Testimonials

"We all learnt an enormous amount in a short time. William taught us that oil paint need not be daunting"

- Valentine

"Arniano is the perfect artists retreat. Peaceful luxurious and inspiring. Will is gently encouraging and won't push you too much if you go for the sunbathing option after lunch when it's too hot to paint! The perfect week of peace and creativity I'm definitely going back!"

- Lucy and Robin Birley-

"Arniano is a wonderful setting. William's gentle but disciplined teaching allowed us to develop our creative skills with confidence in landscapes, still lives and portraits. Amber cooked feasts for us everyday which looked so attractive and tasted sublime with all the advantages of delicious local ingredients. The house has spectacular views, a great atmosphere with a large open fire and attractive cosy rooms".

- Peregrine and Miranda Moncreiffe

"Breathtaking panoramic views, picturesque cosy garden corners where you can enjoy fresh drinks and chatting with you class mates..and the bedrooms are simply... AMAZING!! The perfect hide-away where to practise your painting skills, immersed in the Tuscan hills. Amber knows exactly how to take great care of you with delicious tuscan wines and food and Will is a wonderfully friendly and talented painter."

- Carolina Bracalente

" I have the happiest memories of my time with William and Amber at Arniano. I loved strolling around the garden, painting the different views of the valleys and hills. William would ask us to draw from the terrace and begin by doing lots of 5-minute sketches in charcoal, which was a nice way to start the day. My favourite bit was having these amazing feasts that Amber had so beautifully made, and at the end of the day we would sit outside with our wine laughing and chatting. I wish I was there now!"

- Emma Murphy

"Arniano  is  just one of those  magical places that delights at every turn, beyond expectation. Amber  is  the most  fun-loving, openhearted natural hostess, chief cook and bottle washer you could  ever wish for, and  with Art in her heart,  Amiata in the distance,  and  this wonderful  house and garden  backdrop, it  offers the perfect paint escape break."

- Nicola Mallows

"I highly recommend the Arniano Painting Course.  I spent a glorious week there in June 2015. I had never had art tuition before, and William was very instructive and also approachable.  We all learnt an enormous amount in a short time. William encourages his pupils to be brave and experiment, and he taught us that oil paint need not be daunting.  He was full of advice and has a great sense of humour. The surroundings at Arniano are heavenly.  From our hilltop a beautiful Tuscan view filled every horizon.  We spent one day gathered around a still-life tableau, but we were also encouraged to wander off into the garden to choose a subject.  Everybody found their own rhythm, and for those who preferred the hammock after lunch there was always more painting and chat to be had in the early evening. The company at meals and pre-dinner drinks was lovely.  We were all more or less beginners at painting, and it was fascinating to chat to William about our efforts and wider questions of art and its application. "

- Valentine Guinness

"Arniano is a very  beautiful and charming place with it's wonderful garden and its 360 degrees panoramic views. It represents the perfect combination for inspiring art-making. Will is a fantastic teacher and Amber is simply the best host you could wish for, her artistic talent goes along with excellent cooking skills! Certainly a week at the Arniano painting school is a perfect getaway and a memorable experience for whoever is interested in art, food, wine and great people."

- Virginia Broadhead