LYN DIEFENBACH: PLEIN AIR PASTEL PAINTING AND TRAVEL JOURNALING

Lyn Diefenbach is an internationally acclaimed artist from Australia, celebrated for her luminous floral, portrait, and landscape paintings in both pastel and oil. With a career spanning over three decades, Lyn has earned recognition worldwide for her ability to capture the essence of her subjects with striking realism, sensitivity, and emotional depth. A sought-after instructor, she brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and encouragement to her teaching—guiding students to expand their skills, sharpen their vision, and express their own creative voice.

In this 9-day Sicily workshop, Lyn will lead participants through breathtaking landscapes, offering invaluable insights into color, composition, and technique. Whether painting en plein air or refining work in the studio, her guidance ensures a transformative artistic journey in one of the most inspiring settings in the world.

Explore Sicily with Lyn

Imagine gathering with a community of like-minded creatives, sharing inspiration, and filling each day with color and expression. Your time together will flow between a spacious, professionally equipped, and fully air-conditioned studios and the outdoors, with a rich balance of Lyn’s insightful demonstrations and plenty of personal time to dive into your own work. Every subject is open to exploration—landscapes, portraits, still life, or anything your creative spirit is drawn to. Daily excursions on this 9-day retreat include visits to some of the world's most breathtaking UNESCO sites, ancient Greek temples and amphitheaters, iconic Mediterranean seascapes, a visit to surrounding islands, and medieval castles and cobblestone streets in picturesque mountain perches. You will be inspired by the colors of Sicily, from folkloric costumes to brightly painted Sicilian carts and local crafts. A day spent in Marsala's charming Baroque town center offers many opportunities to paint in one of the most beautiful locations in Europe.

Create a Journal of Your Adventure

As part of Lyn Diefenbach’s Sicily workshop, you will be guided by Lyn in creating an illustrated and written journal, weaving words and sketches into a personal record of your Sicily adventure. Your journal will combine sketches of the dramatic coastlines, historic architecture, and sunlit countryside with personal reflections, color notes, and creative insights. This practice deepens observation, strengthens memory, and provides a lasting record of the journey—a treasured keepsake of the Sicilian experience. So bring your pastels, your sketchbook, and most importantly—your joy and curiosity. Sicily is waiting to inspire you!

What to Expect From Your Week with Lyn Diefenbach

An itinerary with dates and times and site visits will be sent to you prior to the event. Here is what you can expects overall.

• This is a 9-day workshop to accomodate an expanded itinerary including surrounding islands.

• On arrival day, there will be a late afternoon Orientation and Welcome Dinner.

• You will paint daily, both in the studio and while exploring Sicily's magnificent Mediterranean landscapes and storied archeological sites.

• A farewell and "thank you" event at a local winery on final day.

• Most meals are included --breakfast, lunch & dinner (except on Wednesdays when the hotel's restaurant is closed)

• Transporation to and from Palermo (PMO) airport See our pickup policy

• Materials needed for the workshop: See Lyn's material list below.   

• What we provide: solvent, rags, studio soap, studio easels, support boards, sandpaper, graphite pencils, pencil sharpener, kneaded eraser, chalk, and medium jars at no additional cost.  Please see these provided items.

• Purchases: Limited pastel paper selections are available onsite to purchase.

•  Car rental is not necessary but recommended if you'd like to explore the area after class.

Included in the Workshop

Hotel Baglio Custera, a boutique hotel in the heart of Marsala's countryside, renowned for its gardens, incredible views, and luxurious atmosphere. All rooms are private with en-suite bathrooms.

Cuisine

Sicily's culinary scene is a feast for the senses! Our cooks source the freshest, locally grown produce to create mouth-watering dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in the rich flavors of the region, and savor the taste of true Sicilian cuisine.

Transportation

Shuttle service to and from the airport and to plein air painting sites and hidden-gem painting spots are included as well.

How to Register

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS EXTENDED!

The cost of this expanded workshop is $4200. Our Earlybird pricing takes $400 off the cost, making your total price $3800. Earlybird pricing has been extended until September 7, 2025.

Make your initial deposit of $500, saving your seat and securing your Earlybird price. Second and third deposits will be sent within the first and second months of your initial deposit. Total payment will be complete within three months.

We welcome your non-painting travel partners for an additional fee of $1450. Non-painting guests share your room, are included in meals, and are welcome to site visits where space allows. Special itineraries can be arranged for them through the hotel.

Early bird discounted ticket cost $3800

• Initial Deposit: $500 [by 9/7/25]

• Second Deposit: $1650 [by 10/1/25 ]

• Third Deposit: $1650 [by 11/1/25]

• Non-Painting Partners are welcome: $1450