Keiko Tanabe,
AWS, NWS, SDWS-MA
Mostly self-taught, she embarked on a professional art career in 2005. Since then, her paintings have been in many national and international exhibitions, both juried and invitational, and gained world-wide recognitions. Her work has been purchased by private and corporate collectors from all around the world. She also had her paintings published and featured in leading art magazines and a number of publications in the U.S., Europe and Asia. A sought-after workshop instructor since 2011, she has conducted numerous workshops and live demonstrations around the world. Her approach to teaching is to help students identify and solve their problems to further advance their technical skills and refine their style.
She has frequently served as a juror in art exhibitions both on national and on international levels. In 2018, she was appointed to the advisory board of the American Watercolor Weekly. She has several books and 4 DVD’s published. She is a signature member of National Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, American Impressionist Society and Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, respectively. She was awarded the master artist status from the San Diego Watercolor Society. Since 2021, she has been an Official Savoir-Faire, Sennelier, Cretacolor, Fabriano & Raphael Advocate. She is also an Escoda International Brand Ambassador.
Keiko was born in Kyoto, Japan and currently lives in San Diego, California.
$4,199 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
May 10-16, 2025
Book Now to save your spot!
Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Dates and pricing
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 https://www.italianatours.com/location
Private trip to Urbino
Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home
Private cooking class at Mulino della Ricavata, a 12th century mill
Private wine tasting at “La Montata” with the only smoked passito wine in the world
Private transportation on all excursions
Entrance to the “Church of the Dead”
Exclusive week-long class with Keiko Tanabe, 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- Saturday
-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.
-Keiko, 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 - Sunday
-Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the B&B, followed by a morning workshop with Keiko! 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. 9-12am
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 with Keiko, 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- Monday
-Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your B&B.
-Morning studio time with Keiko, 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 group lunch.
-Afternoon plein air session with Keiko 2-4pm
-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 - Tuesday
-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.
- Lunch near the town square.
- 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 - Wednesday
-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.
-Lunch at a local, family-owned restaurant. This place makes the kind of food an Italian grandmother would make!
-Afternoon plein air session with Keiko, 2:00-5:00 pm
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 - Thursday
-Leisurely morning and breakfast at the B&B.
-Morning workshop with Keiko
Plein air session in the morning, on site 9-12am
-Usual break for lunch.
-Afternoon back to work for your last class with Keiko. We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared 2-4pm
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, 2480ft 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!
Day 7- Friday
- -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.