EMBRACE THE PRACTICE® WORKSHOPS
DAILY PAINTING AND SKETCHBOOK JOURNALING IN CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
MAY 28- JUNE 6, 2026, In-person
CINQUE TERRE, ITALY register here
Join me for a week of creative exploration focused on building daily art habits, featuring two core practices: plein air painting and sketchbook journaling in the breathtaking setting of Cinque Terre.
Each workshop session begins by embracing the painting process and emphasizing the importance of daily practice as a pathway to enhanced creativity and stronger image-making skills. Through a mix of demonstrations, guided assignments, and individualized instruction, participants will learn techniques for making fresh, intentional marks.
Working with both translucent and opaque watercolors on small supports, you’ll discover ways to simplify your painting process and stay inspired and motivated. All levels are welcome.
Once your daily painting is complete, you’ll shift into the practice of sketchbook journaling. Together, the group will draw from direct observation and explore a variety of sketchbook layouts to visually capture the day’s experience. You’ll learn how to use your sketchbook as a personal journal—recording impressions of daily life, travels, and meaningful moments. We’ll explore visual storytelling, page design, and effective strategies for making quick, confident drawings.
We hope you’ll join in at Cinque Terre! register here
Hotel Details
Nestled on a gentle hill that separates the historic center of Monterosso from the newer district of Fegina, our charming boutique hotel, La Cabana, exudes the timeless essence of a traditional Ligurian farmhouse. Passed down through generations within a single family, this quaint establishment showcases the captivating fusion of heritage and contemporary comforts, while embracing eco-conscious practices.
Recently renovated with utmost care and respect for the environment and the cherished traditions of the Cinque Terre region, the nine guest rooms epitomize refined elegance. Adorned with antique furnishings, parquet floors, and graceful drapes, each room offers a magnificent vantage point to marvel at the panorama of the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounded by lush greenery that welcomes serenity and tranquility, La Cabana provides an idyllic sanctuary where guests can indulge in relaxation and relish in the beauty of nature, all complemented by picturesque gardens that inspire artistic expression.
During your stay, our group will exclusively occupy the entire hotel, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. To reach the heart of Monterosso, you have the option to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service or, if you’re feeling adventurous, embark on a leisurely, 10 minute stroll into town. The walk down unveils breathtaking vistas along the way, allowing you to admire the ancient 11th-century castle (now housing the village cemetery) and meander through olive groves until you arrive at the historical center of town. The hotel is located up, so the shuttle service might be an appealing choice for your trip back to the hotel.
Hotel in Cinque Terre
EMBRACE THE PRACTICE®
EMBRACE THE PRACTICE®
THE BIGGER PICTURE
& DAILY PAINTING/In-person
The Bigger Picture Workshop
July 29 & 30, 2025 register here
Bonita Springs, FL, Center for the Arts
Let’s paint the bigger picture. This workshop combines demos, in-class assignments and individual instruction to teach students the techniques to create fresh, deliberate marks on a big canvas. Using observational painting as our launching point (we’ll start with/observational but deviate from it), we’ll embark each day with energetic painting exercises designed to tap into each participant’s personal voice. The practice of working direct from life results in a heightened awareness and a lasting impression of the moment. Incorporating other elements, from photos, etc., we’ll creates an interconnectivity with our immediate surroundings and our personal voice. We’ll paint freer and bolder and let our personalities inspire what we see.. Through painting and exercises we’ll analyze what influences our choices and how to incorporate our personal voice in our work. All demos are in acrylic (oil painters welcome too!). register here
The Daily Painting Workshop
Jan 6, 7, 8 2026
Bonita Springs, FL, Center for the Arts register here
This three-day workshop combines demos, in-class assignments and individual instruction to teach students the techniques Lisa Daria Kennedy uses to create fresh, deliberate marks. Using acrylic paint (or oils) students will discover approaches to simplify the process of painting and ways to stay inspired and motivated. Continuous painting is by far the most effective way to improve creativity and image making skills. She will share examples of how the discipline of daily painting produces personal growth. The class will delve into the principles of design, composition, value, and color. We will examine color mixing, mark making, and personal voice. Lastly, we will discuss practical strategies for painting every day (or almost every day).
