Rod Moore

Using your sketchbook to gather valuable reference materials when you are traveling locally or abroad. Students will develop the skills of capturing a moment in time in their sketchbook with quick spontaneous sketches that focus on the key elements. These captured memories then serve as valuable reference materials for larger paintings back in the studio. Combined with your reference photos you will then be armed with materials to create amazing paintings back in your studio.

You will discover the essence of Sketching and keeping a Sketchbook and how to incorporate it into your travels locally and abroad.

The topics we will cover include:

* Sketchbook basics

* How to layout the design of your sketchbook and what information to capture

* Simplifying complex scenes for spontaneous sketching

* Looking for the magic in the subject and focusing on that

* Sketchbook materials - Inks, pens, brushes, watercolour, and gouache

* The importance of tone to create depth and atmosphere in your sketches

* Adding movement and life to your sketches

* How to take amazing reference photos on location

* Developing your quick spontaneous sketches on location into larger studio sketches

* Sketching from photos so you re-capture the magic of the moment

Rod Moore is a contemporary Impressionist landscape and seascape artist based in Queensland, Australia. A professional artist for more than a decade, Rod’s goal has always been to capture a moment in time and paint the atmosphere and mood of a place.

Together with his wife Sue, Rod is the star of two TV programs in Australia. “Plein Air Painting TV” and “Yes You Can Paint” both have 13 episodes and broadcast in prime time around Australia. Rod’s greatest skill is in teaching others to start painting. His motto of “Just have a go” is reflected in his unique approach to teaching known as the Moore Method of Painting. As the founder of the online art school Learn To Paint Academy, Rod has helped more than 100,000 students globally on their painting journey.

A workshop with Rod is full of in depth learning and sharing of knowledge, combined with fun, laughter and joy guaranteed to create lasting memories. His many repeat students are testimony to his unique ability to bring out the true artist residing deep within all of us.

$4,299 USD per person ($800 USD fully refundable deposit*)

for our non-painter discount contact us at italianatours@gmail.com

  • August 25-31, 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

  • Pairing food and wine tasting

  • Private cooking class at 12th century mill Mulino della Ricavata

  • Private trip to Urbino

  • Entrance Raphaelʼs childhood home

  • Private transportation on all excursions

  • Entrance to the “Church of the Dead”

  • Exclusive week-long class with Rod Moore, 21 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 - Monday

-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.

-Rod, 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

-Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the B&B, followed by a morning workshop with Rod! 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.  Morning in Studio (Sketchbook basics with Ink) 9am - 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).

-Early afternoon  visit to the incredible Church of the Dead, all group.

-Later Afternoon Afternoon Plein Air in grounds session with Rod, 4-7pm *plein air locations are carefully selected to be near basic amenities such as public restrooms and establishments to buy water.

-Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants “La Braveria”

 

Day 3- Wednesday

-Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your B&B.

-Morning studio (Working With Watercolour + Painting from Photos) with Rod, 9-12 noon.

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!).

 -Painters break for group lunch on site.

-Afternoon  Plein Air in the village (Instructions on Photo taking) with Rod, 4-7 pm

-Group dinner at one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants!

 

Day 4 - Thursday

- Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?)

-Dive into village life in Urbania,  historical sites. Learn about Urbania’s traditions, spanning centuries, including its rich ceramic art culture. Shopping at the open air market!

-Lunch at a local, family-owned restaurant. This place makes the kind of food an Italian grandmother would make!

-Afternoon plein air sketching and photo sessions on location Urbania and villages around. 3-6pm

 

Day 5 - Wednesday

- 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  materials for an amazing plein air session in the city center and at a panoramic lookout.

non-painters explore Urbino

- Lunch near the town square.

- Return,  relax  and 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 pairing wine tasting with the dinner.

 

Day 6 - Saturday

-Leisurely morning and breakfast at the B&B.

- Morning in Studio (Working from photos) 9-12am

-Usual break for lunch.

 - Sketchbook Reviews in Studio and  Down time

-Free time to pack at the hotel, shopping or just seat for a gelato!

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.

-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- Sunday

- 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.