DISCOVER YOUR AUTHENTIC ARTISTIC STYLE
What makes your artwork recognizable? Is it the colors you use, the way you make marks, the subjects you’re drawn to, or perhaps something more intuitive that is harder to define?
This workshop is an invitation to explore these questions through experimentation, play, and creative discovery. Together, you’ll explore different paint mediums, try new approaches and materials, and experiment with projects such as glass painting. Along the way, you’ll begin to notice the visual language that naturally emerges from your work and give it space to develop.
A detailed supply list will be provided in advance.
Begin by exploring different mediums and discovering how each one behaves. Inspired by the beauty of your Tuscan surroundings, you’ll work through a series of exploratory exercises investigating color, shape, composition, texture, subject matter, and mark-making.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, there are no right answers. The goal is to notice what you naturally gravitate toward—and begin recognizing the creative choices that feel instinctively yours.
Color is one of the most recognizable elements of an artist’s voice. Explore expressive color through personal palettes, unexpected combinations, color mixing, and layering while considering how color can communicate emotion as powerfully as it describes what we see.
Rather than asking, “What color should this be?” you’ll begin asking, “What colors express the way I see it?”
Through quick studies, expressive mark-making, brushstrokes, abstraction, mixed media, and playful exercises, explore what happens when you work more intuitively and allow the materials to lead you.
This is an opportunity to step away from perfection, give yourself permission to experiment and make mistakes, and discover what happens when you trust the creative process.
Sometimes discovering your artistic style means letting go of expectations about what your art is supposed to be. This retreat encourages you to find more freedom in your creative process, see your work from a new perspective, and explore new ways of making.
You’ll leave with new creative discoveries, fresh inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the artistic choices that make your work uniquely yours.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
This retreat is led by two accomplished artists, designers, and educators: Jessi Raulet and Jeanetta Gonzales. With distinct artistic styles and decades of combined creative experience, Jessi and Jeanetta bring complementary perspectives to the classroom—encouraging you to experiment, play, and discover what makes your own work uniquely yours.
Jessi Raulet is an American artist, designer, educator, and author living in Strasbourg, France. Known for her joyful use of bold color, playful shapes, and expressive design, Jessi is the founder of EttaVee, the international lifestyle brand she launched in 2013. Her artwork has appeared across home décor, stationery, textiles, and everyday objects.
Before becoming a full-time artist, Jessi worked as an art director in advertising, shaping her love of composition, design, and visual storytelling. Today, she works across painting and unexpected surfaces including canvas, wood, glass, and even faux plants. Her work has been featured by major media outlets and she has collaborated with brands including Target, Anthropologie, Hallmark, and Pottery Barn Kids.
For Jessi, teaching is about moving beyond the idea of painting “the right way” and discovering the approach that feels right to you.
“Curiosity and play are two of the most important qualities an artist can bring to the creative process! Your artistic style isn’t something you have to invent, but something you uncover by giving yourself permission to experiment.”
Jeanetta Gonzales is a designer, illustrator, and mentor known for her bold, joyful aesthetic and vibrant illustration and surface design work. Her 26-year career has included working as a graphic designer at Mattel and collaborating with brands including Target, Edible Arrangements, Brumate, and Michaels.
Working across traditional media such as watercolor and gouache as well as digital illustration, Jeanetta has developed a distinctive painterly style expressed through lettering, patterns, and illustrations. For the past decade, she has also coached and mentored artists, helping them develop both their creative skills and careers.
More recently, Jeanetta expanded her work as an author and illustrator with her Free Pass coupon book series, published by Chronicle Books.
“I believe that making a lot of bad art ultimately leads to making really good art. Time, exploration, and patience are needed to develop your art style.”
TUSCANY, ITALY
Tuscany is a region that seems painted by the very artists it has inspired for centuries. Rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves, cypress-lined roads, medieval towns perched on hilltops, and golden light stretching across the countryside create an atmosphere that feels timeless. At its heart lies Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where grand architecture, historic streets, and centuries of craftsmanship continue to shape the city’s creative spirit.
