Sketching From Life in Italy

About Marius

Originally trained as an architect, Marius is an ink and watercolor artist who has been sketching all over the world for over three years. After a long period of sketching the entire East coast of Australia, he traveled back to his home in the south of France by crossing all of Asia and Europe overland across more than 40,000km, capturing each place directly on-location with his paint and some sketchbooks. 

Along the way, his instructional videos and courses on urban sketching have amassed a following of over 300,000 people. Whether capturing a busy street corner, a quaint little village or a sweeping landscape, Marius likes to break down every scene into simple, approachable steps so that anyone, at any level, can learn to see and paint the world around them.

The Course

During this 6-day course, you’ll immerse yourself in creative and cultural experiences: sketching excursions in the countryside, studio sessions in the workshop, and shared moments like wine tasting and/or pizza making.

Hortulanus sits on 20 peaceful hectares and has been beautifully restored in harmony with nature. The property features beautiful landscapes, gardens, an infinity pool, a hot tub, cozy accommodations, a wine-tasting room, and an artist studio in the converted limonaia. You’ll have plenty of time and space to explore. Meals will showcase local cuisine, enjoyed together around a large communal table to encourage connection.

Group sizes are intimate, with a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention for everyone. Six guests will stay at Hortulanus, while four will be accommodated at a nearby B&Bs. You can choose your preference when booking. Local transportation is provided, and all meals will be shared as a group, no matter where you stay.

What you can expect from the course

• Build confidence sketching on location, in real time and real light

• Learn to create expressive sketches with minimal, travel-friendly materials

• Follow step-by-step demos by Marius, tailored to outdoor and on-site sketching

• Get plenty of time to ask questions and receive one-on-one feedback

• Demystify perspective: understand different types and use them without fear

• Work with a limited palette to keep your sketches harmonious and cohesive

• Go on guided excursions to beautiful places designed for sketching

• Explore Seggiano, full of its own history, 

texture, and character

• Enjoy local cuisine lovingly prepared at Hortulanus

• Experience true Italian culture and connect 

with other artists who share your passion for 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 Marius Collin. 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 – €3,900 per person

• Double occupancy at Hortulanus – €3,400 per person

• Private single room at a nearby hotel – €3,400 per person

We hope to hear from you soon!