Lorraine Simonds
Lorraine Simonds is an award-winning watercolour artist who is celebrated for her loose, atmospheric style that captures emotion and narrative with every brushstroke. Specialising in emotive portraits, Lorraine’s work delves beyond likeness, revealing the essence and stories of her subjects. Her mastery of light, colour, and fluidity has earned her recognition from collectors and peers alike.
Her journey began in Plymouth, England, where she learned to draw from books and practised on the English Moorlands. She developed her skills in portraiture with acrylics and oils and formalised her understanding of contrast, focus, and composition through film photography at Plymouth College of Art & Design, later earning a BA in Fine Art from the University of Leeds.
Lorraine’s journey into watercolour began in early 2021, yet her meteoric rise has made her a sought-after instructor and exhibitor. She has since been awarded as an Exhibiting Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, served as a juror for international watercolour competitions and released her own collection of watercolour paints alongside Rockwell Arts. Her paintings are housed in private collections across North America and Southeast Asia and is often displayed through juried exhibitions.
Known for her engaging teaching style, Lorraine blends technical skills with her passion for storytelling. Her teaching philosophy revolves around cultivating authentic relationships, fostering a vibrant community, and understanding your unique artistic goals to help you achieve them. In her classes, you’ll discover not just technique and technical understanding but also an insightful peek into her artistic approach, thought process, and problem-solving strategies. She delights in sharing concepts that will inspire and develop your own unique voice, all while keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging Lorraine brings her unique perspective and expertise, promising an inspiring experience filled with growth, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of watercolour.
Workshop description
Join Award-Winning Watercolour Artist Lorraine Simonds
Experience an unforgettable workshop in Italy with Lorraine Simonds, where you’ll uncover the secrets to creating powerful, emotive artwork. Lorraine’s teaching focuses on helping artists strike a harmonious balance between loose, expressive brushwork and realistic detail while infusing their pieces with narrative and soul. Key Learning Points:
Balancing Emotion and Realism: Master the art of blending loose, expressive strokes with refined details to bring your subjects to life.
Storytelling Through Art: Learn how to convey emotion and deeper meaning in your paintings by telling stories with colour, light, and composition.
Building Atmosphere: Explore techniques for creating depth, mood, and mystery in your work using layers and dramatic contrasts.
Embracing Fluidity and Imperfection: Discover the beauty in spontaneity and learn to work with watercolour’s unpredictable nature to create dynamic, unique pieces.
Creating Structure and Contrast: Learn how to incorporate hard highlights against rich, moody shadows to give your work depth and impact.
Through guided studio sessions, plein air painting excursions, and personalised feedback, Lorraine will help you grow as an artist and elevate your watercolour practice to new heights.
$4,199 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
14-20 June, 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
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 Lorraine, 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.
-Lorraine, 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 Lorraine! Studio time 9:00 am 12:00 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 lunch (aka in Italy – two courses only). With a couple of hours of relaxing.
-Afternoon plein air session with Lorraine, 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 Lorraine.
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!
https://www.sandrotiberi.it/
- Light lunch in Fabriano and then return to finish our paper workshop. Opportunity for sketching and painting 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 afternoon and relax.
-Group dinner in town.
Day 6
-Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
-Full workshop day.
-Plein air session in the morning, on site. 9-12 noon
-Usual break for lunch then back to work for your last class with Lorraine. We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared.
-Extra studio time
-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.