LUMINOUS ITAlY
A Landscape Oil Painting Workshop focusing on Light, Form, & Composition in Abruzzo, Italy
Vasto, Italy – Monday, April 27, 2026 until Saturday, May 2, 2026
Villa Monteferrante is excited to offer you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of landscape painting with internationally renowned multidisciplinary artist Christopher Webb
Set in the seaside town of Vasto, located along Italy’s Adriatic Coast, this workshop provides the perfect setting to explore and unleash your creativity, surrounded by beauty and cultural heritage.
Throughout this immersive week-long workshop, participants will be encouraged to respond to the breathtaking scenery of the Vasto region in Italy. Led by two experienced arts instructors, the participants will explore innovative approaches to their art practice, experiment with new techniques, and produce work that unlocks fresh creative possibilities.
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:
Day 1: Using custom viewfinders, participants head into the morning light to observe Vasto’s buildings, landscape, and atmosphere. In the town we learn how to properly annotate using both sketchbooks and digital media. Later that same day, now in-studio, we discuss composition, light, and how to translate our excursion into suitable subject matter.
Day 2: From our previous days fieldwork, we develop quick, expressive monochromatic paintings in sepia tones to explore tone, structure, and spatial relationships. This is controlled yet spontaneous painting. Christopher gives plenty of demonstrations and offers lots of one-on-one support.
Day 3: We shift into a limited colour palette, training the eye to harmonize tone and hue. Emphasis is placed on sharpening colour theory skills and understanding the emotional resonance of restrained colour. We discuss how we can either loosen up or become hyper realistic depending on the needs of the artist – which can all be achieved through properly manipulating the brush and focusing on darks and lights.
Day 4: Today participants begin a new painting developed from our previous sketches and studies. We establish value relationships early and move confidently into full color. Christopher provides personalized guidance and live demonstrations throughout the day.
Day 5: This morning we revisit our Day-1 site visits, now with deeper knowledge and insight. Final painting sessions allow for refinement and compositional resolution.
Day 6: Our final day includes finishing touches, installation, and a pop-up exhibition curated by Christopher. Each participant will display sketches, studies, and their final work. Nothing is for sale — this is a celebration of process and learning!
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.
Meet your Instructor
Christopher Webb
Christopher Webb is a self-taught, visual artist who lives in works in Nova Scotia, Canada.
He was awarded the CREA – Cantieri del Contemporaneo Venezia Prize for Painting and will have his first international solo exhibition in 2025 at the Marina Bastianello Gallery in Venice, Italy. He has participated in numerous Canadian solo and international group exhibitions and has been an artist-in-residence in both Canada and Europe. Webb frequently guest lectures at universities and art colleges and is also the co-founder and director of PAVIA Gallery where he curates exhibitions, directs an artist-in-residence program, and teaches private art classes.
Webb’s practice explores the interplay between humanity and the expanding realm of global trade and its profound impact on our planet. His motifs are often imaginary which he paints in a photorealistic, technically masterful way, resulting in images that are deeply familiar yet intriguingly unknowable. Pieces of paper filled with Webb’s prose or notes often provide a sub-layer for his works and these experiments with texture and scale help to produce works rich in layered meanings. More recently, Webb has produced a series of intimately scaled paintings of shipping containers and the massive cargo vessels which he views daily from his studio.
“Christopher’s classes are a game-changer for any artist ready to level up. His expert instruction and supportive mentorship have helped me grow not just as a painter but as a professional artist. Christopher combines technical excellence with real-world insight into the business of art—something rarely found in one teacher.
Best of all, his classes are fun, energizing, and filled with inspiration. His international experience and unique perspective have continually pushed me to create fresher, more dynamic work.”
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
WORKSHOP DETAILS
A One-Week Visual Art Workshop with Canada artist Christopher Webb from April 27 – May 2, 2026
Dates
Arrival: 27 April, 2026
Departure: 3 May, 2026
Workshop Sessions
- Monday to Friday
- Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- AM – Exhibition Preparation
- PM – Final Presentation/Exhibition
Location
Vasto – historic landmarks, scenic promenades, outdoor venues, beaches
Limited Availability
Only 12 spots available for an intimate, hands-on experience.
What about Materials?
Participants may bring their own materials, favourite brushes, for example, but there are local art supply shops with a fair selection of goods. With that, there are a number of well stocked Art Stores in Vasto where you can find commonly used supplies, various types of paints, and boards, papers, canvases, etc. For specific requests, please email Luigi for more information.
BONUS: Participants can receive a special 25% discount on Gallo Colors.
Handmade in Italy, Gallo watercolours use the finest pigments, honey, and rosemary oil.
FEE STRUCTURE
Registration Fee:
€ 800.00 EUR ($1,200.00 CDN / £ 700.00 GBP / $950.00 USD)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All workshops with Christopher
- 2 x Wine & Cheese Events (Welcome Reception & Final Exhibition)
- 2 x Personal Studio Visits of professional artists in Vasto
- A Guided Tour of Vasto to explore the local culture & history
NOT INCLUDED
- Accomodation
- Airfare
- Insurance
- Travel costs
- Other personal expenses.
WHY JOIN US?
Expert Guidance
Christopher, accomplished artist and experienced teacher, will guide you through new approaches to creativity, helping you discover and enhance your artistic voice.
Group Exhibition
Showcase your work in a group exhibition open to the public.
Wine & Cheese Events
Enjoy wine and cheese during several studio visits, perfect for connecting with fellow participants and local artists.
Personalized Experience
With just 12 participants, you’ll receive tailored guidance to elevate your artistic practice.
Diverse Venues and Mindscapes
The workshop will take place in various inspiring locations, including the main venue, Scuderia Aragona, and other scenic spots. You’ll also have the chance to meet local artists.
How to Apply
Fill out the application form to reserve your spot. Since spaces are limited, we recommend applying as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience.
REGISTER NOW
Spaces are limited to just 12 participants, so don’t miss your chance for an unforgettable artistic adventure in Vasto, Italy.
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.