
A special place just for Women
Laughter, Sunshine, Singing Chocolate, Friendship
Are you thinking about starting some writing but don't know where to begin?
Have you always longed for the time to spend your days painting or writing and drawing ?
Have you been producing art for a while but would love to learn something new?
Do you long for supportive feedback and mentoring for your writing ?
If the answer to any of those questions is YES , Then the combined Writing and Art Retreat for women sounds like it could be the perfect place for You
This amazing retreat has been designed by Women for Women with the goal of providing creative women with the perfect opportunity to explore, experiment and develop, their passion for art and writing. Some people may ask, WHY women would need a retreat of their own? The answer is simple So they can spend time doing the things they love without any interruptions. So they can take a much needed break away from their work and family responsibilities. So they can meet up with other like minded creative women in a welcoming safe environment.
BUT mostly so they can reconnect again to their creative side and become Inspired Relaxed and Rejuvenated
This retreat has been set up in an idyllic environment, far away from the demands and daily routines dictated by a busy life. Each workshop provides a balanced mixture of discussion and feedback at a pace that is tailored to suit your individual needs. Each participant will have their own room and private bathroom at the BIO IL Portico Agriturismo .All you have to do is Relax unwind and explore your new surroundings, whilst you Paint, Write and ENJOY the delicious, home cooked Italian meals and local wine. You can find out more and See more details on the 'Retreats and Costs' page.
But I don't really have a creative project at the moment. Can I still go ?
Even if your are a complete novice to both writing and drawing it doesn't really matter because the combined Retreat is the perfect place for Women to Explore their potential, become inspired and tap into their creative energies, so hopefully they will keep on writing and creating art long after they return to their home. It is also a place for you to meet up with other like minded creative women and let your 'Hair Down' for the week as you Laugh, Write ,Sing, Paint and share good times and build lasting friendships over a meal and a glass of wine. Not only that, Writing and Art retreats in Italy offers you the chance to learn all about a new culture. There will be many opportunities to explore the nearby medieval town of Penne, with its quaint old buildings and churches, Museum and cobblestone streets. These buildings are especially interesting as subjects to paint and draw. As well as visiting Penne there will be optional tours to the local vineyards and olive groves and cheese makers. A time to Explore, Experience and build some lasting Memories in a special place.
Note : All optional tours are not included in the overall retreat price. There will be an independent tour operator available for you to consider buying a tour within Penne. The host of the retreat will assist you with this.
Laughter, Sunshine, Singing Chocolate, Friendship
Are you thinking about starting some writing but don't know where to begin?
Have you always longed for the time to spend your days painting or writing and drawing ?
Have you been producing art for a while but would love to learn something new?
Do you long for supportive feedback and mentoring for your writing ?
If the answer to any of those questions is YES , Then the combined Writing and Art Retreat for women sounds like it could be the perfect place for You
This amazing retreat has been designed by Women for Women with the goal of providing creative women with the perfect opportunity to explore, experiment and develop, their passion for art and writing. Some people may ask, WHY women would need a retreat of their own? The answer is simple So they can spend time doing the things they love without any interruptions. So they can take a much needed break away from their work and family responsibilities. So they can meet up with other like minded creative women in a welcoming safe environment.
BUT mostly so they can reconnect again to their creative side and become Inspired Relaxed and Rejuvenated
This retreat has been set up in an idyllic environment, far away from the demands and daily routines dictated by a busy life. Each workshop provides a balanced mixture of discussion and feedback at a pace that is tailored to suit your individual needs. Each participant will have their own room and private bathroom at the BIO IL Portico Agriturismo .All you have to do is Relax unwind and explore your new surroundings, whilst you Paint, Write and ENJOY the delicious, home cooked Italian meals and local wine. You can find out more and See more details on the 'Retreats and Costs' page.
But I don't really have a creative project at the moment. Can I still go ?
Even if your are a complete novice to both writing and drawing it doesn't really matter because the combined Retreat is the perfect place for Women to Explore their potential, become inspired and tap into their creative energies, so hopefully they will keep on writing and creating art long after they return to their home. It is also a place for you to meet up with other like minded creative women and let your 'Hair Down' for the week as you Laugh, Write ,Sing, Paint and share good times and build lasting friendships over a meal and a glass of wine. Not only that, Writing and Art retreats in Italy offers you the chance to learn all about a new culture. There will be many opportunities to explore the nearby medieval town of Penne, with its quaint old buildings and churches, Museum and cobblestone streets. These buildings are especially interesting as subjects to paint and draw. As well as visiting Penne there will be optional tours to the local vineyards and olive groves and cheese makers. A time to Explore, Experience and build some lasting Memories in a special place.
