Peaceful landscape, fresh air, comfortable accommodation, good food and nice chats… John is passionate in giving us guidance on painting, and letting us see for ourselves the wonderful scenery around. This is more than a painting thing, but a real relaxing retreat… I have no reservation in recommending this to anyone. More

We joined John’s landscape course in May as a start to a longer stay nearby in Le Marches and what a start it was. The painting experience was just what we wanted, there was only three other painters so we got good exposure to John’s help and guidance. John’s style and good humour ensures that our painting time using a... More

Arrived after a long drive and made truly welcome immediately, The owners, John and Jana have worked hard to get location right and it shows..... The Views are astonishing any time of day and the atmosphere is magical.... The food made by Jana is fantastic and caters for all types, accommodation is rustically beautiful... The painting activities cater for all... More

I tooke the landscape painting class in May with 4 others. I was by far the most inexperienced of the painters, but John encouraged me to do more than I thought I could. He was positive and helpful and has a wonderful manner of teaching. The scenery was spectacular and the visits to hill towns and to Ascoli were wonderful.... More

When we found the webiste for The Retreat we were impressed but a little doubtful...it seemed to good to be true. What we found during our week there was that it was better than we had expected. John and Jana were considerate, thoughtful and caring hosts. The accomodations were clean and comfortable; the food was great and lovingly prepared, the... More

It worthed all the travelling time to get to the Retreat. John is a patient and attentive teacher and always flexible to include different type of painting medium and ideas. I have to thank John for his advise on my plan to enhance my experience in painting. The landscape and hill towns in the area are perfect for painting not... More

John and Jana have created a haven for aspiring artists seeking the perfect country setting, healthy but mouth-watering food, excellent tuition, and seriously good company. Not to mention the local wine! This truly beautiful part of Italy is possibly one of it's best kept secrets, as yet relatively undiscovered by tourists. Both John and Jana go the extra mile for... More

We went to The Retreat for a special birthday. Everything about the experience exceeded our expectations. The location is absolutely beautiful and so inviting to the artist in you. John's art instruction is outstanding, the small class sizes allow him to give individualized instruction and you will come out a better artist. As hosts, John and Jana (and Lily and... More

Last month, April 2011, I spent 9 wonderful days in the breathtaking mountains of Force (le marche), Italy at The Retreat. - a landscape artist's heaven! I took the course in life drawing and can honestly say, after many art courses, I walked away from there with the best instruction that I've ever had. John is a fantastic teacher and,... More