the retreat

Thanks John and Jana, kids, dogs and kittens for such a fantastic week at the Retreat. Greetings to Phyllis, Josephine, Sean, Pauline and Robin who were a lovely part of the experience as we painted, ate and travelled around this wonderful area. My husband Steve took his road bike and had a fabulous time cycling on the Strada Bianca. We even managed a swim in the Adriatic. John is a calm taskmaster; lots of painting done in the time available. Hints and tips at every turn but no pressure to do anything but your own thing as Josephine affirmed.We arranged a pick up from Ancona because travelling with the bike is a bit awkward on public transport. This made for a relaxing arrival and departure with lots of time to appreciate the area.I am determined to paint Force again even if photographs cannot do it justice. Hope to visit the real thing again too.

Spent a week, painting "En Plein Air", just standing in one beautiful spot after another...(sun hat a good idea!) John took us to some beautiful places, most of which were nearby, The Retreat itself has views to die for and you can sit and eat your breakfast while admiring them. We were well catered for by Jana and entertained by the girls, Chester the dog and assorted rescued cats! One of our group came not to paint, but cycle, he found some excellent rides, including the "strada bianci" (I think that's right) - white stone tracks .Us "ladies wot paint" came home with three oils, two acrylics and a water colour. Very relaxing yet productive week. Many thanks!

Arrival at the Retreat takes your breath away! You think you are looking at a picture postcard, but it is the landscape from 1200 feet up on the mountaintop, overlooking the rolling hills and farms and vineyards of the region of Le Marche with a clear view straight across to the hilltop town of Force, pronounced For chay. The house and accommodations are immaculate and very comfortable, though simple. The warmth of the family, is huge. In minutes, you will love John and Jana and Lili and Ivy and Chester the dog who thinks he's a person, kittens, roosters, etc. I found the Retreat, as many of us do, on the Internet and took a chance after reading reviews in the hope I would have a good painting holiday while enjoying other guests. We were a group of 7 solo travelers including one couple. We all bonded immediately over the abundance of wine that is freely poured. John is an amazing host and excellent artist and instructor. I had never used oils or done landscapes before and we were all at different levels, but his patience and attention were divided among us all. As a host, there wasn't anything that wasn't done for you to make your experience an excellent one. Jana runs the house, with what seems to be great ease. She is so competent, her young children the most well behaved and adorable and being taught many things by her loving parents. It was a joy to behold. And there was her cooking! Every meal and there are many, were works of art in themselves! Fresh is the word, flavorful and varied. Two soups made during the week with "whatever was available" deserved Michelin stars!It was a peaceful and rewarding week filled with the creative smells of paint, the laughter of camaraderie, the divine tastes of the food, the senses on overload as we toured the area, sketched, slept, walked and enjoyed.

This week was more than a painting retreat, it was a wonderful experience in the Le Marche region of Italy. The view from the terrace each morning was as breathtaking as the day before, and the walks with Chester (the dog) an enlivening experience that enabled me to exchange greetings with the local farmer and his very noisy dogs. Our week was spent discovering different painting mediums; oils, acrylics, watercolour and pastels. My husband, as a more accomplished artist, had the best time trying new things. My expertise in all these mediums is very limited but I did enjoy learning a few new basic techniques. Attempting to sketch and paint Force was a lost cause as far as I was concerned but looking at that hill town each day was a pleasure, as were our outings to Montedinove, Ascoli Piceno and Servigliano to sketch and paint. Our group of six 'artists' spent a pleasant week getting to know one another, and while John and Martin were busy helping our group to draw and paint, Jana was producing the most amazing meals. We really ate extremely well.This is a painting holiday to be recommended. The surroundings lend themselves to contemplation and a desire to somehow put it all on to paper or canvas. A splendid week that will be remembered for a long time

I went to the Retreat twice this year in May and September doing two very different courses.And this is my third trip altogether.the first trip was an Urban sketchers course with a life class break in between visits out. it was brilliant, a nice team of people and some really great serious teaching. In Sept I went with my daughter, and we had such a laugh with our fellow guests, but got some serious painting in. John and Jena are brilliant. John the real professional but with a laid back approach, and a sense of humour similar to my own, Jana great organisor and great cook and the place itself with its beautiful scenery is fabulous, and one day if I practice real hard I will master painting that bloody view over to Force.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a week-long painting holiday in Poppi, a beautiful and charming town in Tuscany. The program is offered by John and Jana, who own The Retreat (a separate facility in a different location in Force, Italy). The Tuscany trip was wonderful from beginning to end. Our group of 5 people (not including John, the instructor) stayed in a lovely little hotel called Albergo San Lorenzo, which had magnificent gardens and views of the Tuscan landscape. (I have reviewed the Albergo separately.) We ate like royalty -- the owners of the Albergo, Sabine and Michael -- prepared three fabulous, restaurant-quality meals for us each day. John's painting instruction was excellent for all levels (and our group included both seasoned artists and raw beginners). The trip was a great mix of painting on the grounds of the Albergo and in the town of Poppi, as well as fascinating day trips to Florence and the nearby town of Arezzo. I went as a solo traveler but our group quickly bonded thanks to John's terrific personality. He made sure that we were taken care of in all respects. I would highly recommend this holiday for anyone looking to learn more about art and to fully enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Tuscany.

Last year at this time (early July'12) I was looking forward to going to the Retreat. Having found it on the internet, I took a chance after reading all the testimonials and from the photos. I lucked out! The art lessons with John, the exquisite location, Jana's food, their girls, the wonderful sleeps, walks, medieval towns and fellow artists (all levels) and lots of laughter and learning.My dream is to go back again and share it with my sisters.