For those drawn to art, Tuscany is more than a destination; it’s a living studio. Wander through the medieval streets of San Gimignano and Siena, discover Florence’s remarkable artistic traditions, or find inspiration in the soft Tuscan light and landscapes that have captivated artists for generations. Beyond the art, days are enriched with local flavors—from handmade pasta and regional wines to gelato and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Here, every experience offers another way to connect with the beauty, history, and creativity of the region.
Spend a day discovering Florence through its art, history, architecture, and local traditions. With a private guide, explore the historic center and learn about the neighborhoods, landmarks, and stories that have shaped the city—from its Renaissance roots to the craftsmanship that still defines Florence today.
Beyond the city’s famous landmarks, Florence invites you to experience its everyday traditions. Browse renowned leather shops for Italian-made shoes, bags, or a special gift, stop for a seasonal gelato, or enjoy an afternoon aperitivo at one of the city’s charming wine windows.
Enjoy time to explore at your own pace before gathering for dinner at a welcoming, traditional Tuscan restaurant in the historic Santa Croce neighborhood. Settle in for classic local dishes, good wine, and the relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood favorite before returning to the Tuscan countryside.
Step into the world of traditional Florentine paper marbling with local artisan Riccardo Luci. During this hands-on experience, discover the centuries-old techniques used to create the distinctive swirling patterns found on beautifully decorated Italian papers.
Learn how colors are prepared and carefully floated across the surface before being transformed into intricate patterns. Working directly with the artisan, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own marbled design and experience the process behind this highly specialized craft.
The workshop offers a personal look at a traditional Florentine art form, with each piece taking on its own unique combination of colors and patterns. Your finished marbled paper becomes a one-of-a-kind keepsake from your time in Florence.
Journey through the medieval heart of Tuscany with a full day exploring two of the region’s most captivating historic cities alongside your private guide. Begin in Siena, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval cities. Explore its grand piazzas and winding streets, learn about the traditions surrounding the legendary Palio horse race, and visit the magnificent Siena Cathedral, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.
Continue to San Gimignano, where you’ll stroll through its historic center, taking in its famous medieval towers and learning about its history and renowned Vernaccia wine. After time to explore and sample local gelato, continue to a nearby Tuscan winery and farm overlooking the town’s iconic towers for a wine tasting and dinner featuring local flavors and ingredients before returning to the property.
This immersive day combines history, culture, and local flavors for a deeper look at the traditions that have shaped Tuscany.
Step into the kitchen at the villa for an intimate, hands-on cooking experience led by your private chef. Learn to make fresh potato gnocchi from scratch, working step by step from preparing the dough to shaping each piece by hand.
Once the cooking is complete, gather around the table for a three-course dinner featuring creamy burrata with tomato salad and extra virgin olive oil, the fresh gnocchi you prepared together, and classic Tuscan tiramisù for dessert. Paired with local wine and shared around the table, it’s an evening that brings together the flavors, traditions, and convivial spirit of Tuscany.
ITINERARY
BENVENUTI TO TUSCANY
Arrive at Florence Airport, where a private shuttle will welcome you and transport you into the rolling hills of Tuscany. As the city fades behind you, the landscape transforms into vineyards, olive groves, and winding country roads leading to your home for the week.
Settle into this peaceful Tuscan retreat, a historic countryside estate surrounded by the beauty that has inspired artists for centuries. Take time to unpack, relax, and begin embracing the slower rhythm of life in Tuscany.
As the afternoon light softens over the hills, gather together for a welcome aperitivo featuring local wines and seasonal bites. This evening, enjoy your first Tuscan dinner prepared by your private chefs at the villa, celebrating the beginning of a week filled with creativity, connection, and inspiration.
