Unfortunately, they currently are not.

Participants can bring a non-participating partner for an additional lodging and transportation cost. The non-painting partner rate applies when the partner shares a room with the participating artist. Please let us know as soon as possible if you’d like to bring a guest.

Spring and autumn in Marsala are generally warm with cooler evenings and occasional wind, while summer temperatures can be quite hot—layered clothing is advisable. You may also wish to bring swimwear and a few more polished outfits for group dinners. Our studio provides a range of basic materials, including solvents and easels. Participants are expected to bring their own paints and brushes; please refer to the materials list included in your welcome packet for specific requirements. For convenience, materials may also be purchased or rented through our studio in Marsala. We recommend arranging these in advance through our website. All international guests will need a valid passport, and an international driver’s license if you plan to drive. We strongly recommend purchasing travel and trip cancellation insurance. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for additional details.

A complete materials list  will be sent to you. But here are some things to consider bringing to make the most of your trip:

Painting supplies:

Do bring your favorite brushes for oil painting, or watercolor workshops, palette and paints.  For outdoor painting, bring a plein-air painting set-up that has worked well for you and that you are familiar and comfortable with. Sicily Artists Retreats will provide all solvents and mediums, as these can not be brought with you on the plane, checked or carry-on. Brush soap, rags, paper towels, studio easles  and overnight oil paint storage on palettes are all provided. Remember to bring any specialized tools that you rely on for clay sculpture workshop.  Basic tools will be provided.

Painting surfaces:

Sicily Artist Retreats stocks a variety of canvas, paper and boards available for purchase.

Advice and recommendations on painting surfaces as well as how to safely bring finished paintings home will be sent out to participants in advance. 

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Materials Purchase and Rentals:

Should you prefer to travel without carrying your materials, you may purchase a Paint Pass available for all our workshops.  The Paint Pass includes unlimited use of paints from the instructors' palette. Plein Air Kit rentals are available for outdoor painting.  All items may be purchased or reserved on this website; see SHOP.

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Clothing:

Please pack comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather. For outdoor painting sessions, we recommend bringing a hat with a wide brim and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, along with a small, lightweight daypack and a reusable water bottle. Evenings can be slightly cooler, so a light jacket is advisable. You may also wish to bring swimwear to enjoy the hotel’s pool. With these essentials, you will be well prepared for a productive and enjoyable workshop in Sicily.

All of our faculty are carefully selected for their experience and distinction in both the United States and Europe. We maintain a thoughtful balance of contemporary realist figurative painters and sculptors, as well as plein air painters working across a range of media. Many of our instructors have taught at leading institutions such as the New York Academy of Art, the Art Students League of New York, and respected private studios. Each instructor is entrusted to shape their workshop according to their unique expertise, while providing thoughtful guidance, meaningful critique, and individualized attention to every participant. The Sicily Artist Retreats team brings extensive experience in both teaching and program management, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for our guests.​

Most workshops are intentionally kept small to ensure meaningful one-on-one attention from our instructors. Groups are typically around ten participants, allowing for a focused and highly personalized experience.

No! Obviously speaking Italian in Italy is a tremendous advantage, but our workshops are conducted in English. All Sicily Artist Retreats staff and vendors speak English as well.

Yes! Our plein air sessions will bring you to places of staggering beauty along Sicily’s western coast. Our workshops also make an ideal part of a longer sightseeing holiday; we are happy to recommend places to visit in the area.

Your Sicily Artist Retreats package may vary slightly depending on the workshop you attend. In general, tuition includes five days of intensive studio or plein air instruction with our faculty; workshop-related excursions throughout western Sicily; hotel accommodations with breakfast and most dinners; and celebratory group meals. Lunch is provided on studio days, while on plein air days participants are free to arrange their own meals at local eateries. The program also includes scheduled airport transfers, daily transportation to and from the studio, and select basic materials for painting, drawing, and sculpture.