More Details…and FAQ…and A.
Frequently asked questions and answers.

This retreat will be a week-long celebration of art and the art of living, Tuscany-style. Open to all women regardless of previous art experience. Come stay on a magnificent villa wine-and-olive-oil producing estate in the heart of the most magical area of Tuscany, and we will teach you to paint outdoors in the landscape and the medieval villages surrounding us. You will have a feast of subjects to spark your soul, and morning yoga will be offered daily to refresh the body. Painting can be a profound experience that engages all of our senses, our minds, and our spirits. We begin to see the world as never before, and our paintings give evidence of that new vision. Guidance will be keyed to your experience level, whether first-time beginner wishing to uncover your hidden creative side, or seasoned artist hungry for the time, space, and inspiration this retreat affords, in a setting of unrivaled beauty and fascination.

Who will be the staff?

Julia Ingersoll will be leading this retreat on-site in Italy, while Colleen Cannon is your host on Women’s Quest from the home office. Julia will also have the assistance of specially-chosen local staff who will share their expertise with us on specific occasions. Together, the staff brings experience, attention to detail, enthusiasm and a good sense of humor to Toscana Creativa, so come enjoy life!

Julia is a professional painter who has been living and working in the Tuscan hills for over 10 years, though she now divides her residence with Big Sur, California. Julia studied Classical painting and drawing at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, the Aegean Center for Fine Arts, and in apprenticeship with master Austrian painter Michael Fuchs in Vienna. She speaks fluent Italian and French, and one of her greatest joys is sharing her appreciation and knowledge of Italian art, history and culture as we tour through the hilltowns and countryside of Tuscany. Julia is an experienced group leader and teacher, who has been leading trips in Tuscany and California for the past eight years. She has taught drawing, watercolor and oil painting both privately and for Women’s Quest retreats. In addition, Julia is a certified yoga instructor. She teaches yoga at the Post Ranch Inn as well as selected Women’s Quest retreats, offering a balanced vinyasa-flow practice to start our mornings. Julia regularly exhibits her paintings in Europe and the U.S. and is represented by Mary Williams Fine Arts in Boulder, CO, and The Big Sur Gallery in Carmel, CA. Her latest solo exhibition stateside, “Ancient Oaks” was held in December, 2008, in Carmel; in Italy: “Campagna Toscana” at Villa Il Vallone, June, 2009.

Colleen is the founder and director of Women's Quest fitness retreats. She is a world champion triathlete, whose passions now include horses and music. Colleen leads an active mountain life; skiing, snowshoeing, running, and riding. Colleen has mastered the art of living well, playing hard, embracing life and sharing her passion for living.

What will the Creative reatreat be like? …Hands-on art-making, and art-history brought to life:
We will enjoy creative sessions of outdoor painting and sketching—with instruction for all levels in oil or watercolor and drawing mediums. We will also create a personal illustrated journal of our experiences, with daily suggested exercises in writing and decorating techniques. We will be working both in the magnificent landscape of our villa-estate and going off to paint and sketch in fabulously inspiring places. From elegant towns such as Montalcino to jewel-like villages such as Pienza; to the ancient-Roman spa of Bagno Vignoni, the majestic spiritual abbeys of Sant’Anna (the church where the English Patient was filmed), and exquisite Sant’Antimo where the monks still celebrate mass in Gregorian chant as they have for over 1000 years. We will have a feast of subjects to enjoy. We will spend a full day in beautiful Siena discovering the city’s history and mystical secrets, and appreciating its art with outstanding Sienese-born guide Cristina.

There will be full, expert instruction for all levels. Beginning and experienced artists alike will be treated to a feast of inspiring locations and guidance, in the land where art is a way of life and life itself is artful!

We will be painting outdoors most days as well as creating a personal, illustrated journal with daily suggested exercises designed to attune you to your heart’s inner desire, connecting you with the present moment, recording clues, making a personal map of the journey. Artists are welcome to work in the medium of their choice. Specific instruction will be offered in plein-air oil and watercolor painting. Experienced painters are welcome to work in the size and format of their choice. Beginning painters will focus on creating small-format outdoor paintings that can be completed in one or two sessions, learning traditional historical plein-air techniques for capturing the light and forms of the landscapes and architecture surrounding us. The emphasis will be on the joy of the process and the fun of discovery—art is a long-term project, not an instant fad! A typical morning of painting will include a brief demonstration and suggestions for beginning, followed by individual guidance during the painting practice. We will gather for a group appreciation of our efforts after lunch. We will also have a suggested journaling activity most days, often during our explorations of villages or sightseeing, a great way of connecting deeply with a place and moment in our day.

The Secret Life of Art
In all the places we visit we will be treated to an insightful view into the history and significance of the art we see. Linking art-history and heart-history--exploring the connection between the Renaissance and our own journeys.

Where will we be based?
From our meeting point in Florence, we will travel by van about 2 hours south into the province of Siena. This region is known as the Val d’Orcia and is one of the most picturesque and beautiful areas in all of Italy. The villa is located near the charming villages of Trequanda, and Asciano, where there is a particularlly good cappuccino bar as well as important 14th Century paintings in the town church. We will be lodging here for the whole week, so we can settle in and not have to pack and unpack. The area is a treasure-trove of gorgeous villages, towns, gardens, and abbeys for our day-tripping pleasure.

