We asked some of the people who have come on our courses to write something about their experience and, obviously, chose the best ones (after a little bit of careful editing).
Welcome to our newly updated (but still rather smug) page…
"Choosing Artistinitaly for my painting holiday was the best decision I made all year !
With a stunning, magical location, warm and friendly people, absolutely delicious food ( and wine !) and the humour-laced, gently encouraging, ever professional tuition from Julian, I was in heaven for seven days. I came home with renewed confidence in my painting and certainty that I would love to come back. Huge thanks to Julian and Amanda for a very special week."
Dee Wadham, England, Beginners Watercolour Course
"As a single traveller and a total watercolour novice, I was not too sure about what I would find on this holiday. I need not have worried as I found two wonderfully friendly, hospitable, great people. Julian's relaxed, easy manner made the classes fun and extremely interesting. His terrific sense of humour and encouragement ensured that everyone in the group, firstly enjoyed themselves and secondly really achieved something that I'm sure surprised each one of us. The accomodation was excellent and the food amazing ( I'm still serving affogato as a favourite dessert ) Amanda totally spoiled us every meal!!! My only regret was that I could have stayed longer and I now see that some of the classes have been extended, which is a great idea. Certainly nobody in my group wanted to leave!!! I could not recomend it highly enough as a wonderful holiday / experience regardless of skill level, age etc. I would definitely like to do another course in the not too distant future."
Heather Rushworth, Australia, June Beginner's watercolour course
"Whatever artistic talent you have, Julian will find, refine and inspire. On top of all of that you get to know a wonderful warm and caring family, experience friendship, laughter and true connection with the area."
Marlene Hults, US, Watercolour course
"I booked my place with www.artistinitaly hoping it would be special. It certainly was. From the minute I was warmly greeted at the station to my sad goodbye 10 days later, I was blessed. I stayed in a lovely room in a picturesque location, painted in a charming, light and energetic studio, met fabulous people and was shown parts of Italy I would otherwise never have seen. Every day, I enjoyed delicious food, local wine and good company and learnt something new. Julian was not just a talented and generous teacher he also turned out to be a fabulous guide who enthusiastically showed us wonderful art and places of great interest. Thank you, thank you Julian and Amanda for an experience of a lifetime; one that I will always be grateful for. I can’t recommend it highly enough."
Delphine Kuiken, Australia, September 10 day art workshop
“I have travelled extensively in Italy with various guides, but the days with Julian have been among the best I’ve experienced. Each place or work of art we visit has come alive for us when Julian shares his extensive knowledge about whatever it is we are viewing. I am very grateful that my husband and I settled in this part of Italy and I can truly say that Julian’s wonderful teaching has greatly enriched my life. He is a true teacher, one whose passion for his subject is inspiring.”
Suzy Toll, retired Classics Teacher, Italy, Icon painting course
"It's just the combination that worked so well...relaxed atmosphere, personal teaching, fab food, guided tours, beautiful surroundings, great memories! Thank you!
In addition to David's words can I add..... The hidden value of our lovely holiday was that the impact of all the lovely things we experienced carries on and on..... it's hard to place a value on holidays that can give you so much in just a week!"
David and Geraldine Casswell, Art Workshop, September
" I have been on many many art courses over the years and can say with great enthusiasm that the course offered by Amanda and Julian is one of the best I have ever experienced. Their lovely house and studio is surrounded by magnificent landscapes just waiting to be painted. The opportunities are boundless ...majestic Cypress trees, parasol pines amongst fields of poppies and daisies, excursions to fascinating old Tuscan villages and the legendary gardens of La Foce ...and the wonderful town of Arezzo. Amanda and Julian are incredibly hospitable and generous. .. the food is excellent and Julian is a very hands on tutor for whom nothing is too much trouble... I had a wonderful and very fruitful time ."
Jean Harvey, artist, London - Watercolour course, May
"Julian is a passionate, engaging teacher, and intuitively fostered our individual skill levels and artistic goals. An enormous old wooden table dominates the artist's studio, which overlooks rugged rolling hills that are every shade of green, and dotted with olive trees. An elegant line of Cypress punctuates the land, fading off into the distance. Colors and line perpetually shift, depending on the mood of that day and perspective. I never tired of attempting to render it's beauty.
At sunset, we would clear away a flurry of papers and paints in the fading studio light. Candles would be lit, and we would toast the day at this very same antique table with local wine and simple, elegant regional meals graciously prepared for us by Amanda. Amanda is an amazing cook. Both both she and Julian are very thoughtful and generous hosts. At the end of my stay, I left feeling relaxed, inspired and creatively centered. I would highly recommend their courses, and would love to return!"
Lonnie Turner, Creative Director, US, Watercolour course May
"As hosts, Julian and Amanda are certainly up there with the most helpful, attentive and generous people I've ever known. If being spoilt rotten, eating superbly delicious, home-cooked Italian food, drinking what seems like a never-ending supply of local wine and achieving things you'd never thought possible are what you look for in a holiday, then look no further. There is no pressure to 'conform' to a schedule, yes the day starts off with a basic structure, but if watercolour isn't your thing (as I found out, it wasn't mine) then you are more than encouraged to pursue your own interests.
Having the evening meals as a group in the studio is probably what makes Julian and Amanda's holidays so special, you certainly build up a bond between the group.It's easy to make great friends and I'm still in regular contact with those met on both courses I have attended.
I could probably go on for a day about how fabulous the courses are, just book one, I promise you, you will never return home from a place missing it as much."
Sophie Duckworth, England, Botanical Illustration Course, May
Older testimonials
"Julian is a lively and fascinating teacher – his knowledge and patience make for a truly rewarding experience for beginners and seasoned artists alike... highly recommended!"
Chris Duggan - Art Director, San Francisco
"Everyone always enjoyed Julian’s lessons; he is a wonderful teacher, who's guidance vastly improved my notion of painting and photography.
On a personal level, his instruction helped me develop my own individual style of working, and definitely was one of the main reasons I pursued a career in the creative industry."
Saven Chadha - Illustrator and Photographer, London
“Here in Italy, I and 3 of my geriatric friends asked Julian to give us some art lessons. I, for one, having done next to no painting before. He accepted, and that began a journey for me more thrilling than is explainable.
He not only teaches the various mediums of drawing and painting, but he frequently takes us into the world of art history that surrounds us in this amazing country. Places we would never have known about and paintings or frescoes that tell stories of times gone by and which come alive in front of us. He is interesting and passionate about his art and his enthusiasm is inspiring. Long may the journey continue and I recommend to others that they come and experience some of the same”.
Jenny Trevor, Italy
"Julian conducts his lessons in a way that effortlessly inspires creativity. His exceptional rapport with everyone creates a fun and exciting environment.”
Phil Linnell, 25 Freelance Web/Graphic Designer, London
“Not only does Julian have an outstanding teaching expertise, but he is a great person to be around, ensuring art lessons were always very entertaining. His enthusiastic and encouraging attitude always made me feel I had the ability to succeed.“
Olivia Wood, England
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