FINDING YOUR ARTISTIC INSTINCTS
Begin your first full day in Tuscany with a leisurely breakfast at the villa. Enjoy a morning cappuccino or Italian coffee alongside fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and other locally inspired favorites before gathering for your first art workshop with Jessi and Jeanetta.
Begin exploring different mediums and artistic approaches through a series of playful exercises focused on color, shape, composition, texture, subject matter, and mark-making. Drawing inspiration from your Tuscan surroundings, experiment with what naturally catches your eye and begin noticing the visual choices you instinctively gravitate toward.
Enjoy lunch prepared at the villa before spending the afternoon creating, relaxing by the pool, exploring the property, or simply soaking in the surroundings.
Gather in the evening for a chef-prepared Tuscan dinner at the villa, sharing good food and conversation after a day of creativity.
ART, ARTISANS + THE HEART OF THE RENAISSANCE
Today, venture into Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s greatest artistic cities. After arriving in the city, begin with a guided exploration that introduces you to Florence through its art, history, and remarkable artisan traditions.
Continue to a hands-on paper marbling workshop, where you’ll learn the centuries-old Florentine technique of creating intricate patterns on paper and create your own marbled piece to take home.
After the workshop, enjoy time to explore Florence at your own pace—browse local shops, wander the historic streets, or discover a charming café before gathering for an early dinner at a local restaurant. As the evening comes to a close, return to the Tuscan countryside after a day immersed in the art, culture, and energy of Florence.
THE POWER OF COLOR + MOOD
Start the morning with breakfast at the villa, enjoying freshly brewed Italian coffee, warm pastries, seasonal fruit, and savory favorites before heading to another art workshop with Jessi and Jeanetta.
Dive deeper into the expressive power of color, exploring personal palettes, unexpected combinations, color mixing, and layering. Inspired by the colors and atmosphere of Tuscany, experiment with ways color can communicate emotion and express how you see the world.
Enjoy lunch at the villa before spending the afternoon continuing your artwork, relaxing, or exploring the peaceful grounds.
Later, step into the kitchen with your private chef for a hands-on Tuscan cooking experience. Prepare a memorable meal together using fresh, seasonal ingredients, then gather around the table to enjoy what you created, paired with local wines and good company.
MEDIEVAL TUSCANY
Step into the timeless beauty of Tuscany with a guided journey through Siena and San Gimignano, two of the region’s most captivating historic cities.
Begin in Siena with a guided exploration of its medieval streets and grand piazzas, learning about the traditions surrounding the famous Palio horse race. Visit the magnificent cathedral, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini, before continuing to San Gimignano.
Explore San Gimignano’s historic center, taking in its famous medieval towers and learning about its history and renowned Vernaccia wine. Visit the cathedral and enjoy time to sample local gelato before continuing to a nearby Tuscan winery and farm overlooking the town’s iconic towers for a wine tasting and dinner featuring local flavors.
After a full day of history, culture, and local flavors, return to the Tuscan countryside.
LOOSEN UP + PAINT WITH INTUITION
Enjoy a peaceful Tuscan morning with a cappuccino and a leisurely breakfast at the villa before gathering for another art workshop with Jessi and Jeanetta.
Through expressive mark-making, playful brushwork, abstraction, and mixed-media exploration, give yourself permission to experiment and work more intuitively. Step away from perfection and explore what happens when you trust your instincts and allow the materials to lead you.
After lunch at the villa, enjoy time to continue creating, refine your work with guidance from Jessi and Jeanetta, or relax in the peaceful surroundings.
As the afternoon winds down, gather for a relaxed pizza dinner prepared by your private chefs, sharing conversation, local flavors, and the artwork taking shape throughout the week.
EXPLORATION + DISCOVERY
Begin your final full day with a relaxed Italian breakfast at the villa before heading to your final art workshop with Jessi and Jeanetta.
Use this final workshop to step back from expectations, explore new perspectives, and recognize the artistic choices that have emerged throughout the week. Experiment with new materials and approaches as you continue developing a style that feels uniquely your own.
