Justin Worrell
Justin T. Worrell (b. 1978) is a Virginia-based Tonalist landscape artist. An oil painter, Justin applies paint thinly and uses a dry brush technique to create dreamlike, atmospheric, and emotionally charged images forming what he refers to as compromise between the temporal and eternal.
Justin’s interest in art began early in his life. He fondly recalls sitting beside his grandmother in her home studio asking questions and observing the craft firsthand. Largely painting as a hobby, and when time would allow, Justin began more formal training as an oil painter around 2014. At this time, he began studying at the Art League in Alexandria, VA with local artists under the tutelage of Mike Francis. He has also attended many workshops from artists he admires, such as Dennis Sheehan.
Justin is represented by Principle Gallery in Alexandria, VA and Charleston, SC. He is a Signature Artist with the American Tonalist Society, and his work is collected nationally and internationally.
Workshop description
Delve into the rich, evocative world of Tonalism in this week-long workshop with Justin T. Worrell, a Signature Artist of the American Tonalist Society. Designed for artists of all levels, this immersive experience explores the philosophical and technical foundations of Tonalism, equipping you with the tools to bring its timeless qualities into your own work.
Coined in 1972 by Wanda Corn, Tonalism refers to a generation of late 19th and early 20th-century American artists whose works conveyed atmosphere, emotion, and spiritual resonance through a restrained palette and harmonious compositions. You will be taken through Justin’s complete artistic approach; teaching you about his journey, his techniques, materials, and how he approaches the beginning, development, and finishing of a painting.
Over the course of the week, you’ll explore:
· The Foundations of Tonalism: Gain an understanding of values, composition, and color relationships central to the Tonalist aesthetic.
· Edges and Atmosphere: Learn to create soft transitions and atmospheric effects that evoke a sense of mystery and depth.
· Live Painting Demonstrations: Watch Justin as he works through each stage of a painting, from inception to completion.
· Personalized Feedback: Receive constructive feedback on your work to refine your technique and vision.
Justin’s approach emphasizes not only the technical aspects of painting but also his philosophy behind Tonalism. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to balance the concrete and temporal in your art, transforming nature into evocative, atmospheric works.
This workshop welcomes artists of all levels. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leading voice in the 21st Century Tonalist movement. Enroll now to explore the beauty, subtlety, and depth of Tonalism with Justin T. Worrell!
$4, 199 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
10-16 November, 2026
Dates and pricing
BONUS COMPANION PACKAGE:
Non-artist discount of $200. Piero will be your guide as you explore opportunities to see surrounding historical villages, private cooking class, 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!
EARLY SIGN IN discount of $200
Book Now to save your spot!
Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
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)
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 cooking class at Mulino della Ricavata, a 12th century mill
Private wine tasting at “La Montata” with the only smoked passito wine in the world
Private tour to San Marino, a historic microstate in Italy famed for its medieval charm
Truffle hunt
Private transportation on all excursions
Entrance to the “Church of the Dead”
Exclusive week-long class with Justin, 18/20 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. 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.
-Justin, 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 B&B, followed by a morning workshop with Justin! Walk next door to your private studio in the Duke of Urbino’s summer palace, a historical landmark and your creative hub for the week. Morning discussion and demonstration by Justin. 9-12 noon
Non-painters explore village life and nearby towns visit to 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 group painting session with Justin, 2-4 p.m.
- Time to relax and then meet back up for a group dinner at “Da Doddo” one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 3
- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your B&B.
- Morning studio time with Justin, where we will continue our discussion on fundamentals of landscape painting including, values, composition, color and color relationships, edges, and details. 9-12 noon.
Non-painters will venture out for a morning truffle hunt with Piero. We will meet Andrea, 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.
- Break for group lunch.
- Afternoon group painting session with Justin 2-4 p.m.
- 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.
- Dinner at the square! Meet the locals, live like a local.
Day 4
- Morning excursion to Urbino, Raphael’s childhood home, 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.
- Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home.
- Lunch near the town square.
- Return to the B&B for down time to rest or work independently on your project.
- Dinner at the “Braveria” restaurant. By this point, you will know why!
Day 5
- Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?)
- Dive into village life in Urbania, including a visit to the famous “Church of the Dead” and other historical sites. Learn about Urbania’s traditions, spanning centuries, including its rich ceramic art culture.
- Lunch at a local, family-owned restaurant. This place makes the kind of food an Italian grandmother would make!
- Afternoon group painting session with Justin, 2 -5 p.m.
Non-painters have free time to explore or relax.
- Private wine tasting at a tiny, local winery (a secret, local gem!) that makes the only smoked Passito wine in the world!
- Group dinner in town at “La Loggia” , one of the most popular restaurants.
Day 6
- Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
- One last discussion and demonstration with Justin in the studio. 9-12 noon
- Usual break for lunch.
- Afternoon back to work for your last class with Justin. We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared 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 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 12-3 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.