Atmospheric Watercolours in Vasto
Vasto, Italy – September 2026
In September 2026, Nicholas Poullis will lead Atmospheric Watercolours in Vasto with Vasto Arts Workshops on Italy’s beautiful Adriatic Coast.
WHERE WE ARE
Nestled along the Adriatic coast, Vasto is a historic town founded in the 7th century BCE. Its medieval center is home to charming churches and hidden artistic treasures. The town is known for its connection to the Palizzi brothers, prominent painters of the Neapolitan school, as well as Gabriele Rossetti, father of Christina and Dante Gabriel, and Pietro di Donato, author of Christ in Concrete.
Five day Programme
The plan for the 5 painting sessions is flexible and I am happy to adapt to the needs of the students. The structure of each day will be similar. Everyday we will find subject matter near the meeting point.
The aim is to finish a painting in each session.
We start with the basics of pure watercolour technique with a demonstration of everything we will need and a look at materials. Other topics are listed below. Many of the topics listed overlap and so, for example we will deal with drawing and composition at the same time.
Once we start painting, I will be able to see where you need help, and I can give guidance to where improvement can be made. I shall be painting with you and I can show you various techniques and share tips as needed.
Please note that the plans for the days might change so, for example, if it rains on one day we shall then use the contingency day so you get the full 5 painting sessions.
Workshop Highlights:
Day 1 Observation
I need to see how you work in order to best evaluate how to
help you and structure the lessons. We will look at setting up, choice of view composition and crucial watercolour techniques, materials, and I will share some papers with you. Palette – warm and cold colours. Pigments and mixes that granulate.
Day 2
Aspects including Composition, Drawing, Tonal evaluation and exercises and mixing colour.
Day 3
Evaluation of subject matter, how content relates to size of painting. Order of painting and how to organise a watercolour.
Day 4 Depth, Volumes, Contrast and Simplification, looking at the role each element of a painting plays. How technique can be used in simplification.
Day 5
Balance and Detail. Tips on what to work on and how to develop your style and
watercolour painting.
Day 6
Contingency day.
Meet Your HOST
LUIGI MONTEFERRANTE
In addition to leading visual arts and creative writing workshops, Monteferrante runs a residency program for writers and artists working on individual projects. Participants may choose from several properties, located either in the historic town center or at his Liberty-style villa near the beach. Available for short- or long-term stays, these residences offer a rare opportunity for focused creative work within the rhythms of local life.
His writing has appeared in numerous international magazines, including Chicago Quarterly Review, Quills Canadian Poetry, Fractions, Neon, Forma Fluens, Poesia/Indiana Bay, Motel 58, Word Slaw, Sonar 4, Poet’s Ink Review, The Battered Suitcase (Vagabondage Press), Orbis, Faraway Journal, Accenti, and Montreal Serai, among many others. His visual art has been exhibited in Philadelphia, Milan, Rome, and additional locations.
Contact: luigimonteferrante@yahoo.com
how to partecipate
Travel Information
Participants are responsible for booking their own flights and arranging ground transportation.
The Workshop is in Vasto, Italy is located in this charming seaside town on the Adriatic coast, just 3.5 hours east of Rome.
The nearest major airport is in Rome, from where you can take a direct bus to Vasto.
Alternatively, Pescara Airport offers budget-friendly flights from various European cities.
GETTING HERE
For travelers from North America, we recommend flying into Rome.
From Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, there are several bus services that provide direct transport to Vasto. The most convenient option is the bus to Vasto Terminal Bus—be sure to confirm your stop with the driver. The journey costs approximately €25, though prices may vary based on time and conditions. The bus transfer typically takes around 4.5 hours.
You can find bus timetables and book tickets at the following links:
GROUP TRAVEL
If you are traveling as part of a group, please inform us in advance. We will make every effort to accommodate group-specific needs and offer any additional arrangements when possible.
Join Us!
We would love to speak with you.
Feel free to reach out using the below details.