Imagine waking up in a 15th century palazzo
overlooking a tiny medievil Tuscan village with nothing on your mind except breakfast and a day of painting or exploring the nearby countryside. For 6 days and 7 nights this could be your morning routine during our oil painting workshop at El Palazzo del Borgo, located in the centuries old hamlet of Celle sul Rigo.
The village of Celle sul Rigo stands on the summit of a hill at the edge of a nature reserve in the Val d’Orcia, close to the border separating Tuscany from Umbria and Lazio. This

A 15th century Italian palazzo in a tiny medieval village. 6 days of painting in the glorious Italian sun. Four traditional Tuscan-inspired meals a day prepared by your host. And evenings spent reliving the day with your fellow painters. Tempted yet?

area is off the beaten tourist track, but rich in history and culture, and encourages unhurried exploration along the ancient Via Francigena which follows the roman Via Cassia, the path that led pilgrims through forts and castles to Rome. Painting subjects are everywhere you turn, from the panoramic views of the rolling hills to the archways and ancient stonework of the palazzo itself.
The old Palazzo del Borgo was built around 1500 and looks out on the central piazza of Celle sul Rigo. Once the home of an aristocratic family the palazzo has been preserved throughout the centuries with the characteristics of a private home. The rooms have remained virtually unaltered with many retaining their antique furniture. While not luxurious the palazzo is comfortable,  informal, and efficient.

The village of Celle is small and delightful, with narrow streets in which the elder villagers still sit and chat while the children run and play. There are a couple of excellent restaurants which feature local specialties such as “pici,” a pasta homemade by the local women, as well as small shops and bars. You will truly feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to an Italy that is sadly being lost in the more well-travelled tourist cities.

Our workshop coincides with the “Sagra dei Pici,” the annual festival celebrating the village’s special pasta. The town square will light up on Saturday and Sunday nights (5/29 and 5/30) with music and dancing in honor of the festival’s 40th anniversary this year.

Celle sul Rigo will be a lovely backdrop for our workshop classes. We’ll paint daily at the palazzo and in the village, where Gini will help you frame a composition suited to your style and abilities. After painting you are free to explore Celle sul Rigo, or drive to nearby sites of ancient towers and tales.

For non-painters there is much to occupy your time. At Palazzo del Rigo there are plenty of cozy spaces to settle with a good book, both inside and in the garden. The palazzo’s pool might tempt you or you may choose to scout nearby cities such as Sienna (90 km away) Montepulciano or Orvietto for further exploration later.

Rome and Florence are not far (180 and 150km respectively) and there is excellent train service from either city. Or you might choose to spend a few nights either before or after the workshop, rent a car, and meander your way from village to village in the Tuscan countryside.

If you still need convincing, click on the above links for more information about the place, the food, the itinerary, and your hosts, Gini Lawson and Richard Mockler.








 

Painting Workshop in Tuscany: May 29 - June 5, 2010