BRAVE BLOOMS:
Abstract + Intuitive Painting Retreat
Urbania, Italy
Sept 27th - Oct 3rd, 2026
Let’s get our paint on in Italy!
Using inspiration from our gorgeous surroundings, we’ll spend 7 days & 6 nights in Urbania, Italy. Nestled in the rolling hills of Italy’s Marche region, Urbania is a charming town known for its rich artistic heritage, Renaissance architecture, and authentic Italian atmosphere.
We’ll be painting intuitive abstract paintings using acrylic paint and mixed media that are authentic, heartfelt, and shaped by our unique lived experiences.
Prepare to be immersed in a once-in-a-lifetime art experience.
This is so much more than an art retreat
Want to make art in a welcoming and inclusive community where your identities and stories are celebrated?
This is an opportunity to gather with kindreds and find unbridled freedom and joy in intuitive painting. I’ll gently guide you every step of the way in the spirit of play, where experimentation is celebrated, and without judgment.
I infuse the space with loving guidance and encouragement, but the heart of the experience is the community we form together. The collection of creatives misfits who lift and support each other along the way.
This process will help you loosen up, tune into your intuition, release expectation, and invite joyful expression in painting and your daily life.
You’ll Experience and Learn:
My integration of a whole hearted practice, including meditation, journaling, and tarot
Painting demonstrations aplenty
Expressive mark making and layering techniques
My favorite paints and tools
Color mixing tips and tricks
Be bold. Let go. Get wild.
We're all artists! This class is for everyone, with no previous painting experience necessary.
You’re An Artist!
If you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or paint often, all levels are welcome.
This isn’t a paint by numbers class. Those serve their purpose, but I don’t want you to paint like me or everyone else. Here you’ll tell your own story and explore your unique style.
There are no mistakes here, perfectionism is a trap, and the possibilities are endless. We’ll focus on the process and not the end result.
I anticipate lots of laughter, making a big 'ol mess, and maybe some dancing!
Urbania is famous for its centuries-old tradition of fine ceramics and majolica craftsmanship, attracting visitors who appreciate art, culture, and history.
Get Inspired By Your Surroundings
Urbania is home to elegant palaces, picturesque streets, and the beautiful Ducal Palace, while the nearby Metauro River adds to its scenic charm. With its welcoming locals, traditional cuisine, and vibrant cultural events, Urbania offers a peaceful yet captivating glimpse into the heart of rural Italy.
Beyond its historical beauty, Urbania is also celebrated for its warm community spirit and deep connection to Italian traditions. Enjoy traditional Marche cuisine in cozy trattorias, explore artisan workshops, and experience the slower pace of life that makes small Italian towns so special. Surrounded by green countryside and scenic landscapes, Urbania is an ideal destination for travelers seeking authenticity, creativity, and timeless Italian charm.
Disconnect To Reconnect
7 days filled with adventure, relaxation, and creativity
What’s Included In The Cost?
Nourishment
Our Italiana Tours Guide, Piero, is a certified international sommelier.
Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners (including full beverage service - with wine!) are included.
We’ll start with breakfast at our hotel each day, which features espresso, local produce, and fresh pastries. For lunches and dinners, Piero meets with every chef prior to your tour to hand-pick the perfect Italian wines – not for each meal, but for each course!
Sit back, relax, and let your taste buds enjoy all that Italy has to offer!
Transportation
Private transfer to and from the Bologna (BLQ) airport or train station is included.
You can get to Bologna by car, train, plane, or by ferry. The airport receives regular flights from major cities in Italy, as well as from across Europe.
In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Urbino as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport or train station (*we’ll share time stipulations later) and escort you to the hotel.
Day Trips
Bring your adventurous spirit and sense of wonder.
Together we’ll take multiple day trips to soak in all the beauty of Italy.
Private trip to Fabriano and paper workshop with master Sandro Tiberi
Private bookbinding workshop in Urbino with master Carla Luminati
Guided exploration through Urbino with entrance to Raphael’s childhood home
Private wine tasting experience at a local winery
Paint
When was the last time you painted in the former residence of a duke?
The studio itself is an extraordinary place to create, offering an atmosphere deeply connected to the artistic and cultural history of Urbania. Housed within the historic Il Barco Ducale, once the summer residence of the Duke of Urbino, the space is filled with timeless character, elegant architecture, and inspiring surroundings. Painting in such a remarkable setting allows artists to immerse themselves not only in their work, but also in the rich heritage of the Italian Renaissance, making the creative experience both meaningful and unforgettable.
Everything is provided - all you need to do is show up. Paint, brushes, a variety of mark making tools, substrates (watercolor paper and canvas) will be provided.
We’ll work in acrylic paint and a variety of mixed media tools to create abstract paintings from start to finish. Through mind, body, and soul practices, we will enliven your already established creative practice or offer a start fresh. I will offer insight into the intuitive painting process, including prompts to get your started, tips for expressive mark making, techniques for building layers, lessons in color theory, ways to elevate your value, and contrast, and so much more.
While I'll share plenty of painting tips, techniques, and "rules", I'll also encourage you to break them all. The goal of the retreat is to help you tame your inner critic and release expectations so that you make more instinctual choices and create more freely.
