Achintya Hazra
Achintya Hazra is an internationally acclaimed watercolor artist celebrated for his expressive brushwork and exceptional mastery of color. A proud veteran of the Indian Army, he brings the discipline, resilience, and dedication of a soldier into every aspect of his artistic journey.
From an early age, Achintya was drawn to the world of art, driven by a deep passion to express himself through brush and pigment. His works have earned him recognition and accolades on numerous international platforms, where his unique style and artistic voice continue to captivate audiences.
As the founder of Kalaarambh, he actively mentors emerging artists and conducts workshops, contributing to the global art community with his experience and creative vision.
workshop description
In this workshop, participants will explore the beauty of watercolor through expressive brushwork, color harmony, light, and atmosphere. I will demonstrate my approach to creating vibrant landscapes and cityscapes while sharing techniques for composition, transparent washes, texture, and storytelling.
The workshop is suitable for artists of all levels who wish to strengthen their watercolor skills and develop a more personal artistic expression.
throughout the workshop
Live demonstrations every day
Personalized guidance
Daily painting reviews
One-to-one feedback
Composition and design
Color harmony
Light and atmosphere
Brushwork and texture
Developing your own artistic style
$4,599 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
April 12-18, 2027
Book Now to save your spot!
BONUS COMPANION PACKAGE:
Non-artist discount of $200. Piero and Alex will be your guide as you explore opportunities to see surrounding historical villages, horseback ride, golf, visit a Roman archaeological site, visit nearby festivals, visit the Church of the Dead, take a bell tower tour, discover sunflower fields or just eat and drink with the locals!
FOR PAINTERS ONLY: EARLY SIGN-IN discount of $200 (by October 12th, 2026)
SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR RETURNING PEOPLE $200
*Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Dates and pricing
- Private transportation to and from Bologna BLQ airport to Urbania (please check our time stipulation on day 7)
- 6 night accommodation with breakfast at the charming B&B www.ilparcoducale.it all bedrooms ensuite (NO supplement for single)
- 4 Lunches and 6 Dinners with full beverage service, including wine
- Welcome Aperitivo
- Stunning studio at Barco Ducale, the Duke of Urbino’s summer house!
- Private day trip to Urbino
- Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home
- Private pasta-making class at an old 12th century mill
- Private Art workshops: from plant to colour and clay modeling at Valdericarte creative residence
- Private transportation on all excursions
- Exclusive week-long class with Achintya Hazra, 23-hour workshop guaranteed including plein air sessions
- Activities for non-painters as listed in the itinerary
- Week-long private guide and international sommelier Piero
what’s included
Itinerary
Day 1
-- Arrival (*Bologna BLQ is the recommended airport). In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Le Marche as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport (*see time stipulations) and escort you to the B&B. https://www.ilparcoducale.it/
- Take time to settle in, unpack and explore before we all meet up. Your accommodation is within walking distance of shops, markets, restaurants, and village life unspoiled by time.
- Achintya, and our host and native Marchigiano, Piero and Alex, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the week to come. Then pizza time! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria. End the night with a stroll, a nightcap, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2 - Expressive Landscape & Watercolor Fundamentals
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the B&B, followed by a morning workshop with Achintya.
Morning Studio Session (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Understanding watercolor materials and paper
- Composition and perspective
- Transparent washes and color harmony
Main Demonstration: Expressive Landscape Painting
Non-painters explore village life and nearby towns visit the Domus of Myth. Archeological site with amazing mosaics. With Piero you will never get bored.
- Break for a light lunch in the studio (aka in Italy – two courses only).
- Afternoon Plein Air session (3:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
Painting the beautiful landscape of Urbania. Light, atmosphere, and mood in watercolor.
- Meet back up for a group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 3 - Flowers & Still Life
- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your B&B.
Morning Studio Session (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Expressive Floral Painting:
Loose brushwork and vibrant color mixing
Creating depth with light and shadow
Afternoon Studio Session (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
Still Life Watercolor:
Glass, metal, fabric, fruits, and everyday objects
Composition, values, and storytelling
- Non-painters will venture out for a morning truffle hunt with Piero or Alex. We will meet Nico, a local truffle hunter, and his best friend Stella, his dog. The hunt will take us through fantastic landscapes while hunting for black truffles and learning local traditions.
- Later afternoon cooking class with one of the best local chefs in Urbania to make “pasta fatta a mano”, handmade pasta, and other traditional courses. Our class will be held in the spectacular Mulino della Ricavata, a 12th century mill that will leave you breath taken.
- Group dinner at the Mulino.
Day 4 - Sculpture & Architectural Studies
- Enjoy your breakfast at Parco Ducale
Morning Studio Session (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Painting sculptures in watercolor: Understanding form, volume, texture, and dramatic lighting.
- Non-painters free time to explore the surroundings or enjoy a swim in the pool
- Break for lunch on site
- Free time after lunch or more time painting until 3:30 PM
- Architectural sketches
- Perspective and expressive brushwork
- The whole group will leave for ValdericArte for hands-on creative workshops inspired by the colors and beauty of the natural world, followed by a delightful dinner shared together.
Workshops:
From Plant to Colour: Learn the basics of extracting pigments from plants, create a natural colour extract, and use it to make your own watercolor paint.
Clay modeling: Learn how to shape clay using the coil-building technique and create your own ceramic artwork.
Day 5 - Plein Air Painting in Urbino
- Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?)
- Morning excursion to Urbino, Raphael’s childhood hometown, where we kick off our adventure! In a loose yet structured manner, we'll wander the main squares and winding medieval pathways. You will be immersed in local color, texture, and flavors (while eating everything in sight) as well as examining architectural motifs, contemporary art, and design, all the while collecting ideas that will inspire your art. Please bring your sketchbook and/or materials for an amazing plein air session in the city center and at a panoramic lookout.
- Urban sketching
- Composition from life
- Architecture, streets, and historic buildings
- Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home.
- Light lunch on your own in Urbino’s city centre.
- Plein air watercolor session after lunch and time to explore the city.
- Capturing atmosphere, people, and city life. Personal guidance throughout the session.
- Return late in the afternoon and relax.
- Group dinner in town.
Day 6
- Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
- Full workshop day. Class, on site 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- Expressive Watercolor Portrait
- Skin tones
- Facial features
- Light and character
- Non-painters, we will meet for an outing to Mercatello sul Metauro. Enjoy a light walking tour revealing all the hidden treasures of this charming village, including a stroll along the river to see its lagoons and mini natural pools (swim shoes recommended if you’d like to test the water!).
- Usual break for lunch then back to work for your last class with Achintya. We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared.
- Plein air session in the afternoon. 2:00 - 5:00 PM
- Semi-Abstract Landscape
- Personal artistic expression
- Daily painting review
- Individual feedback
- Final critique and Q&A
- Free time to pack at the hotel.
- Meet that evening for a farewell happy hour and dinner. Share your art with the group and then raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Le Marche. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
Day 7
- We recommend booking a night or two in Bologna at the end/beginning of your trip to explore this beautiful city and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. Please contact us for recommendations.
Time Stipulations
- Pick-ups at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered between 12:00-3:00 PM.
- Depart Urbania at 10:00 AM. Departures at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered from 1:00 PM onward. In order to arrive for your flight with ample time, we recommend scheduling departing flights after 3:00 PM.
- Pick-ups and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION: Parco Ducale Country House - Official site - Farmhouse in Urbania
