Dave Santillanes Workshop – Tuscany, Italy 2027
Tuscan Villa, Certaldo, Sept 27 – Oct 5, 2027
You are invited to join us for a 9-day workshop with Dave Santillanes, one of today’s most accomplished plein-air artists. Dave returns after two highly successful and sold-out workshops with rave reviews in Provence 2023 and south west France in 2025. Due to the demand, we invited Dave back to lead another extraordinary plein air workshop. This time, in a gorgeous location in Tuscany, Italy.
The program offers a perfect combination of learning and cultural immersion in Tuscany. This is a rare opportunity to learn from Dave as he demos, makes paintings, helps you, explains the methods in a relaxed setting, and shares informative critiques.
Dave is passionate about helping you. His attention and guidance throughout the workshop will give you useful experience in painting en plein air.
This trip allows guests to follow in the footsteps of many artists who have painted in the Italy and chased its legendary light and color.
Our workshops are well-known for the camaraderie that comes from living and painting together in a supportive environment where you can paint as much as you want! We arrange for several side trips that include visiting a market, exploring hilltop villages and enjoying a wine-tasting in a local vineyard. This makes the experience ideal for those who want to bring their non-painting partners. Come to paint in Italy where you can follow the tradition of artists who travel to live and paint together. The experience will enrich and inspire your art for years to come!
Are you ready to pack your brushes?
“What a fabulous week of painting and learning! Dave is an excellent teacher. I’m so glad we were able to connect in person. You are an amazing leader, personality, and artist!”
– Debbie S.
About Dave Santillanes: A Passion for Plein Air Painting
Dave has a well-deserved following of devoted students because of his extraordinary ability to impart his vision and teach painting in an insightful and accessible manner.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of artists from beginners to professionals who work in oil, acrylic, and even pastels. However, Dave believes that some experience with drawing and painting would be very helpful. Even the most experienced of artists have benefited from attending Dave’s workshops. He teaches a new way of seeing color and explores his ideas about Color Relationship Foundations. Dave will also focus on how to use this color information to create atmosphere in painting and how to create more depth in our work. This is not only important in landscape painting but will also have a great impact on still lifes and figure painting.
Dave has trained in, and mastered the art of plein air painting and he shares his insight to make more dynamic, captivating compositions. He says:
“In terms of composition, I look for simplicity. I’ve found that there are many opportunities to simplify a scene without compromising its sense of ‘place’. And because I’ve departed from a literal interpretation, I’m free to rearrange elements to fit this concept. In this way, I am able to describe the scene in my own “words.”
He doesn’t just enjoy plein air painting, he considers it a vital and spiritual part of his painting process.
The workshop is designed so that you leave with paintings, more confidence, and inspiration that will continue to motivate you to paint.
Welcome to our community of artists!
This Workshop Includes:
- 9-Days of learning with Dave Santillanes.
- Ongoing demos, discussions and evenings with the instructor.
- All Inclusive: Tuition, fine food, wine, château accommodation and ground transportation. We eat out an own expense – one/two lunches and one dinner are scheduled. Airfare not included.
- Paint, sketch and enjoy the good life in idyllic surroundings.
- Daily painting locations: Private vineyards, charming villages, markets (more painting and excursion locations varied upon location of the workshop).
- Balanced itinerary of painting, exploring and relaxation for artists of all media – all levels!
- Travel, live, learn and paint side-by-side with Dave and fellow artists.
- Plenty to do for non-painting partners! A limited number of non-painting partners accepted. Discount available for non-painting companions
- Airport shuttle included on arrival and departure day.
Dave Santillanes Workshop Tuscany, Italy
