Course Dates & Prices

Guests arriving at Tenuta di Poggiolame quickly discover why this corner of Umbria has inspired artists for generations. The estate sits amid rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards, with the distant profile of Orvieto visible on the horizon. Morning light filters through the landscape in ways that change by the hour, offering endless subjects for painters and sketchers alike. The atmosphere is calm, unhurried, and deeply creative, giving every participant the space to slow down, observe, and let their own artistic voice emerge. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned practitioner, the setting itself becomes a quiet collaborator in the work you produce during your week.

The teaching team at Arte Umbria brings together working artists who are as generous with their encouragement as they are with their technical knowledge. Across painting, drawing, sculpture, and writing, tutors tailor their guidance to the individual skill level of each participant, ensuring everyone leaves with new confidence and tangible progress. Small group sizes mean personal attention is never in short supply, and the relaxed rhythm of the week allows for plenty of one-to-one conversation about your work. The result is a supportive, friendly environment where experimentation is welcomed, mistakes are treated as part of the process, and every person feels they are exploring their potential rather than simply following a fixed programme.

Beyond the studio sessions, the week is designed to immerse you in the wider culture and landscape of Umbria. Two excursions take participants to nearby towns, hilltop villages, and places of artistic and historical significance, offering fresh perspectives and new material for sketchbooks and notebooks. A meal at a local restaurant introduces the region's celebrated food and wine, while the estate's own kitchen provides generous daily meals that keep everyone well fuelled for the work at hand. These shared experiences, from group dinners to informal evening conversations, become an important part of the retreat, helping strangers quickly become friends who often stay in touch long after the week is over.

Accommodation at Tenuta di Poggiolame is comfortable and characterful, with rooms that reflect the simplicity and charm of rural Umbrian life. The house and its grounds provide quiet corners for reading, writing, or simply resting between sessions, while the studio spaces are well equipped with the materials you will need for your chosen discipline. The practical arrangements are handled with care so that you can focus entirely on your creative work. From the moment you arrive to the moment you depart, the pace of the week is designed to feel restorative as much as productive, giving you both the structure of a proper course and the freedom of a true holiday.

Booking a place at Arte Umbria is straightforward, and the team is happy to answer any questions you may have before you commit. Gift vouchers are available for those who want to share the experience with a friend or family member, making a thoughtful present for anyone who loves art, writing, or Italy. The course dates follow the established spring and autumn windows, so there are two clear opportunities each year to join. Many participants return for a second or third visit, drawn back by the combination of inspiring tuition, beautiful surroundings, and the warm, welcoming community that has grown around the retreat. Whatever your level of experience, the week offers a genuine chance to explore your creative potential in one of Italy's most beautiful regions.