ANNIE MURPHY-ROBINSON
Realistic & Emotive Portrait Drawing | Sanded Charcoal Technique
Workshop Overview
Dates: 18-24 October 2026
​
Price: From €2190 - €2990
Includes: 22% VAT, 5 days tuition, 6 nights accommodation, all meals & drinks (including wine), evening events, transfers, art materials, drawing boards & easels
​
Non-Participating Partner: €790
​
Location: Villa Fontallorso
​
Medium: Charcoal
​
Class size: 18
Painting Experience: All Levels Welcome
​
Languages: English
Se avete bisogno di una traduzione in Italiano, inviaci una e-mail
Payment plans available ♥
email info@artescapeitaly.com
Workshop Description
​
Join us for an all-inclusive week of charcoal portrait drawing in the Tuscan countryside with Annie Murphy-Robinson. This five-day/6-night retreat introduces artists to the charcoal sanding technique — a process that transforms traditional drawing by embedding and removing charcoal through controlled sanding to create luminous values, refined textures, and extraordinary depth. Through daily demonstrations, followed by extended guided studio time, participants will work step-by-step through the complete process, from photographic reference and surface preparation to advanced sanding, refinement, and professional finishing techniques.
​
What You’ll Learn:
Still-life setup and photographic reference creation
Preparing and sanding BFK Rives paper
Building form through layered charcoal application
Photoshop dot transfer and image preparation
Value control, edge work, and texture development
Problem-solving and refinement techniques
Fixative application, edge treatment, and framing considerations
​
Each day balances instruction with substantial hands-on time, allowing participants to immediately apply techniques while receiving individualized feedback and support. All levels welcome, and participants can expect to leave with a strong technical foundation and a finished or near-finished charcoal sanding drawing.
Art materials are included for this workshop
​
During this all-inclusive art workshop, meals will be home-cooked by our wonderful Chef Giovanna, and eaten together in our large dining room, or outside with a panoramic view of the stunning landscape. After class you'll have free use of the Villa and grounds to explore. During the week we will host some evening events; such as pizza night using our outdoor pizza oven, yoga and sound bath in the ball room, and a night of live music. Many of our evenings will be spent around the fire, under the stars. If you need to unwind after class you can use our sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Or if you prefer to explore you can wander through the woodland, walk, cycle or take the bus into town. ​And of course you are always welcome to continue practicing your art, sketching outside, or continue drawing in our studio, which is always open.
This is a chance to focus on you and your art, you'll be living and working together among many other creatives, and alongside Annie, with the opportunity to dive deep into each other's knowledge and experience - building relationships, whilst making the most of the surrounding nature in this beautiful Tuscan setting. This is a place where you can learn from some of the world's most inspiring contemporary artists, without judgement or competition, surrounded by nature, so that your primary focus can be to learn and create, whilst enjoying your time on this planet.
_edited_edited.jpg)
Our Venue
We are excited to welcome you to our new dedicated Art Retreat Villa ✨
​
This 19th Century Italian Villa used to belong to an ancient noble family, the Dukes of Caffarelli. It is located near the Casentinesi forest park, in the Chianti region of Tuscany, just 40 minutes from the centre of Florence. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills, entirely covered with woodland and vineyards.
​
The Octagonal studio, originally built for meditation, is a large, bright and welcoming 220 sqm geometric structure, with views of the surrounding nature. This is a space where you can learn, create, and feel inspired.
​
The Villa has been running as a meditation centre for the past 20 years, and you can feel it in the energy - there is something magical about this place.
See more photos here
See photos from our recent art workshops here: Gallery
What's included?
22% VAT - 5 days tuition - 6 nights accommodation - Arrival & departure transfers - Breakfasts, lunches, dinners & snacks - Tea, coffee & soft drinks - Wine - Evening Events - Jacuzzi/Sauna/Steam Room - Wifi - Art Materials - Easels & Drawing Boards
​
Prices
€2190 Condivisa | Twin-Share Bedroom a place in a spacious shared bedroom with private bathroom (shared with one other participant of the same gender)
€2440 Singola | Single Private Bedroom with a single bed and shared bathroom
€2640 Piccola | Cosy Private Bedroom with a double bed and private bathroom
€2840 Classica | Classic Private Bedroom with a double bed and private bathroom
€2990 Grande | Spacious Private Bedroom with a double bed and a private bathroom
€790 Amici | Non-Participating Partner bring along a partner or friend to share your bedroom with, if you book the Piccola, Classica or Grande option. You can not bring a non-participating partner if you book the Condivisa or Singola options.
​
The Food
All meals are up of delicious, home-cooked Tuscan cuisine and prepared by our incredible Chefs Giovanna & Gabriele! Meals will take place in our panoramic dining room or outside on the terrace overlooking the hills and sunset, whenever the weather is nice. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available, please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements (dietary needs rather than preferences).
​
Materials list, itinerary & more information
At least 3 months before the retreat we will send you an information pack with the full materials list and more details about the retreat. See airport and transfer information on our FAQ's page here
​
Bring a partner or friend - €790 all-inclusive rate
If you book either a Piccola, Classica or Grande private bedroom then you are very welcome to bring along a partner or friend with you who will not be participating in the workshop. Partners will be welcome to join all of our meals and activities, and become a part of our group. Whilst participants are in the class, partners have this beautiful Tuscan venue all to themselves.
​
We are happy to assist in planning activities during the days for your partner, such as bike tours, trips to local towns, or hikes around the surrounding countryside. Equally, your partner is very welcome to stay at the villa and relax using our sauna/jacuzzi/steam room. We recommend bringing a car so that you can travel around freely, however, we can also drive you to the local train station if you would like to explore the nearby cities of Florence or Arezzo.
​
The price for non-participating partners includes: 22% VAT - 6 nights accommodation - Arrival & Departure Transfers - Breakfasts, lunches, dinners & snacks - Tea, coffee & soft drinks - Tuscan Wine - Jacuzzi/Sauna/Steam Room - Wifi.
​
Participating Partner
If you would like to bring a participating partner with you (a friend or partner who will be participating in the workshop with you) then you can book 2 places in a twin-share bedroom. We can then arrange your bedroom into a bedroom with a double bed or 2 single beds, whichever you prefer.
​
Booking information
To book a place on this retreat click Book Now below and you'll be taken to a separate page where you can choose your bedroom option, and fill out your registration details. If you would like to discuss payment plans, feel free to email us.
​
Review our terms & conditions of booking here
Questions? See our FAQ's page here
Annie Murphy-Robinson​
Born in 1967, Annie holds a BFA from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and an MA from Sacramento State University. After teaching art for 24 years at both high school and college levels, she now focuses exclusively on teaching her charcoal sanding technique to adult artists through in-person and online workshops.
Developed over more than two decades, her sanding process transforms the drawing surface itself, allowing artists to build and subtract value through layered sanding and charcoal application. Known for its ability to produce luminous depth and refined detail, the technique expands traditional approaches to charcoal drawing.
Her award-winning work has been exhibited internationally and is included in major collections such as MEAM Barcelona and the Art Renewal Center. She has received numerous honors, including the Portrait Society of America Draper Grand Prize, and regularly serves as a juror for international art competitions.
​
You can see more of Annie's work here:
Website: www.anniemurphyrobinson.com
Instagram: @anniemurphyrobinson
