Editorial listing | This page has been compiled by the AtelierBound editorial team using publicly available information and is not managed by the retreat host. Pricing, dates, and availability should be confirmed directly with the host before making any plans. Last verified: March 3 2026. If you run this retreat, claim your listing at hosts@atelierbound.com to take full control of your page, add your own photographs, and respond to guest enquiries. -------------------- September 16-23 2026 Walk the same cobblestone streets as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli drawing inspiration from a city that has nurtured artists for centuries. Your home for this transformative week will be an historic palazzo in the Santo Spirito quarter, a neighborhood that still pulses with artistic energy. Here, artisan workshops and antique boutiques line the streets and creativity flows as freely as the nearby Arno River. You'll live like a local in the heart of Florence developing your artistic vision through Marla's innovative approach to pastel painting. Each day, you'll discover how thoughtful observation and direct work in pastel can transform your artistic practice. Marla's unique method helps you capture the essence of a scene with confidence leading to more expressive paintings. You'll paint in sun-dappled piazzas, along winding streets and in hidden courtyards building a visual vocabulary that will deepen your mastery of the pastel medium. Between artistic sessions, you'll savor authentic Tuscan cuisine in characteristic trattorias. ​Florence offers endless possibilities for creating art: the golden light of the Arno River, secret Renaissance gardens, flower-filled windowsills, animated street scenes and architectural treasures at every turn. While the focus is on developing powerful pastel skills, you'll have ample time to absorb the city's artistic heritage and find your own sources of inspiration in this living museum that houses one-third of the world's art treasures. To ensure personalized attention, the class size will be intentionally small. While the workshop welcomes all skill levels, some basic drawing and painting experience will help you make the most of this opportunity. The daily schedule may adjust to embrace spontaneous artistic opportunities that arise. This is more than a workshop - it's an immersive artistic retreat in one of the world's most inspiring cities, guided by an accomplished artist who will help you discover the full expressive potential of pastel painting.

Website Link

https://www.artensity.org/marlabaggetta?utm_source=atelierbound&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=listing

What's Included

Full tuition Workshop Includes: Welcome reception evening of arrival 7 night accommodation based on double occupancy (shared bedroom​/​bath) in downtown Florence (air conditioned ​/​ WIFI) All Breakfasts 4 full-course meals with wine​/​gratuities included (includes welcome reception) City Walking Tour with professional guide Advance reservations and tour of the Accademia Gallery to see the "real" David All ground transportation related to scheduled events Day trip to Fiesole to paint in the Etruscan​/​Roman Ruins - includes lunch Admission fees to Painting Sites All instruction from Marla ​/​ includes demos and one-on-one mentorship ​/​ critiques Native speaker and experienced workshop host on site and available entire workshop.

What to Bring

You will need to bring your own portable easel (no large French easels please) and paint supplies (list supplied by host).

Leader Bio

Marla Baggetta is a prolific painter as well as a highly sought after workshop instructor who is adept at helping students develop their own painting style. Her approach to painting reflects both the formal art education she received and the years of experience that can only be gained from behind the easel. Marla graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. She worked as a commercial illustrator for 25 years. After moving to Oregon in 1993, she was inspired by the beauty of the Willamette Valley and began painting landscapes that blend realism and abstraction that convey a sense of calm and balance. An IAPS Eminent Pastelist, her work has been represented throughout the country for over 30 years and has been recipient of many awards and honors. She makes her home in Portland, Oregon. "The workshop will include demonstrations where I’ll take you through the painting process step-by step, from choosing a scene to paint, simplifying and composing, thumbnail sketches, blocking in, adding color and orchestrating to a focal point and finally, details and finishing. We will cover all aspects of creating a successful painting including, composition, color theory, aerial perspective, mark-making and much, much more! I’ll give plenty of one-on-one mentoring on site, so you won’t ever be in that frustrated mode! Critiques will be relaxed and fun and will provide thoughtful, actionable advice on how to really improve your paintings. I’m a firm believer in the fundamentals of painting and don’t hold back when it comes to passing on what I know at the same time giving you encouragement to find your unique voice as a painter!"