R A D I C I
Watercolours, Coffee & Botanical Storytelling
The Art of Coffee & Watercolour
Throughout the retreat, participants will explore Francesca Mariani’s distinctive artistic approach, combining watercolours and coffee to create delicate, layered and deeply expressive artworks.
Coffee is used as a natural pigment. Its warm sepia tones create depth, texture and atmosphere, blending beautifully with watercolours to produce organic and unexpected effects.
The creative process is enriched by the use of real leaves and flowers, vintage papers, poetry fragments and handwritten words. Each piece becomes a personal visual narrative, where nature, memory and imagination intertwine.
No previous experience is required. Participants can choose to begin from one of Francesca’s illustrations or develop an entirely personal composition, guided through each step of the process.
This retreat is designed for those who wish to slow down, experiment with unconventional materials and discover a more intuitive and poetic way of creating art.
retreat program
All the information you need to know exactly what to expect from this retreat.
Friday | Arrival & Coffee Ritual
Arrival after lunch and welcome at Chiaraluce. We begin with a special coffee ritual that becomes both material and inspiration for our first creative session. A gentle introduction to the retreat, the group and the artistic process.
Saturday | Creative Immersion
A full day dedicated to artistic exploration. Guided workshops in the morning and afternoon, shared meals, moments of inspiration and personal creative development. In the evening, participation in the AMA event: art, live music and apericena in a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Sunday | Creating & Letting Go
Final creative session to complete artworks, gather insights and share experiences. Closing lunch together before departure.
Francesca Mariani
Francesca Mariani is an illustrator and mixed-media artist whose work explores the delicate connection between nature, memory and imagination.
Her artistic language combines watercolours, coffee, botanical elements, vintage papers and handwritten words, creating layered compositions that feel both intimate and timeless. Through a process that blends illustration, collage and visual storytelling, she transforms simple materials into poetic narratives rich with emotion and symbolism.
Inspired by the natural world and the beauty of everyday details, Francesca invites participants to embrace experimentation, intuition and slow observation. Her workshops are not focused on technical perfection, but on discovering a personal creative voice through curiosity, play and connection with the materials.
During the retreat, Francesca will guide participants through her unique techniques for painting with coffee and watercolour, sharing her creative process and helping each person develop their own artistic interpretation.
does it cost?
We offer different pricing options based on your needs.
€ 400 per person sharing
€500
they’ll receive a €250 discount on the room and can explore all the activities available for them.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
• All artistic materials
• Watercolours, coffee, botanical elements, vintage papers and collage materials
• Two nights accommodation in a shared double room
• All meals from Friday afternoon to Sunday lunch
• Water, tea and coffee available throughout the retreat
• Wine included with meals
• Use of swimming pool and common areas