Villa San Rocco Artists' Retreat

Inspire Photographers and Artists in Tuscany, Italy

In a beautiful setting tucked away in northern Tuscany art and photography hobbyists, enthusiasts and professionals will join for the Villa San Rocco Artists' Retreat. Nestled in Tuscany's Apennine Mountains the charming fully restored 17th century villa would make any Instagrammer jealous with views that are nothing less than inspirational. This August and September the villa will host photographers and artists embarking on an eight-day retreat with multi award winning photographers Shireen and Robert Hammond and Artist Angela Abbott who will teach a range of skills.

Shireen and Robert bring to the table over 32 years of combined experience. They have planned a series of master classes on how to use light, exploring composition, effective direction, retouching and more. Photographers will learn some of the many tips, tricks and techniques Shireen and Robert have discovered over the years. Angela Abbott will lead the Artists' Retreat and has a long list of accomplishments including accolades and prizes. She is represented by galleries in Melbourne and Sydney and has held many solo exhibitions since 1974. In addition, she holds memberships with prestigious art groups and societies including Twenty Melbourne Painters. Having studied drawing under Ian Armstrong at the National Gallery of Victoria and oil painting under Shirley Bourne OAM she will bring a wealth of knowledge to participants.

With limited spaces available (up to 12 students), the retreats provide an intimate experience for those attending.

Participants will enjoy individual teaching and have time out to discover the surrounding village and countryside with vistas perfect for capturing on camera or canvas. Participants of the retreats will have exclusive use of the private Villa San Rocco where they will enjoy focused time with the facilitators. Set in a mountain village high above Bagni di Lucca participants will also be able to take time out to relax and explore between classes. Given Italy is considered to be a foodie haven, retreat attendees will no doubt immerse themselves in the Italian culture, great food, coffee and wine.

Free days will allow for shopping opportunities at markets and boutique stores. The photography retreat will also include a day shoot in the picturesque ancient walled city of Lucca, which is full of splendour and energy with the lively piazzas, churches, palazzo and grand architectural styles.

Villa San Rocco Artists' Retreats are the brainchild of Sana Kojicin who is an experienced arts administrator and spent many years running arts and cultural events at the famous Montsalvat a hub for creative minds to converge. It should come as no surprise that Kojicin has taken this experience and created another hub for photographers and artists to meet and explore their creativity. Italy, with its' beautiful vistas and home of greats such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Boticelli and Caravaggio, would seem the perfect home for such a venture.

The Villa San Rocco Photography Retreat runs from August 28 to September 4 and the Artists' Retreat runs from 18 to 29 September. The retreats cost $5,700 which includes seven night's accommodation and are perfect for people who are passionate about photography or art and want to hone their skills whilst getting away from it all. Sigmund Jorgensen OAM, founding family member and CEO of Montsalvat for more than three decades is Patron of Villa San Rocco Artists' Retreats.

For booking and further details, visit vsartistsretreat.com.au