Official brand ambassador of DANIEL SMITH, USA
Present of IWS California USA
Representative of USA for UrbinoInAcquerello, Italy
Stella Canfield's art is known for its deep emotional content, the dynamic of the brush stroke, and vivacious colors. She creates intuitively and spontaneously in a relaxed, natural way of expressing her individual emotional response to the subject or scene she paints. Her work is charged with the energy of her own life, her passion for people and nature. The inspiration for Stella’s art comes from her appreciation of beauty and her positive view of the world. Stella prefers to introduce symbols, giving the viewers the opportunity to visualize the details. This way, she strives to emotionally involve them as partners, to give them a feeling of ownership of the painting. She believes that art is a way of spiritual communication.
Stella was honored by Daniel Smith with two Stella Canfield’s Artist Master Sets of her favorite colors and included in CEO John Cogley’s one-on-one video interviews titled In the Artist’s Studio. She has been included in Live with John Cogley.
Today, Stella teaches watercolor, juries, and participates in exhibits initiated by art organizations in the USA, Europe, and Asia. She has received many international awards for her work. Her paintings are in several private, corporate, and museum collections in America, Europe, and Asia.
Stella’s work and contribution to American art are published in the book by Karlyn Holman Watercolor: The Spirit of Spontaneity. Her biography is included in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Women.
Workshop description
Let’s capture together the beauty of Le Marche.
Feeling with all of your senses the magic of Nature will enchant you. From landscapes to flowers, to boats and water, street scenes and figures, Stella will be there for you all the time making sure you feel comfortable and having fun expressing yourself without pressure and intimidation.
Enjoy learning to see more, about composition, color, value and light in a very relaxing way.
The day will start with a fast demo and the rest of the day will be dedicated to YOU!
Everyone is creative and there is no limits to creativity!
All mediums and levels of expertise welcome!
$3,900 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
May 12-18, 2026
Dates and pricing
for companions and early sign in discount of $250 USD
Please note that this workshop is designed as a full-immersion program focused entirely on painting. As such, there will be no activities included for non-painters or companions during the event.
However, we understand the importance of creating meaningful experiences for everyone, so we specialize in tailored packages for non-painters. If you’re interested in a customized program for companions, please feel free to reach out to us at italianatours@gmail.com, and we’d be delighted to create something special for you.
*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 light lunches provided at the studio
6 dinners with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome Aperitivo
Stunning studio
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 visit a ceramic printer’s studio and shop
Visit to the confluence of the Meta and Auro rivers, where they unite to form the Metauro River: an enchanting and deeply spiritual experience.
Exclusive week-long class with Stella, 18 hours workshop guaranteed + plein air sessions
Week-long private guide and international sommelier Piero
Private transportation on all excursions
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.
- Stella, 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 workshop day with Stella!
9 am - 6 pm
- Light meal provided at the studio
- Discover Urbania’s historical town center and its ceramic art culture with a visit to an artisan ceramic printer’s studio and shop
- Time to relax and then meet back up for a group dinner at “Da Doddo” one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 3
- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your B&B.
- Studio time with Stella 9 am- 6 pm
- Light meal provided at the studio
- Visit to the confluence of the Meta and Auro rivers, where they unite to form the Metauro River. This is an enchanting and deeply spiritual experience. Nestled within the lush greenery of the Italian countryside, this spot is a heaven of natural beauty, tranquility, and mysticism.
- Private wine tasting to follow.
-Dinner at the square! Meet the locals, live like a local.
Day 4
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel restaurant
- Studio session with Stella 9 am - 6 pm
- Light lunch provided at the studio
- Visit the village of Sant’Angelo and have a unique wine tasting at “La Montata” with the only smoked passito wine in the world
Private wine tasting at a tiny, local winery (a secret, local gem!) that makes the only smoked Passito wine in the world!
- Dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants.
Day 5
- Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?)
- Studio time with Stella 9 am - 6 pm
- Light meal provided at the studio
- Private cooking class at “Mulino della Ricavata”, a 12th century mill
- Group dinner in town at “La Loggia”, one of the most popular restaurants in town.
Day 6
-Leisure morning and breakfast at the B&B.
- Workshop day with Stella 9 am - 6 pm
- Light meal provided at the studio
- Free time to explore the last corners of Urbania and do some shopping
- 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 12-3 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 p.m.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.