Nature Journaling with John Muir Laws

Join John Muir Laws for this Nature Journaling Adventure

We are so excited to share a week of nature and cultural exploration in Tuscany with you. Learn how to become more confident when painting on location. Learn how to create sketches with minimal materials – Be guided by me step-by-step by following demos. Have plenty of time to ask questions and receive one-on-one feedback. Go on excursions to beautiful places to explore and sketch. Discover charming towns full of history and character. Enjoy local cuisine lovingly prepared at Hortulanus. Together we will experience true Italian culture and connect with other nature jouranlers and artists who share your passion for wonder and creativity.

Cost

Just about everything is included in this price: airport pick-ups and drop-offs, transportation for the excursions, etc., breakfast lunch and dinner, accommodation, and tuition by John Muir Laws! Not included are your flights to Rome or travel insurance.

All cancellations are to be done within forty-eight hours from the time the deposit is made to get a full reimbursement.

• Private single bedroom at Hortulanus – €4,550 ($4777.64) per person

• Double occupancy at Hortulanus – €4100 ($4305.12) per person

• Private single room at a nearby hotel – €4100 ($4305.12) per person

Besides drawing, you’ll also explore the area

1. On-site, visit olive groves: Hortulanus has thirteen hectares of Olivastra Seggianese (Seggianese olive trees), designing an extraordinary landscape context. They are centuries-old olive trees rich in history and that give a unique and rare oil. The Olivastra Seggianese is a plant resistant to low winter temperatures that has been able to survive the foothills of Mount Amiata, an ancient extinct volcano, at a height between 300 and 650 m.s.l.m. The plants are large, with imposing foliage, characterized by high vegetative vigor, still grown in the traditional way, with small olives and big stones, but characterized by a high oil yield.

2. Walk to Seggiano: (option to drive for people with limited mobility) and explore the town 

   1. San Bartolomeo Church: Dating back to the 13th century, this church houses a nave and two aisles, featuring a 14th-century altarpiece attributed to Bulgarini and frescoes from the 16th century. 

   2. Sanctuary of the Madonna della Carità: A Renaissance church located at the village's base, known for its Baroque façade and distinctive brick dome. Inside, visitors can find a fresco of the Annunciation above the portal and several altars. 

3. Spoerri Garden: The Spoerri Garden, located in Seggiano, Tuscany, is a captivating blend of art, nature, and culture. Officially known as "Il Giardino di Daniel Spoerri", this open-air museum was created by Swiss artist Daniel Spoerri in 1991. Nestled on the rolling hills of southern Tuscany, the garden covers over 16 hectares and features an impressive collection of over 100 sculptures and installations crafted by Spoerri and other international artists. Each piece is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, allowing visitors to experience a seamless dialogue between art and nature. The artworks vary widely in style and material, ranging from whimsical and surreal sculptures to thought-provoking contemporary pieces. This diversity reflects Spoerri's innovative spirit and his desire to create a space where art could be experienced in harmony with the natural world.

4. La Peschiera Park in Santa Fiora: La Peschiera Park in Santa Fiora, Tuscany, is a serene and picturesque retreat steeped in natural beauty and historical charm. Located in the heart of the Amiata region, this tranquil park is centered around a series of freshwater pools fed by the Fiora River, which has been vital to the town's history and daily life for centuries. The park’s name, "Peschiera," refers to the ancient fishponds that were originally constructed as part of the Aldobrandeschi family's medieval estate. These ponds were not only used to cultivate fish but also served as a water source for the community. Today, the crystal-clear pools remain a defining feature of the park, reflecting the surrounding greenery and the architectural elements that hint at its historical significance.

5. Monte Amiata Summit, Bagni San Filippo: Monte Amiata is a dormant volcano and the highest peak in southern Tuscany, rising to an elevation of 1,738 meters. Known for its lush forests, it’s a haven for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and winter sports lovers. The summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, including the Val d'Orcia, Maremma, and the Tyrrhenian coast. At the base of Monte Amiata lies Bagni San Filippo, a picturesque village famous for its hot springs and unique limestone formations. The thermal waters here are rich in minerals, believed to have therapeutic properties, and have been attracting visitors for centuries.

About John Muir Laws

John Muir Laws is a principal leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement. He is a naturalist, artist, and educator who has dedicated his work to connecting people to nature through art and science. From an early age, his parents instilled in him a deep love and respect for nature. Over the years, that love has grown into a commitment to stewardship and a passion to share the delight of exploring nature with others.  As a scientist and artist, Laws has developed interdisciplinary programs that train students to observe with rigor and joy and refine techniques to become intentionally curious. He is the founder and president of the Wild Wonder Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging nature connection and conservation through attention, curiosity, art, science, and community.