# Plein Air Watercolor Landscape Retreat with Artist Matthew White in Sicily

Join artist Matthew White for an unforgettable art retreat set among the rolling hills of Sicily, Italy. Create gorgeous landscapes inspired by the mesmerizing Madonie Natural Park, paint en plein air in stunning surroundings, and level up your watercolor skills. Benefit from daily classes with your favorite artist, tailored advice, one-to-one feedback, insightful demonstrations, review and critique sessions, and on-location painting. Explore Sicily through three unforgettable art trips: the fishing town of Cefalù, the medieval village of Gangi, and the ancient Castello di Sperlinga fortress.You'll stay at a 17th-century traditional Masseria, where you'll delight in authentic Sicilian cuisine prepared by a private chef. Paint evocative landscapes and scenes, learn to scope out the best spot for plein-air painting, and bond with a community of 15 other fellow artists.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 3 - 10, 2025
- **Location:** San Giovanni, Sicily, Italy 
- **Starting Price:** $3,950
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Plein Air Art Retreat
Join artist Matthew White on a transformative art retreat in the romantic Sicilian countryside. Learn how to craft gorgeous landscapes inspired by the natural beauty of the Madonie Natural Park. You'll explore painting en plein air every day alongside your favorite artist and learn to depict your surroundings in watercolor. Benefit from daily classes, plenty of individual feedback with Matt, insightful demonstrations, engaging discussions, painting, sketching on-location and in the studio, and many more.The retreat is perfectly suitable for beginner and advanced artists alike, as Matt will adapt his teaching to your needs. Matt will walk you through the entire process of painting on location, from selecting a good spot and setting up your easel to adding the finishing touches to your beautiful painting. Whether you're looking to develop your plein-air skills, reinvent your creative process, or simply craft wonderful landscapes, Matt's expert instruction, personalized teaching style, and calm, steady encouragement will help you achieve your artistic goals.You'll have the unique opportunity to ask questions, show your work, find inspiration, and give and receive feedback in real time. With in-depth watercolor teaching and customized instruction tailored to optimize your learning, you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll progress. You'll return home with a fantastic collection of beautiful watercolor paintings inspired by the azure coastal town of Cefalù, the village of Gangi (lauded as the most beautiful village in Italy), the imposing Castello di Sperlinga fortress, and the ancient forests and hills of the Madonie Natural Park. With Matt's guidance, critiques of your work, and a community of 15 other artists to support you, you'll achieve growth and find confidence in yourself and your art.Some of the techniques you'll learn include:Learn the proper use of valuesPaint light evocativelyLearn how to simplify your paintingsHow to take reference photosLearn how to scope out scenes that can be depicted in watercolorThe entire process of plein-air painting from beginning to end...and much more!Your retreat venue is a 17th-century traditional Masseria steeped in history. The venue, located in the heart of the Madonie Natural Park, boasts a lush 25-hectare private park complete with a secluded oak forest, a tranquil riverbank, a refreshing pool, and an enchanting 18th-century labyrinth garden. You'll enjoy delicious chef-prepared Sicilian cuisine every day, paired with local wine. Lastly, you'll form lifelong bonds with a group of likeminded artists, the perfect companions for this creative journey.

### Day 1: Arrival
Hop on the 2:00 PM shuttle from Palermo Airport and arrive at your retreat venue, a gorgeous traditional Masseria, after a 2-hour transfer. Unpack, settle in your comfortable room, and then join a pleasant orientation tour of the property. Discover the charming gardens, the well-designed common spaces, and the refreshing pool. Kickstart the retreat with a special welcome dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Get to know your new companions and discuss the upcoming week over delicious local wine.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Start your day with a delectable breakfast at the venue, all while soaking in the serene garden views. Join a check-in with Matt and your art group in order to discuss today's schedule.You'll spend the morning art session going over the basics of watercolor and how to apply them to landscape painting. This intro will give beginners a solid toolset of essential skills, while advanced artists will appreciate Matt's refreshing take on the fundamentals. You'll discover how to simplify a scene, extract basic shapes from the environment, take your first steps into plein-air painting, and delve into value work.After a light lunch served in the gardens and a cup of herbal tea, join Matthew for the second art class of the day. You'll get more familiar with your materials through a series of warm-up exercises designed by Matt to get your creativity flowing. Matt will demonstrate his method of on-location painting, inspired by the beautiful gardens at the venue and the surrounding countryside. Follow along, try out some new techniques, or simply observe. This in-person opportunity will allow you to ask any questions you might have and receive bespoke guidance on the spot.The day winds down with free time for personal reflection or exploring the nearby countryside. Wrap it up with a three-course dinner, beautifully complemented by local wines and shared with your art group.