What will the acccomodations be like?
Our home for the week will be the magnificent and luxurious estate of Casabianca, a gorgeously-restored arstocratic villa with frescoed suites, surrounded by its own stone hamlet and landcaped grounds. Our rooms are arranged apartment-style, in beautifully-renovated, ancient stone farmhouses, each with its own living room, kitchen for snacks, and private terrace. All rooms have lovely views and well-appointed private bathrooms, and are furnished in traditional Tuscan style. The estate includes an ancient formal garden with statuary, an exquisite small chapel, a gorgeous swimming pool with expansive views over the magnificent countryside that reflects the quintessential dream of Tuscany. Our delicious Tuscan meals, prepared from fresh, local ingredients, will be served in the villa’s lovely restaurant, or outdoors in the cloister. Breakfast at Casabianca is served buffet style, in the ancient stone cloister, a courtyard space surrounded by arches, an features an abundance of homemade pastries and jams as well as local cheeses, cereals, bread, yogurt, juices, and egg frittatas. Foamy cappuccinos and lattes made to order. On days we are out touring we will enjoy lunch out in local trattorias, while some days we will have picnic lunch at our estate, overlooking the vineyards, weather permitting. Dinners feature delicious local specialties of the region, prepared by Casabianca’s gourmet chef. The produce is fresh and organic, direct from surrounding gardens and farms. We will also dine out to enjoy a couple of very special osterias in nearby villages. Some special dietary considerations can be accommodated with advance notice. Vegetarians are well-provided for in Tuscany, and wheat-free pastas and rice are available substitutes for those with gluten allergies.

The villa has an extensive wine cellar, offering the chance to try the top Tuscan wines and selections from all over Italy, reccomended by our nearly all-woman staff of experts! The estate also produces fine, organic olive oil. Combining ancient stone architecture with modern comforts, we will retreat to a timeless world at Casabianca, in harmony with the peaceful and exquisite countryside surrounding us.

Other Activities:
Rejuvenating and relaxing yoga sessions will be offered each morning before breakfast, and there will be free-time for walking/running the trails around our estate, or relaxing poolside.

In addition to hands-on art-making, we will also be exploring the bounteous art-treasures of Siena, the frescoes of the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the Renaissance masterpieces of Pienza, and browsing or shopping in the towns.

Naturally, we will also be celebrating the art of living, following local custom.. Slow down, taste, savor, sip, and indulge. We will partake of one of the most luscious culinary traditions in the world. And if there is interest, we’ll learn to make We will enjoy a guided visit of the working vineyards of our estate, and taste their award-winning wines, among the finest in Italy.

In addition to our swimming pool, one day we will have the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs pool in the ancient Roman spa town of Bagno Vignoni after our morning of painting in this gorgeous village.

What if I am new to Italy or Europe?
If you've never been to Europe, relax! You will love it. If you've been many times- you'll be surprised, refreshed, and delighted by our intimate version of the European experience. We will pick you up and always be available for any questions and with a helping hand. You'll feel like part of an extended Italian family at this retreat.

Who can help me with my travel?
You are welcome to plan your own travel or work with your own travel agent. The travel is very simple and you will fly in and out of Florence and we will do the rest. Plan to arrive at least one day before pick up—more if you would like to explore Florence, the Renaissance City. We generally use Orbitz.com. and search for airfares online. However, if you prefer, we can suggest a travel agent who can help you plan your travel. We will be glad to provide hotel reccomendations for Florence if you are planning to stay before or after the retreat, as well as personlized tips for enjoying this busy, magnificent city.

Some info to ease your mind and aid your packing!
PASSPORT! Now would be a good time to check your passport! You must have at least six months left on your passport from your time of departure! If not, visit the State Department's website (http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html) or visit your local post office for your renewal. You do not need a visa for your stay.

WEATHER is generally temperate. Daytime temperatures in the 70's and cool nights. When it rains - it POURS, so do bring rain gear. Visit: www.weather.com and type in Pisa, Italy to check the local weather forecast before departure.

DRESS Italian rural culture is fairly relaxed, however short shorts and tank tops are not advised in restaurants or for churches. Please bring some smart casual attire to help you to feel more comfortable when out and about. This means, longer walking shorts, skirts, summer dresses, pants, and blouses or tees. Nothing too fancy, just nice, easy and casual. Plan to do laundry in the sink and hang out to dry, or laundry service is available at the villa. And do bring warmer things for cool evenings and dinners on the terrace, and the unexpected. An old work shirt to pull on while painting is nice to have, or an apron, for protecting clothes.A brimmed hat or visor is essential to wear while painting.

GEAR We will walk, do yoga, and swim. We will be painting outside, on location in villages, fields, wherever inspiration leads. Bring appropriate wear. Comfortable sturdy shoes, comfortable sandals or flip-flops, a swim suit, and a yoga mat.

