Retreat Puglia
Puglia, Italy
7 – 14 August 2027
Learn the Loose Watercolor Portrait in Italy
Between sun-drenched landscapes, coastal views, and the warm atmosphere of the Italian summer, you'll find endless inspiration both inside and outside the studio.
Refined year after year, the Agnes Cecile's retreat combines solid foundations, anatomy tips, and her distinctive loose watercolor technique.
Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and personal feedback, Agnes Cecile will share her approach to watercolor portraiture, transparent layering, and expressive techniques. The program balances structure, practical guidance, and creativity, helping you grow from the basics to the finest details.
This retreat is designed for artists with a basic knowledge of portrait drawing and watercolor skills.
THE PROGRAM ⟶
Day 1. Arrival Arrive at Masseria Specula in Puglia.
Day 2. Monochromatic Painting Learn monochromatic watercolor portrait techniques while exploring freedom and trust in the water element.
Day 3. Skin Tone Palettes Explore realistic portrait painting through two lessons focused on skin-tone palettes.
Day 4. Loose Portrait Create a realistic loose portrait and finish the composition with expressive splashes of color.
Day 5. Alberobello Trip Explore Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its white trulli and picturesque streets.
Day 6. Elements & Project Design Practice painting natural elements while developing concepts, sketches, and compositions for your final projects.
Day 7. Final Projects + Mini Exhibition Bring your ideas to life by creating finished paintings based on the concepts developed the previous day.
Day 8. Departure After breakfast, enjoy a final morning at the villa before your transfer to the airport.
Masseria Specula is a beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse dating back to 1611, located in the heart of Puglia, Southern Italy. Surrounded by olive groves and Mediterranean countryside.
The Adriatic Sea is just a short distance away, with the nearest beach reachable in approximately 20 minutes on foot. The retreat takes place across two connected properties: the historic Masseria and a nearby modern villa.
One of the highlights of the experience is the food. Meals are inspired by traditional Puglian cuisine and prepared by local Italian grandmothers, whose recipes and techniques have been passed down through generations, offering guests an authentic taste of the region.
The historic Masseria preserves many original architectural features, including traditional stables, ancient wells, and wood-fired ovens, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the rich heritage of Southern Italy.
What's included:
• Daily watercolor classes with Agnes Cecile.
• Winsor & Newton watercolor paper and watercolor paints.
• 7 nights accommodation at Masseria Specula.
• Daily breakfast, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners.
• Exclusive use of the venue.
• Day trip to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Airport transfers from and to Bari Airport.
Not included
• Flights to Brindisi.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal watercolor brushes and drawing materials.
• Meals not listed above.
Room 1.
Shared Twin Bedroom with Shared Bathroom. Shared with the same gender. €3.500
(Located in the historic Masseria)
Room 2.
Single Bedroom with Private Bathroom €5.000
(Located in the historic Masseria)
Room 3.
Single Bedroom with Shared Bathroom €3.500
(Located in an adjacent modern Villa, 3-min walk)
Room 4.
Single Bedroom with Private Bathroom €4.500
(Located in an adjacent modern Villa, 3-min walk)
- To reserve your spot, a deposit of €500 is required at the time of booking.
- The remaining balance will be due once the retreat is confirmed and guaranteed to run. At that time, participants will receive a separate payment link for the final balance.
- Once the retreat is confirmed, all payments made, including the deposit and final balance, are non-refundable.
- If the retreat is not confirmed, the deposit will be fully refunded.
- If you would prefer to pay in installments or use an alternative payment method, such as a direct bank transfer, please get in touch via the Contact page.
Spaces are limited and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Alberobello"This Art Retreat with Agnes Cecile has been incredible. Agnes is a wonderful teacher. She shared with us everything about her process, taught about drawing and painting and helped us through the whole process while we were painting. In just a week, I did notice a big difference between my first painting and the last one! :)"