Painting in Venice with Anna Longridge

Under the guidance of artist and experienced teacher Anna Longridge, who will share her expertise, this trip will be spent painting in a variety of carefully chosen locations, encompassing the architectural wonders that Venice has to offer. From the infamous Piazza San Marco and The Rialto Bridge to the magnificent church of Santa Maria della Saluta, this seven day experience encapsulates the beauty of Venice's architecture and art, creating the perfect inspiration for painting.

Throughout the week Anna will do quick demonstrations illustrating the points of perspective and will instruct everyone individually in their various locations of choice.  The tour is also eminently suitable for the non-painter, who may wish to explore the city and explore its many cultural treasures.

Day 1: Monday, 24th September

London / Venice

Depart London Heathrow on a morning British Airways flight to Venice, arriving at lunchtime.  On arrival transfer to Hotel American Dinesen in the historic centre of Venice, a superior three-star hotel which offers comfortable rooms decorated in Venetian style.  Stay six nights on a bed and breakfast basis.  Located in an antique 17th century palace, the hotel is in the Dorsoduro area behind the Accademia Museum which is uncrowded and has easy access to water buses.  This area boasts two art shops and the Trovaso pub, which is a delightful spot for a light lunch of panini and wine.  

Lunch at a local restaurant (under own arrangements).  In the afternoon Anna will start her teaching.  She will give a demonstration of the hotel’s neighbouring canals and assist everyone with their subject matter, techniques and mediums, and will give a lesson on perspective.  Anna will revive our drawing skills, then progress to the more adventurous subjects for those in favour.  Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Tuesday, 25th September

Appearing like a stage across the water from the Piazzetta, the little island of San Giorgio Maggiore has been captured on canvas countless times.  The church and monastery are among Andrew Palladio’s greatest architectural achievements, modelled on the Classical style of ancient Rome.  We will paint San Giorgio from the point of the Guidecca, with sailing boats in the distance and the odd boat in the foreground.  An easy start!

In the afternoon we will paint the nearby canals or parts of the Grand Canal.

Day 3: Wednesday, 26th September

We take the morning ferry across to San Giorgio Maggiore, where we can admire the fantastic views of Venice spread out before us.  Here we will paint the Baroque church of Santa Maria della Salute which stands at the entrance of the Grand Canal and is another beautiful composition, whilst the waves are lapping our feet.

In the afternoon, after paninis at Trovaso pub behind the Accademia (under own arrangements), we can paint the gondola boat yard, known as the Squero di San Trovaso which was established in the 17th century.  It is one of the few surviving gondola workshops in Venice and is the most picturesque.  Also paint the gondola boat yard’s neighbouring canals.

Day 4: Thursday, 27th September

Morning visit to the Rialto, once the commercial heart of the city and now a colourful and bustling market with fish and fruit stalls.  Here we can paint endless subjects across the canal, such as the picturesque moored boats and within the market itself. 

Lunch at La Madonna (under own arrangements).  In the afternoon paint the Ponte di Rialto (the Rialto Bridge), with its stone arches, steps, and shops.  For nearly three hundred years, it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot.  Ponte di Rialto is magical in the afternoon light!

Day 5: Friday, 28th September

Today we can wander behind the Piazza San Marco to paint La Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, famous for some of the finest early 16th century paintings by Vittore Carpaccio, which is a magical, unspoilt and untouristy corner.  Here there are endless attractive and quiet canals to suit all standards of painters. 

Day 6: Saturday, 29th September

Today we can paint from the Piazza San Marco, the central landmark of Venice and home of the grand Basilica and towering Campanile.  Its architectural gems provide plenty of choice.  The more confident may choose to paint the Basilica itself, built in the eleventh century and is an intriguing mix of eastern mystery and western opulence.  

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (included).

Day 7: Sunday, 20th September

Venice / London

Depart on foot to the nearby wooden Accademia Bridge, which was built in 1932 as a temporary structure to replace a 19th century iron bridge. By popular demand it has been retained. From here we can paint the Grand Canal with the magnificent church of Santa Maria della Salute on the right. For those who like more of a challenge we can also paint the palaces on the left.

Transfer to Venice Airport in time to for an early evening British Airways flight back to London, arriving at Heathrow Airport in the evening.

For more information please call Antonia Nathan on 020 7386 4659 or email