Hello - and a warm welcome to Tuscany in the Frame

I'm Raffaele Nobile, brought up in Naples, Sicily and the UK. I have lived for the last 12 years in Tuscany, now firmly rooted at Villa Nobile, close to the wonderful etruscan hill top town of Cortona.
As a keen painter myself, I am also passionate about Italy and all its beauties, I founded the company six years ago, in order to offer the best possible art holiday experience, drawing on my knowledge of the chosen local areas, their best painting locations, hidden secrets, friendly hotels and of course the joys of the local cuisine and wines.
We specialise in relaxed but stimulating fun holidays spent with like-minded people, combined with the highest quality tuition from top professional artists, teachers and historians, all set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful locations in the whole of Italy.

We offer 7, 10 & 14 day workshops , catering for all levels of ability, including complete beginners who will be given patient help and encouragement from our team of friendly tutors. We supply all the equipment you will need – easels chairs boards, parasols etc. All you need to bring are you own personal brushes, pencils, pastels, sketchbooks etc, and any paints if you wish.
Our workshops are carefully planned for small intimate groups of up to 12, to enable our tutors to give maximum individual attention, and focus on the talents and requirements of each person; all of this is combined with demonstrations and time for discussion, helping you to develop and progress. Our courses cover a variety of interesting techniques in oils, watercolours and mixed media, and we focus on the essentials of composition, perspective and of course the subtleties and secrets of light, tone and colour, with which Italy is so blessed.

Non-painting partners will be welcomed to enjoy our wonderful settings, excellent meals, wines and excursions such as thermal baths, important historic sights and wine tasting – you can learn some Italian cooking, or even book a private massage at the villa – or you can simply relax and enjoy our surroundings and the pool.
Accommodation for our Tuscany courses will be at the beautiful Villa Nobile , which includes six spacious private apartments, sympathetically restored using traditional materials combined with all the advantages of modern kitchen and bathroom fittings. The villa has stunning views over the surrounding countryside, and within its large gardens you will find inspirational painting locations, a fully equipped studio, as well as a wonderful pool and relaxing area.

As a company we strive to improve by adding and diversifying whilst maintaining a high standard with excellent value for money; I lead each group, and will be on hand to ensure that every part of your holiday is exactly as you would wish it to be, and more. I hope to welcome you to Italy some time soon – a presto!

Raffaele