Laurin McCracken
I am a realist watercolorist whose work is largely influenced by the Dutch and Flemish Still Life painters of the 16th and 17th Centuries.
My goal is to record the world around me with a high level of detail. This is not a painting style that is typically associated with the medium of watercolor. Look closely at one of my painting and you will not only see the objects in the paintings, but you will also see reflections of other objects within the very objects I paint.
Born in Meridian, Mississippi, he attended Auburn University and holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Architecture from Rice University and a Masters in Architecture and Urban Planning from Princeton University.
McCracken is an award-winning artist whose paintings have been exhibited in juried shows around the world including the Philadelphia Watercolor Society, Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society, Pittsburgh Watercolor Society and the Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors, California Watercolor Society, Watercolor West, Southern Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society and the American Watercolor Society.
The workshop is in collaboration with Anna Massinissa, art curator, manager and founder of the world famous festival “Fabriano in Acquerello”!
$4,199 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
$250 discount for “non painters”
11-17 November 2024
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Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Dates and pricing
Private transfer to and from Rome Termini train station (*see time stipulations)
6-night accommodation at “Villa Marchese del Grillo”, breakfast included
The rooms included are the standard ones and the Junior Suites.
With a little extra fee, you can live the Italian dream by upgrading your room to the frescoed Suites or the Marchese Suite: check out the link to our amazing Villa https://www.marchesedelgrillo.com/en/ and contact us for more information
6 dinners - 5 lunches, beverages included
Welcome aperitif with Laurin, Anna and Piero
Exclusive week-long class with Laurin McCracken
Visit to Museo della Carta and the Pinacoteca
Art exhibit of your personal work for the entire week of the workshop with Anna Massinissa
Private trip to Urbino + entrance Palazzo Ducale and Raphael’s childhood home
(only on reservation) private guided tour of Palazzo Ducale and Raphael’s house in english, 2 hrs
Private paper making workshop with master Sandro Tiberi
Visit and wine tasting at winery CasalFarneto
All activities for “NON PAINTERS” included in the itinerary!
Week-long private guide with Certified International Sommelier, Piero
what’s included
Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrival (*Rome FCO is the recommended airport). In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Le Marche as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at Rome Termini train station (*see time stipulations) and escort you to the Villa in Fabriano with a private bus.
- Take time to settle in, unpack and explore before we all meet up.
- Laurin, and our host and native Marchigiano, Piero Pagliardini, together with Anna Massinissa will welcome you over drinks and give you an overview of the week to come. We will install and inaugurate all together the Art Exhibition with your art work at the “Oratorio del Gonfalone”, so get everything prepared and be ready to become famous! Anna Massinissa is the curator of this art exibition
- Then pizza time! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria called “Trattoria Marchigiana”, which is also an interesting historical building. End the night with a stroll, a nightcap, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the Villa, followed by our first full studio day painting class with Laurin. 9 -12 pm
- Break for a light lunch in the villa (aka in Italy – two courses only).
- After lunch, time to relax, followed by an afternoon studio class with Laurin. 1:30 - 4 pm
- Then, we will explore Fabriano, with the opportunity to visit the Museo della Carta and the “Pinacoteca” and other historical sites. Learn about Fabriano’s traditions, spanning over centuries.
- NON PAINTERS will have the opportunity to discover Fabriano and the nearby towns, rich in history, culinary traditions and beautiful churches. Scenic drive to see nearby villages, abbeys and castles, and then time to sit with the locals for an espresso and gelato. With Piero you will never get bored!
Day 3
- Breakfast at the Villa, followed by a full studio day: class with Laurin 9:00 – 12:00pm and 1:30 – 4:00pm, with a break for lunch.
- In the afternoon, activity for all the group with a paper making workshop. Fabriano is the most important paper production centre of Europe. We will learn directly from the master Sandro Tiberi .
- NON PAINTERS will leave for a breathtaking visit to the famous “Grotte di Frasassi”! Return in the afternoon for some relax and the paper making workshop.
- Dinner time at our favourite restaurant!
Day 4
- Morning excursion to Urbino, Raphael’s childhood home where we kick off our adventure! In a loose yet structured manner, we'll wander the main squares and winding medieval pathways. You will be immersed in local color, texture, and flavors (while eating everything in sight) as well as examining architectural motifs, contemporary art, and design, all the while collecting ideas that will inspire your art.
- Lunch at our favorite restaurant “Trattoria Il Leone” whose chef and owner is also a great painter!
- Return to Fabriano, relax time and regroup for dinner at the Villa.
Day 5
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy your breakfast at the Villa, followed by studio class with Laurin 9 - 12pm
- Break for lunch followed by studio class in the afternoon to refine your painting. 1:30 - 3pm
- NON PAINTERS in the morning will enjoy a TRUFFLE HUNT with a professional local guide. Our seasoned truffle hunter, along with his dog, will lead us on a summer walk through the forest in search of truffles. If hiking isn’t your thing, spend the morning shopping, relaxing in a café and exploring local treasures in the village.
- Activity for the whole group in the afternoon: Wine tasting in Cupramontana, lead by Piero, who is also a certified sommelier. At CasalFarneto, you’ll have the opportunity to taste local wines like Verdicchio, Pecorino, Lacrima di Morro D’Alba, Rosso Piceno, and enjoy a special dinner there.
Day 6
- Breakfast at the Villa, followed by a FULL STUDIO DAY!
9 - 12pm. Break for lunch at the hotel restaurant, then back to class. 1:30 -4pm. Last day of class with Laurin! We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared.
- NON PAINTERS will do a day trip to the Adriatic coast: excursion on the coast with boat ride and grilled fish for everyone!
- In the afternoon, time to pack at the hotel.
- Meet in the evening for a farewell dinner where we will raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Le Marche. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
Day 7
- Departures in the morning for Rome at 10:00 am
Time Stipulations
- Pick-ups between 10:30 -12:30 am at Rome Termini train station.
- Departures at Rome Termini train station will be offered from 1:00 p.m. onward. In order to arrive for your flight with ample time, we recommend scheduling departing flights after 5:00 p.m.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.
- We recommend booking a night or two in Rome at the end/beginning of your trip to explore this beautiful city and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. Please contact us for recommendations.