Reviews

The Retreat is truly an inspiring place to be. Immediately, you are confronted by a tremendous panoramic view which sweeps from the snow-capped Sibillini Mountains on the left across a large selection of charming hill topped villages through to the glittering Adriatic on the right. Marvellous. It is most definitely a unique and very beautiful place to be. The food is excellent, the company stimulating and Le Marche retains something of the undiscovered and unexplored – and there is plenty to discover and explore. Certainly, there are few tourists and a wide variety of interesting and charming Italian cultural experiences to be had. A number of delightful towns and villages are within easy reach and offer a range of both unforgettable experience as well as subject matter for artists of all abilities. John is an excellent and inspirational painting and drawing tutor, so leave space in your luggage to enable you to carry your work home! You’ll love it – highly recommended!

M.Chatfield
Teeside University 2009

Both John and Jana have created a very lovely and peaceful environment for learning. You'retotally cared for and nothing is too much trouble. Tuition from John is just great and I believe I learnt a huge amount in 4 days of life drawing and came home very 'va va voomed'!
Would thoroughly recommend this for a complete beginner or a passionate amateur
or a true professional - the tuition works at all levels. It's inspired me to carry on at my amateur level. Will look forward to a return visit at some time in the future.

J. Watson
London 2010

Spent a week landscape painting with John and 3 others. The instructions was great and the class was light hearted and good fun. Although we all came away with art that surprised us all. John and Jana are great hosts and the accomodation/setting could not be better. Loved the food and relaxing atmosphere. Returning in September for a life drawing class and I can't wait. Highly recommended.

M. Wild
Bath 2010

The Retreat is an ideal place if you want to have a painting holiday in Italy.The views are absolutely amazing and inspire you to paint at all times.The hosts, John and Jana, are very friendly and helpful, on top of that Jana is the best cook in the world. You will certainly be spoilt by them.
Wonderful trips to different locations to paint.And at night time ,after a delicious dinner the magic starts with millions of fireflies glowing in the dark.

C.Carey
London 2010

John and Jana,
Thank you so much for a wonderful week in the beautiful region of Le marche. I enjoyed my stay with you immensely and it has definitely inspired me to explore my creative cravings and hopefully, with practice, discover a medium that I can become competent in.
John, it was amazing to be in the company of such accomplished artists without feeling intimidated. Your
encouragement and tutorage was fantastic and you relaxed, yet informative approach created the perfect balance in the perfect surroundings.
Jana, you are a fabulous chef/host/mum! I was so grateful to you for catering for my current condition...

...I would have no hesitation in highly recommending your courses and tremendous hospitality. Thank you for a great week that I shall never forget.

With best wishes,
Natalie B. 2009

The landscape of the Marche distils uniquely centuries of harmony between man and nature. Small hill towns, fertile valleys patterned with olive trees, vines, fields of grain, wooded foothills and backing every vista the Monti Sibillini, snow-capped for much of the year. For the painter, working in this landscape is a priceless indulgence.

Chris Owens
former English teacher, who now paints full-time and
spends half the year in Le Marche.