Bobbi Dunlop
From a young age, Bobbi Dunlop discovered a deep connection with art that has grown into a lifelong passion and personal identity. Encouraged early on by her loving parents, and later supported wholeheartedly by her husband and children, Bobbi’s artistic journey has evolved through every chapter of her life, each stage bringing new creative depth and insight. Largely self-taught, Bobbi has also enriched her practice through study with several master artists she greatly admires. This blend of independent exploration and formal training has shaped a distinctive voice in her work. Driven by a sincere passion for painting and learning, Bobbi brings a unique vision
to each canvas. Her approach is thoughtful and intuitive, emphasizing simplicity in execution while allowing complexity in meaning. Though her subjects are diverse, her paintings consistently convey a beautiful balance of form, light, and spirit - often resonating with symbolic undertones. Unwaveringly, the Glory of her Creator has always been the main driver of her work and to which she is so grateful for each insight and breakthrough. In addition to her studio practice, Bobbi is a respected and sought-after instructor. She teaches both in-person and online workshops, mentoring hundreds of students through a refined curriculum focused on foundational principles and joyful, purposeful painting. Her teaching style reflects her own learning path - accessible, engaging, and grounded in a love for the craft. Bobbi’s work has been exhibited in numerous national and regional shows, including with the Oil Painters of America, and she has been represented by galleries in both Canada and the United States. Her paintings are held in private and corporate collections across Canada, the U.S., and the United Kingdom.
bobbidunlop.com - Website
@bobbidunlopart - Instagram
@bobbidunlop5223 - YouTube
Workshop description
What makes a beautiful painting?
This will be one of the thought-provoking ‘ideas’ we’ll be exploring in this idyllic workshop. Surrounded by the stunning history and beauty of this region, our jobs couldn’t be easier! In a direct (alla prima), ‘simplified’ approach to painting, we’ll explore these incredible historical towns and cultural landmarks, both en plein air and in the studio. Artists who have had the pleasure of painting an urban street scene and landscape en plein air (or in the studio) will know that beauty abounds. And often, along with this beauty, comes great complexity. Our main focus in this workshop will be to learn to “simplify” a complex scene in order to paint our ‘idea’ - the historical street scene, landscape, etc
- beautifully. We’ll also explore valuable ways to solve problems that we all encounter along the way, which will allow you to be more intuitive as a painter.
And we’ll achieve this by painting the “Study” - with ideas gathered in the field through small paintings or sketches. These small paintings, along with photo references, can later be used for larger studio paintings. A study is a wonderful way to resolve problems before tackling more complex studio paintings. (See supply list) This promises to be a week of soul-enriching inspiration, as well as challenge and growth. You’ll come away with some simple problem solving ideas and tools with which to tackle them. And, you’ll learn insights that will take your work to a higher level of understanding. You’ll receive plenty of one-on-one, hands on guidance as you explore your own ‘personal artistic vision’. This is ‘your’ workshop and you are sure to come away filled with inspiration.
Our subjects will include the surrounding historical towns - street scenes, architecture, (which may include people if so desired) as well as the beautiful countryside. These subjects are there for you to explore, in paint.
All painting demonstrations will be done in oil - Suitable for artists with some experience/new artists to advanced level. This workshop is sure to transform your approach to your own work. My hope that you’ll come away with renewed confidence in your artist-self and a fresh look at your painting practice that will serve as a stepping stone to all genres.
This is so much more than a painting workshop! This retreat will allow us to experience “small town Italian culture”, as we explore, in paint, th beautiful Le Marche region of Italy. I hope you’ll join us!
$4,499 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
for our non-painter or early sign in $200 discount
4-10 October, 2026
Book Now to save your spot!
*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 Mercatello Sul Metauro
6 night accommodation with breakfast at the charming B&B Castello della Pieve all bedrooms ensuite (NO supplement for single)
5 Lunches and 6 Dinners with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome Aperitivo
Stunning studio
Private trip to Urbino
Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home
Private bookbinding workshop in Urbino with master Carla Luminati
Private cooking class at Mulino della Ricavata, a 12th century mill
Private trip to Fabriano and paper workshop with master Sandro Tiberi
Private transportation on all excursions
Entrance to the “Church of the Dead”
Exclusive week-long class with Bobbi, 18 hours workshop guaranteed + 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. Castello della Pieve
- 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.
- Bobbi, and our host and native Marchigiano, Piero Pagliardini, 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
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning studio workshop with Bobbi!
Full Studio day / Plein Air Session / (Cooking Class):
- Introduction to our workshop. Bobbi will begin our week with a painting demonstration explaining her simple approach and discuss methods and supplies. 9-noon
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 (aka in Italy – two courses only).
- Afternoon plein air session in the unique town of Peglio with Bobbi, 2-4pm.
*plein air locations are carefully selected to be near basic amenities such as public restrooms and establishments to buy water.
- Later afternoon cooking class with one of the best local chefs in Urbania to make “pasta fatta a mano” 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. Private wine tasting to follow with dinner at Mulino della Ricavata.
Day 3
Plein Air Session (& Creative Paper Workshop):
- Breakfast at the hotel then we will go to a Creative paper workshop in Fabriano. We will leave for the city where the art of paper making has been alive for centuries! Fabriano is the most important paper production centre of Europe. We will learn directly from the master Sandro Tiberi! https://www.sandrotiberi.it/
- Light lunch in Fabriano
- Plein air session in Fabriano square
- Return and relax
-Dinner time at .............. restaurant
Day 4
Plein Air Session
- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at the hotel
- One-hour morning discussion and/or demonstration with Bobbi in the studio.
Non-painters will venture out for a morning truffle hunt with Piero. We will meet Andrea, a local truffle hunter, and his best friend Pialla, his dog. The hunt will take us through fantastic landscapes while hunting for black truffles and learning local traditions.
- Late morning and afternoon: excursion to Parchiule and plein air session along the river.
- Break for group lunch.
Non-painters visit to the last and famous charcoal makers in Italy. We will visit the famous coal makers in the small village of Parchiule along the Auro river. Meet the last charcoal artisans carrying out this traditional practice amongst breathtaking scenery.
- Back to Mercatello. Dinner at the square! Meet the locals, live like a local.
Day 5
Plein Air, Raphael’s Childhood Home, Bookbinding
- Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel
- Morning excursion in Urbino, Raphael’s childhood home. 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.
- Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home.
- Please bring your sketchbook, watercolor journals, and/or materials for an amazing plein air session in the city center and at a panoramic lookout.
- Lunch near the town square on your own.
- Ready for a bookbinding workshop in the afternoon at http://www.stamperiadartecavirginio.it/en/ Carla, an artist and printer, will lead us in this unforgettable experience where you will make a handmade book. Participate in this ancient tradition in an inspirational location for your story in Italy.
- Group dinner.
Day 6
Full Studio/ Plein Air Day
- Leisure morning and breakfast at the hotel
- Morning workshop with Bobbi, plein air session in the morning, on site. 9-noon
- Usual break for a light meal at the studio.
- Afternoon back to work for your last class with Bobbi. We will work on our paintings in the studio for that finishing touch! 2-4 p.m.
Non-painters grab your passport! Visit to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set atop Mount Titan, 2480 ft above sea level is said to be the world’s oldest surviving republic.
- Free time to pack at the hotel.
- Meet that evening for a farewell happy hour and dinner. Share your art with the group and together we’ll celebrate our successes and lessons learned - then raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Le Marche. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
- Meet that evening for a farewell dinner where we will raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Le Marche. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year
- Group dinner in town
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 p.m.
-Depart the B&B 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 p.m.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.