I was at The Retreat last July - it was such a wonderfully unforgettable 10 days that I am completely envious of others who have been since. My decision to go there was based solely on the great website; it could have been disastrous but I needn't have worried. Like many other reviewers have noted, the holiday delivered all it promised, and more. So aptly named - The Retreat - John and Jana are perfect hosts and have worked hard to create a place,in a completely idyllic setting, where you can relax and feel truly inspired. As a tutor,John gauged our individual needs and catered for them accordingly,in his lovely,easy going manner. I certainly feel I developed as a painter under his guidance. We all arrived as solo travellers but it didn't take long,over Jana's delicious meals under the beautiful Marche stars, to become a group of friends. It takes 4 hours to get to The Retreat from Rome on the bus. It was an easy to negotiate without the language and a pleasant journey. Jana can help you with times etc. John picked me up from the bus stop. Driving,once you get out of Rome, would also be a good option since the region does have a lot to offer. An artist's folder or cardboard tube might be useful for those masterpieces you create.

As a COMPLETE beginner in the art world I was a little daunted at the thought of spending 10 days painting, when I wasn't entirely sure which way round to hold a paint brush. However my fears were instantly banished from the moment we arrived at The Retreat. A thoroughly wonderful holiday, in which John catered for all levels. Very encouraging teacher, who built up my confidence with painting. Not only that but it was a very special time for my Mum and I who had come together and I can safely say we will always remember The Retreat experience. Set in beautiful scenery and with wonderful hosts - this truly is divine! I wish that everyone goes there... I'll even lend you my paintbrush!

The Grand Tour of Tuscany was absolutely wonderful. John was not only a fantasic art instructor but a very knowledged tour guide. He took us to some wonderful sights I never would have found on my own. We had many impromptu happenings that made the trip that much more memorable! Very easy going guy who didn't seem to even mind when us girls wanted to pop into the shops! We took day trips to many museums, churches and galleries with no standing in line! Everything went very smoothly. I felt like I was with a small group of friends on holiday, a great experience.Valerie P, Manitoba, Canada

The most perfect holiday for an artist of any ability. Beyond all expectations.John is a talented artist that can actually teach. Every day is a new experience.His gentle reassurance and outgoing personality made us smile. The small group of eight, allowed us all to get special attention.Le Retreat is in a remote area of Le Marche...overlooking rolling hills, farmlands and framed by hill top villages. It seems unreal it is so beautiful.To add to this perfect holiday we were spoiled by Jana and her charm and her culinary expertise. Every meal was delicious. We took a few excusions to the hill top towns and sketched and painted. Everything was planned out and we just had to enjoy the "best of everything."

Really enjoyed my week at The Retreat. Perfect weather sitting outside for all our meals which were cooked wonderfully by Jana. She is an angel looking after all our needs and the painting was good too! John was trying really hard in the rather hot conditions we had while painting the grape vines. Great company of the other seven visiting artists. I enjoyed visiting the local village of Ascoli Piceno.Many thanks Jenny Arnerich NZ

Even before my trip, I already had quite alot of queries, and Jana was always helpful with recommendations on how to get to The Retreat, and other attractions to go from there.Though there were some minor hiccups with the local coach service that nobody could do anything about, our hosts John and Jana were very patient, provided instructions to their best knowledge, waited for me for over an hour when there was a delay in the coach service, picked me up and prepared a nice supper. (The coach ride over the italian landscape with only locals on-board itself was a visual treat, and the non-English speaking conductor was so friendly and reassuring, I believed I was on the right track. So I was. )Both John and Jana were amiable hosts and great conversationalists. John taught us about colour mixing and different types of media. He was very encouraging, imparted techniques at appropriate times, and was flexible enough to customize our free day according to feedback by the group. Jana was the efficient minder of all other office matters, and a terrific chef. The best food I had in Italy was served by Jana at The Retreat. I liked the fact that materials and equipment are all provided on this course, as it makes The Retreat a ideal stopover for a week or more during a long vacation. No extra baggage to carry about except some completed art pieces and a sketchbook. There are countless subjects to draw in the lovely landscape and scenery around the Le Marche region, and the sunsets from The Retreat were breathtaking. I had refreshing morning walks with the dogs, and much fun stalking the beautiful cats. :) John drove us everywhere for landscape drawing, so no problems if you aren't a trekker. I shared a bedroom with another course mate and the bathroom with two other ladies, and we had all we needed. Sometimes fireflies would float into our room for a mini light display. The hosts made it a point to make The Retreat such a lovely environment flora and fauna, we could just chill there all day. Our bedroom was also adjoined to the studio, so it was convenient to steal a look at the John's sketchbooks and other art books in the mini library. Departure was also very well organized, and Jana was there with us at the station to make sure that we all got on the correct trains. I was very well taken care of, and have fond memories of The Retreat. It was a relaxing experience, and I would definitely recommend it to those who want a quiet, introspective holiday with immersion in art.Take a break from shopping, and open your eyes and ears amongst the rolling hills of rural Italy. An eye opener for a small city girl like me, who wants to escape the congestions of tiny island Singapore.

Thank you for your kind review. It has been an absolute delight to have you and your family stay with us. How wonderful that we have been able to inspire you to take up drawing and painting back in India. We are looking forward to seeing your work develop and to be able to welcome you back with us in the future. Keep up with your artistic efforts. With best wishes from us all at The Reteat

Thank you for your kind words. We really enjoyed the course with such a fabulous group. It is always wonderful to finish a course with so many guests becoming friends along the way. At the end of this course, John and I felt that we were saying goodbye to good friends who've been to visit. It's been an absolute pleasure to have been able to welcome you at our little artist's heaven.