STEVEN ASSAEL: PAINTING THE PORTRAIT FROM LIFE

A Rare Opportunity to Study With One of Today’s Most Important Figurative Painters

Steven Assael is widely regarded as one of the leading figurative painters of our time. His psychologically charged portraits, profound command of anatomy, and extraordinary sensitivity to light and color have placed him at the forefront of contemporary realism. His work has appeared in major exhibitions including The New Old Masters at the National Museum in Gdańsk, as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Columbus Museum of Art, and other distinguished institutions. He is a longtime faculty member at the School of Visual Arts and serves as a senior critic at the New York Academy of Art, where generations of painters consider him a formative influence.

For Sicily Artist Retreats™, hosting Steven is both a privilege and a homecoming. With ancestral roots in Sicily, Steven brings a deeply personal connection to the island, its history, its people, and its unmistakable visual vocabulary. Even in a studio-based portrait workshop, the island’s atmosphere finds its way into the work: the volcanic shadows, luminous skies, and sun-warmed ochres subtly recalibrate the painter’s eye. Color, one of the most defining elements of Steven’s practice, comes alive here in a way that is impossible to ignore.

What to Expect

Students will experience Steven’s teaching in all its depth:

• Insightful lectures on his philosophical and technical approach to painting

• Intensive demonstrations where you can observe every brushstroke

• Focused one-on-one critique and mentorship

• Studio sessions with a live model centered on structure, rhythm, atmosphere, and the living presence of the sitter

This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced painters seeking a serious, transformative experience. Motivated beginners are also welcome; Steven’s guidance meets students where they are, offering both rigorous critique and an encouraging framework for growth.

Why This Workshop Matters

Steven teaches only a limited number of in-depth workshops each year, and opportunities to study with him in an immersive, small-group environment are exceptionally rare. For painters seeking to deepen their understanding of the portrait, sharpen their observational skills, or reconnect with the expressive possibilities of color and light, this week with Steven offers something truly singular.

Sicily amplifies the experience: a place where history, landscape, and luminous Mediterranean color shape the artist’s sensibility. In this setting, one connected to Steven’s own heritage, students will not only paint from life, but also see their work refracted through the island’s unique palette and atmosphere.

Accomodations

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. Owned and operated by the DeMarco family, Baglio Custera is one of Marsala’s newest gems, nestled within the DeMarco family olive grove that has already inspired many paintings.

Cuisine

In Sicily, food is art. Our chefs transform the island’s sun-ripened produce into vibrant dishes that awaken the senses and embody the soul of Sicilian life. Utilizing the freshest locally-grown ingredients, our chefs create dishes that celebrate the island’s rich flavors and traditions. Every meal is an invitation to slow down, savor, and experience the true taste of Sicily.

Transportation

Shuttle service to and from the airport, the studio and to hidden-gem spots and site visits is included.

Materials List

(Coming Soon.)