Shana Levenson and David Kassan
Join master painters David Kassan and Shana Levenson for a 5-day workshop in the historic and artistic heart of Italy, Urbino, the birthplace of Renaissance master Raphael. Designed for artists of all levels, this workshop will deepen your skills in portrait painting through daily instruction, and personalized feedback from both Kassan and Levenson.
This experience will involve a deep exploration of the formal elements of representational painting, such as form, tone, value, color matching, edges, proportions, and composition. David and Shana will guide you through these technical aspects while also offering support to those wishing to delve into conceptual art, using representational portraiture as a launching point for broader creative exploration.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Urbino’s rolling hills and Renaissance architecture, you’ll explore classical techniques with a contemporary approach, focusing on capturing the essence of the human form. Each day will bring opportunities to sharpen your skills and build upon the inspiration of Italy’s artistic heritage.
Participants will work from Italianate-themed photo references, carefully selected to echo the essence of the Italian Old Masters. Ongoing demonstrations by both Kassan and Levenson will provide rich insight into their unique approaches.
Students are encouraged to bring along their partners, who can enjoy specialized excursions tailored just for them, including vineyard tours, cultural explorations, and visits to historical sites. This makes for an unforgettable experience, combining art, history, and leisure.To complete the experience, all meals will be curated by a local wine sommelier, pairing regional dishes with the finest Italian wines, offering a taste of Italy’s culinary mastery.
Whether you're looking to refine your portrait painting skills or explore conceptual possibilities, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from two renowned artists in the inspirational setting of Raphael’s hometown, surrounded by art, culture, and exquisite cuisine.
$4,699 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
September 6-12, 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, 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!
EARLY SIGN-IN discount of $200
DISCOUNTS ARE NOT CUMULATIVE
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 Urbino (please check our time stipulation on day 7)
6 night accommodation with breakfast. We have two options, Albergo Italia all bedrooms ensuite, and at an extra cost there are suites available at Palazzo Giusti.
4 Lunches and 5 Dinners with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome Aperitivo
Studio in town, walkable distance
Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home
Private wine tasting
Private trip to Fabriano and paper workshop with master Sandro Tiberi
Private bookbinding workshop in Urbino with master Carla Luminati
Private transportation on all excursions
Exclusive week-long class with Shana and David, 18 hours workshop guaranteed
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 hotel. We have two options, Albergo Italia, and at an extra cost there are suites available at Palazzo Giusti.
- 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.
- Shana and David, and our host and native Marchigiano, Piero,, 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 Shana and David! 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 in the studio with Shana and David, 2-6PM.
- Time to relax and then meet back up for a group dinner at 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 in the studio 9-12noon
- Lunch in town
- Non-painters will venture out for a morning truffle hunt with Piero. We will meet 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.
- Studio time with Shana and David. 2-7PM
- Dinner at the square! Meet the locals, live like a local.
Day 4
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Day on the coast: soak up the sun and head out on a coastal boat tour to explore stunning views from the water. Guided by an experienced Italian skipper, expect breathtaking views, hidden coves, and the warm storytelling of a local captain who knows the sea like no one else.
- Seafood lunch at the best restaurant by the beach.
- Return to our location.
- Dinner on your own in town.
Day 5
- Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?)
- Morning visit of 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.
- Non-painters free time to explore Urbino on your own
- Please bring your sketchbook and/or materials for an amazing plein air session in the city center and at a panoramic lookout. 10-1PM
- Lunch near the town square on your own.
- Visit at the Ducal Palace
- Dinner at a very authentic restaurant in town
Day 6
- Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
- Morning in the studio. 9-12noon
- 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.
- Afternoon free time to pack at the hotel, finish your paintings or do some shopping
- Private wine tasting at a local winery, followed by a unique dinner Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo
- 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 12:00-3:00PM
- Depart Urbino at 10:00AM. Departures at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered from 1:00PM onward. In order to arrive for your flight with ample time, we recommend scheduling departing flights after 3:00PM.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.