Flavia Birsan retreat
an immersive experience open to all levels
After years of painting, exhibiting and working both independently and with galleries — and seeing my work enter collections in over 30 countries — Flavia learned one essential thing: most people don’t need more techniques. They need clarity. This five-day abstract painting retreat is an immersive, studio-led experience open to all levels — from practicing artists to complete beginners, and also to those who don’t yet identify as artists but feel drawn to painting as a form of expression.
During the retreat, she will demonstrate her own layering technique, including how she builds color fields with raw marks and dynamic surfaces, offering practical, visual clarity without imposing specific rules.
This is not about learning how to paint in five days.
It’s about understanding your own visual language, trusting your instincts and creating the conditions to move your work forward with clarity.
This programme is orientative and intentionally flexible.
The retreat is shaped around a respectful, supportive community, where everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace. Time is shared between studio practice, one-to-one discussions, group exchange, moments of rest and local exploration.
Studio sessions may last several hours or be divided into shorter intervals, depending on the energy of the group and the needs of the work. The structure adapts to what is happening in the studio.
While layers are drying, we may pause by the pool, take short walks around Chiaraluce Country House, or simply stay and talk.
The focus is on allowing painting, conversation and rest to support the process naturally — without pressure, comparison or fixed outcomes.
retreat program
All the information you need to know exactly what to expect from this retreat.
Arrival
15:00–18:00 Arrival & check-in. Exploring Chiaraluce property & Seaside
19:00 Welcome dinner
First Layers
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:30 Studio: getting to know each other, verbalizing our objectives, warm-up, first layers
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Studio: continuation & 1:1 chats and guidance
18:00 Walk in Montefiore dell’Aso, followed by pizza, cocktails & gelato in this charming place
Layers (Canvas & Tiramisù)
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:00–10:00 Seaside walk for inspiration
10:00–12:30 Studio: building, covering, revealing layers
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Studio: continuation & guidance & 1:1
17:30–18:30 Cooking workshop: tiramisù layers with the chef
19:00 Dinner (and our own cold tiramisù)
Immersion & Place
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
10:00–12:30 Studio: deep work
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Studio: continuation & guidance 1:1
17.30–19:00 Visit & wine tasting in Pedaso
19:30 Dinner
Contrast
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:30 Studio: contrast & structure
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Visit Ripatransone
17:30–18:30 Studio: continuation & guidance & 1:1
19:00 Dinner
Closure & Sharing
05:30–07:30 Catching the sunrise on the beach & coffee
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:30–12:30 Studio: finishing & decisions
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Discussing our work, take-aways
18.00 VERNISSAGE. Celebrating our work in vernissage with local guests. Art, music (local DJ or band) and an apericena prepared by our chef.
Departure
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00–12:30 Check-out & departures
Flavia Birsan
Flavia Birsan is a Romanian artist currently living and creating in Warsaw.
Known for her richly layered, textured compositions, Flavia’s work captures the beauty of imperfections and the passage of time. Her art blends muted neutrals with vibrant colors, reflecting her fascination with contrasts and universal connections. Her paintings have been collected in over 30 countries.
Flavia’s creative process involves reshaping forms and layering paint until they no longer resemble something specific, but evoke a sense of everything. Each piece invites viewers to reflect and connect with their own stories through its depth and subtlety. Her work celebrates the power of simplicity and the richness of experience, making every canvas a personal yet universal exploration.
does it cost?
We offer different pricing options based on your needs.
€1900
€1700 per person sharing
Non-painting partners are warmly welcomed and can join all cultural excursions, oil tastings and dining experiences included with a €250 of discount from the prices above
€1500 per person sharing
Non-painting partners are warmly welcomed and can join all cultural excursions, oil tastings and dining experiences included with a €250 of discount from the prices above
they’ll receive a €250 discount on the room and can explore all the activities available for them.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- 5 days abstract painting tuition led by Flavia Birsan. Group work, community time, and one-to-one discussions
- 6 nights accomodation
- All meals with beverages
- Transfers from/to Pedaso train station or Ancona airport
- Excursions: Visits in the area as mentioned in the programme
- Local transfers: All necessary transfers are included for excursions and programme-related visits during the retreat.
- Wine tasting at a local producer
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDES
- Transfers from/to the venue from other airport
- Airfares and travel insurance
- All painting materials will be provided during the art retreat to ensure a studio experience: canvases, acrylic paints, markers, and tools. The materials cost is €100, payable directly to the artist.
- Additional beverages outside meals
- Optional private sessions
- Personal expenses and souvenirs