### Day 3: Art trip to Gangi
Start the day with a delightful breakfast, preparing for the first art trip of the retreat: to the village of Gangi, the "Most Beautiful Village in Italy" prize winner.You'll reach this gorgeous medieval village after a short drive. Once you arrive, you'll find yourself enchanted by the village's rich history and captivating architecture. Stroll through the ancient cobblestone streets, adorned with rustic stone houses and charming piazzas. Pay a visit to the main church with its stunning Ventimiglia Tower or the Bongiorno Palace with its frescoed ceilings. Explore at your own pace, take out your camera, or capture some amazing sights while painting on location. Breathtaking vistas from the village's elevated position include the surrounding Madonie Mountain Park and the famous Etna.Feel free to also visit the traditional craft shops to search for a souvenir. Your visit to Gangi ends with an exquisite wine tasting at a local winery, delighting your palate with the authentic flavors of the region.Return to the retreat venue just in time for another refreshing lunch. Afterward, you'll continue your classes with Matt in the afternoon. Sort through the paintings and reference photos taken in Gangi and find a couple of promising examples. With Matt's help, you'll spend the class developing these materials into beautiful watercolor paintings depicting Gangi's charming spirit.Spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding as you wish, then reconvene with your group for a delightful dinner. Sip on fragrant Sicilian wine and share insights with your fellow artists as the sun sets.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Indulge in a delightful breakfast before gathering for the morning check-in over coffee, a cherished moment to exchange insights with your fellow artists.Spend the morning developing the paintings you started the previous day. Matt has a wealth of techniques and tips to show you; he'll perform various demonstrations throughout the morning. You'll soon see your initial sketches develop into wonderful watercolor paintings. If you hit a roadblock or need some advice, Matt will be more than happy to lend you a hand.Refuel with a light lunch and a cup of the Masseria's herbal tea. You'll return to your classes in the afternoon, this time exploring the gardens and the surrounding countryside in search of inspiring vistas. The Sicilian landscape (and particularly the Madonie Natural Park) is a treasure trove of amazing scenes for your landscape studies; from the green rolling fields, rustic vineyards, and ancient forests, you'll be sure to find a worthy subject.Enjoy leisure time as you wish in the late afternoon. Stroll through the nearby countryside, relax by the pool, or chat with your fellow artists. If you're feeling motivated, you may choose to continue working on your art on your own.The day will conclude with a delightful dinner prepared by the chef, perfectly paired with a glass of wine.

### Day 5: Art trip to Cefalù
Greet the day with a refreshing breakfast, prepare your materials, and then embark on an exciting art trip to the coastal town of Cefalù. You'll arrive after a scenic 1-hour drive.Upon arriving in Cefalù, marvel at the picturesque setting that blends the azure Mediterranean Sea with the striking beauty of the ancient town. The iconic sight of the Cefalù Cathedral, an architectural wonder decorated with Byzantine mosaics, dominates the skyline. Wander the charming alleys and narrow streets of the historic center with your art group. You'll search for the perfect location to suit a plein-air painting session guided by Matt.There are many unforgettable sights to pick from: the vibrant colors of the local fishermen's boats lining the marina, the bustling piazzas, or Cefalù's sandy beaches, fringed with rocky cliffs. Matt will share his criteria for picking the perfect spot, and together, you'll set up shop. The theme of the day will be "capturing the light," and Matthew will guide everyone in working through the plein air painting process from start to finish.When you need a break, stop for lunch at one of the charming trattorias nearby, where you can savor authentic Sicilian cuisine. In the afternoon, continue discovering the stunning sights of the town, enveloped by the refreshing sea breeze. The pristine beaches of Cefalù are a perfect spot to relax and get inspired by the gorgeous views.Return to the venue in the evening, just in time for a delicious chef-made dinner (paired with a glass of local wine, of course). Discuss your adventures in Cefalù with your fellow artists, swap stories, and showcase your amazing artwork.

### Day 6: Trip to Castello di Sperlinga
Your next day starts with another nourishing breakfast, energizing you for the day ahead. After the usual morning check-in with Matt over a delicious cup of coffee, it's time to head out one last time.You'll visit the majestic Castello di Sperlinga, a historic fortress dating back to the 11th century. It is a fascinating cave castle, partly built into a rocky formation. You'll spend the morning on a tour of this formidable stronghold. The castle's unique architecture includes carved rock passages, underground chambers, and tunnels, giving visitors a glimpse into its medieval past. It also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal spot for capturing the Sicilian landscape.You'll be transferred back to the venue in time for lunch. The afternoon class follows, where you'll develop your individual paintings using reference photos from your trips. Matt will demonstrate how to do value studies using a grayscale or monochromatic color scheme. You'll create a series of washes that range from light to dark, carefully building up the values to create depth and dimension. By doing a value study, you can better understand how to create contrast and balance in your painting, as well as how to effectively use light and shadow to add depth to your artwork.The day ends with a chef-made dinner, thoughtfully paired with a glass of fine wine.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Start the last day of the retreat with a hearty breakfast, then join Matt for another check-in over coffee.The morning class picks up where you left off; you'll spend this session polishing your paintings, adding those essential final details, or revisiting some of your favorite scenes. You'll pick a couple to work on, guided by Matt. Ask for assistance whenever you need to.Following a delightful lunch, finish your artwork, then prepare for the day's main event: a relaxed group review session. This collaborative process is a fantastic chance to give and receive constructive feedback, but most importantly, to share in your peers' joy and achievements. Swap the stories of your pieces and celebrate your progress!The retreat concludes with a special farewell dinner. This chef-made meal, paired with a glass of wine, marks the end of your artistic journey in Sicily. Toast to the memories made, the friendships forged, and your amazing creative growth.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast with your art group and get ready for your transfer to Palermo Airport. Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

## Instructors

- **Matthew White** - Artist / Instructor

## Accommodation

### Traditional Sicilian Masseria

### Shared bathroom - shared standard room (female only)

### Shared ensuite room (male only)

### Shared ensuite cottage (female only)

### Shared bathroom - single standard room (female only)

### Shared bathroom - single superior room (female only)

### Single private cottage

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/plein-air-watercolor-landscape-retreat-artist-matthew-white-sicily](https://uptrek.com/retreat/plein-air-watercolor-landscape-retreat-artist-matthew-white-sicily) to make a reservation.

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