intuitive and supportive, always tuned to your needs, helping you feel more assured in your process and artistic choices. While Pam's demos in color and design will be done using the oil and cold wax medium, artists may also work in acrylic or another 2D medium.Inspiration and Pam's instruction continue beyond the studio. Wander the stone-lined streets of San Gimignano, where layers of history, weathered walls, and market treasures offer unexpected sparks for your work. Pam will provide guidance to help you gather ideas, photos, and sketches as you explore these spectacular excursions. Spend an afternoon at a family-run olive oil mill nestled in the hills, where the scent of pressed olives and the rhythms of tradition bring a deeper connection to place and material.Stay in inviting Tuscan apartments featuring traditional "arte povera" furnishings, set among peaceful gardens, a 66-foot (20-meter) pool, rolling vineyards, olive groves, and a private lake. A reconverted 18th-century granary serves as a spacious, well-equipped studio, offering the perfect setting to create while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and historic architecture. ## Details - **Dates:** October 17 - 24, 2026 - **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting) ## Overview What's includedArt classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Pamela CaugheyCold wax medium, Gamsol (Odorless Mineral Spirit), and Galkyd Gel for the workshop componentExclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the large natural garden, extensive vineyards, olive groves, the 66 ft. (20 m.) swimming pool, and the private lakeLarge, dedicated art studio, accessible at all times7 nights of accommodation at a Tuscan estateMeals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chefWater, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the daySpecial welcome and farewell dinnerWelcome and farewell cocktailsDelicious wine served with dinnerAn on-site wine tour and tastingFull-day art trip to San GimignanoHalf-day trip to the Frantoio Pasquini oil mill, including olive oil tasting with appetizersPrivate transportation and guide for all planned activitiesFully-staffed venue, experienced UpTrek host available on locationRound-trip transfers at pre-arranged times from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR)All local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Pamela Caughey and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceLunch during the full-day tripMaterials — a list of materials recommended by Pamela Caughey will be provided five months before the retreatTips for staff (tipping is customary in Italy)Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Expressive Abstract Painting Retreat Join artist Pamela Caughey for a focused and energizing art retreat in the sunlit hills of Tuscany. Throughout the week, you’ll build a solid foundation in abstract painting, explore new methods, and take creative risks that move your work in meaningful directions. Pam will be teaching her approach to abstract expressionist painting, sharing ways to build strong compositions rooted in personal color and thoughtful design. While she’ll be demonstrating in cold wax and oil, you are welcome to work in acrylic or any medium that suits your practice.Each day includes a natural rhythm of demonstration, group discussion, focused studio time, and reflection. You’ll create a cohesive series of abstract works shaped by your time in Tuscany, drawing from the atmosphere, textures, colors, and forms that surround you. Take a trip to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, where the historic streets and architecture offer rich visual inspiration. You'll also spend a day at a family-run olive oil mill in the countryside, where the sights, scents, and textures of the setting can deepen your creative connection to the landscape.Pam will work closely with each artist throughout the retreat. You'll receive one-on-one mentoring and thoughtful critique tailored to your goals and experience level. She’ll help you identify what’s working, where to push further, and how to bring clarity to your personal style. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine a well-established practice, you’ll leave the week with real progress, a deeper understanding of your process, and a body of work that reflects your growth.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Exploring your style in abstract paintingWorking in a seriesUnderstanding the 7 foundational design elementsSeveral methods of contemporary abstract compositionGathering inspiration using photographs and sketchbooksUsing the beauty of the environment to inform your art...and many more.Experience Italy's lively culture through chef-made food every day, delicious wine served with dinner (plus a wine tasting), a historic venue dating back to medieval times, and the lovely company of 15 other like-minded artists. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), at 4:00 PM and be transferred to the venue, reaching it by 5:00 PM. After settling into your spacious, thoughtfully designed room, explore the cozy apartments, well-equipped writing spaces, peaceful pool, and expansive gardens, all surrounded by serene vineyards and olive groves. Get introduced to your guide for this art adventure, Pamela Caughey, and chat about the upcoming week over a delightful welcome dinner. