Hsin-Yao Tseng
b. 1986, Taipei, Taiwan; currently living and working in San Francisco, CA
Hsin-Yao paints oil in a Romantic, expressive manner that honors the Western tradition while signaling an edgy, contemporary complexity. He has a curiosity and energy that propel him toward experimentation and innovation; accordingly, he works in a range of genres: from lush evocations of cityscapes to expressive portraits, and lustrous interiors and exteriors in which multiple figures enact a story, and finally to his recent new exploration in bright colors of flower paintings. Hsin-Yao’s prose testifies to the fact that he is ambitious in the best sense; he is eager to push his art beyond what’s immediate and popular toward the timeless and real.
Hsin-Yao was recognized by the Art Renewal Center as an ARC Living Master in 2014. He received the Signature Status recognition by Portrait Society of America in 2018. Over the years, Hsin-Yao has won many national and international awards including the First Place awards at Southwest Art Magazine Artist Excellence competition in 2016., He received both Exceptional Merit Award and Certificate of Excellence in International Portrait Competition from Portrait Society of America, in 2012 and 2010. He was honored to receive Honorable Mention Award and finalist awards in ARC Salon. His work is on the 2016 November cover of the Southwest Art magazine and 2012 December of the Artist’s magazine. He has exhibited his works in a huge number of gallery group shows and solo shows across the United States, Europe, and Taiwan. His works have been sold in NYC Sothebys' Contemporary Art Auction in 2020 and 2022. Also, his works have also been showing at the MEAM in Barcelona, Spain.
workshop description
Join Hsin-Yao for a transformative artistic experience in the heart of the Italian countryside! This immersive week-long oil painting workshop and retreat in Urbino, a charming medieval town in the Marche region, the birthplace of Renaissance master Raphael. Offers a unique opportunity for artists of all levels to develop their plein air landscape painting skills. Surrounded by historic architecture, rolling hills, and breathtaking views, Urbino provides the perfect backdrop to capture the essence of urban landscapes.
Daily sessions will emphasize direct observation, capturing light, texture, and the lively atmosphere of the town. We will also focus on simplifying your composition and how to capture mood in your work. Developing expressive style through mass, value, texture and color in plein air painting. Students will be guided step by step, whether you're a beginner looking to explore plein air painting or an experienced artist refining your skills. The class will include demonstrations, one-on-one guidance, and plenty of time for personal exploration. You will gain invaluable insights into capturing the spirit of place through the expressive medium of oil paint.
Combined with other activities and local tours, we hope to provide you with some unforgettable experience and unique memories surrounded by great people, art, culture, history and exquisite cuisine.
$4,199 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
September 21-27, 2026
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 eat and drink with the locals!
EARLY SIGN IN discount of $200
*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 wine tasting at “La Montata” with the only smoked passito wine in the world
Private trip to Fabriano and paper workshop with master Sandro Tiberi
Private bookbinding workshop in Urbino with master Carla Luminati
Visit at last charcoal artisans in Italy
Private transportation on all excursions
Entrance to the “Church of the Dead”
Exclusive week-long class with Hsin-Yao, 18 hours workshop guaranteed + plein air sessions
Activities for non-painters as listed in the itinerary
Week-long private guide and international sommelier Piero
whats included
itinerary
Day 1- Monday, September 21
- 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.
- Hsin-Yao, 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- Tuesday, September 22
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the B&B, followed by a morning workshop with Hsin-Yao! 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 lunch (aka in Italy – two courses only).
- Afternoon plein air session in the unique town of Peglio with Hsin-Yao, 2-4pm.
*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- Wednesday, September 23
- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your B&B.
- One-hour morning lecturing with Hsin-Yao in the studio.
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.
- Excursion to Parchiule and plein air session along the river, late morning and afternoon.
- Break for group lunch.
- Visit to the last and famous charcoal makers in Italy. We will visit the famous coal makers in the small village of Parchiule along the Auro river. Meet the last charcoal artisans carrying out this traditional practice amongst breathtaking scenery.
- Dinner at the square! Meet the locals, live like a local.
Day 4- Thursday, September 24
- 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 centre of Europe. We will learn directly from the master Sandro Tiberi!
https://www.sandrotiberi.it/
- Light lunch in Fabriano
- Plein air session in Fabriano square
- Return and relax
-Dinner time at Doddo’s restaurant
Day 5- Friday, September 25
- Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?)
- Morning excursion to Urbino, Raphael’s childhood home. 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.
- Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home.
- Please bring your sketchbook and/or materials for an amazing plein air session in the city center and at a panoramic lookout.
- Lunch near the town square on your own.
- Ready for a bookbinding workshop in the afternoon at 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 story in Italy.
- Dinner at the “Braveria” restaurant. By this point, you will know why!
Day 6- Saturday, September 26
- Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
- 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.
- Lunch at a local, family-owned restaurant. This place makes the kind of food an Italian grandmother would make!
- Afternoon plein air session with Hsin-Yao, 2-5 pm
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.
- Private wine tasting at a tiny, local winery (a secret, local gem!) that makes the only smoked Passito wine in the world!
- 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!
- Group dinner in town at “La Braveria”, one of the most popular restaurants.
Day 7- Sunday, September 27
- 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.