After lunch at the villa, enjoy a relaxed afternoon to complete your artwork, share ideas with fellow artists, or savor your final hours in the Tuscan countryside.
That evening, gather for an elevated farewell dinner celebrating the week and the artwork you’ve created together. Share your work, toast to new friendships, and reflect on a week filled with creativity and connection.
ONE LAST MORNING IN TUSCANY
Enjoy one final Italian breakfast, savoring a cappuccino or espresso alongside fresh pastries and seasonal fruit as you take in the countryside one last time. Take your time over breakfast before preparing for your departure.
Spend your remaining moments lingering over coffee, strolling the grounds, or simply reflecting on the memories created throughout this special week.
When it is time to depart, your private shuttle will transfer you back to Florence Airport.
As you leave Tuscany, you’ll carry home more than paintings—you’ll take with you the inspiration, friendships, and moments that made this creative journey unforgettable.
ROOM + BOARD
Set among the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, our private countryside estate offers a peaceful home base for a week of art, exploration, and la dolce vita. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and expansive views, the property provides a relaxed setting to slow down between excursions and creative sessions.
Days begin with breakfast overlooking the countryside, while afternoons offer time to relax, create, or enjoy the property. In the evenings, gather around the table for chef-prepared meals featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and the flavors of Tuscany.
The estate is located in a peaceful, rural area and is not within walking distance of a town, restaurants, shops, or other amenities. Guests will rely on planned transportation for excursions and off-property activities.
Your accommodations are set with the Podere Le Rondini estate, offering a comfortable and peaceful place to retreat after days spent exploring Tuscany. Rooms are thoughtfully appointed and designed to complement the character of the historic countryside setting, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere throughout your stay.
Most rooms are designed for single occupancy, while select accommodations can accommodate two guests. Full room descriptions, occupancy options, and pricing details can be found on the Book Now page.
Food is an integral part of the retreat, with meals prepared by our private chef using fresh, seasonal ingredients inspired by the flavors of Tuscany. Each morning begins with an Italian breakfast featuring coffee, cappuccino or espresso, pastries, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and rotating savory specialties.
Breakfast is included every morning, with lunches and dinners served at the villa on most days. During our two full-day excursions, guests will enjoy lunch on their own while exploring Florence, San Gimignano, and Siena.
Enjoy chef-prepared Tuscan meals throughout the week, including a pizza night, hands-on pasta making class and dinner, and an elevated farewell dinner. Wine is included with most meals, along with a welcome aperitivo featuring local wine and seasonal bites.
Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Guests may share dietary preferences at checkout. Menus vary seasonally.
Double Room
1 Participant
- Private bedroom with a double-size bed
- Private en-suite bathroom with hairdryer
- Air conditioning and high-speed WiFi
- Shared spaces include a dining room and private gardens with outdoor seating and BBQs
- Beautiful countryside setting with access to the property’s panoramic swimming pool
- Rooms are individually designed within the historic agriturismo, so layouts and furnishings may vary; images may not represent the exact accommodation
King Room
1 Participant
- Private bedroom with a King-size bed
- Private en-suite bathroom with hairdryer
- Air conditioning and high-speed WiFi
- Shared spaces include a dining room and gardens with outdoor seating and BBQs
- Beautiful countryside setting with access to the property’s panoramic swimming pool
- Rooms are individually designed within the historic agriturismo, so layouts and furnishings may vary; images may not represent the exact accommodation
Twin Room
2 Participants
- Shared bedroom with two twin-size beds
- Private en-suite bathroom with hairdryer
- Air conditioning and high-speed WiFi
- Shared spaces include a dining room and gardens with outdoor seating and BBQs
- Beautiful countryside setting with access to the property’s panoramic swimming pool
- Rooms are individually designed within the historic agriturismo, so layouts and furnishings may vary; images may not represent the exact accommodation