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Begin your morning with a fresh breakfast before meeting the group for coffee and a relaxed check-in with Pam.Step into the light-filled studio, where your first session with Pam begins. You’ll start with an open conversation about your work, what you hope to develop, and the creative blocks that may be holding you back. You'll likely find others facing the same challenges. From there, Pam will lead a painting demonstration, walking you through ideas and methods to guide your first steps. Follow along using paper or panels, and begin shaping the early layers of your painting series for the week.After a light lunch, return to the studio for a quiet afternoon of painting and observation. Step outside when you need to pause, and let the colors of the garden or the textures of old stone walls shift your perspective. Bring these impressions back into the studio and allow them to guide your next marks. Pam will be nearby, offering individual support and feedback as your work begins to take shape.As evening settles in, gather for a relaxed wine tasting held right at the property. Stroll through the vineyards and cellars, hear the stories behind the wines, then sit down together for a delicious dinner. ### Day 3: Trip to San Gimignano Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then drive with Pam through the hills of Tuscany toward San Gimignano. The road winds past fields, vineyards, and old farmhouses, giving you time to talk, observe, and settle into the rhythm of the day.In town, enjoy a guided walk through the streets with Pam, taking in the worn stone walls, the shadows cast by towers, and the soft changes in color and light. Sketch if you’re moved to, take reference photos, and stay open to what catches your eye. As you walk, Pam will point out shifts in structure, space, and contrast, helping you see how these visual elements can inform and strengthen your compositions.Stop for a coffee, enjoy a simple lunch, and continue wandering with your sketchbook. As you walk, Pam will introduce essential design elements and revisit core color principles. These ideas will fold naturally into your ongoing painting series, helping you notice what’s already working and where your personal style is beginning to take hold. She’ll be nearby throughout the day, checking in with guidance and feedback as your observations shift into creative choices.Return to the studio in time for dinner, bringing the day’s images, textures, and ideas with you. Let the conversation flow as you reflect on what you’ve seen and where your paintings are headed next. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Rise and shine to a refreshing breakfast, followed by a check-in over coffee with Pam and the first workshop of the day.Kick off the morning with a demonstration from Pam, building on the design work you've already started. She’ll focus on shape, value, and color, showing how small shifts in form or line can shift the energy of a painting. Explore how value can create contrast and depth and how color choices support balance and movement. As you follow along, you’ll continue developing your series, layering new techniques into your evolving body of work.After a relaxed lunch, return to the studio for an afternoon session centered on abstraction. Pam will lead a talk on what abstraction really means, how it functions, and how you can shape it into something personal. As the conversation moves from technique to intuition, you’ll begin translating your ideas and emotions into abstract forms that speak more clearly in your visual language.Later in the day, take some time to unwind. Walk through the olive groves, sit by the pool, or keep painting if you’re still in flow. Come together again for dinner, share what sparked something in you, and look ahead to where your paintings might go next. ### Day 5: Trip to a traditional oil mill Enjoy a warm breakfast as light moves across the walls, then head out for a short drive to Frantoio Pasquini, a family-owned olive oil mill nestled among the hills and groves near the studio.Walk through the olive trees and explore the mill, where four generations have tended the land and pressed oil using a blend of traditional tools and modern methods. Learn about each step of the process, from harvest to bottle, then taste freshly pressed oils alongside local favorites like olive pastes in their small eno-oleoteca.Return for a simple lunch, then settle into the afternoon session with Pam. Bring sketches, notes, or visual impressions from the morning into the studio or out into the garden, and keep developing your painting series. Focus on shape, color, and composition, pulling inspiration from what caught your eye earlier in the day, such as a splash of sunlight or the texture of bark. Pam will be nearby, checking in and offering support as your ideas take shape on the canvas.As the evening sets in, gather for a relaxed dinner. Pour a glass of wine, share stories from the day, and reflect on what made its way into your work. ### Day 6: Art at the venue On the sixth day of your retreat in Tuscany, start with a hearty breakfast and a relaxed check-in over coffee with Pam and the group.Spend the morning in the studio continuing your painting series, drawing from sketches and references gathered throughout the week. Pam will be there to guide you as you work, offering support if you feel stuck or want to push a piece in a new direction. At some point during the morning, she’ll sit down with you for a one-on-one conversation to look more closely at your work and talk through your process.After lunch, return to the studio for a focused afternoon session. Use this time to step back, refine your pieces, or try something new. Whether you're adjusting composition, building layers, or exploring color, Pam will be nearby for feedback as you bring your paintings closer to completion.As the day winds down, gather for a relaxed dinner with the group. Share what you discovered, what surprised you, and what you're excited to keep exploring in the days ahead. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Begin your final full day with a hearty breakfast before heading into the studio with Pam.Focus on finishing your series, pulling together what you’ve learned, and making those last marks count. Pam will be there to help you tie it all together, whether you need a final bit of feedback or just someone to talk through your next move.After lunch, gather for a casual mini-exhibition and feedback session. You’re welcome to share your work, hear what others have been exploring, and take in the full arc of the week. Pam will offer her thoughts and insights, and the group setting brings a mix of encouragement, inspiration, and celebration. Whether you share or simply take it all in, it’s a moment to recognize how far you’ve come.Later in the day, take time for yourself, whether that is wandering through the olive trees or sitting by the pool. As evening settles in, sit down to a final dinner together. Raise a glass, laugh a little louder, and enjoy the company of new friends and a week of work well done. