# Watercolor Discoveries Art Retreat with Artist Nicki Traikos in Italy Join artist Nicki Traikos for an inspiring art retreat set in the rolling hills and historic villages of Tuscany. Explore the endless possibilities of watercolor painting as you capture the region’s lush botanicals, picturesque landscapes, and charming village scenes. Each day includes personal feedback and direction at the end of studio time, offering one-on-one feedback and support from Nicki.Artists of all experience levels will thrive with Nicki’s personalized instruction. Discover essential watercolor techniques like brush control, water-to-paint ratio, and dynamic brush movements. Explore color palette studies inspired by the Italian landscape and botanicals. Learn how to paint loose botanicals drawn from the surrounding flora and fauna. Practice creating contour sketches and working from still-life references to build sketching confidence and support your watercolor practice. Develop landscape studies and compositions while learning how to create depth and movement across a range of painting projects, including botanicals, landscapes, and still life.Stay at a historic vineyard estate surrounded by sprawling gardens, featuring a private pool, daily chef-prepared meals, and the companionship of 15 fellow artists. Return home with a beautiful collection of paintings and cherished memories from your time spent creating art in the heart of Tuscany. ## Details - **Dates:** May 4 - 11, 2026 - **Location:** Certaldo, Florence, Italy - **Starting Price:** $4,750 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Watercolor Discoveries Art Retreat Join artist Nicki Traikos for a transformative art retreat set amid the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany. Explore vibrant botanicals, lush countryside views, and charming village scenes through expressive watercolor painting. Under Nicki’s expert guidance, you'll dive into her distinctive artistic methods, sparking fresh ideas and reshaping your creative process. With her careful instruction, you'll quiet your inner critic and confidently experiment with new techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this retreat offers something valuable for everyone. By the week's end, you'll have created a finished watercolor painting and filled your book with inspired studies, memories, and impressions of Tuscany.Daily classes include detailed demonstrations, interactive practice sessions, creative challenges, and personalized one-on-one support. Begin by revisiting essential watercolor fundamentals such as brush control, water-to-paint ratio, and dynamic brushwork. Explore themes including botanical studies and Tuscan landscapes, with color palette exercises drawn from the region’s natural beauty. Practice loose botanical painting inspired by local flora and fauna, and develop contour sketching skills using still-life references to strengthen your watercolor foundation.You will receive a dedicated book to work in throughout the retreat. At the end of each studio day, Nicki will offer individual feedback and direction to help you grow your skills and develop your personal style.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Watercolor fundamentals, including brush control and water-to-paint ratioBuilding custom color palettes inspired by the Tuscan landscape and botanicalsPainting loose, expressive botanicals drawn from local floraCreating contour sketches and using still-life references with confidenceStudying landscape composition, perspective, and structureDeveloping depth, light, and movement across a range of subjectsStrengthening your painting practice through guided feedback and supportWorking across a variety of projects, from small studies to finished pieces...and many more!Beyond the classroom, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the stunning Tuscan landscape, relax, and connect with 15 other like-minded artists over a glass of wine. You'll stay in a beautiful historic venue nestled in the Tuscan hills and enjoy art trips to explore the region’s hidden treasures: a journey along the scenic Chianti Classico trail and a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Florence Airport for your 3:00 PM transfer and set off on a scenic drive through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside to your retreat venue—a historic estate surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. After settling into your room, join an orientation tour of the property, where you’ll explore its serene gardens, inviting common spaces, and stunning landscapes that will serve as inspiration throughout your artistic journey.As the evening unfolds, gather in the Holmo Garden for a wine-tasting session with Nicki Traikos and your fellow artists. Savor fine Italian wines while engaging in conversation about art, technique, and the creative process. The night continues with a welcome three-course dinner, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect, and look forward to the days of artistic exploration ahead. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue As morning light spills softly over the Tuscan hills, join Nicki and your fellow artists for coffee and a chat about the day's plans.Nicki will begin by outlining the course structure, discussing the topics you'll cover and techniques you'll learn. You’ll be working in a beautiful book provided by Nicki, which you’ll use throughout the retreat to explore a wide variety of painting projects, from expressive botanicals to Tuscan landscapes and still-life studies.Pause for a leisurely, light lunch before diving into the afternoon class. Nicki will offer a refresher on watercolor basics, ensuring you have a solid foundation. Gain confidence in mastering the right balance between water and pigment, applying values, refining brush control, and experimenting with color mixing. You’ll begin a series of short color palette studies drawn from the local flora and surrounding views, using the Italian landscape and native plant life as your starting point.Then, put your skills into action by painting loose, expressive botanicals inspired by the lush gardens around you. You’ll also work on contour sketching exercises and explore how to use simple still-life references to build confidence and structure in your work. As the day progresses, you'll begin to build depth and movement in your pieces through a range of approaches, from quick studies to more developed compositions.The day concludes gently with a chef-prepared dinner and relaxed conversation accompanied by local wine. ### Day 3: Trip to San Gimignano Begin your day with a filling breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, preparing for another creative day in the heart of Tuscany.In the morning, head out to San Gimignano, a town seemingly untouched by time, with its medieval towers rising dramatically against the Tuscan sky. Known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages," this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers plenty of inspiration around every corner. Wander cobblestone streets lined with stone buildings, explore bustling piazzas filled with local artisans, or stroll out to the panoramic viewpoints overlooking the rolling countryside. Sketch as you go or gather impressions for use in upcoming landscape studies and composition work back at the studio.Enjoy lunch on your own at a local trattoria, savoring regional dishes or sampling San Gimignano’s renowned gelato. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure, sketching quiet corners of the town, or simply soaking up the relaxed Tuscan atmosphere.End the day back at the venue, unwinding with a leisurely dinner and glass of wine while sharing sketches and reflections with the group. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Start your day with a satisfying breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, gathering with Nicki and your fellow artists for a relaxed morning check-in.Today's focus is on capturing graceful botanicals in watercolor. Nicki will guide you through assembling and developing loose floral compositions inspired by the surrounding gardens. Begin with contour drawing exercises and still-life studies to build confidence and precision in your sketches. Then move into painting, exploring expressive brushwork, water-to-paint ratio, and color palette studies using the local flora and the broader Tuscan landscape as your visual foundation. Along the way, you’ll practice techniques for creating depth and movement in your work, building on your individual style.Pause midday for a delicious lunch and lively conversation about your artistic progress. In the afternoon, continue building on your earlier studies by translating smaller compositions into more detailed paintings, refining form, color, and structure. If your focus leans toward landscape or architectural elements observed earlier in the week, Nicki will support integrating those into your current work as well. Whether working indoors or surrounded by native plants in the garden, the emphasis stays on watercolor’s fluid qualities and personal expression.The day wraps up with a leisurely dinner and a glass of local wine, perfect for reflecting on your creative achievements and preparing for what’s next. ### Day 5: Trip to Chianti Classico Fuel up for the day's adventures with a nourishing breakfast and steaming cup of coffee, then venture out into the picturesque landscapes of Chianti Classico, one of Tuscany’s most captivating regions.Your first stop is the charming town of Castellina, where history meets cozy cafés and inviting shops. Stroll leisurely through its winding streets, absorbing the rich textures and colors that can inspire future landscape studies and color palette exploration.Next, make your way to Radda in Chianti, an ancient village known for its medieval atmosphere. Wander around the lovely piazza, peek into intriguing alleyways, and take your time to enjoy lunch at one of the welcoming local spots.Later in the day, arrive at Panzano, a tranquil village nestled between Florence and Siena. Embrace the slower pace here by sketching the daily scenes unfolding around you, capturing expansive vineyard vistas, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.Return to the venue as evening settles in, concluding your day with a leisurely dinner and a glass of local wine. ### Day 6: Art at the venue Kick off the day with a satisfying breakfast and a relaxed coffee chat with Nicki and your fellow artists before diving into your creative practice.Today’s focus centers on deepening your painting practice through landscape composition and expressive brushwork. Using earlier sketches and inspiration from the Tuscan setting, begin the morning with thumbnail studies and color palette exercises drawn from the surrounding hills and village scenes. Nicki will guide you through ways to structure your compositions, adjust values, and apply techniques that add depth and movement to your work.After enjoying lunch, return to the studio to continue your artistic work. Spend the afternoon adding final touches to your favorite pieces, choosing a theme that resonates deeply, such as botanicals, rolling hills, or Tuscan village views. Nicki will be available for personalized feedback, ensuring your work captures your vision. Throughout the day, Nicki will offer individual feedback and support to help refine your approach. Whether you focus on finishing works in progress or begin something new, the emphasis remains on practicing technique and growing your skills through guided instruction.As the afternoon fades, unwind with a stroll through the gardens, a refreshing dip in the pool, or continue painting if inspiration still flows. Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner prepared by the chef, accompanied by a glass of local wine. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Ease into the final day of your retreat with a relaxed breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee.During the morning class, focus on refining and completing your paintings. Feel free to ask Nicki any lingering questions about challenging techniques, ideas for continuing your artistic growth at home, or ways to build a consistent painting routine.Enjoy lunch together before joining Nicki for an informal Q&A centered on your creative process and next steps as an artist. The day wraps up with a mini-exhibition, where Nicki provides personalized feedback, highlighting ways to further develop your artistic skills and vision. Reflect on your progress and enjoy insights from fellow artists.As evening arrives, gather for a farewell dinner paired with a glass of local wine, reminiscing about your time spent painting and connecting with others. Take pride in your collection of sketches, paintings, and experiences captured across Tuscany, ready to inspire future creations. ### Day 8: Departure After a delightful breakfast with Nicki and the art group, it’s time to say your goodbyes and exchange any last-minute contact details. Prepare for your transfer to Florence Airport, with check-out scheduled for 10:00 AM. ## Instructors - **Nicki Traikos** - Artist and Creative Instructor ## Accommodation ### Historical Tuscan Estate ### Shared standard ensuite room (female only) ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Shared bathroom - single room (female only) ### Single superior ensuite room ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-discoveries-art-retreat-artist-nicki-traikos-italy](https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-discoveries-art-retreat-artist-nicki-traikos-italy) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*