JOURNALING THE JOURNEY:
Inspirations For Artists, Writer-Poets,
And Lovers Of Italy
​                                               With Darlene Marwitz

Join author and artist, Darlene Marwitz, in creating journal-style pages that tell “stories” via sketching, watercolor and words. Capture the essence and mystique of travel via illustrated interpretation.

Program Overview
Travel journals are sensual, something to hold in your hand, the way travelers have been recording their journeys for centuries. In contrast to high-tech blogging (online and elusive), paper journals are low-tech but highly tactile, a perfect portable means of capturing one’s travel, or daily, experiences. Adding the richness of hand sketches and design elements to written words produces a visual diary that is one-of-a-kind and personal, uniquely “yours.”
​Workshop includes studio sessions and plein air painting excursions in the Veneto. We will travel light and use a simple collection of tools and materials.
  • learn non-threatening, easy-going techniques that cover the basics of sketching, writing, watercoloring and journaling
  • experiment with embellishments, fold-outs, and a pocket for collecting ephemera
  • suitable for all levels, beginner to advanced
  • all supplies and tools provided in cost of workshop
Instructor 
Darlene Marwitz is an author and artist living in Fredericksburg, Texas where her studio is located alongside the Pedernales River in the Texas Hill Country. In addition to favoring Italy, Ms. Marwitz is a lover of all-things-lavender which prompted her to lead a similar journal workshop in France (2016) to see lavender fields in Provence. She has conducted numerous studio workshops as well as travel workshops, most frequently in Italy.
From writing and painting to architecture, Darlene's life has been filled with art. Her passion for historic preservation developed from an early appreciation for "old houses," followed by a love of Italy and Palladian villas during graduate school.
Darlene Marwitz, Associate AIA, has a BFA degree in studio arts from the University of Houston, followed by two master's degrees years later from the School of Architecture at The University of Texas in Austin. She has worked on significant historic preservation projects, primarily in Texas, and has overseen the research, design, and restoration or reproduction of period textiles, furniture, and lighting.
Darlene's first book, ITALY FEVER: 14 Ways to Satisfy Your Love Affair with Italy, was a memoir and pre-travel companion. She is currently working on a mystery novel with a setting in the Veneto region of northern Italy via a protagonist with a passion for art and Palladian villas. 
To learn more about her work, please visit: www.darlenemarwitz.com
Daily Schedule
  • Saturday: Recommended departure from US for the Venice Airport with next morning arrival. *
  • Day 1.  (Sunday) We will meet you at the airport between 10 a.m - 1 p.m. and drive you to the Studio and check-in at Bed & Breakfast in Vittorio Veneto. Welcome Dinner at Palazzo Galletti B&B Boutique Hotel .
  • Day 2.  Presentation and introduction to Journaling workshop. 
  • Morning walking guided tour of the historic centre of Serravalle, exploring the area gaining inspiration from the Renaissance architecture which surrounds the studio. Explore the process of creativity with Darlene in the studio and/or neighborhood. 
  • Day 3.  Visit the local market, buying the ingredients for a hands-on “Italian Mama" cooking class followed by a tasting meal of the dishes prepared.
  • Day 4. Studio and/or neighborhood out-and-about workshop sessions
  • Day 5. Guided tour in Venice
  • Day 6.  Studio and/or neighborhood out-and-about workshop sessions
  • Day 7. Final discussion and departure to your destination (Saturday check out
     *Airfare is not included in the tour cost.
The workshop includes 
  • 5 full days of instruction and hands-on 
  • 6 nights stay and daily breakfast
  • Gourmet lunches served on location.
  • Dinners prepared both by our "Italian Mama" chef and at restaurants of the region 
  • Cooking class with English instruction
  • ​Anytime use of the Art Inn Italy studio, easels and art stools.
  • A guided tour of Serravalle in Vittorio Veneto 
  • A day trip & guided tour in Venice
  • Most meals, including daily wine tasting opportunities, coffee/tea and snacks with the exception of the one-day tour in Treviso
  • Group Pick-up and drop-off at Venice International with a comfortable van; Other travel departure transport not included
​Cost 
  • The all-inclusive price including art supplies, accommodation, meals and tours is  EUR 2640 per person
  • 20% reduction for non painting partner
  • Early registration: $100 off if you register by December 15, 2016.
​​ Convert here to see how much this amounts in your local currency

Extra costs
  • Single room supplement: EUR 380
  • Meals during the one day tour
AccommodationNot included
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses and meals during the tour in Venice
  • Travel insurance
  • Private airport transfers
Upcoming workshops
September 2017 - From Sunday 10th to Saturday 16th
To enroll please contact:  
Darlene Marwitz; 512.415.9960; [email protected];  
Alma Ortolan; +39 3487240644; [email protected]