Meet Theresa
People ask her all the time, “Can you teach someone like me? I’ve never painted before… I’m not artistic”. Her answer remains the same: “Absolutely.” She loves working with individuals new to art. Theresa believes art changes lives because it changed hers. Before becoming a full-time watercolor artist and instructor, she earned her BFA in Industrial Design from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Theresa spent years designing in the automotive industry and stepped away from her career to raise her three amazing children – a decision that ultimately led her back to her first love, painting. Today she finds herself grateful to be an internationally recognized award-winning watercolor artist. A member of several watercolor societies, and instructor who has the privilege of teaching hundreds of students of every age and experience level. Despite the awards and recognition, she still considers herself a student first. Theresa has been fortunate to study with remarkable artists including Hieu Nguyen also known as Kelogs loops, Agnes Cecile, Jill Stefani Wagner and Roselyn Rose, and other inspiring artists from around the world. Every mentor expands her artistic vocabulary and serves as a kind reminder growth never ends. That spirit of curiosity is exactly what she hopes to share with every student who joins her. Theresa’s hope is that you will leave with not just beautiful paintings, but renewed confidence, lifelong friendships, and the quiet realization that you were capable of far more than you ever believed.
Workshop Description:
Between historical landscapes, authentic flavors, and the warm atmosphere of the Italian summer, you will find endless inspiration that surrounds you. Whether you are a beginner or have a solid foundation, Theresa will take you on an artistic journey behind her techniques, materials, and her processes, from beginning to end. Over the course of the week, you’ll explore:
Foundations of Watercolor:
Build a strong foundation by exploring composition, value, color relationships, brush control and the essential principles that bring paintings to life.
Expressive Layers & Depth:
Learn how to confidently layer transparent washes to create atmosphere, dimension,and realistic effects while maintaining the freshness and spontaneity of watercolor.
Live Painting Demonstrations:
Watch Theresa paint from start to finish as she shares her complete creative process.
Personalized Guidance & Creative Growth:
Receive individualized feedback and encouragement throughout the week. Discover how to strengthen your unique artistic voice, push beyond your comfort zone and embrace the endless possibilities with this medium.
$4,599 USD per person
June 10 - 16, 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 (by January 15th, 2027)
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
-Private transportation to and from Pesaro train station (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, every menu will be personally selected by Piero and for what is possible different from the others all dinners with pairing wine
- Welcome Aperitivo
- Stunning studio next to the accommodation
- Private trip to Fabriano and paper workshop with master Sandro Tiberi
- Cooking class at 12th century mill with organic food experts
- Enter to the Church of the Dead
- Visit to a ceramic laboratory
- Private transportation on all excursions
- Exclusive week-long class with Theresa 20 hours workshop guaranteed plus free time at the studio
- Activities for non painters as listed in the itinerary
- Week-long private guide and international sommelier Piero
what’s included
ITINERARY 10 - 16 SEPTEMBER 2027
Day 10 June Thursday
- Arrival Pesaro train station. 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 train station (*see time stipulations) and escort you to the hotel.
- 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.
- Theresa, 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 11 June Friday
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the B&B, followed by a morning workshop with Theresa 9-12noon today: Monochromatic Portrait. Exploration of watercolor techniques: wet on dry, wet on wet, pulling, paint consistency and details.
- Morning time, 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) at the studio.
- Afternoon in the studio Theresa, 2-5 PM. Apply these techniques to the study of animal anatomy and shadows.
- Time to relax and then meet back up for a group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 12 June Saturday
- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your B&B.
- Morning in the studio 9-12noon today: Elements. Mix watercolor pigments and build ethereal color transitions.
- Lunch at the studio
- 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 at the studio. with Theresa. 2-4PM Fur your eyes only. Secrets to fur and adding life into the eyes.
-Activity for the all group after the class visit to the Church of the Dead (a must) and exploring Urbania and ceramic laboratory.
- Dinner at the square! Meet the locals, live like a local.
Day 13 June Sunday
- 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 center of Europe. We will learn directly from the master Sandro Tiberi!
https://www.sandrotiberi.it/
- Light lunch in Fabriano and then return to finish our paper workshop. Opportunity for sketching and journaling on your own around Fabriano.
- Then, late afternoon, travel back to relax.
- Dinner time at a very authentic restaurant in town.
Day 14 June Monday
- Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
- Morning workshop. Class with Theresa, on site 9-12 noon today: Loose Portrait. Creation of loose watercolor animal anatomy with a limited palette.
- Usual break for lunch
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!).
-Afternoon workshop with Theresa 2-5 pm Development of expressive, gestural painting. Concept to sketch.
-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 dinner to follow.
Day 15 June Tuesday
- Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
- Morning workshop. Class, on site 9-12 noon today: Putting it All Together. From concept to sketch to final piece using all learned techniques.
- Usual break for lunch then back to work for your last class with Theresa. We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared.
- Free time studio in the afternoon.
- 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 16 June Wednesday
Time Stipulations
- Pick-ups at the Pesaro train station from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
- Depart Hotel at 10:00 am. We will be at Pesaro train station at 11:30 am
- Pick-ups and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.
- VERY IMPORTANT. We recommend booking a night or two in advance on the east coast of Italy (ask us for recommendations) at the beginning of your trip in order to make your arrival day more convenient. Please contact us for more details.