Watercolor Workshops in Florence, Italy
These watercolor workshops in Florence are designed for travelers, residents, and artists who want practical guidance, clear structure, and personal feedback while painting on location.
Lessons
I'm available for lessons (in english or german) in Florence. Often also spontaneously.
Lessons usually run in a way that we meet at a location in Florence and then simultaneously make the preliminary drawing of our motif. I'm happy to help with the choice of the image section and all other questions.
After that I paint the first layer and explain what I'm doing and why. Then you paint the first layer and I look over your shoulder and give you advice.
Then we repeat the process until the picture is finished.
For one picture we need about 3 to 4 hours. You pay per hour (30€) and would have to bring your own material. I can also provide material to a limited extent (+10€). If you don't have a plein air easel we will find a motif where we have a support surface like a wall.
Discounts: If there are two of your taking part in a course, I will charge 60€ per 3 hours per person. If your are three or more, it will be 50€ per 3 hours per person.
Why paint watercolor in Florence?
Florence offers a rare combination of clear Tuscan light, layered architecture, and walkable painting locations. During a watercolor workshop in Florence, you can move from Renaissance facades to quiet streets within minutes.
The city is ideal for plein-air painting because it constantly changes with the time of day. Morning shadows in Piazza della Repubblica look completely different from the warm late-afternoon light around Santo Spirito.
You also benefit from Florence's artistic culture: cafés, local life, and historic viewpoints provide rich storytelling motifs that help your paintings feel alive instead of generic.
- Tuscan light with strong but nuanced value contrast
- Renaissance architecture that trains composition skills
- A strong plein-air culture and inspiring street atmosphere
- Seasonal variety: spring freshness, summer glare, autumn warmth
Who these workshops are for
These watercolor classes in Florence are designed for different goals and experience levels. Whether you travel with a sketchbook for the first time or already paint regularly, the workshop format adapts to your pace.
- Beginners who want a clear, step-by-step watercolor structure
- Travelers looking for a short but meaningful art experience in Florence
- Experienced painters who want stronger plein-air decision making
- Urban sketchers who want to improve color, light, and atmosphere
- Tourists who prefer private or small-group sessions
- Art students practicing composition and value outdoors
What we paint in Florence
The workshop scenes are chosen to balance iconic Florence landmarks with daily city life. This gives you both memorable subjects and practical exercises.
- Ponte Vecchio and river views with layered perspective
- Santo Spirito square with figures, shade, and café rhythm
- The Duomo area with strong light-and-shadow structure
- Piazza della Repubblica and moving urban scenes
- Florence cafés, storefronts, and street corners
- Historic facades and narrow streets in the old center
Each location is used to train specific watercolor skills: simplification, edge control, atmospheric color, and confident brushwork under real outdoor conditions.
Materials for beginners and travelers
You do not need a huge setup. For most sessions, a compact watercolor kit is enough. If you are new to watercolor workshops, bring practical basics and focus on technique first.
- Watercolor paper (ideally 300g cotton)
- A small palette with essential warm and cool colors
- One larger brush for washes and one round brush for details
- Pencil, eraser, paper towel, and water container
- Optional lightweight support for outdoor painting
Frequently asked questions
- Are the watercolor workshops suitable for beginners?
Yes. The lessons are structured for all levels, including complete beginners. You receive step-by-step guidance and individual feedback.
- Where in Florence do painting sessions take place?
Sessions take place in selected outdoor locations in Florence, for example around piazzas, streets, and viewpoints that work well for watercolor practice.
- What materials do I need?
You can bring your own materials, and there is also a detailed material list on this website. Limited material support can be provided on request.
- How long does a watercolor workshop session take?
Most sessions are planned for about 3 to 4 hours, depending on motif complexity, weather, and your pace.
- Are workshops private or group-based?
Both formats are possible. You can book a private class or join with one or more friends as a small group.
- Can tourists join a short watercolor class in Florence?
Yes. Short lessons for visitors are possible, depending on availability and weather conditions.
- Do you offer private watercolor lessons in Florence?
Yes. Private sessions and small group formats are available. Use the booking form to request your preferred date and duration.
- Do you offer urban sketching classes in Florence?
Yes. Urban sketching and watercolor cityscape practice are core parts of many Florence sessions.
- What is plein-air painting?
Plein-air painting means painting outdoors, directly on location. It helps you simplify scenes, understand light, and paint with fresh, direct brushwork.
Testimonials
Student testimonial placeholder: Simon explains every step clearly, from drawing to the final watercolor layer, and gives actionable feedback during the session.
Traveler testimonial placeholder: Great experience painting outdoors in Florence. The lesson was beginner-friendly and very personal.
Final testimonials will be added after collecting approved student quotes.
Related workshop and course pages
If you want more details before booking, use these pages: