Plein Air Painting Course in Florence
Course Objective
Offer participants an immersive outdoor artistic experience, developing their observation, composition, and painting skills while exploring Florence's iconic urban and natural landscapes.
Suggested Duration
5 days (adaptable to 3 or 7 days)
Iconic Locations
Piazzale Michelangelo: panoramic views to work on perspective and light.
Ponte Vecchio and Arno riverbanks: reflections and classical architecture.
Boboli Gardens: greenery, sculptures, and a Renaissance atmosphere.
Piazza della Signoria: study of human figures and architectural elements.
Hidden streets and courtyards: everyday life scenes and intimate corners.
What People Say
"I had never painted before, but something drew me to Juano’s plein air session by the Arno. He made me feel completely at ease, guiding me step by step while letting me explore. By the end of the class, I had created something I was proud of — and I’ll never forget the feeling of painting under the Tuscan sun. Juano’s passion is contagious, and his way of teaching is both inspiring and approachable."
"As a self-taught illustrator, I was looking to improve my use of color and composition. Juano’s classes in the streets of Florence gave me exactly that: clear teaching, adapted to my level, and in an incredibly inspiring setting. He helped me break through technical blocks and see the city through a painter’s eyes. Highly recommended."
"Tomar clases de pintura al aire libre con Juano fue una de las experiencias más enriquecedoras de mi viaje por Italia. Pintar rodeada de historia, con la guía de alguien tan apasionado por el arte y la ciudad, hizo que cada sesión fuera única."
Daily Structure
9:30 – Meet & transfer to the day’s location
– Introductory talk on the day's theme and technical focus (color, light, atmosphere).
– Material setup and site orientation.
10:00 – First painting session (composition & light)
– Quick instructor demo.
– One-on-one guidance during painting.
13:00 – Group lunch (picnic or local café)
– Time for casual exchange and community building.
14:00 – Second painting session (details & finishing touches)
– Focus on refinement and visual coherence.
– Group feedback and informal sharing.
17:00 – End of day wrap-up
– Reflections, artwork exchange, and prep for the next day.
Suggested Materials
Portable pochade box
Oil or acrylic paints
Brushes, palette knives, cloths, mixing palette
Canvas or oil/acrylic paper
Hat, sunscreen, water bottle
Sketchbook for notes and thumbnails
Target Audience
Beginner to advanced artists interested in outdoor painting and looking to connect with Florence’s artistic environment.
Optional Add-ons
Guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery for artistic inspiration.
Local wine tasting or final dinner with informal exhibition.
Certificate of participation.