The Retreat
Nature, History, Painting
Immerse yourself in artistic study during our painting retreat in the bucolic Valle Cervo, Piemonte, at the foot of the spectacular Biellese Alps. Led by award-winning painter Julio Panisello, this experience unfolds amidst the lush landscapes and historical lineage of the valley. Each brushstroke invites you to explore a range of oil painting techniques, welcoming everyone from new painters embarking on their artistic journey to experienced ones honing their skills. The retreat culminates in an exhibition where each artist has the opportunity to display their work, set against the enchanting backdrop of Biella's historical splendor.
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The Experience
Painting Immersion
Led by award-winning painter Julio Panisello, the retreat offers a comprehensive explorations of oil painting techniques anchored in a plein air painting approach at breathtaking locations. It covers key elements such as sketching, composition, value, color theory, offering practical insights for artistic development. Explore Valle Cervo's unique landscapes, from iconic to hidden gems, inspired by its rich history and nature. Our retreat lays the foundation for painting from life, from managing materials to crafting compelling oil paintings. The approach is dynamic and hands-on, with live demonstrations and personalized guidance. Painting locations vary daily, with a detailed schedule provided. Evening studio sessions provide additional practice and a opportunities to further refine the our paintings. The atmosphere is relaxed, mindful, and nonjudgmental, inviting artists of all levels and styles to grown and thrive. By the end of the retreat, you will have enhanced your plein air and oil painting skills, deepened your understanding of subjects through drawing, and created a series of oil studies. The week concludes with an exhibition where select works are displayed, and all creations are highlighted in our online gallery, celebrating the diverse artistic achievement and styles cultivated during our time together. |
The Itinerary
Palette Plan
Arrival Day is Saturday, June 29. Sunday is set aside for acclimatizing and exploring Biella. From Monday to Friday, partake in a carefully chosen array of outdoor painting spots each morning, with evenings dedicated to studio time at Villa Emma. On Saturday, July 6, the exhibition day, we'll begin with breakfast at the villa, followed by free time in Biella. The show in the evening will be followed by a farewell group dinner. Departures are scheduled for Sunday, July 7, after a final breakfast at the villa.
We recommend flying into Malpensa, Milan's international airport, the closest hub to the villa. To ensure a smooth and seamless arrival, we suggest arriving on the evening of Saturday, June 29. This will give you enough time to settle in at the villa and get a good night's rest before starting our week. We can assist you in arranging a transfer from the airport to Villa Emma. Please note that flight and transfer costs are not included in the price of the retreat.
Our retreat is open to artists of all levels. Participants must be 18 or older. Our maximum capacity is 10 painters with a minimum of 7 to run the event. Villa Emma's historic structure is not wheelchair friendly. Artists will be invited to showcase their work in a pop-up exhibition at El Nido Art Space in Los Angeles as well as in the Roofless Painters online gallery. Interested in bringing someone along? Please reach out for a special quote.
The Location
Valle Cervo
Nestled in the heart of the Piemonte region, Valle Cervo is a hidden gem where nature's artistry unfolds in vibrant strokes. This serene valley, embraced by the majestic Alps, is a canvas of lush forests, whispering streams, and quaint villages. Its untouched landscapes offer a tranquil backdrop for creative exploration, while the rich fabric of local culture and history adds depth to every visit. Valle Cervo, with its breathtaking vistas and peaceful ambiance, is an idyllic setting for artistic inspiration and rejuvenation.
The city of Biella, with a population of 50,000, is our urban point of reference, and it's just a 20-minute drive from Villa Emma. Biella boasts significant cultural activities and a picturesque historic center, making it a hub for cultural events, restaurants, and basic needs. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this beautiful area and experience the history and charm of Villa Emma.
The city of Biella, with a population of 50,000, is our urban point of reference, and it's just a 20-minute drive from Villa Emma. Biella boasts significant cultural activities and a picturesque historic center, making it a hub for cultural events, restaurants, and basic needs. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this beautiful area and experience the history and charm of Villa Emma.
The Lodging
Villa Emma
Villa Emma is a historical summer residence dating back to the 1890s that has retained its original features and character over the centuries. Located in the heart of Valle Cervo in the Piemonte lower-Alps of North-West Italy, the villa sits perched on a hillside. The area has a rich history, with herders, chestnut harvesters, and hemp dryers starting their activities here over 1,000 years ago.
The three-story villa offers four bedrooms: Bedroom #1 has two single beds, bedroom #2 has two single beds, bedroom #3 has three single beds, and bedroom #4 has one single bed. There are also four bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining room, two small studies, a larger study, and a living room. The multi-layered garden offers several private spaces with a spectacular views.
The three-story villa offers four bedrooms: Bedroom #1 has two single beds, bedroom #2 has two single beds, bedroom #3 has three single beds, and bedroom #4 has one single bed. There are also four bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining room, two small studies, a larger study, and a living room. The multi-layered garden offers several private spaces with a spectacular views.
The Studio
Art Practice
Within the welcoming stone walls of Villa Emma lies our dedicated studio space, open around the clock for your artistic endeavors. This on-site atelier is available during our retreat at any moment, complementing our structured studio sessions and offering the freedom to paint whenever inspiration strikes. A collaborative hive where ideas, conversations, and brushstrokes flow, the space builds on the day's plein air experience. This convenient, in-house studio ensures that your artistic journey is as uninterrupted as the mountainscape surrounding us outside.
