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Nancy Joyce
Nancy Joyce
 
 
Exploring Abstract Art
in Tuscany!

Finding Your Voice Through

Color & Mark Making

with Artist/Instructor

Nancy Joyce

New adjusted Spring 2026 dates coming soon!

 Wed-Wed

Cortona, Italy


 
Magical Cortona
Magical Cortona

View Cortona photo gallery - click here

About this workshop...

Join abstract artist Nancy Joyce in beautiful Cortona, Tuscany for a transformational 7-day abstract art workshop and painting retreat. Designed for artists of all levels, this immersive program blends hands-on studio sessions with inspiring day trips to iconic Tuscan towns including Siena, Pienza, and Montepulciano. Learn abstract painting techniques, color harmony, expressive mark making, and design principles while sketching the landscapes, architecture, and textures of Italy.

 

This all-inclusive* Tuscany art retreat features guided lessons, daily studio time, cultural excursions, delicious Italian cuisine, and one-on-one support. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, this workshop helps you discover your unique artistic voice while creating meaningful abstract artworks inspired by the Tuscan countryside. Perfect for art lovers, creative travelers, and those seeking an unforgettable painting holiday in Italy.

*Art supply kit fee not included. Price and kit contents

to be announced soon!


 

Picture Yourself...

among the sights and sounds of beautiful and romantic Tuscany: olive groves, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, winding streets, texture and vibrant sunlight.

Feel Yourself...

in the warm ambiance of Cortona, overlooking Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana, originally fortified by the Umbrians, claimed by the Etruscans, touched by the Renaissance, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Tuscany's jewels.

Experience...

the joy of creating art in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere with the camaraderie of a small group of enthusiastic Artists.

Enjoy...

great Italian food, delightful wines, new friends, breath-taking vistas, history and the hospitality of the people of Cortona.


Cortona Vineyards
Cortona Vineyards

All-inclusive* workshop includes:
Escorted group travel Florence
to Cortona TBA, 2026****

Instruction in the studio
Seven nights accommodations
in historic Cortona** (Private room & bath)

Local Etruscan Museum & Museo Diocesano
All meals***
(Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Daily wine tasting opportunities

Day trip to Pienza & Montepulciano
Day trip to Siena
A farewell wine tasting dinner
Escorted group travel Cortona
to Florence TBA, 2026****


**Included with "Hotel" private room plans only. See details.

***Included as the "Group Meal Plan" only. Italian breakfsat simply includes coffees, brioche, toast, milk, juices, cheese.  
****Specific departure time from Florence airport TBA, 2026 only at 12:00noon
****Specific departure time from Cortona to Florence airport TBA, 2026 only at 8:00am
*All-inclusive plans are "Hotel" only.
Air travel and ground transportation to/from Cortona is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.

Hotel Special...

$4,250.00 All-inclusive w/ shared room/bath & Group Meal Plan... 

per person double occupancy

$4,390.00 w/ private room/bath & Group Meal Plan... 

per person

Non-painter option also





Go to Enrollment page

N
Nancy Joyce
Nancy Joyce
Nancy Joyce
 
About Cortona...

Cortona is one of the true jewels of the Tuscan “hill towns.”    Cortona, which is often called the “City of Art,” has its origin as an Etruscan city that pre-dates Roman times with sections of its walls dating back some 2500 years.  As is typical of Tuscan hill-towns, Cortona is a walled city that, for purposes of defense, was built atop a prominent geographical point. The stone buildings and streets not only have the romance, style, and charm that are particular to Tuscany, but also speak of the lives and times Cortona has witnessed. An encounter with Cortona is an encounter with music & art, with history and with spirituality. Getting to know this timeless city is a real rediscovery of our past. Cortona offers testimony to its history as well as an enchanting view of the landscape enclosed by Lake Trasimeno and the Apennine mountains

Sample Itinerary

New adjusted Spring 2026 dates coming soon!

