This is an en plein air painting course in Cilento for those who already know how to draw and are ready to move to oil on canvas. Four days in Bosco di San Giovanni a Piro with Cesare Siboni — a classically trained painter, founder of the Accademia del Cilento, with works in collections across Italy, Japan and Belgium. The method reaches back centuries; the landscape never stops surprising.
You’ll start with drawing — pencil, charcoal, sanguine — then transfer your study to canvas and begin painting in oils. The first work is built in the studio. On the afternoon of day two, Cesare takes you to Bosco: a visit to Ortega’s museum (a Spanish painter from Picasso’s school, exiled here during Francoism) and to Peppino Mitarotonda’s majolica mural depicting the 1828 uprisings. Day three: the Basilian Coenobium of San Giovanni a Piro and the Ciolandrea plateau — the photographs you take become the subject of your second work. The last day is for completing, refining and talking through what you’ve made with Cesare.
At the Rifugio del Contadino: local organic food, views over the Gulf of Policastro, groups of no more than twelve. Guided visits bring direct income to the communities of Bosco and San Giovanni a Piro.
What level do I need to join? A basic drawing foundation is enough — no prior oil painting experience required. If you’ve done a drawing course or drawn regularly, you’re in the right place.
The structure of the program is the promise of what you will experience: the two artworks, the visits to Bosco and to the Basilian Cenobium. The rhythm of the days is in the hands of the Master — in practice, timing may shift, moments may expand, the order may change, the group may guide the flow, and improvisation becomes part of the process when needed.
Day 1
5:00 PM — Introduction to the workshop and presentation of the working techniques with Cesare.
Day 2
10:00 AM — Drawing workshop: pencil, charcoal, and sanguine on chosen subjects (still life, landscape, or live figure study). Study of proportions and composition.
1:00 PM — Lunch at the retreat.
3:30 PM — Transfer of the drawing onto canvas and introduction to oil painting.
6:30 PM — Visit to the village of Bosco: the Ortega Museum (dedicated to the Spanish painter from Picasso’s circle, exiled during Franco’s regime) and the ceramic mural by Peppino Mitarotonda depicting the 1828 uprisings.
Day 3
10:00 AM — Guided visit to the Basilian Cenobium of San Giovanni a Piro, within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. Panoramic stop at the Ciolandrea plateau to collect photographic references.
1:00 PM — Lunch at the retreat.
4:00 PM — Return. Creation of the second painting using the photographic references gathered during the morning.
Day 4
10:00 AM — Completion of the artworks. Individual feedback from Cesare on technique and style. Shared final reflections and departure.
Final confirmation of the course is subject to reaching the minimum number of participants. The remaining balance is due directly to the partner provider at the beginning of the course. Services will be provided only upon payment of the remaining balance.
Cancellation policy: Moderate.
For details, please refer to the Cancellation Policy.
Every experience we offer has been carefully selected to ensure a positive impact on local communities and the environment, while at the same time providing you with an authentic and unforgettable experience. If you wish to know more or have questions about our offerings, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are ready to provide you with all the information you need to make your trip special and perfectly aligned with your interests.
