The art of noticing
A Guided Painting Retreat with Krista J. Brock
This immersive retreat is an invitation to slow down, soften, and reconnect with your creative rhythm through nature, presence, and intuitive painting.
Rooted in the art of noticing, we gather inspiration from the surrounding landscape — the sea, medieval villages, shifting light, and quiet details that catch your attention. Sketching or simply pausing to observe becomes part of the creative process, allowing ideas to form naturally over time.
In the studio, we move into a natural rhythm of making, guided by intuitive practice. Working in sketchbooks and on surfaces like watercolor and mineral paper, we explore watercolor, acrylic inks, and layered mixed media approaches — building backgrounds, working with gesso, and exploring surfaces such as paper and wood. Mark-making, texture, and experimentation are central, often using simple or natural tools — sticks, feathers, and found materials that bring a sense of play and spontaneity to the process.
Throughout the week, you’ll create a growing body of work from small daily pieces such as intuitive card studies and painted explorations to more developed works, including abstract compositions and symbolic “portal” paintings as imagery begins to emerge.
Guided sessions are balanced with spacious time for individual exploration. At times, we may paint with eyes closed, respond to music, or move between stillness and gesture shifting from thinking into feeling and learning to trust your instincts, rhythm, and flow. There will also be moments of shared and collaborative creation, inviting connection and a sense of play within the group.
Natural elements gathered from our surroundings… leaves, stones, feathers, and found textures may become part of the work, connecting your creative process to place and experience.
This retreat is both restorative and exploratory… a space to deepen your relationship with materials, reconnect with your creativity, and discover what unfolds when you allow curiosity to lead.
Through simple daily rituals, shared meals, quiet reflection, and moments under the harvest full moon, we create an environment where creativity can unfold gently and without pressure.
Open to all levels. What matters most is curiosity, openness, and a willingness to trust the process.
retreat program
All the information you need to know exactly what to expect from this retreat.
Settling in to the beauty that is Chiaraluce
Time to explore the property and nearby seaside
Welcome gathering in the evening
A simple moment to connect and ease into the week
Dinner together
A morning walk /local gardens
noticing, gathering, sketching
Studio time: intuitive warm-ups and small paper studies
Afternoon session allowing music to guide, painting with softened focus, and creating the first layered abstract backgrounds
Time to rest, wander, or continue working at your own pace
Dinner at Chiaraluce
Seaside sketching and observation
Gathering natural tools, inspiration & peace
Studio: build layers, cover, reveal, allow imagery to emerge.
Afternoon: continue work or rest.
Evening: explore Montefiore dell’Aso, enjoy pizza, cocktails & gelato.
Morning: excursion to Ripatransone for slow sketching and inspiration.
Studio: Continuing to allow what wants to unfold on our painting, possible abstract self portraits, and allowing intuition to guide.
Optional wine tasting at a local vineyard.
Dinner at Chiaraluce.
Full-day excursion:
Visit the Rosina Silvestri Mill for a guided olive oil tasting.
Sketch in Piazza del Popolo, Ascoli Piceno, and sip espresso at historic cafés.
Explore the MAM open-air museum along the Adriatic.
Return to Chiaraluce for dinner.
Final studio session: Dedicated time for completing projects and personalized guidance
Group reflection and informal sharing.
Evening Aperitivo & Vernissage: relaxed exhibition of works from the week, paired with music and a celebratory apericena prepared by the chef.
Closing dinner at Chiaraluce
Breakfast and Check out
Krista J. Brock
Krista J. Brock is a mixed media and intuitive watercolor artist whose work explores emotional honesty, symbolism, and the restorative power of creative practice. For over 15 years, her paintings — collected both locally and internationally — have brought together watercolor, acrylic ink, collage, and expressive mark-making to create layered compositions where imagery quietly emerges.
Central to her work are her abstract “portal” paintings and richly textured backgrounds, where faces, birds, and recurring owl forms reveal themselves over time — inviting a slower, more contemplative way of seeing. Writing and art journaling are an integral part of her process, often forming the unseen foundation beneath each piece.
After surviving a rare stroke triggered by COVID, Krista gently rebuilt her creative life through a return to simple daily watercolor rituals. What began as a healing practice evolved into a deeply intuitive and embodied approach, blending curiosity, experimentation, and trust. Today, she works fluidly across watercolor, acrylic inks, mineral and handmade papers, vintage ephemera, and found materials — allowing each piece to guide its own direction.
In addition to exhibiting and selling her collections, Krista leads immersive retreats and workshops internationally, as well as seasonal programs for young artists. Her teaching bridges technique and intuition, supporting participants of all levels in exploring materials freely, trusting their visual language, and reconnecting with their creative rhythm.
Her work is rooted in the belief that art is not only something we create, but a way of noticing, uncovering, and returning to ourselves.
does it cost?
We offer different pricing options based on your needs.
2500€
2200€ per person sharing
€1900 per person sharing
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 Krista Brock
- 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’ S NOT INCLUDED
- Transfers from/to the venue from other airport
- Airfares, visa and travel insurance
- A comprehensive list of materials will be provided by the artist.
- Additional beverages outside meals
- Optional private sessions
- Personal expenses and souvenirs