Ari De Goes
Ari de Goes is an Italo-Brazilian artist born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1973, currently living in Emilia Romagna, Italy. With a background in advertising, he has worked in art and creativity since 1987. He began his professional journey with watercolor techniques at the age of 14 as an illustrator for communication companies, illustrating for campaigns and editorials. Since 2008, he has been developing his personal work in Contemporary Landscape. In the same year, he became an independent teacher of Art and Creativity, creating his own teaching method, based on his professional experience, with the aim of guiding the individual artistic process. He has exhibited his work in numerous solo exhibitions in the southern region of Brazil and has participated as a special guest in plein air painting events in Latin America and Europe. He serves as a judge in contests and exhibitions for Brazilian and American associations, curates group and solo exhibitions, and has received various awards in the fields of art and creativity.
As a plein air painter, his work focuses on semi-abstract and minimalist representations of the landscapes around him, creating paintings with an air of deep contemplation and serenity.
He strongly believes in the power of art as a path to self-knowledge and, through the use of light brushstrokes, transparent techniques, simplification, and contrasting colors, he creates works that transform mere landscapes into something much deeper. At the heart of all his pieces is a subtle lightness, which becomes even more powerful when combined with the use of contrasts. By allowing the viewer to interact with his pieces, he hopes to inspire the same contemplative and serene feelings that he himself experiences. As Ari de Goes continues to create, he remains mindful of the subtle yet captivating power of art, and this is clearly reflected in all the works he produces.
Workshop description
During this Painting Retreat, I will show you how I interpret a Landscape in watercolor.
And to be able to interpret a scene, I'm going to teach you some simple rules of synthesis, composition and contrasts.
I will give technical content and practical PleinAir demonstrations on amazing Italian locations and assist the participants, clearing all doubts and making observations in the works individually.
This workshop will give you ways to interpret with your eyes and be able to transform any reference into a beautiful watercolor, personalized and with your own language. It will be a pleasure to be with you during these days!
$4,199 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
3-9 November 2025
Dates and pricing
BONUS COMPANION PACKAGE:
Non-artist discount of $200. Piero will be your guide as you explore opportunities to see surrounding historical villages, horseback ride, golf, visit a Roman archaeological site, visit nearby festivals, visit the Church of the Dead, take a bell tower tour, discover sunflower fields or just drink with the locals!
EARLY SIGN IN discount of $200
Book Now to save your spot!
*Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Private transportation to and from Bologna BLQ airport to Urbania (please check our time stipulation on day 7)
6 night accommodation with breakfast at the charming B&B www.ilparcoducale.it all bedrooms ensuite (NO supplement for single)
5 Lunches and 6 Dinners with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome Aperitivo
Stunning studio
Private trip to Urbino
Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home
Private trip to San Marino, a historic microstate in Italy famed for its medieval charm
Private cooking class at Mulino della Ricavata, a 12th century mill
Private transportation on all excursions
Entrance to the “Church of the Dead”
Exclusive week-long class with Ari De Goes, 18 hours workshop guaranteed + plein air sessions
Activities for non-painters as listed in the itinerary
Week-long private guide and international sommelier Piero
what’s included
itinerary
Day 1
-Arrival (*Bologna BLQ 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 the airport (*see time stipulations) and escort you to the B&B. https://www.ilparcoducale.it/
-Take time to settle in, unpack and explore before we all meet up. Your accommodation is within walking distance of shops, markets, restaurants, and village life unspoiled by time.
-Ari, and our host and native Marchigiano, Piero Pagliardini, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the week to come. Then pizza time! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria. 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 B&B, followed by a morning workshop with Ari! Walk next door to your private studio in the Duke of Urbino’s summer palace, a historical landmark and your creative hub for the week. 9-12 noon
Non-painters explore village life and nearby towns visit to Domus of Myth. Archeological site with amazing mosaics. With Piero you will never get bored.
-Break for a light meal at the studio
-Afternoon plein air session with Ari, 2-4 p.m.
*plein air locations are carefully selected to be near basic amenities such as public restrooms and establishments to buy water.
-Time to relax and then meet back up for a group dinner at “Da Doddo” one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 3
-Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your B&B.
-Morning studio time with Ari, 9-12 noon.
Non-painters will venture out for a morning truffle hunt with Piero. We will meet Andrea, local truffle hunter, and his best friend Pialla, his dog. The hunt will take us through fantastic landscapes while hunting for black truffles and learning local traditions.
- Break for a light meal at the studio
-Afternoon plein air session with Ari 2-4 p.m.
-Later Afternoon cooking class with one of the best local chefs in Urbania to make “pasta fatta a mano” and other traditional courses. Our class will be held in the spectacular Mulino della Ricavata, a 12th century mill that will leave you breath taken.
-Private wine tasting to follow.
-Dinner at the square! Meet the locals, live like a local.
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. Please bring your sketchbook and/or materials for an amazing plein air session in the city center and at a panoramic lookout.
-Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home.
- Free to have lunch on your own.
- Return to the B&B for down time to rest or work independently on your project.
- Dinner at the “Braveria” restaurant. By this point, you will know why!
Day 5
-Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?)
-Dive into village life in Urbania, including a visit to the famous “Church of the Dead” and other historical sites. Learn about Urbania’s traditions, spanning centuries, including its rich ceramic art culture.
-Break for a light meal at the studio.
-Afternoon plein air session with Ari, 2-5 p.m.
Non-painters have free time to explore or relax.
-Private wine tasting at a tiny, local winery (a secret, local gem!) that makes the only smoked Passito wine in the world!
-Group dinner in town at “La Loggia” , one of the most popular restaurants.
Day 6
-Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
-Morning workshop with Ari , plein air session in the morning, on site 9-12 noon
-Usual break for a light meal at the studio.
-Afternoon back to work for your last class with Ari. We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared 2-4 p.m.
Non-painters grab your passport! Visit to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set atop Mount Titan, 2480 ft above sea level is said to be the world’s oldest surviving republic.
-Free time to pack at the hotel.
-Meet that evening for a farewell happy hour and dinner. Share your art with the group and then raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Le Marche. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
-Meet that 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
-We recommend booking a night or two in Bologna 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.
Time Stipulations
-Pick-ups at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered between 12-3 p.m.
-Depart the B&B at 10:00 AM. Departures at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered from 1:00 pm onward. In order to arrive for your flight with ample time, we recommend scheduling departing flights after 3:00 p.m.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.