# The Art-Making Buffet Retreat with Former Agent and Artist Lilla Rogers in Tuscany

Join artist, illustrator, author, educator, and former agent Lilla Rogers for an unforgettable week in Tuscany, Italy, to inspire you, play with new tools and techniques, and enrich your creative voice. Throughout the retreat, Lilla is excited to see what you’re working on—feel free to share your portfolio, website, or Instagram for personalized insights and thoughtful feedback.With golden vineyards, peaceful gardens, and cozy country apartments as your home base, you’ll explore a true creative buffet of techniques and materials—Lilla's finest tools.You'll cover 6 main topics across 8 days; some are old favorites, and some are exciting new additions. From vintage and modern lettering, color exploration, borders and motifs, pastel textures, and loose florals to even a sprinkle of Procreate, you will have so much to choose from.You’ll take inspiration outside the studio too. Wander the winding streets of Arezzo, gathering ideas from its historic vintage market. Visit a family-run olive oil mill tucked into the countryside, where traditions, textures, and scents add richness to your art. Then, explore the largest and oldest vintage market in Italy, a trove of mesmerizing antiques!With every step, Lilla shares not only her creative process but also insights from decades in the illustration world, helping you tap into your voice and find new directions for your art. Whether you’re here to grow your skills, refresh your creative energy, or simply soak up the magic of Tuscany, you’ll leave with a heart full of ideas and a hand full of wonderful art!

## Details

- **Dates:** September 28 - October 5, 2026
- **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy
- **Starting Price:** $4,500
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Art-Making Buffet Retreat
Spend a joyful, creativity-filled week in the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany with the one and only Lilla Rogers, former legendary agent and artist, for a juicy art-making buffet filled to the brim with exciting challenges, techniques, materials, projects, and everything in between. This is your golden ticket to learn from one of the world’s most beloved illustration experts on a delicious variety of topics. You'll cover everything from vintage lettering, unique motifs and borders, pastel textures, loose watercolor and gouache florals, color exploration, and even some Procreate techniques. Whether you're just getting started or you’ve got sketchbooks full of experience, Lilla’s warm and wise guidance will set your imagination on fire—and yes, you’re welcome to show her your work, website, or Instagram and ask for direct feedback throughout the retreat.Each morning begins with our cozy Warm-Up Circle, where you’ll ease into the day with journaling prompts and playful exercises. Lilla will demo her favorite tricks and techniques, and you’ll receive daily cards for each topic you'll study, handcrafted by Lilla. It’s also a relaxed time to share your creative journey and ask for input on your portfolio or personal projects—Lilla loves seeing what you’re working on. Your instructor will help you discover what's unique and special in your art or boost you to the next level in your art career. Along the way, you’ll head out on two fabulous outings: one to the enchanting medieval town of Arezzo and its unforgettable antiques market, and one to a charming, family-owned olive oil mill nestled in the countryside.Whether you're just finding your footing in the art world or you're an experienced professional, Lilla’s gentle and insightful teaching will help you make it happen with joy and purpose. And throughout the week, she’s happy to offer personalized advice—whether that’s brainstorming your next steps, giving tips on your brand presence, or helping you refine your visual voice.In addition to the delightful traditional art Lilla will treat you to, you'll also have the opportunity to journey into the digital realm with Lilla's favorite Procreate techniques. The Procreate part of the workshop is entirely optional (and you don't need to bring an iPad with you), but it's a fantastic chance to explore something new in a supportive environment!And when the afternoon sun stretches long across the hills, you’ll settle onto the terrace with a cup of something lovely for Lilla’s “Ask Me Anything” time. Ask about the illustration world, marketing tips, portfolio polish, or the secrets of staying creatively lit up. It’s the perfect moment to show her your Instagram, website, or current work and get real-time feedback. If the stars align, she might even pull out the tarot cards for a creative career reading. How fun is that?The main topics you'll cover includeVintage and modern lettering—a crowd favorite.Motifs and borders—incorporating decorative swirls, swashes, patterns, and much more to embellish your art.Pastel play—coming up with fresh textures, ready to add to your creative portfolio.Watercolor and gouache florals—playing with paint to create expressive, loose botanicals.Color palette discovery—learn to break free from the palettes you normally use and explore new territory.Procreate techniques—try out Lilla's favorite brushes, techniques, and tricks.Business conversations might include:Pitching a project in a way you enjoy and that reflects your passionsUncovering your creative pathHow to get an agentGrowing your artistic career and staying focusedWhy branching out your style is an asset to your creative careerArt as a meditative practiceLilla’s career tarot readings...and much 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, Lilla Rogers, and chat about the upcoming week over a delightful welcome dinner.