The Chef
Martina
The Gallery
Palazzo Ferrero
The Palazzo Ferrero is a historic building in Biella, Italy, built between the 15th and 16th centuries by the Ferrero family. The palace was inherited by the La Marmora family in the 19th century and was used for various purposes, including as offices, a fabric factory, and a hydrotherapy establishment. In the 1970s, the City Council renovated the building and garden and allocated space for cultural activities. Since 2017, the ATS "Palazzo Ferrero Miscele Culturali" has managed the palace to make it a cultural center for the city of Biella.
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The Cost
Invest in Wellness
Retreat Cost Overview: Investing in Your Creative Growth
The retreat is priced at $2950, with a $500 deposit to reserve your place. The full amount is due by May 1st, 2024. Deposits are non-refundable, except in case of cancellation by us due to unforeseen events or not meeting the minimum participant requirement. Payments can be made via credit card, PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo. For more details or questions, please contact us at [email protected] or call +1 (424)278-4219.
The retreat is priced at $2950, with a $500 deposit to reserve your place. The full amount is due by May 1st, 2024. Deposits are non-refundable, except in case of cancellation by us due to unforeseen events or not meeting the minimum participant requirement. Payments can be made via credit card, PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo. For more details or questions, please contact us at [email protected] or call +1 (424)278-4219.
Embracing the Canvas: What's Included
An 8-night stay at Villa Emma, savoring local cuisine prepared by our private chef. Double rooms are shared; details available upon inquiry. Immerse in daily painting sessions, both outdoors and in Villa Emma's studio, with all materials and cleanup taken care of. Transport to painting locations and a special evening in Biella is arranged. Exhibit your work at Palazzo Ferrero, in Biella, followed by a farewell dinner to celebrates our artistic journey.
An 8-night stay at Villa Emma, savoring local cuisine prepared by our private chef. Double rooms are shared; details available upon inquiry. Immerse in daily painting sessions, both outdoors and in Villa Emma's studio, with all materials and cleanup taken care of. Transport to painting locations and a special evening in Biella is arranged. Exhibit your work at Palazzo Ferrero, in Biella, followed by a farewell dinner to celebrates our artistic journey.
Beyond the Palette: What's Excluded
Arrange your travel to and from Villa Emma, including any flights or trains. Plan for transfers from nearby airports or train stations to Villa Emma. Lunch on exhibition day, July 6, is not included, allowing for personal exploration. We can happily help you organize additional excursions or transfers outside our scheduled itinerary.
Arrange your travel to and from Villa Emma, including any flights or trains. Plan for transfers from nearby airports or train stations to Villa Emma. Lunch on exhibition day, July 6, is not included, allowing for personal exploration. We can happily help you organize additional excursions or transfers outside our scheduled itinerary.
The Journey
How to Get to Valle Cervo
Milan's Malpensa Airport is your gateway to Villa Emma, nestled in the serene Valle Cervo, just a 2-hour drive away. Biella, the closest significant town, acts as a hub for those journeying east from Milan towards the Italian lower Alps. Opt for a picturesque drive through Piemonte's landscapes or a 90-minute train ride from Milan to Biella. From Biella, a short taxi ride brings you to Villa Emma's tranquil setting. We're here to assist with transfer arrangements to ensure a smooth arrival.
The Facilitators
Roofless Painters
With eight years of experience, we have crafted the ideal setting for artistic exploration. Our collaborations with various local partners, including galleries and museums, ensure a seamless and enriching retreat. Skilled in logistics, we connect you with premier local resources, seamlessly integrating global programs with local culture for a deeply impactful experience. Embrace a painting retreat that offers personalized guidance, a nurturing environment, and endless inspiration, promising an artistic journey that will resonate long after.
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The Art Nomads
Roofless Painters Team
A trifecta of creative spirits, we transform every corner of the globe into a vibrant studio. Dedicated to spreading the thrill of painting, one brushstroke at a time, we blend our love for travel and art, constantly seeking new horizons to paint. Breaking free from traditional confines, we are on a mission to infuse creativity into every nook of the world.
Julio Panisello
an award-winning artist, clinched the Grand Prize and Audience Choice at the 2016 Los Angeles Plein Air Festival. A University of Barcelona alumnus with a BFA (cum laude) in painting and a postgraduate degree in Pedagogy, Julio has showcased his work in numerous exhibitions across Los Angeles and Spain. His notable projects include The Havisham Hour, based on Dickens' 'Great Expectations,' and 'Julio with a P' He resides and paints in Los Angeles. www.juliopanisello.com
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Jen Eldridge
an actress, writer, and producer, known for Amazon’s “With Love”, ABC’s “The Goldberg’s” and the award winning film “Connections,” who has gathered multiple awards and nominations for her creative work in numerous film festivals around the world. With a background of theater and humanities and her experience in producing, Jen is the communications and operating chief of chiefs at Roofless.
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Chloé Nelson
a founding member of the Roofless Painters team, is at the forefront of a movement in nomadic painting. With a passion for unlocking creative energy, she excels in forging collaborations with artists and organizations alike, fostering meaningful exchanges and cultivating lasting connections. As the director of Roofless Painters in the UK, Chloé not only resides in the realm of paint but also brings her artistic vision to life.
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The F.A.Q