Private Groups

Hazel Soan

Hazel Soan is a hugely popular and dedicated art tutor. She featured in the Watercolour Challenge TV series and has published many instructional books including Watercolour Landscape Techniques. Hazel’s natural ability to inspire and teach along with her warm personality makes for an immensely rewarding painting holiday that is suitable for students of all abilities. This is a wonderful opportunity to work alongside Hazel painting stunning landscapes at a time of year when the countryside is ablaze with wild flowers and fine Renaissance architecture. Hazel will be working alongside you every day and is extremely generous with her time, providing individual guidance and giving group demonstrations and critiques when appropriate. You may choose to work independently and in any medium.

Pienza nestles in the beautiful rolling hills of the Orcia valley in south-eastern Tuscany. Originally a small village, it was transformed by Pope Pius II in the 1460’s in to a compact town known by the Tuscans as ‘La Perla di Rinascimento’ - The Pearl of Renaissance, with a cathedral, papal palace and town hall. Today the rather grand town square is almost surreal compared to the otherwise unpretentious village atmosphere. Pienza is famous for it’s Pecorino cheese and being on the pilgrims’ route to Rome. Nearby are the delightful village of Bagno Vignoni, the abandoned Benedictine monastery where The English Paitent was filmed, and the quiet and unassuming town of Montalcino, producer of the superb Brunello wine. Siena, one of the queens of Renaissance, is just 50km away and this holiday is timed to coincide with the famous Palio horse race.

The holiday format has been carefully structured with an understanding of artists’ needs at the heart of the arrangements and you will be working in the warmth and supportive environment of like-minded people. Every day will be spent painting in Pienza except on three days when you will be able to paint at the abandoned Benedictine monastery where The English Paitent was filmed, at the Palio horse race in Siena and in the nearby villages and wine towns. Everything is taken care of for you in a caring and professional manner by an accompanying programme co-ordinator, enabling you and Hazel Soan to concentrate solely on painting. Flights are on British Airways, private transfers, excellent accommodation in a former monastery and dinners are included. The hotel has retained much of its former character including the cloisters and garden, which now has a swimming pool and is located in the centre of Pienza providing plenty of subject matter within walking distance. The focus for the evenings is on dinner with a very sociable and fun atmosphere.

Just 12 – 18 students will be joining Hazel Soan.
The price per person is: £2,695 fully inclusive except for lunches
Single occupancy supplement: £300