workshop-Seabrook Island, SC
April 6-8, 2026
Hosted by The Seabrook Island Artist Guild
Location: Inside
Demonstration on April 6
+2 Day Workshop April 7 & 8
All Media - All Levels Welcome
Inquire Here for More Details
RETREAT-TUSCANY, ITALY
October 19-27, 2026
Hosted by Il Chiostro Workshops
Location: Dievole Winery Resort, Tuscany Italy - Plein Air
Free Yourself Sketching + Painting RETREAT
You may work in whatever medium you prefer (ink, oil, acrylic, pastel, gouache)
but also bringing a sketch pad, a sharpie and a tiny watercolor set is highly suggested, especially for beginners.
All levels of experience are very welcome.
Karen has been working en plein air in oil for over 30 years and is an experienced oil and acrylic studio painter and is an avid travel sketcher.
She works in impressionistic, representational as well as abstracted styles both en plein air and in studio.
She began leading workshops with Il Chiostro Workshops in 2007.
This Sketching + Painting RETREAT is designed to help you unlock the keys to making
art from YOUR heart. Treat yourself to a trip of a life time in Tuscany. Limited spaces.
What is the difference in a WORKSHOP and a RETREAT?
This RETREAT is designed to accommodate creative travel for both the newer painter and the mature painter and everyone in between.
If you're a mature painter, you may choose to work more independently
possibly create a body of work for an upcoming show and still enjoying being part of the group
for meals, touring, shopping, and social outings.
If you're a newer painter, you may choose to sketch and paint with Karen each day
that we are not touring to get as much instruction as you'd like.
Karen will be demonstrating in sketching + painting each day that we are not touring.
Visit DIEVOLE * THE CHIANTI CLASSICO online or on their Instagram
to see their beautiful accommodations.
I visited Dievole for a wine tasting afternoon, many years ago. It was more than beautiful and I've painted from those photos for a decade. I have seen their guest rooms only online, they look amazing. - Karen
Dievole Wine Resort is about 30 minutes drive from Siena, Italy
Previous Workshop Photos
Since 2007 I've hosted groups in France, The Bahamas, Charleston and Italy. It's always a delicious and enriching experience.
Follow along and come with on on the next painting adventure!
Student Reviews
"This was the fourth time I've
attended one of of Karen's destination
workshops, and I always have a
fabulous experience. So inspiring
for beginners as well as
experienced artists!"
- Kathy L.
Columbia SC
"So thankful I got to experience
Karen's wonderful workshop in Italy!
Working on location was inspiring.
Painting in a poppy field, visiting
surrounding towns and enjoying
fabulous Italian meals made for
a lifetime of memories."
- Jane J.
Florence, SC
"Everything was just right! In fact, more
than just right.
It was the experience of a
lifetime. The food, the wine,
the beauty of Italy...
what's not to love?"
-Debra B.
Charleston, SC
"Wonderful!
You made a dream come true for me!"
- Wilda T.
Charleston, SC