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast with your group, exchange any last contact details, and get ready for your transfer to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM. ## Instructors - [Pamela Caughey](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/pamela-caughey) — Artist and mentor ## Accommodation ### Tuscan Vineyard Estate Your venue for the retreat with Pamela Caughey is a serene Tuscan vineyard estate nestled in the Chianti region. Covering 80 acres (32 hectares), the estate dates back to the Middle Ages and once belonged to the influential Medici Tornaquinci family, forever establishing its place in history. Amenities on the estate include a 66-foot (20-meter) swimming pool, extensive gardens, a private lake, and wine cellars. You can also enjoy the large outdoor dining area, party hall, and spacious studio for your classes. During your free time, you're welcome to explore the picturesque surroundings using the scenic walking paths. The accommodation spaces are spread across two main buildings and a smaller, separate villa, whereas the common area and studio are located in the reconverted 18th-century granary. These spaces range from cozy, intimate suites to multi-bedroom apartments with amenities spread over multiple floors. The rooms boast stunning views of the estate's expansive gardens, vineyards, or peaceful private lake. Your classes with Pam will be carried out in a spacious 1,560 sq. ft. (145 sq. m.) studio located on the second floor of the granary building. You may also create on the grounds, with the estate's stunning landscape providing endless inspiration. The dedicated art studio is open at all times during the course of the retreat. Please note that the venue may not be suitable for participants with limited mobility, as some rooms and the studio are accessible only by stairs, and getting around the venue spaces requires a short walk. Additionally, being in the Italian countryside, you may encounter some insects during your stay. To preserve the historical character of the estate, the rooms are not equipped with window screens. ### Shared ensuite room (female only) You'll share this room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms are available in the main villa, located on the third floor, and in a separate medieval tower (stairway access). The rooms feature twin beds and is fan-cooled, designed with architecture that keeps the space cool, with an ensuite shower bathroom. The bathroom is shared between the same-gender participants occupying the same room. The shared living rooms provide a comfortable space to relax, alongside a shared kitchen, complete with dining amenities and a TV. ### Single standard room - adjacent bathroom Four single standard rooms available for single occupancy are located within separate apartments in the main villa (second floor) or the medieval tower (second and third floor). Each apartment offers access to a shared living room and either a kitchenette or a full kitchen with a dining table and a TV. You'll have access to an adjacent, private bathroom with a shower or a tub. All rooms are fan-cooled and contain double beds. ### Single superior ensuite room Five superior single rooms are available for single occupancy, each featuring a double bed and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. The rooms are located within separate apartments in the main villa (third floor) or the medieval tower (second floor). Each apartment includes a shared living room and either a kitchenette or a full kitchen with a dining table and a TV. In two of the apartments, the shared kitchen and living room are located downstairs from the bedrooms. All rooms are fan-cooled. ### Single deluxe apartment Four single deluxe apartments are available for single occupancy, each offering the comfort and privacy of having the entire apartment to yourself. Located on the first and second floors in one of the main buildings of the estate, these apartments feature a bedroom with a double bed, a private bathroom with a shower, and a cozy living room. Two of the apartments include a kitchenette, while the other two offer a separate kitchen with a dining table. One of the apartments spans both the first and second floors, with amenities and living spaces divided across the levels. Each apartment covers approximately 646 sq. ft. (60 sq. m). ## Food During your retreat with Pamela Caughey, you'll savor delicious, authentic Italian cuisine with wonderful meat and vegetable-based dishes crafted by the private chef. The chef uses fresh, seasonal local ingredients to prepare classic Tuscan recipes, offering a true taste of the region's rustic flavors. You will enjoy home-cooked meals that look amazing and feature the tastiest Italian “Nonna”-style (grandma) recipes.Start your day with a Tuscan breakfast, featuring a selection of breads (including whole wheat and the classic Tuscan white with no salt), fruit jams, honey, yogurt, cornflakes, homemade cakes, and croissants. You'll also enjoy Tuscan cheese, eggs, fresh fruits, juices, and a variety of beverages like cappuccino, coffee, tea, milk, almond milk, and soy milk.Lunch is served buffet-style and typically includes a variety of starters, salads, and a first course, accompanied by fresh fruit. In the evenings, you'll be treated to a buffet dinner with an antipasto (the first course), followed by a main course with a vegetable side dish, and finished with a delicious dessert. Dinners are paired with wonderful wines produced at the estate.Throughout the day, a selection of snacks such as homemade pastries, cakes, biscuits, and nuts will be available. You can enjoy these along with coffee, tea, juice, and water in the hall of the beautifully restored 18th-century Granary building or on the lovely pergola overlooking the garden and vineyards. You'll also explore the local flavors with a wine-tasting tour of the estate’s own Chianti winery.The retreat includes all meals, except for one lunch during your full-day trip. Please note that while the venue can accommodate diet restrictions (vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, lactose-free) upon request, availability and variety may be limited. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot. ## Getting There Your art retreat with Pamela Caughey takes place in the tranquil Vaggio di Reggello area of Tuscany, surrounded by lush vineyards, rolling hills, and historic charm. The serene environment reflects the traditional Tuscan countryside, offering a peaceful blend of culture and nature. Florence, the region’s capital, is 45 minutes away and will serve as your pick-up/drop-off point for transfers.During this retreat, you'll explore the region during two trips: to the historic town of San Gimignano (1.5 hours away) and to a local family-owned oil mill (10 minutes away). Tuscany's landscape, with its iconic rolling vineyards and olive groves framed by tall, slender Cypress trees, has long inspired artists. The region’s fertile land, particularly its Chianti vineyards, produces world-renowned wines and some of Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oils.Check-in at the retreat begins at 5:00 PM on October 17, 2026, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on October 24, 2026.To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR).We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Florence, we recommend you fly to Rome and fly locally to Florence (local round trips starting from US$120, subject to change, approximately 1 hour journey time). It is best to arrive in Italy a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.How to get from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), to the retreat venue:Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately one hour.Arrival transfer: October 17, 2026 ⁠— 4:00 PM (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)Departure transfer: October 24, 2026 ⁠— 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) around 11:00 AM)If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:Spend extra days at a hotel in Florence before and/or after the retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR).Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Antico Borgo la Torre, Località la Torre, 172, 50066 Vaggio FI, Italy, approximately 200 EUR per way from Florence Airport). Please note that taxi fares may change. ## Reviews ## Frequently Asked Questions Is this retreat available to all levels? The art retreat with Pamela Caughey is open to all levels of experience. When is the retreat available?The retreat with artist Pamela Caughey in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between October 17 - 24, 2026. Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 17, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, October 24, 2026. Is Wi-Fi available?Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and common areas free of charge. I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot. How do I get to the retreat venue?Please arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Italy a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) are included. If you cannot find suitable connecting flights from your departure airport to Florence, we recommend you fly to Rome and fly locally to Florence. For more details, please see the Location tab. Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunglasses, insect repellent, soothing cream for insect bites, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need. Can I do laundry while on the retreat?You are welcome to use the laundry facilities during your stay. The venue provides self-service washing machines and drying racks, but please note that the venue doesn't have a dryer. What supplies do I need for the workshop?A detailed list of materials recommended by artist Pamela Caughey will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins. Tables, chairs, water cups, paper towels, professional studio lights, projector, cooking oil (for cleaning tools), cold wax medium, Gamsol, galkyd gel medium, baby wipes, large trash cans, rolls of saran wrap, scissors, self-healing cutting mats, and a box cutter for the workshop component are also included. What’s the weather like in Vaggio, Italy, in October?In October, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 22°C / 72°F during the day that drop to around 11°C / 52°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather before your departure for the art retreat and pack accordingly. Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?Please take out euros in cash from an ATM at the airport in Florence. You will need cash for small purchases during the day trips, for tipping the staff (tipping is customary), and for any extras you might want to purchase at the retreat venue. How many people are to be expected on the retreat?Maximum of 16 participants. Do I need a visa?Guests traveling from the US, Canada, UK, EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter Italy for tourist purposes without a visa or travel authorization. Please contact us for further guidance. Are there any age restrictions?No restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently. What language is used during the workshop and other activities?The retreat is available in English. Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants. Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited for people with low and limited mobility. The indoor studio is located a short walk away from the accommodation spaces, and the trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.Do I need travel insurance?Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider. Do I have to pay a deposit?No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged. Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed and your payment method is charged, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation. ## Book This Retreat 👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/expressive-abstract-painting-retreat-artist-pamela-caughey-tuscany#book)** — no deposit required. See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/expressive-abstract-painting-retreat-artist-pamela-caughey-tuscany **Last updated:** 2026-04-17