WORKSHOP -
FRIDAY MAY 23 TO WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2008
13 days painting, exploring and enjoying romantic Tuscany, from your base at our delightful painting retreat in the enchanting village of Bagno Vignoni and the medieval town of Siena, Italy. This workshop has the lot, spellbinding locations, visits to famous sites and superb teaching from Margaret Evans.

The Tour at a Glance
Margaret Evans will lead a stimulating and satisfying tour of the best places in Tuscany. Stay in a historical 15^th century hotel built for a Pope, located in the peaceful village of Bagno Vignoni and enjoy Siena's maze of narrow streets lined with tall palaces and medieval mansions.

About Your Tutor
There is one famous artist who really knows the ropes as far as painting holidays are concerned. Margaret Evans graduated from Glasgow School of Art and has teaching qualifications from the University of London.She has exhibited with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Pastel Society and United Artists, and has held many solo exhibitions throughout England. Margaret has produced four teaching videos on pastel.

Highlights of your vacation

• First class teaching by world famous artist Margaret Evans.
• 6 nights accommodation in a beautifully restored 15^th century historic building in the peaceful Tuscan village of Bagno Vignoni.
• 6 nights accommodation in a comfortable first class hotel in Siena
• Dinner daily in Bagno Vignoni and three dinners including a farewell dinner in Siena
• Continental breakfast daily.
• Sightseeing and painting in the towns, villages and countryside of Tuscany with visits to Montepulciano, Pienza, San Gimignano and Florence.
• 'Welcome drinks' parties.
• Workshop accompanied by a professional workshop manager.
• A certificate confirming your successful completion of the workshop.

WORKSHOP

DAY 1 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2008 BAGNO VIGNONI, TUSCANY
Workshop members will be met at Rome airport at midday by your workshop manager, who will escort you by private coach to the workshop hotel in the small village of Bagno Vignoni, in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan Hills.

On arrival the group will relax over welcome drinks and have time to explore your three-star hotel, the Albergo le Terme, before meeting for dinner. The Albergo le Terme family hotel has a fascinating history. The building dates back to the 15^th century and was planned and built by Rosselino for Pope Pio II Piccolomini, who used it as a summerhouse. The building is situated in the centre of Bagno Vignoni, in front of a basin where hot mineral spring water spouts all day, and in Roman times was used for baths. In fact, thermal and mud baths are still available. Bagno Vignoni lies in a quiet part of the pretty Orcia river valley. Its shops, bars, cafes and the surrounding countryside offer outstanding painting subjects.

DAY 2 SATURDAY MAY 24, 2008 BAGNO VIGNONI, TUSCANY
After breakfast Margaret Evans will lead her first painting demonstration in the village. Afterwards, Margaret will move around the group helping everyone with their work. Relaxed critique sessions will be held at the workshop hotel every few days. Lunch will be at leisure. A delicious full dinner is included each evening at the Albergo Le Terme's pleasant dining room.

DAY 3 SUNDAY MAY 25, 2008 BAGNO VIGNONI, TUSCANY
Today the private coach will take you to Montepulciano, an extremely beautiful medieval town situated on the top of a narrow hill separating two valleys. Poets have long sung the praises of its ruby-red wine. Margaret will perform a demonstration and capture the Renaissance buildings that are clustered around the Piazza Grande. Lunch will be taken at leisure and there will be time for you to paint and explore before returning to Bagno Vignoni.

DAY 4 MONDAY MAY 26, 2008 BAGNO VIGNONI, TUSCANY
After breakfast you will enjoy a group painting session in Bagnio Vignoni. Margaret Evans will demonstrate in the morning and guide workshop members with their work until mid afternoon.

DAY 5 TUESDAY MAY 27, 2008 BAGNO VIGNONI, TUSCANY
A day in the Tuscan countryside. Today the group will travel by private coach to nearby Pienza for a full day of painting. Pienza is a charming hilltop town in a beautiful location. It was featured in the movie 'The English Patient'.

DAY 6 WEDNESDAY MAY 28, 2008 BAGNO VIGNONI, TUSCANY
An enjoyable day of painting, sightseeing and relaxation in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany with Margaret Evans on hand to help you make the most of each painting opportunity.

DAY 7: THURSDAY MAY 29, 2008 Siena, Tuscany
Today a private coach will transfer workshop members to the town of Siena, our workshop base for the remainder of the workshop. Siena is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns, and home of 'The Palio de Siena', one of the worlds most famous horse races. Offering stunning terracotta cityscapes and an abundance of twisting stone alleyways, Siena will surely offer workshop members an abundance of inspiration. On arrival a local guide will escort the group on an informative and enjoyable tour through the enchanting alleyways of Siena. Today's tour will take in some spectacular sites, including the Piazza Del Campo, the Duomo, and the Palazzo Publico.

DAY 8: FRIDAY MAY 30, 2008 Siena, Tuscany
After breakfast you will enjoy a painting session in Siena. Margaret Evans will demonstrate in the morning and guide workshop members with their work throughout the day.

DAY 9: SATURDAY MAY 31, 2008 Siena, Tuscany
Today workshop members travel through the rolling Tuscan countryside to the hill town of San Gimignano for a day of painting. The town commands a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside and has a fabulous square, a very impressive church, interesting buildings, fine restaurants and inviting shops. There are countless superb subjects that will keep you painting all day. The workshop will return to Siena in the late afternoon.

DAY 10: SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2008 Siena, Tuscany
A full day of painting in Siena with Margaret Evans. Margaret will paint a demonstration and then provide each workshop member with individual attention.

DAY 11 MONDAY JUNE 2, 2008 Siena, Tuscany
Today workshop members travel to one of the world's greatest artistic capitals, Florence. For three centuries the city was the cradle of exceptional artistic and intellectual activity, which later became know as the Renaissance. Florence was the home of Dante, Machiavelli and Michaelangelo and is almost overwhelming in its wealth of art, culture and history. On arrival we will join a local guide for a walking tour of the city. We will see the cathedral, with its enormous dome, the Baptistery, Santa Croce church and the famous Ponte Vecchio. The afternoon will be free for sketching, visiting museums, galleries and local sights.

DAY 12: TUESDAY JUNE 3, 2008 Siena, Tuscany
Our final workshop day in Siena. Margaret will paint a demonstration and then assist workshop members with their individual work. There will be a critique session before an included farewell dinner.

DAY 13: WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2008 Departure
It's time to say, 'Ciao!' (informal goodbye) or 'Arrivederci' (formal). After breakfast departing Workshop members will be driven in comfort to Rome airport to join mid-afternoon return flights.

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