JOHN COSBY is an american impressionist painter
"While standing on location in a place I have never visited, I begin to recognize what is different about it from all the other places I have been. I try to capture that, the uniqueness," says Cosby
When you paint a scene in any medium there are many decisions that need to be made, both before and during the execution of the painting. In my years of teaching I have found that growth comes most quickly from both in studio and outside instruction, skills that are best delivered in the studio environment and then applied in nature. We will be studying the landscape, architecture and people of this wonderful hill town and the surrounding area. I will present a design and color talk and with animated graphics and lecture to build your understanding of how to control the eye in a painting. I will also teach through Demonstration at my easel and a lot of personal attention at yours. Painting requires making many decisions and if you have the tools to implement them you can capture the look you want in your work, I do my best to put those tools at your disposal.
Refer to the website for details but this 10 days trip will have 5 days of painting and instruction plus 5 days of some interesting side trips. We will take most meals as a group.
Look forward to sharing this special time with you and your plus one if you bring one.
With his bold contemporary style Cosby has captured the imagination of some very important collectors. His work can be found in many private, public and corporate collections around the world. Cosby is recognized internationally. Currently there is a documentary being made about Cosby’s life adventures and accomplishments. This will be released in late 2022 or early 23
You can find out more about John Cosby https://www.cosbystudio.com/
$6,199 USD per person (price based on double accommodation)
April 20 - 29, 2027
BONUS COMPANION PACKAGE:
Non-artist discount of $200. Piero and Alex will be your guide as you explore opportunities to see surrounding historical villages, including a Roman archaeological site, the Church of the Dead, a bell tower tour, sunflower fields or just eat and drink with the locals!
RETURNING PEOPLE SPECIAL DISCOUNT OF $200
EARLY SIGN-IN $200 DISCOUNT until 15th January
Discounts are not cumulative
Book Now to save your spot! $500 USD non-refundable deposit.
Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Dates and pricing
Meeting point at the Novo Hotel Rossi in Verona, please let us know your arrival time.
1 night accommodation with breakfast at the Novo Hotel Rossi, Home - Novo Hotel Rossi , 8 nights accommodation and breakfast at Hotel Gardenia al Lago, Home - Hotel Gardenia al Lago , all bedrooms ensuite with lateral and front lake view, opportunity to upgrade your room (supplement for single rooms and upgrade, please contact us)
9 dinners, 1 lunch with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome aperitif with John
Private transportation on all excursions and transfer to/from Verona
Ticket to the Verona Arena
Boat ride to Malcesine
Ticket to the Castello Scaligero
Exclusive 10 days with John Cosby, 24 hours of workshop guaranteed with optional plein air sessions
All activities for “non painters” as included in the itinerary!
10 days private guide with Certified International Sommelier Piero
whats included
2027 itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday 20th April
-ARRIVAL. Meeting point at Novo Hotel Rossi in Verona. Based on our experience last year, when many of our participants traveled from far away, we’ve decided to make the first day a relaxed arrival day. This gives everyone plenty of time to travel, settle in, and recover from long journeys and jet lag without feeling rushed.
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
- Take time to settle in, unpack, get some rest and relax.
- 6:00 PM our host Piero will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the 10 days to come. Then pizza time! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria.
Day 2 - Wednesday 21th April
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy the morning at your leisure. Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Morning stroll in Verona 10:00 AM -3:00 PM
Visit the iconic Verona Arena, one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. Entrance tickets are included.
Sketching plein-air / free time to explore the city of Verona.
Free lunch on your own.
Please regroup at the hotel by 3:30 PM for a 4:00 PM departure to Hotel Gardenia al Lago, where we’ll continue our Lake Garda experience.
Check-in at Hotel Gardenia al Lago is at approximately 5:30 PM.
At 6:00 PM, meet our master artist, John Cosby, and officially begin our creative journey together.
Enjoy a refreshing glass of Prosecco before heading into town for a delicious dinner together.
- Time to relax and then meet back up for a group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 3 - Thursday 22th April
Morning breakfast at Hotel Gardenia al lago.