### Day 2: Pastel & Color experiments (venue)
Your day begins with a cozy, hearty breakfast to fuel your creativity before heading into your very first class with Lilla. This fun and welcoming session sets the stage for the days ahead, as Lilla shares a peek at what’s in store for you. Get a taste of the styles you’ll explore, the fun techniques you’ll play with, and the projects you’ll bring to life.Each morning starts with a series of gentle, guided warm-up exercises in your art journal. These playful prompts help shake off the cobwebs, hush the inner critic, and get your hands moving.Once you’re all warmed up, it’s time to dive into the day’s main project with a Lilla classic: pastel & color experiments. Lilla will open your eyes to the versatility of pastels and how to use them for your textures and motifs. After lunch, dive into the next exciting topic: color discovery. Browse through Lilla's lovely color cards with distinctive imagery, printed up just for this class to guide you in creating new color stories. Your color choices are key to making stunning art. Moving away from the palettes you're most used to is difficult, but Lilla will guide you towards uncharted territory in a kaleidoscope of ways!Time permitting, Lilla will also offer a career tarot reading to a few lucky artists.As the sun begins to dip, it’s time to relax and connect with your fellow artists over a lovely wine-tasting experience hosted right at the venue. Begin with a guided wander through the vineyards and wine cellars, learning the story behind each bottle. End your day with a satisfying dinner, sharing stories and laughter, reflecting on what you’ve made, and dreaming of what’s still to come.

### Day 3: Procreate (venue)
Start your day with a solid breakfast and a chill coffee chat with Lilla as you do your usual morning warm-up in the art journal, then get ready for the next class.In the morning, it’s time to dive into all things Procreate—Lilla will walk you through her favorite brushes, playful techniques, clever tricks, and the gooey oil paint app she can’t get enough of. You’ll explore how to layer color, add texture, and create dynamic compositions digitally, all while keeping that hand-drawn charm. This class is entirely optional (you don't even need an iPad with you), but it's still a great way to branch out and try new tools. This is your chance to see if Procreate is something you'd like to explore further, whether you're just taking your first steps into the digital medium, or you've been wondering about adding digital elements to your traditional work. If you're already well-acquainted with Procreate, why not share your favorite techniques, tips, and brushes with the rest of the group?After lunch, join Lilla for an “Ask Lilla Anything” session. Ask her about the creative world, how to connect with others in illustration, how to promote your work in ways that feel natural, and where your art might really click. If time allows, Lilla may offer a career tarot reading for an extra spark of insight.If you prefer to listen while you work, feel free to keep practicing or jot things down in your journal as ideas come to you.Later in the afternoon, take time to unwind. Go for a walk through the countryside, relax by the pool, or keep lettering if you’re still in the flow. End the day with a satisfying dinner, share what lit you up, and look ahead to what’s next in your creative journey.

### Day 4: Lettering & trip to a traditional oil mill
Following a hearty breakfast, head out for a sun-soaked half-day adventure to Frantoio Pasquini, a family-run olive oil mill that has been pouring love and tradition into every drop since 1920. Just a short ten-minute ride from the venue, this charming spot is tucked into the rolling hills of Reggello, surrounded by silvery olive trees and glowing green groves that dance in the breeze.At the mill, you’ll wander through the olive orchards and peek behind the scenes at how the oil is made, where old-world know-how meets a splash of modern magic. You’ll learn the story of four generations who have nurtured this land and perfected their craft. Fresh-pressed and full of flavor, the olive oil is served alongside local treats like bold, savory olive pastes that will wake up every corner of your palate.Let the colors soak in: the deep greens of the trees, the warm golds of the oil, the soft sunlit stone of the buildings. Take it all in as inspiration, and tuck those sensory moments into your creative pocket. Who knew olive oil could be so poetic?Return to the venue just in time for lunch, then prepare for a follow-up class in the studio. It’s time to dive into the day’s main project: vintage and modern lettering. With your special lettering cards, lovingly created by Lilla just for this retreat, you’ll get to explore a wide variety of styles and details like fonts, embellishments, serifs, strokes, line weight, shadows, bevels, and more. Choose your favorite bits and build your own whimsical, personal lettering library.As the day draws to a close, enjoy a relaxed and satisfying dinner. Pour a glass of local wine, chat about what surprised you most, and toast to a day well spent.