Stay
Six nights of private accommodations at Parco Ducale Country House, a peaceful countryside retreat surrounded by the rolling hills and natural beauty of the Marche region. Blending rustic Italian charm with modern comfort, this inviting property offers a serene and inspiring setting to relax, create, and fully immerse yourself in the rhythm of rural Italy.
Nestled among gardens and scenic landscapes, Parco Ducale Country House provides a warm and authentic atmosphere with elegant interiors, comfortable rooms, and tranquil outdoor spaces perfect for unwinding after a day of painting and exploration. Guests can enjoy quiet mornings with views of the countryside, relaxing evenings under the Italian sky, and the slower pace of life that makes this region so special.
Throughout the retreat, Parco Ducale Country House will serve as our welcoming home base, offering both comfort and inspiration while keeping us closely connected to the artistic heritage and timeless beauty of Urbania and the surrounding countryside.
Your Investment
Trip Price: $4599 per person
Secure your spot now with a $800 deposit.
The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, payment is due in full at the time of registration.
OUR ITINERARY
Sunday, Sept 27 (DAY 1):
Arrival (*Bologna BLQ is the recommended airport). In our commitment to making your journey to Urbino as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel.
Take time to settle in, unpack, and explore before we all meet up. Your accommodation is within walking distance of shops, markets, restaurants, and village life unspoiled by time.
Becky and Piero, our host, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the week to come. Then, pizza night! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria. End the night with a stroll, a nightcap, and a good night’s sleep.
Monday, Sept 28 (DAY 2):
Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. After your breakfast at the hotel, we’ll have our first painting workshop with Becky.
Break for lunch at the studio.
After lunch, time to relax or studio time, followed by an afternoon painting workshop.
After class, our group we have time to relax before a group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
Tuesday, Sept 29 (DAY 3):
Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or pasticciotti) at your hotel.
Morning painting workshop with Becky.
After lunch, relax or studio time, followed by an afternoon workshop with Becky.
Dinner at the town square!
Wednesday, Sept 30 (DAY 4):
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before our full day paper workshop in Fabriano. We will leave for the city where the art of paper making has been alive for centuries! Fabriano is the most important paper production centre of Europe and we will learn directly from the master Sandro Tiberi!
Late afternoon return to our hotel for free time or optional studio time.
Another fabulous dinner in town!
Thursday, Oct 1 (DAY 5):
Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?), followed by an art workshop with Becky in the studio.
In the late morning, we’ll leave to explore Urbino and Raphael’s childhood home. In a loose (yet structured!) manner, we'll wander the main squares and winding medieval pathways. You will be immersed in local color, texture, and flavors (while eating everything in sight) as well as examining architectural motifs, contemporary art, and design, all the while collecting ideas that will inspire your art.
Lunch near the town square on your own.
Afternoon bookbinding workshop in the at The Artistic Printing Studio Ca' Virginio where Carla, an artist and printer, will lead us in an unforgettable creative experience. You’ll bind the paper made in Fabriano into your own handmade book. Participate in this ancient tradition in an inspirational location for your story in Italy.
Dinner at another fabulous and authentic Italian restaurant.
Friday, Oct 2 (DAY 6):
Leisurely morning and breakfast at the hotel.
The morning with be spent at your last painting workshop with Becky.
After lunch, you’ll have free time to pack and relax before we have a private wine tasting a local winery.
Meet that evening for a farewell dinner where we will raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Puglia. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
Saturday, Oct 3 (DAY 7):
We’ll depart Ubrino at 10:00am and provide transportation to the Bologna airport or train station with departures after 12pm. Please contact Italian Tours with your scheduled time for arrival end departure and we will do our best to meet your availaibility.
We recommend booking a night or more in Bologna at the end/beginning of your trip to explore this beautiful land and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. More information will be provided and we’re happy to help with recommendations.
*subject to minor changes due to weather, group desires, or opportunities
Refund Policy
Due to the highly coordinated nature of this trips, no refunds are made. The exception being a refund (minus $275 for office costs) may be made if the workshop/tour is completely filled and your place can be filled from the waiting list. Cancellation will forfeit all deposits and payments.
Travel Insurance
It is HIGHLY recommended that you obtain trip insurance that covers travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides coverage in case of lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.
Terms and coverages vary depending on the specific insurance carrier. Carefully check before purchasing your policy.
Accessibility
Please note this retreat may not be suitable for participants with low or limited mobility.
Getting around requires short walks on uneven terrain (vineyard paths, cobblestone streets, etc.).
Safer Space
As a white queer cis femme woman with a professional background in gender studies and queer theory, I strive to create a safer space that promotes equity, open-mindedness, a willingness to learn from others, and affirmation of the unconditional value of all peoples.
My hope is that the space is both critical of the power structures that impact our everyday lives and allows us all to be free to grow, thrive, and express our individual identities.
Confirmation
Once you are enrolled in the retreat, you will receive several emails in the coming year to arrange transportation, schedule any remaining payments, and provide more retreat details.
Please feel free to email any questions to becky@beckyjoanspringer. I am here to help!