Non painters: Join Manuela on a meditative guided walk. Beginning in Villa di Gargnano, you will listen—through a special device—to the subtle energy of selected trees, transformed into gentle music. Along the hidden paths of Gargnano, you will discover the quiet melodies of the surrounding plant life.
Enjoy a private transfer to our first plein-air location in Salò, where you’ll spend the day painting alongside John Cosby.
Plein-air painting: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Focus: Perspective and architecture -Depth and storytelling.
Free lunch in Salò on your own.
Afternoon break for a short walk and gelato!
Back to Hotel Gardenia by 6;30 PM.
Group dinner at the Hotel in the balcony.
Day 4 - Friday 23th April
- Have you tried the pistachio pastries yet? After breakfast, you will have a full day plein-air workshop with John.
Ferry boat to Malcesine. A picturesque medieval town beneath Monte Baldo.
Demo: simplifying complex landscapes
Free lunch on your own
Afternoon: Continue with John’s demonstration and painting session. In the late afternoon, regroup before returning to the hotel by boat, enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Garda along the way..
Enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant in Gargnano, experiencing the town’s welcoming atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
Day 5 - Saturday 24th April
- Leisurely morning and breakfast at the hotel
Full studio day and/or a nearby plein-air session, within easy walking distance of the hotel.
Painting session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free lunch on your own.
Non-painters: Step into the fragrant world of Lake Garda’s lemon groves on a private, flexible tour. Explore at your own pace as your guide brings the rich history of the limonaie to life. The experience includes a full tasting of local products!
Continue with your plein-air painting and/or studio session at the hotel through the afternoon, with the session running until 5:00 PM.
Take some time to relax and recharge until 7:30 PM, when we’ll head out for a special dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day 6 - Sunday 25th April
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a morning plein-air painting session in the charming town of Gargnano, just a short walk from the hotel.
You’ll also have the opportunity to join the locals in celebrating April 25th – Liberation Day, Italy’s national holiday, and experience this special day as part of the local community.
Free lunch on your own.
Afternoon: Continue your plein-air painting session in the same beautiful location in Gargnano, making the most of the afternoon light and surroundings.
Group dinner at the hotel.
Day 7 - Monday 26th April
-After breakfast, put on your comfortable walking shoes, grab a hat, and get ready for a special plein-air painting session from a spectacular panoramic viewpoint.
We’ll travel by private bus to our plein-air location, perched on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Non-Painters: Iconic Drives
A scenic drive through Lake Garda in a vintage car.
We’ve mapped out the perfect roads to match the spirit of your car — from winding mountain roads and dramatic gorges to relaxed lakeside cruising. Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and experience Lake Garda from behind the wheel of a true classic.
A light lunch will be provided today, followed by an afternoon of plein-air painting at the same location until 5:00 PM.
Return to the hotel and enjoy some time to relax and unwind before gathering together for dinner at the hotel.
Day 8 - Tueasday 27th April
- Breakfast at the hotel and then ready for another authentic Lake Garda iconic spot, Castello Scaligero in Sirmione.
Visit the magnificent Castello Scaligero, with entrance included in your experience.
Spend the morning exploring the castle and historic center, with time to browse the shops, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Lunch on your own.
Afternoon: Join John for a plein-air painting session, from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, making the most of the beautiful surroundings and afternoon light.
Return to our hotel relax and dinner
Day 9 - Wednesday 28th April
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, taking your time to savor a final morning in beautiful Lake Garda.
Depart for our final plein-air destination: Limone sul Garda, a picturesque lakeside village renowned for its lemon groves and soft, luminous atmosphere.
Morning: Enjoy a plein-air painting session surrounded by the beauty of Lake Garda.
Free lunch on your own.
Afternoon: Continue working on your paintings and take advantage of individual mentoring with John. At 4:00 PM, we’ll depart Limone sul Garda and return to 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 Lake Garda. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
- Group in dinner in town in one of the best restaurants!
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Day 10 - Thursday 29th April
Please contact us before scheduling your flights
- Departures , hotel check-out at 11:00 AM
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Verona Airport or Verona train station. Please allow approximately one hour for the journey, with an expected arrival in Verona at around 12:15 PM.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.