In the Studio

A trip through Europe to see the work of the old masters first-hand also brings the chance to learn about their techniques and create your own. Join us on an artistic journey across the continent.

Words: BRITTANY REEVE

The term ‘old master’ has long been used to highlight the importance of the artists who worked between the Renaissance period and the beginning of the 1800s. Many of these artists were European and part of the Gothic, Baroque and Rococo movements – but not all Europe’s most impactful artists emerged during this period. Claude Monet, who founded Impressionism, is often known as ‘the last of the old masters’, whilst Vincent Van Gogh’s work in the late 1800s contributed to the rise of Expressionism in modern art.

Today, experiences such as learning the techniques of Monet’s most famous works in Paris and taking part in a tile-painting workshop in Seville are just the start of the experiences that can bring old and modern-day masterpieces to life.

Italian wonders and Florentine crafts

Italy is a country steeped in art, its most famous movement the Renaissance period of 1300–1600. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael flourished during this time, their work inspiring the later phase of the Renaissance known as Mannerism. Italy remained dominant in the artistic sphere as the Baroque style, famed for its deep contrasts, rich colours and intricate details, developed in the early 17th century.

The country’s reverence for art can be seen down every cobbled street in the historical centre of Florence, where sculptures and galleries abound. Aside from visiting the famed Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, which houses Michaelangeo’s David along with a collection of Florentine paintings from the Renaissance period, you can put your own skills to the test and take part in a fresco-painting workshop. Led by an art historian or a professional painter in Florence’s artisan neighbourhood, contemporary classes use the same materials and methods as the great Renaissance fresco painters like Giotto and Masaccio. You'll be guided through each step of the painting process, leaving with a piece of personal art to take home.

Florence is not only known for paintings – its artisanal crafts are the crown jewel of the city’s cultural landscape. You can be transported to the wonderful world of mosaics, jewels, papermaking and leatherworking on a tour led by local artists. Wander down the narrow alleys of Oltrarno, where for centuries artisans have crafted goods fit for royalty. Here you'll discover longstanding boutiques alongside workshops belonging to milliners, tanners, bookbinders and jewellers.

Dive into the art history of Spain

Spanish art has a long and unique history. Among the most notable names are those of Baroque artists Diego Velázquez and Goya, often referred to as the last of the old masters and the first of the moderns.

In Madrid, a city renowned for its art galleries, start with a guided exploration through the halls of Museo Nacional del Prado, where you’ll find collections of European art dating from the 12th to the early 20th century. In the more bohemian Barrio de las Letras (the literary quarter), smaller galleries showcase exhibitions of historical avant-garde and international modern art, including works by Dalí, Picasso, Miró and Gris.

Alongside landscape paintings and portraits, decorative tiles called majolica are among Spain’s artistic highlights. They were born as a result of the Islamic cultural influence in Spain particularly in the form of Moorish architecture, between the eighth and fifteenth centuries. These glazed tiles are enamelled with metallic and glass oxides, with the most beautiful reserved for Spanish churches and palaces. Over time, this type of tile was used more frequently in homes, particularly in flooring designs. In Seville, one of the cities from where the tiles were exported, you can visit the lively neighbourhood of Triana and learn about the different techniques and styles of tile-making. Or unearth your creative flair and paint your own tile under the guidance of a skilled local potter, perhaps inspired by how they were designed centuries ago.

First impressions of Monet

Although France took a backseat in the art world during the Renaissance, it was once again influential with the rise of Impressionism, Post-impressionism and Cubism during the 19th and 20th centuries. Monet, one of the notable artists of this period, was known for experimenting with new ways of depicting reality through pale tones to showcase transient effects. His 1872 painting, Impressionism, Sunrise is what gave the name to the movement due to its hazy, dream-like colours and shapes.

You can view this work and some three hundred of his other paintings at the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. And if inspiration strikes you, a workshop across the Seine in Saint Germain des Prés may be the perfect outlet to follow. In the cosy atmosphere of an artist’s studio, you can try your hand at using pastels to mimic Monet’s Impressionist style.

Hand-made creations in the Cairngorms

When you think of art, Scotland may not immediately come to mind. However, the 17th century saw the rise of several Scottish artists such as George Jameson, regarded as Scotland’s first well-known portrait artist, and the Baroque painter John Michael Wright. Although born in London, Wright trained under Jameson in Edinburgh.

Amid the neoclassical buildings of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town you’ll find Scotland's three National Art Galleries. Beyond, within the vast wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, opportunities await to visit authentic Scottish artists’ workshops and find inspiration of your own.

Cairngorms National Park lies deep in the highlands, a wild landscape of mountains, winding forest roads and curious critters. The small town of Grantown-on-Spey offers the perfect place to tap into your creativity, surrounded by the serene beauty of Scotland. At Spey Bank Studio, browse the diverse range of sculptures and paintings by Cairngorm artists, or take part in a class or two. To the south, surrounded by forest, join a local green woodworker for an escape the modern world. Learn how to craft a range of items using just your hands, the necessary tools and wood. Create your own highland cow model (known as a coo) or wooden cutlery hewn with a Scandinavian axe, draw knife, sloyd knife and gouge.

Continuing tradition in Portugal

Portugal’s azulejo tiles gained popularity during the 16th century and were used in architecture across the country. Today, they still adorn streetscapes from Porto to Lisbon.

At São Simão Arte, a short drive from the city of Setúbal, you can learn about how these tiles are made and paint your own using the traditional techniques of the azulejo under the watchful eye of a local artisan. The owner of São Simão Arte, António Soares Franco, was a distinguished antique collector renowned for his love of decorative tiles. After dedicating many years to hunting for samples, he decided to produce tiles himself in the village of Vila Fresca de Azeitão.

From the beginning, António wished to maintain the link to the ancestral factory where the acquisition of clay, drying, baking and painting was all manual. At São Simão Arte only the electric kilns differ to the traditional ones. More than a million pieces of tile art made here have now been sold, making António possibly one of the new masters of a centuries-long adored process.

A creative calling

You’ll find almost every form of artistic expression in Europe. As well as following the masters of centuries past, join us to meet the creative trailblazers of tomorrow.

In France, spend an afternoon at a recently opened glass-blowing atelier in Provence, learning about this art form and how to blow your own piece.

In Wales, enjoy a private session with a ceramicist involved in rediscovering the recipe for Nantgarw porcelain at the only surviving 19th-century porcelain works in the UK.

Start planning an artistic adventure.