Wednesday,   – Arrival in Cortona

-12:00 noon Depart Florence airport escorted group travel to Cortona

-1:30p Arrival and Check-in in Cortona at Hotel

-Free Afternoon

-6:00p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting

-7:00p Evening dinner in Cortona 

  

Thursday,   - Cortona

- Morning Session — 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Slide presentation: The Evolution of Abstract Art

•Origins, contemporary directions, and the beauty of personal creative expression

•Introduction to expressive mark making

•Hands-on exploration of tools, texture, and intuitive painting

- 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch

- Afternoon Session — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

•Finding themes & inspiration for abstract work

•Sketching demo: capturing shape, color, and texture

•Working with graphite, colored pencils, markers, pastels & inks

•Preparing for tomorrow’s plein air sketching excursion

- 6:00 PM – Wine / aperitifs

- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona


Friday,  — Day Trip to Siena

- 9:00 AM – Depart Cortona for Siena

•Group exploration of Siena’s architecture, textures & color palette

•On-location sketching: shapes, patterns & organic inspiration

- 12:30 PM — Light Lunch

- Afternoon Sketching

•Working with color—interpreting florals, still life & landscapes abstractly

•Capturing gesture, essence, rhythm, and emotional tone

- 4:30 PM – Return to Cortona

- 6:30 PM – Wine / aperitifs

- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona

 

Saturday,  — Cortona

 - Morning Session — 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

•Mixing harmonious color palettes

•Understanding value: why it matters & how to use it

•Demonstration + guided exercises

 - 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch (TBA)

 - Afternoon Session — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

•Abstract painting session

•Exploring color combinations that inspire joy

•Introducing shapes, layers & subtle texture

- 6:00 PM – Wine / aperitifs

- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona

Sunday,  — Cortona

- Morning Session — 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

• Design Elements & Composition

• Slide presentation + hands-on composition exercises

• Reviewing and refining your abstract paintings with a focus on shape, value, balance & focal point

 - 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch (TBA)

 - Afternoon Session — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

•Loose floral & still-life sketching

•Translating sketches into abstract paintings

- 6:00 PM – Wine / aperitifs

- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona

 

Monday,  — Pienza & Montepulciano

- 8:45 AM – Depart for day trip to Pienza & Montepulciano

- Morning Session

•Gathering inspirations, textures & color notes in your sketchbook

•Exploring themes: landscapes, architecture, and emotional impressions

 - 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch

 - Afternoon Session

•Sketching with composition, focal point, texture and color harmony

 - 4:30 PM – Return to Cortona

- 6:30 PM – Wine / aperitifs

- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona

  

Tuesday,  — Cortona

- Morning Session — 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

•Final refinements on your paintings

•Optional one-on-one critique

•Group celebration & sharing of your creative process

•Recognizing how your authentic self emerges through your work

 - 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch

 - Afternoon — Free Time

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring Cortona, shopping, resting, or packing.

 - 7:00 PM — Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner - A special evening together celebrating the week of creativity and connection.

 

Wednesday,   -  Checkout & Departure

- 8:00am  Escorted group travel departure from Cortona to Florence Airport


 

Note: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary. All times are approximate.
Note: Transfers are provided only for programmed meals and activities away from the hotel.
Note: All guests are responsible for handling their own luggage/baggage....we suggest to pack light.
Note: No refunds are given for any unused aspects of the itinerary or for any activities outside the above itinerary.



Nancy Joyce
Nancy Joyce
Meet Nancy Joyce...

Artist | Seeker of Hidden Dimensions

Nancy Joyce’s art invites you to step beyond the ordinary and glimpse worlds not easily seen—realities that shimmer just beneath the surface of perception. With roots in digital art and advertising, Nancy’s journey has been anything but conventional. After facing the profound challenge of macular degeneration—and nearly losing her ability to see—her recovery has become a testament to resilience and renewal. Today, she lives and creates in the sun-drenched landscapes of Baja, Mexico, where nature and spirit intertwine.

Nancy’s art is a conversation between the visible and the unseen, a bridge where expansive landscapes meet the mystery of alternate dimensions. Through acrylics, oils, and cold wax, she explores the delicate dance between form and transparency, grounding her work in the belief that what we observe is just the beginning. Her paintings, like portals, encourage viewers to experience reality from new angles and awaken to the subtleties of inner worlds.

