Italy Retreat - Spring 2023

Dear friends,

Have you been longing for a creative adventure?

I’m so excited to invite you to Italy, a magical country rich with a unique history of art and culture, beautiful nature, and culinary delights!

Situated in the central-northern region of Italy on at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, Bologna has become my home since almost twenty years now.

In this place of exquisite beauty and magic, I instantly fell in love with its ancient culture, dramatic landscapes, beautiful language, and delicious food.

Italy is a place of endless inspiration for creativity with its historical architecture, vivid colors, ancient culture, and many myths and legends…

As you stroll down medieval cobble stoned streets, and wander around discovering beautiful sculptures and treasures, you discover the intimate essence of this magical country.

In this 9 days and 8 nights, all-inclusive retreat, we will experience a full immersion of the senses!

We will have plenty of time creating beautiful and soulful art, exploring the historical cities of Venice and Bologna, as well as spending restorative time immersed in nature.

Are you ready to join me for a life-changing, Italian adventure?

“I have loved and admired katrina’s beautiful, soft watercolors and faces from afar for so long, and when the opportunity arose to join her retreat I was in heaven. She is gorgeous and so caring and giving in her classes. There were many different skill levels and desires and she could please and help everyone. She has a soft delicate way of teaching and I came away from my classes so happy with the many new skills that I had learnt, but also with a beautiful new friend.” – Annette S.

dates: May 29 – june 06, 2023

sold out

Spots available in my Italy Autumn 2023 retreat

(Nine days, eight nights – All Inclusive)

price option 1:

euro 3,350 (approx usd 3,230 with today’s rate) for a shared bedroom with loft, & bathroom (price per occupant)

price option 2:

Euro 3,850 (approx USD 3,710 with today’s rate) for a private bedroom with double bed & private bathroom

Accompanying Spouses/partners not participating in art classes are welcome to join when reserving option 2.

Additional cost per partner Euro 1,500 – (includes full room & board, plus all excursions)

A 500 Euro Non refundable deposit will secure your spot

Your time with Katrina:

Your creative week will be a delightful mix of studio time, fun excursions, cultural experiences with plenty of free time to relax and regenerate.

Katrina will guide you through many projects ranging from portraits, story art, and sketching on location, all inspired by Italian culture, myths, and legends.

For our inspiration we will take nature walks in the surrounding area with characteristic rolling hills with vineyards and forest trails.

We will wander the colorful winding streets of Bologna and Venice and view some of the most beautiful architects, sculptures and artifacts.

As we visit the town I will take you to my favorite hand made paper store, and little art shops packed with goodies,

”What a joyful experience to be with Katrina in person! Her talent, patience, and gentle presence enabled me to make art that I never imagined possible. To watch her demonstrations turn into her beautiful signature art was magical. I’m so grateful!” – Kim T.

YOUR HOME FOR THE RETREAT

Fattoria Quercia agriturismo

Fattoria Quercia is a beautifully rustic and charming family-run farmhouse immersed in nature.

Situated amidst the beautiful hills, medieval castles, and vineyards near Bologna, it is rich with ancient history and culture.

Completely immersed in nature, with a peaceful and restorative atmosphere, our delightful hosts Francesca and Andrea welcome us with their special Italian hospitality.

The breathtaking view of the valley, vineyards, and forest leave many opportunities for hiking and long restoring walks in the nature.

On warm days we can take a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool as we enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the property.

This organic farm grows it’s own vegetables, fruits, and wine from it’s surrounding vineyards and orchids, and produces it’s own meat and eggs, and grain.

You will be able to enjoy delicious authentic and healthy Italian home cooked meals in a beautiful hall with a view overlooking the hillside.

Fattoria Quercia makes their own handmade pasta, bread, marmalades, and deserts, all produced directly from the farm.

our time creating together

For our creative time we will paint in the beautiful botanical garden (weather permitting) as we enjoy all the spring blooms and beautiful sunshine.

We also have a large hall indoors were we can paint on rainy days, relax on the sofas in the evenings and enjoy a cozy cup of tea (or wine) in-front of the fireplace.

“Having never experienced a retreat before I was nervous on what to expect but in reality I had no reason to be. Katrina was a patient wonderful teacher who helped instill confidence in myself in both my art (inner critic squashed) and my self confidence to step outside the box and try new things, both in art and life. I traveled a long way from New Zealand and feel so privileged to have been able to meet Katrina, who is a wonderful kindhearted soul, to watch her make beautiful art and learn her wonderful techniques. She is truly an inspiration who I know loved to help us all on our creative journeys. If I ever have the chance to join her again I would and for any other lucky students who can join Katrina in future retreats, you will not regret it, it is truly an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget. “ Louise B.

dates: May 29 – June 06, 2023