Catherine Bobkoski
Catherine Bobkoski is a fine artist celebrated for her masterful depictions of flowers, particularly her poetic and nuanced portrayals of roses. Her work captures the quiet magic of nature, blending meticulous craftsmanship with a deep sensitivity to light, texture, and color harmony. Her paintings have been showcased in Her work has been featured in International Artist Magazine and prominent exhibitions across the United States, including the Oil Painters of America 2021 National Juried Exhibition.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Catherine is renowned for her ability to inspire and guide aspiring artists. She leads the Coaching Program at New Masters Academy, where she provides expert mentorship to students navigating a rigorous and comprehensive drawing and painting curriculum. In addition to her leadership role, she has taught at esteemed institutions such as Art Mentors, Creative Arts Group, Situ Academy, and The Watts Atelier, where her own artistic journey began.
Catherine’s artistic foundation is rooted in classical training, having studied extensively at The Watts Atelier in Encinitas, California, as well as at the Grand Central Academy and New York University in New York City. Her practice has been further enriched by studying under some of the most accomplished artists of her time, including Glenn Vilppu, Daniel Keys, Dustin Van Wechel, and Vadim Zang.
Her exceptional skill, coupled with her passion for teaching, has solidified her reputation as both an accomplished painter and an influential educator in the fine arts community. Through her work and teaching, Catherine continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of representational art.
Course description
Join fine artist and instructor Catherine Bobkoski for a transformative journey into the art of floral painting. Flowers, while a timeless subject, can be challenging for artists. This workshop reimagines those challenges by blending classical techniques with modern tools like brayers, color shapers, palette knives, and more.
Throughout the workshop, you’ll paint flowers from direct observation, focusing on gesture, structure, value design, and color harmony. Catherine’s demonstrations will showcase her approach to blending traditional principles with exciting methods for creating striking textures and unique effects. Learn new techniques for creating fascinating paint textures, which will add depth and nuance to your work.
With personalized feedback and tailored guidance, you’ll gain the skills to approach flower painting with confidence and creativity. Whether you’re new to florals or looking to refine your technique, this workshop will redefine how you approach flower painting. This will be an inspiring opportunity to explore new possibilities and elevate your work.
$4,199 per person ($800 USD fully refundable deposit*)
1-7 June 2026
Dates and pricing
BONUS COMPANION PACKAGE:
Non-artist discount of $200 USD. 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 and eat with the locals!
EARLY SIGN IN discount of $200 USD
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 Fabriano and paper workshop with master Sandro Tiberi
- Private workshop book binding
- Private trip to Urbino
- Entrance Raphael Home
- Private transportation on all excursions
- Entrance to the Church of the Dead
- Exclusive week-long class with Catherine Bobkoski, 20 hour workshop guaranteed included 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.
- Catherine, 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, then morning workshop with Catherine!
- 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.
Non-painters will venture out for a morning truffle hunt with Piero. We will meet Andrea, a 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 lunch (aka in Italy – two courses only). With a couple of hours of relaxation.
- Afternoon plein air session with Catherine, 4-7 p.m. *Plein air locations are carefully selected to be near basic amenities such as public restrooms and establishments to buy water.
Non-painters. Take a visit to a Roman Villa with some 1,000 square meters of polychronic mosaics in the heart of Sant’Angelo in Vado. The “Domus del Mito" was built in the 1st century AD. This is one of the great archeological discoveries of the last 50 years in Central Italy
- Dinner at the square in one of our favorite restaurants.
Day 3
-- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your B&B.
- Morning studio time 9-12 noon.
Non- painters: 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 group lunch on site
- Late afternoon landscape session with Catherine.
- Non painters free time.
- Group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 4
-- Breakfast at the hotel then we will go to a Creative Paper Workshop in Fabriano. We will leave for the city where the art of paper making has been alive for centuries! Fabriano is the most important paper production center of Europe. We will learn directly from the master Sandro Tiberi!
- Light lunch in Fabriano and then return to finish our paper workshop. Opportunity for sketching and journaling on your own around town.
Then, late afternoon, travel back to Urbania to relax.
- Dinner time at “Doddo’s” restaurant!
Day 5
- Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?)
- 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.
- Get ready for a bookbinding workshop at an antique print shop: http://www.stamperiadartecavirginio.it/en/
- Carla, an artist and printer, will lead us in this unforgettable experience where you will bind the paper made in Fabriano into your own handmade book. Participate in this ancient tradition in an inspirational location for your book in Italy.
- Light lunch on site
- On our way back, stop for a surprise!!
- Return late in the afternoon and relax.
- Group dinner in town.
Day 6
- Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
- Full workshop day. Class, on site 9-12 noon
- Usual break for lunch then back to work for your last class with Catherine. We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared.
- Studio time in the afternoon,
- Free time to pack at the hotel.
Non painters, we will meet for an outing to Mercatello sul Metauro. Enjoy a light walking tour revealing all the hidden treasures of this charming village, including a stroll along the river to see its lagoons and mini natural pools (swim shoes recommended if you’d like to test the water!).
- 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!
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 12:00-3:00 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.