Three painting holidays in Tuscany to enjoy in the summer sun
July and August in Fivizzano are high summer in Italy. Thanks to the elevation (300 or so metres) and the river that babbles beside us, we’re cooler than elsewhere in Tuscany, and it’s a great time to enjoy painting outdoors. It’s the season for early starts, long lunches in the shade, and cooler evenings filled with conversation and a breeze off the mountains.
Don’t forget also that you will be Cool and Green at the Watermill: all our bedrooms and public rooms are air-conditioned, powered by our hidden array of photovoltaic cells, which make us self-sufficient in electricity.(We’ve already saved more than 40 tons of carbon emissions from conventional power stations.)
In 2026, we’re particularly excited to spotlight three unique courses taking place in this richly atmospheric season.
Sue Ford
11–18 July 2026 | Watercolour, Acrylic, Pen & Sketching Techniques
Sue brings her versatility and gentle encouragement to a richly textured week, teaching techniques in watercolour, acrylic, pen and even collage. Based in North Yorkshire, Sue’s work is widely exhibited and she regularly contributes to Leisure Painter and Paint! magazines.
Her week at the Watermill includes sessions on sketching, composition, and media experimentation, all designed to stretch students of every level in a warm, supportive environment.
A glimpse into the week: From studio sessions and peaceful riverbanks to the lively market of Fivizzano, Sue’s itinerary combines daily painting with real Italian flavour.
Sue says:
“The aim is to stretch all students regardless of ability… to form a foundation of artistic techniques as well as developing their own style in a relaxed learning environment.
“I’ve been teaching at The Watermill for many years, and it’s always a pleasure. It’s a wonderfully peaceful setting, beside a rushing river, with great accommodation and delicious Italian food. Each day brings a new location, Verrucola, a hilltop village, a quiet monastery, the local market in Fivizzano, and plenty of time to paint, reflect and enjoy good company.”
A student says:
“I have known Sue Ford for a few years and attended many of her courses at Higham Hall and most recently a painting holiday in Italy. Sue has also carried out an acrylic workshop for my own art groups which was greatly enjoyed.
“Sue is very versatile and covers many mediums. Her knowledge, her easy and patient style is an asset for beginners with little or no experience and the experienced artists who are trying a new style or medium.
“Personally I have attended Sue’s courses on mixed media, acrylic, pastel and collage and the Italian painting holiday where drawing with ink was a feature which I appreciated most. All Sue’s courses are informative, enjoyable and the fact that her students return many times is a good endorsement of her skills.”
Sandra in Cumbria
Carolyn Fields
4–11 July 2026 | Pastels
Painted with no blending to show the mark making and the texture of the surface. “I loved painting the wind-bent foliage in the foreground!”
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the richness of soft pastels in a sun-drenched landscape, Carolyn Fields is your guide. Formerly a secondary teacher, Carolyn is now a full-time artist known for vibrant animal portraits and evocative landscapes,many painted en plein air around the world.
Her Watermill course offers structured teaching in pastel techniques, including mark making, blending, and underpainting with washes. Carolyn adapts her approach to every student, from absolute beginners to seasoned painters.
Carolyn says:
“My main aim as a teacher is to inspire, encourage and guide in a friendly way, so students can all develop their skills and produce work they are proud of!”
Expect to work outdoors in the stunning Tuscan scenery, then build on your sketches with studio refinement, all under Carolyn’s encouraging guidance.
A student says:
“I was fortunate recently to attend a workshop led by Carolyn. From the start she was utterly professional. Her presentation was well prepared and she displayed a range of her finished work so that we were able to focus on her ultimate goal using the inspired techniques and effects for which she is so well known.
“The workshop took us through the preparation of a canvas for painting with pastels and subsequently she talked through and demonstrated each stage of the process until the painting was finished. She answered questions directly and in detail, giving each student succinct and appropriate guidance, at the same time showing a genuine interest in each student and their individual work.
“Her friendly, kind and open manner, her ability to focus positively on each student and give praise and encouragement where due makes her an excellent tutor.”
Sally-Anne Staples
Pamme Turner
22–29 August 2026 | Watercolours & Gouache
Pamme Turner painting en plein air at the Convento del Carmine in Cerignano (near the mill)
As late August brings long, golden afternoons, Pamme Turner invites you into her world of expressive plein air painting. Her workshop blends watercolour and gouache, teaching students how to compose strong images, manage light and shadow, and embrace atmospheric expression.
Pamme’s approach is hands-on, lively and deeply encouraging. With daily demos and two sessions per day, you’ll not only improve your technique but you’ll also gain a toolkit for future artistic growth.
Pamme says:
“My greatest joy is helping students become better painters… and ensuring they leave each session with something new they can do to improve their art.”
If you’re learning to simplify your value studies or refining figures in a piazza, you’ll be absorbing skills that stay with you long after your suitcase is unpacked.
A student says:
“Thank you, Pamme, for passing on so many helpful painting tips – values, colour mixing, picture shapes, brushes, watercolour/gouache – and watching you build your pictures is a joy. You’re so talented! You kept us so busy that I’ve slept like never before since being home! Thank you again!”
LV
Book your place with Pamme Turner
Why not make 2026 the year you paint in Tuscany?
Each of these courses offers something unique, from mixed media exploration to vibrant pastels and expressive watercolours. And all are wrapped in the warm hospitality, delicious food, and stunning surroundings of The Watermill at Posara.
If you’re travelling solo or with a friend, there’s a place waiting for you here.
See all 2026 painting holidays
We’d love to welcome you to the mill!