Note : All optional tours are not included in the overall retreat price. There will be an independent tour operator available for you to consider buying a tour within Penne. The host of the retreat will assist you with this.

What kind of workshops will the retreat offer?
During the week long retreat you will be given the opportunity to participate in a combined program of Writing and Art workshops, that will ultimately lead to the creation of your own Personalised Illustrated memoir Art Book. These workshops will provide the opportunity to explore your creative side by combining a few specifically designed activities. There will be a strong focus and exploration of Photojournalism, Memoir writing and the art of Illustration . The following topics will be included
*Intro to Memoir writing using poetry, prose
* Intro to Sketching, painting, Landscapes, Buildings
*Intro to Intuitive Art and tapping your creative energy
Here is a sample of the planned itinerary for the first two days of the retreats, a full itinerary is available upon request.
Saturday :
2.30 Arrive in Penne on a Saturday afternoon and travel to the chosen accommodation where each
woman will be shown to her own bedroom and private bathroom facilities. Transfer to and from Pescara airport can be organised at a nominal cost of $15 US each way in an eight seater van. The rest of the Afternoon will be used for settling in and becoming acquainted with the property and the wonderful Italian ambience of the countryside.
5.00 Meet and Greet Aperitivo with the Hosts and the other participants of the course. This time will be a getting to know you session. We will all meet in the lovely comfortable lounge area of the IL Portico Agriturismo.
6.00 It’s off to the Lovely dining room with its fabulous vaulted ceilings for a delicious home cooked meal, and
if you wish, a glass of red or white wine, soft drink, juice , water.
8.00 Free time to relax, unpack your bags, settle in and chat at the IL Portico before retiring for a well deserved good nights sleep. .
Sunday
A full day to completely rest and soak up the fresh air and Ambiance of the lovely surrounding Italian countryside .Tours in and out of the lovely town of Penne may also be organised at an optional cost with the Host of the retreat. However please be aware that this is a Sunday and therefore not all of the local shops will be opened. It is also possible to arrange an optional Wine and Cheese,Vineyards or Shopping in Pescara tour before the Workshops start on Monday. Please indicate a preference for this on the Application Form when you make your final booking.
Monday :
7.30 Breakfast, cereals, fruit juices, eggs, toast, tea coffee, etc
9.00 An interactive discussion on the definition of Memoir/reflective writing/travel journal. Workshop focusing on Mind mapping and Brainstorming ideas for your Art book.
10.30 Morning tea, coffee, tea, water, fruit juice, biscuits.
11.00 Presentation and definition of an Illustrated fold out Memoir Art Book. Workshop some examples on the subject of illustration and its use to complement, enhance, comment and relate to words you have chosen to include .
12.30 Lunch at a Local Trattoria in Penne.
2.00 Photography field trip in the township of Penne. Participants will be asked to focus on small objects of interest such as windows, doors, door -knobs, Frescos, water fountains etc, that they may see in the town.
3.15 During this workshop this you will be guided through a series of fun drawing exercises related to the
photography field trip . This workshop will provide the opportunity to experiment with a variety of illustrative styles.
5.15 Apperitivos
6.00 Dinner a selection of typical dishes from Abruzzo, including Pasta's Salads, Breads, Cheeses and dessert. One glass of Local wine will be provided each night with the meal. You may purchase more if you like but, it will be at your own expense.
8.00 Free time.
You will have the benefit of working with the talented Bea Davenport who is an experienced Memoir Writing tutor and there will also be an experienced Art tutor.
Practical demonstrations and interactive workshops will be facilitated by experienced and professional Art and Writing teachers in the mornings. Please refer to the 'About your host page for more information.
Optional field trips and or free time to work on your Artistic or Literary project/s will be the optional activities for most afternoons. Early evenings may be used to visit the nearby town of Penne. See our About Penne page for more information.
It is also possible to attend this retreat purely to develop skills in Writing for Memoir without the Artistic component. Please check Our Retreats and Costs page for more details.
During the week long retreat you will be given the opportunity to participate in a combined program of Writing and Art workshops, that will ultimately lead to the creation of your own Personalised Illustrated memoir Art Book. These workshops will provide the opportunity to explore your creative side by combining a few specifically designed activities. There will be a strong focus and exploration of Photojournalism, Memoir writing and the art of Illustration . The following topics will be included
*Intro to Memoir writing using poetry, prose
* Intro to Sketching, painting, Landscapes, Buildings
*Intro to Intuitive Art and tapping your creative energy
Here is a sample of the planned itinerary for the first two days of the retreats, a full itinerary is available upon request.