Art Materials List Plan to bring most supplies with you. The only art stores we will encounter are on our Siena day. You will be provided with a complete list of supplies which will be sent to you when you sign up. New artists can take this list into a local art supply store for assistance in choosing the materials.

OTHER STUFF As with all foreign travel, plan to bring all the prescriptions and lotions that you will need for the trip. Make no assumptions!. We recommend you be current on your tetanus (check with your doctor, or if you have not had one in 5 years) otherwise, no shots are required.

Expect airfares to run you from $900-1200 depending on where you fly from and timing (you never know when you might get good deals). Try to minimize the number of transfers so that you don't lose your baggage in transit.

Your carry-on should include: a change of clothes, your running/walking shoes, a swimsuit and minis of your essential toiletries. This way, if they do lose your bags for a few days, it won't be as bad. And of course, your journal and sketching supplies! Pack smart. Additionally drink plenty of water on the journey, this is your best defense in staying healthy and adjusting to the time change quickly. If you can, we suggest that you plan to arrive a day or two early to acclimatize.

Space is very limited at this retreat in order to offer the finest, personalized instruction…

Sample Program Schedule… Please note, this just gives a general idea-- a revised, updated version will be sent to you before departure, and as always, our daily schedule will be flexible, to best experience La dolce vita, the Italian sweet life.

Arrival day. Transfer from Florence to the Villa. Lunch in a village on the way; settling in, a walk with sketchbooks, and dinner.

Day 1: At the villa : 7:30 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:30- 12:30 painting 1:00 lunch, free-time, outing to Monte Oliveto Abbey and/or wine tour of the estate, 8:00 dinner.

Day 2: Pienza and Sant’Anna in Caprena Church. 7:30 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:00 trip to Pienza. Visit town, and painting on site. 1:00 lunch. Visit to Sant’Anna in Caprena monastery in afternoon. free-time at Colle, 8:00 dinner.

Day 3: Montalcino and Sant’Antimo. 7:30 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:30- 1:00 painting morning at Colle. Lunch out in Montalcino. Abbey of Sant’Antimo to hear monks chant mass at sunset and journal work. Dinner out.

Day 4: Montichiello and La Foce gardens. 7:30 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast. Trip to Montichiello to paint at village. lunch out. Afternoon painting at gardens of Villa La Foce, return to Colle for relax and dinner.

Day 5: Day at Colle. 7:30 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:30-12:30 painting, 1:00 lunch. Afternoon hike to traditional cheese-making farm; free-time, 5:00 cooking class, 8:00 dinner.

Day 6: Siena. 7:30 yoga, 8:00 breakfast, 9:00 trip to Siena! Cristina guides us into the heart of the city. Sketch project for journals. Shopping time. Dinner out, in Rapolano Terme.

Day 7: Bagno Vignoni. 7:30 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:00 trip to Bagno Vignoni. Paint, and enjoy the hot springs pool, lunch, return in afternoon to the villa. Art show in evening, celebration dinner.

Day 8: Travel back to Florence.

What’s Included

• Daily instruction and guidance in painting, sketching, journaling.
• Art history on site everywhere we go…
• Morning yoga
• Guided tasting award-winning wines and olive oils
• A guided tour of the magnificent town of Siena.
• A soak in the ancient-Roman spa pool of Bagno Vignoni
• Painting, walking, swimming, shopping… fun!
• 7 nights accommodation on a historic, four-star villa estate (see "Frequently Asked Questions" for more detail regarding lodging and transportation. Single-room upgrades are available for an additional charge)
• All dinners, 3 lunches and daily breakfasts. We will be out for four lunches which will be on your own, though we usually eat together!

Price does not include airfare, art materials or airport transfers

Come for joyful art-making, gentle yoga, for beauty, medieval villages, the ancient spa, the food, the wine, the delightful company, the magnificent abbeys, the magical landscape, the Renaissance masterpieces, in short-- the unequalled atmosphere of Tuscany… And return with a map of your own imagination, a bundle of paintings, new insight into your heart’s desire, and an experience to treasure!

How do I sign up?
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. This deposit must be paid by cash/check if possible. Balance is due 90 days prior to camp. The trip is limited to 7 women so sign up early. We’ll send you a profile, schedule of events and activities and local phone numbers after signing up.

Prices do NOT include airfare to Italy
Please send information and make checks payable to:

Women's Quest
2525 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite E-4 #181
Boulder, C0 80302
colleen@womensquest.com
(303) 545-9295

Credit cards are accepted, see www.womensquest.com for details.

Reservation and cancellation policy:
There is a $500 non-refundable deposit due at the time of registration. Balance due 90 days prior to camp. Your camp fee is nonrefundable within 90 days of the camp. Please note that injury or illness does not disqualify you from the cancellation policy and we are unable to transfer deposits and/or payments from one year to the next so we highly recommend trip insurance which you can obtain through your travel agent for a nominal cost. You must sign a liability release form to participate in camp, and payment does not include airfare, bike rental or airport transfer.

"There is no end, believe me, to the happiness your body is willing to bear."
--Mary Oliver