Nancy Joyce invites people to see beyond what is, into what could be. Her work dares viewers to shift their perspective, explore the unknown, and experience the world through a lens of infinite possibility.


Website: https://studiocasaperla.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiocasaperla/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.joyce.792/



 

Testimonials...

 “I was so delighted that as a beginner painter, I was able to create a piece I was so proud of. I got out of my head for a couple hours to simply create- it fed my soul!” - Samantha M. 

I had the best time letting go of my pre-concieved notions of how painting should be. With a new format, tools and techniques I'd never used before  (or imagined) and layers on top of layers of discovery, my inner child was so delighted to come out and play. My life has been enhanced by the experience of stepping into Nancy's ways of doing art. Im so happy she decided to share her talents with us.” - Terra O.

"What a lovely event! As a non-artist, joining Nancy's Abstract Art Class allowed me not only the opportunity to meet a wonderful group of individuals but also to feel safe to participate in a painting class with no experience. Nancy provided wonderful guidance, art materials, and curated a fantastic space for creativity." - Alex P. 

“I was fortunate enough to spend a day at Nancy’s studio for an abstract art workshop. As a completely novice artist, I was nervous but warmly welcomed by Nancy and the other participants. The workshop was excellent and Nancy walked us through the techniques and provided guidance on colours - i was delighted to walk out of the day with three pieces of art I would happily hang on my wall. I would recommend this workshop to anyone who is interested in learning art techniques and meeting wonderful people.” Deb S.

“Nancy, I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping to heal this little inner child and teaching her precious soul how to sing. I will never forget how you shared your heart and passion.” Alicia P.

“Thanks Nancy, it was mind bending but fun. I needed to use more of my right brain. Thanks for working with me, cuz I really needed some extra love. It's clear how much you care and my oh my we need more of that in the world today.” Lynn K.

“I want to give a shout out to Nancy Joyce. She is not only a fantastic artist she is a great instructor. I have taken a number of her classes. They have all been very educational, expanding my knowledge about art and different techniques. She always is supportive of everyone’s creative self and is able to teach all skill levels. Her classes move along and before you know it the day is over. I would highly recommend this deep dive if you want to take your skills to a new level. Jacki M.



Nancy Joyce
Nancy Joyce
 

Participant Supply List

What to Bring...

Coming soon!

A basic materials kit of selected paints and paper will be available to order prior to the workshop at extra cost.

The kit will be determined based on the instructor's suggestions. More info coming soon!


 
 

Go to Enrollment page


Meet your host in Tuscany...Patrick Mahoney
Patrick Mahoney has called Cortona, Italy home since 2001! Patrick shares his very personal and intimate knowledge of Cortona's people, history, art, culture and food & wine to Toscana Americana Workshops experience. With his love of travel and after studying and working for many years in the Art & Entertainment industry Patrick's sensativity creates and shapes, along with a stable of wonderfully talented instructors, meaaningful, creative and memorale experiences in the Arts. A testament to the quality of the Toscana Americana Workshops experience is the large number of participants who return to enrich their lives while participating in creative programs...not only in Cortona, but also the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Venice, Portofino, as well as Santorini, Greece and Austria, and the American Southwest!!

   

Frequently Asked Questions and info

Email Toscana Americana Workshops for more info

Frequently Asked Questions and info
Back to Workshop Calendar

New requirements to travel
to Europe starting 2024

What is ETIAS?

Official ETIAS website


Covid-19 Protocols and Safety Measures (No restrictions as of July 19, 2023)
To respect our local host communities/countries and to ensure the safety and health of our guests and participants we follow the safety measures and protocols in place by our host communities/countries at the time of any given workshop or program or tour. These measures and protocols may vary and or change from time to time as well as during the course of any given workshop or program or tour and we will adapt to and abide by official safety measures and protocols. All of our guests and participants, without exception, are expected to adapt to and abide by official safety measures and protocols during any given workshop or program or tour in which they are participating. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face masks are the responsibility of each guest or participant. Health documents such as proof of vaccination or inoculation or other required by a host country, such as Italy for example, are the sole responsibility of each guest or participant. We strongly suggest all such documents are carried on-person at all times during any given workshop or program or tour in which they are participating.