### Day 5: Decorative motifs (venue)
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and a cheerful check-in with Lilla and your hosts, then grab your supplies and get ready to dive into the next creative session. The morning kicks off with a bit of journaling warm-ups to get your mind flowing and your hand moving.Today's sessions will be all about motifs and borders! Another signature element in Lilla's art, motifs and borders are an excellent way to add a bit of flavor to your art, from paintings to lettering projects. Motifs are little doo-dads, bits and bobs, or icons; decorative bits you can add to anything to make it more personal. These can vary from flowers, vines, scrolls, and patterns to objects. Lilla will show you how to incorporate motifs, swirls, swashes, and lettering into your orders. They're easy to draw and they bring a lot of impact to the table. After lunch, join Lilla for an “Ask Lilla Anything” session. Ask her about the creative world, how to connect with others in illustration, how to promote your work in ways that feel natural, and where your art might really click. If time allows, Lilla may offer a career tarot reading for an extra spark of insight.If you prefer to listen while you work, feel free to keep practicing or jot things down in your journal as ideas come to you.As evening settles in, gather for dinner with your fellow artists, share laughs, swap discoveries, and look ahead to whatever surprises tomorrow may bring.

### Day 6: Trip to Arezzo
Kick off your day with a cozy, cheerful breakfast before setting off on a full-day adventure to the enchanting town of Arezzo, a sparkling gem tucked into the Tuscan hills, full of charm, stories, and sun-drenched beauty. After breakfast, hop aboard a comfy shuttle and enjoy a peaceful one-hour ride through golden fields, olive groves, and vineyard-dotted countryside, watching the landscapes shift like brushstrokes on a canvas.As you arrive in Arezzo, the magic begins. This town may be lesser-known, but it’s bursting with treasures. With a warm and knowledgeable local guide leading the way, you’ll meander through winding medieval streets and explore quiet corners where Renaissance painters once walked.Most importantly, you'll visit the antique market of Arezzo, a beloved local tradition. Considered one of the best antique fairs in Tuscany, this was the first market of its kind in Italy (going strong since 1968). It’s a wonderland for artists and visual storytellers—a chance to find vintage ephemera, rare prints, unusual objects, and centuries-old imagery you can bring back to draw from later. Take time to linger in the Piazza Grande, one of the most beautiful squares in all of Tuscany, and wander the many stalls brimming with artisan goods, intricately carved furniture, old paintings, elegant decorative objects, and much more.Take with you intriguing items that will inspire your lettering or the upcoming class on motifs and borders. When you're done exploring, enjoy a coffee in the Piazza and watch the world go by to the soft soundtrack of clinking cups and nearby footsteps on cobblestones.For lunch, settle into a welcoming trattoria and savor a relaxed Tuscan meal on your own. Afterward, freely explore Arezzo in the afternoon at your own pace. You might visit a charming old bookstore, peek into hidden courtyards, or spot a sweeping view of the countryside.Return to the venue just in time for dinner, full of warmth, wonder, and stories ready to be shared. Over dinner, discuss treasured finds from the trip.

### Day 7: Watercolor and gouache florals (venue)
Start your final day with a delicious breakfast and a cozy coffee catch-up with Lilla. Laugh, sip, stretch, and get ready to wrap things up in style.Today is all about florals—bold, juicy, joy-filled florals in watercolor and gouache! Get ready to splash, layer, and play as Lilla shows you her favorite ways to bring flowers to life on the page. You’ll learn how to make loose, expressive petals, build rich, vibrant blooms, and mix colors that absolutely sing. She’ll demo magical techniques with inky linework, gum arabic, resists, and more—tools that will take your florals from lovely to utterly electric.After a relaxed lunch, return to the studio for today's second creative exploration. You’ll be working from another inspiring set of cards, specially designed by Lilla to fire up your imagination, spark bold choices, and keep things delightfully unpredictable. Want to go wild with color? Try a new shape? Add a pop of contrast or a swoosh of ink? Now’s the time. Lilla will be right there with you, offering one-on-one encouragement, cheering you on, and helping you lean into the fun of it all.Enjoy some free time later in the day, wandering through the olive trees, relaxing by the pool, or working on your art. If time permits, Lilla may do a career tarot reading.Later in the day, slow things down with a relaxed, celebratory dinner. Swap stories, toast to your growth, and soak in those last sweet hours in Tuscany. You’ll head home with new tools, fresh confidence, a head full of color, and a heart packed with joy.

### 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

- **Lilla Rogers** - Illustrator, mentor, artistic agent

## Accommodation

### Tuscan Vineyard Estate

### Shared ensuite room (female only)

### Single standard room - adjacent bathroom

### Single superior ensuite room

### Single deluxe apartment

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-art-making-buffet-retreat-former-agent-artist-lilla-rogers-tuscany](https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-art-making-buffet-retreat-former-agent-artist-lilla-rogers-tuscany) to make a reservation.

*Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*