Plein Air Painting Retreats
with Jeremy
“I have taken art classes and workshops with many different instructors but I find myself gravitating back to Jeremy Herndl because he is the best. He is a fabulous plein air painter in his own right. He knows the technique of art. He has a wealth of knowledge about contemporary artists and art history, to provide a context for what he is teaching. He provides kind and useful critiques and has a wicked sense of humour. I have learned an enormous amount and enjoyed every minute. Who could ask for more?”
— Catherine, workshop participant
MONTELPARO, ITALY
May 1-8, 2026
Hotel Leone is an elegant boutique hotel retreat centre in the heart of the Le Marche countryside in Central Italy, offering a picture-perfect backdrop for this art retreat. This award-winning boutique hotel is designed for creative immersion, offering a peaceful and inspiring environment with first-class service, beautiful surroundings, and exceptional food and wine. Once an ancient palazzo, with its heritage dating back to pre-1500, today this sensitively restored and privately-owned hotel offers that elusive combination of elegant accommodation, personal service and delicious cuisine.
A beautiful hilltop retreat in a truly unique setting, Hotel Leone offers the best of both worlds: nestled on the edge of the medieval town, a tranquil setting with some of the most commanding views in all of Le Marche and just 2 minutes walk to the centre of the picture-postcard historic town of Montelparo, an enchanting, medieval town with beautiful piazzas, winding streets and panoramic views to the Adriatic Coast on one side and the majestic Sibillini Mountains on the other.
Join Jeremy for 6 days of painting in this inspiring landscape where you will learn how to paint plein air in three distinct settings. Slow down, observe the textures and colours and make your mark on the canvas. This is a way to interact with place, and take ownership of your attention while you engage in a conversation with the landscape through the contemplative act of painting. Take home cherished memories of the experience through your own creative expression on canvas. Learn how Jeremy paints from observation as he provides guidance and demonstrations along with inspired art history presentations and story telling.
In addition to painting, time will be spent exploring the area, learning art history and activities which include the “Taste of Le Marche” and a hands-on pasta making masterclass.
Enjoy three gourmet meals a day created and cooked on the premises using local suppliers, including a local wine from the region. Start the day with a sumptuous breakfast in the courtyard with freshly baked pastries, home-made breads and coffee, and end the day with pre-dinner drinks on the terrace and a daily changing evening menu in the vaulted ceiling dining room or under the stars in the courtyard. Other amenities include the art deco bar and a heated pool.
The fee includes the following
• 7 nights accommodation
• 6 days painting on location with instruction and feedback
• Presentation about local art and history and contemporary plein-air painting
• All meals including breakfast, buffet lunch and a choice of up to 4 courses from our daily changing gourmet evening menu
• A ‘pizza-giro’ evening at a local trattoria within a few minutes walk of the hotel
• Delicious local wine with lunch and evening meal
• Private group transfers to and from either Ancona airport or Pedaso (station or bus stop)
• Private transfers to and from painting locations
• Unlimited use of air-conditioned studio
TASTE OF LE MARCHE: Enjoy a day dedicated to celebrating our regional food and wine. This gastronomic ‘meet the maker’ experience involves a tour of three local artisanal producers a cheese producer, a local organic farm to taste their preserves, jams and even their own ketchup and, of course, wine tasting with lunch at a local vineyard. Each includes a tour and tasting
HANDS-ON PASTA MAKING CLASS: Meet three generations of one family, Nonna, her son and his daughter, who together run a local Agriturismo. Learn how to make pasta from scratch - tagliatelle and ravioli which you’ll get to eat later as part of a four course meal prepared by the family.
Room options:
Classic Room Solo €3649 Duo (2 people) €2999
Superior Room €3749 Duo €3199
Deluxe Room €3849 Duo €3199
Junior Suite €3999 Duo €3349
2 Bedroom Suite for 2 people €3499
Prices are in Euros and do not include air fare to and from Italy.
“Jeremy was great at offering assistance and suggestions without being critical. Art is a vulnerable process, and I think he really allowed everyone to shine in their own way.”
— Past participant at Hollyhock Learning Center
Hollyhock, Cortes Island,
British Columbia
July 2023- 2026
For the past three years I have presented painting workshops at The Hollyhock Learning Centre on Cortes Island BC. The program invites painters from all skill levels who want to slow down and experience nature through the act painting the extraordinary garden at Hollyhock the Forest and the Sea. Each person comes with their own skills and sensibilities which makes the experience dynamic and inspiring for everyone else, including me. With a comfortable schedule we created three small paintings each, enjoyed gourmet meals, treated ourselves to tarot readings and massage and returned home rested, inspired and with new friends and connections. Looking forward to next summer with a new program for new and returning participants!
