Painting Retreat at Bagni di Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
FLOWER PAINTING RETREAT in the mountains of the historical spa village of Bagni di Lucca with Úrsula Romero
October 17th - 26th 2026
€ 450/student for 5 days of teaching includes all 638gsm 100% Cotton Rag paper
We advise you bring you own paints and brushes if you are used to our own
Partners & family may join the trip as non-participating guests without the teaching fee.
Medium: Watercolour
Level: All Levels
Language: English
In order to attend this workshop, and to find our more about accommodation, you must book directly with the Borgo Burlamacchi estate by emailing book@rignana.estate
Set in a private estate, amidst the mountains of Tuscany, overlooking wild forests and clear water rivers, the 15th Century country estate of Burlamacchi Villas is a stunning place to learn to paint or to polish your pre-existing skills to master level. There is something very magical about the lush green landscape in this region of Tuscany - it is perfect for relaxation, self discovery and for expanding your presence. On the estate you will find a thoughtful service, a stunning swimming pool with a breath-taking view of the emerald Tuscan Hills of the Lima Valley and exquisite ensuite rooms.
All of the tutoring will take place inside the villa or outside in their beautiful estate. The studio spaces are available for use everyday during your stay, so you can pop in even on our day off. You will be wined and dined in spectacular fashion. All the meals are locally sourced and there is a selection of their own delicious wines for tasting.
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This is a rare opportunity to learn to paint fruits, flowers and leaves with Úrsula Romero in a beautiful, fully staffed estate of rolling hills with warm perfumed, Mediterranean air. On this course, you will discover more about painting realistic botanicals in watercolours. You will explore the drama that can be created through thoughtful lighting and clever glazing. You will have the exciting opportunity to learn how to enlarge your paintings to a grand scale and how to build your compositions, all the while surrounded by the spectacular countryside.
Even if you have never visited, this region of Tuscany is famous for its natural springs and baths. This landscape was often visited by 18th Century tourists during their Grand Tours and Borgo Burlamacchi is famous for having it's own historic natural bath house which is currently being restored. The stunning Borgo Burlamacchi is owned by the historical Burlamacchi family. Within the complex of villas include Shelley Villa which is famous for being the residence of Mary Shelley while she made her final edits to Frankenstein. There is also another villa in the estate where Lord Byron used to stay. It truly is a fantastic place for creativity.
During this course you will also learn how to mix those difficult greens and browns so that they look natural. You will learn more about capturing translucency in watercolour paint and how to make things look really three dimensional.
Úrsula will be on hand, teaching one-to-one so you get the most from the experience. She will also be giving live demonstrations for you to watch so you leave feeling full of expert knowledge. She will also be bringing her portfolio, so you get to see her original works up close, unframed.
This course is suitable for all levels.
When not outside in the gardens, we will be learning in the villa on the estate. This is a deeply inspiring space to work in, with its high ceilings and frescoes. There will be easels available for those who would prefer to work upright and tables. The space offers a cool environment in which to work in if the temperatures remain warm, and heating if the weather starts to cool.
On Wednesday we all have a day off from painting to stretch our legs and to explore the surrounding area. Bagni di Lucca is the ideal place for exploring Tuscany and its sights; Florence, Siena, Lucca and Pisa are all just a stone's throw away. You may also enjoy a massage and/or thermal bath (by appointment) in the historic spa house. The natural thermal spring waters flow at 39.2°C and are beneficial for osteo-articular, muscle-tendon, and arthro-rheumatic conditions.
Your Teacher
Úrsula Romero (formally known as Jessica Shepherd or Inky Leaves) is an internationally recognized master flower painter, artist and teacher.
Úrsula trained in botanical taxonomy at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh before committing herself fully to painting so that she would understand the processes of plants more comprehensively. Equipped with this scientific knowledge, Úrsula is now testing new approaches to her artwork to push the capacity for botanical art to bring greater awareness of plants and our interaction with them. In 2014, she was featured on the BBC4 documentary “In Search of Rory McEwen” where she demonstrated how to paint on vellum. She currently has works touring the USA for the Rory McEwen retrospective.
In 2017, Úrsula held her first solo exhibition in London, published her first book titled ‘Leafscape’ and produced the Leafscape soundtrack. She started Inky Leaves Publishing in the same year. In 2018, Úrsula launched a cross-disciplinary botanical art publication called INK Quarterly which ran for three years, and embarked on her next project Blue Flower. She has exhibited internationally and her works have been included in exhibitions at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, The National Botanic Garden, Dublin and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. She has 7 pieces in the Shirley Sherwood Collection.
Now, can be found quietly working on her latest flower painting project whilst restoring a historic property in Andalucía.
Úrsula is a great teacher who is not shy of teaching her 'secret tips' so we can achieve amazing results. So much knowledge is packed during her workshops and she is open to questions at all times." - Claudia
Non-painting guests: We are more than happy to welcome non-painting guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Chianti, that will make your holiday unforgettable.
The Studio, offers a spacious open plan layout with natural light for painting. It is available at all times during your stay.
Extras
In the middle of the week we have a day off where you can go sight seeing.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- City tax at €2.50 per person per day to be paid in cash on arrival
Partners & family may join the trip as non-participating guests for the same prices, excluding the tuition fee.
Please contact the Rignana Estate directly to reserve a room and your space on this course at book@rignana.estate
Travel Information:
Please organise your travel insurance before booking, you are not covered by the Rignana Estate, Borgo Burlamacchi or Úrsula Romero.
Elegant accommodations of Borgo Burlamacchi in Bagni di Lucca offers luxurious rooms with private bathrooms, garden or mountain views, and modern amenities. Each room includes air-conditioning, a kitchen, and free toiletries. Exceptional.