Saturday :
2.30 Arrive in Penne on a Saturday afternoon and travel to the chosen accommodation where each
woman will be shown to her own bedroom and private bathroom facilities. Transfer to and from Pescara airport can be organised at a nominal cost of $15 US each way in an eight seater van. The rest of the Afternoon will be used for settling in and becoming acquainted with the property and the wonderful Italian ambience of the countryside.
5.00 Meet and Greet Aperitivo with the Hosts and the other participants of the course. This time will be a getting to know you session. We will all meet in the lovely comfortable lounge area of the IL Portico Agriturismo.
6.00 It’s off to the Lovely dining room with its fabulous vaulted ceilings for a delicious home cooked meal, and
if you wish, a glass of red or white wine, soft drink, juice , water.
8.00 Free time to relax, unpack your bags, settle in and chat at the IL Portico before retiring for a well deserved good nights sleep. .
Sunday
A full day to completely rest and soak up the fresh air and Ambiance of the lovely surrounding Italian countryside .Tours in and out of the lovely town of Penne may also be organised at an optional cost with the Host of the retreat. However please be aware that this is a Sunday and therefore not all of the local shops will be opened. It is also possible to arrange an optional Wine and Cheese,Vineyards or Shopping in Pescara tour before the Workshops start on Monday. Please indicate a preference for this on the Application Form when you make your final booking.
Monday :
7.30 Breakfast, cereals, fruit juices, eggs, toast, tea coffee, etc
9.00 An interactive discussion on the definition of Memoir/reflective writing/travel journal. Workshop focusing on Mind mapping and Brainstorming ideas for your Art book.
10.30 Morning tea, coffee, tea, water, fruit juice, biscuits.
11.00 Presentation and definition of an Illustrated fold out Memoir Art Book. Workshop some examples on the subject of illustration and its use to complement, enhance, comment and relate to words you have chosen to include .
12.30 Lunch at a Local Trattoria in Penne.
2.00 Photography field trip in the township of Penne. Participants will be asked to focus on small objects of interest such as windows, doors, door -knobs, Frescos, water fountains etc, that they may see in the town.
3.15 During this workshop this you will be guided through a series of fun drawing exercises related to the
photography field trip . This workshop will provide the opportunity to experiment with a variety of illustrative styles.
5.15 Apperitivos
6.00 Dinner a selection of typical dishes from Abruzzo, including Pasta's Salads, Breads, Cheeses and dessert. One glass of Local wine will be provided each night with the meal. You may purchase more if you like but, it will be at your own expense.
8.00 Free time.
You will have the benefit of working with the talented Bea Davenport who is an experienced Memoir Writing tutor and there will also be an experienced Art tutor.
Practical demonstrations and interactive workshops will be facilitated by experienced and professional Art and Writing teachers in the mornings. Please refer to the 'About your host page for more information.
Optional field trips and or free time to work on your Artistic or Literary project/s will be the optional activities for most afternoons. Early evenings may be used to visit the nearby town of Penne. See our About Penne page for more information.
It is also possible to attend this retreat purely to develop skills in Writing for Memoir without the Artistic component. Please check Our Retreats and Costs page for more details.

Will I need to bring any thing ?
No everything, apart from your own personal needs will be provided, please refer to our Retreats and Costs page for details of accommodation and board.
Note: For the Memoir Art Book We will be working with art paper rather than canvas and because of the limited period of only one week we will work with acrylic paints rather than oil. Please note: we will also be working on developing a Photo Journal so it is important to bring along your own camera to use on the field trips . Of course you can also bring over some of your own materials if you like . You may also like to bring some poems that you like and other prose you would like to use as part of the book.
Please Note : Group sizes will be kept to a maximum of ten women and there will need to be a minimum of four women for the retreats to go ahead. Please try and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.
No everything, apart from your own personal needs will be provided, please refer to our Retreats and Costs page for details of accommodation and board.
Note: For the Memoir Art Book We will be working with art paper rather than canvas and because of the limited period of only one week we will work with acrylic paints rather than oil. Please note: we will also be working on developing a Photo Journal so it is important to bring along your own camera to use on the field trips . Of course you can also bring over some of your own materials if you like . You may also like to bring some poems that you like and other prose you would like to use as part of the book.
Please Note : Group sizes will be kept to a maximum of ten women and there will need to be a minimum of four women for the retreats to go ahead. Please try and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.