Tuscany Light, Artistic Heights: A Dual-Artistry Retreat with Joe Reardon & Laura Tryon Jennings

Picture Tuscany as a living tapestry: golden sunlight washes over vineyards, rustic stone farmhouses dot the countryside, and cypress trees trace the horizon. In this Dual-Artistry Workshop, Joe teaches you to harness that breathtaking scenery through the lens of your camera, while Laura reveals the secrets to bringing those images to life on canvas.

Rather than a day-to-day itinerary, this immersive experience emphasizes the grand arc of creative development. Photography sessions focus on mastering manual controls, allowing you to capture evocative shots of Tuscany’s varied moods—from the serene hush of dawn to the rich glow of late afternoon. You’ll then translate these visual stories into paintings, guided by a mix of foundational techniques—like the grid method—and exploratory approaches to color, contrast, and composition.

Throughout the workshop, one-on-one mentorship and group discussions ensure that your artistic journey is both personal and collaborative. You’ll learn how to refine each photograph—adjusting light, shadow, and tone to convey emotion—before transforming those reference images into textured, nuanced paintings that capture the spirit of Italy. By the final exhibition, your photographs and paintings will stand side by side, celebrating both the timeless beauty of Tuscany and the unique creative spark that only you can bring to each piece.

A Note from Joe

“Whether you’re capturing Tuscany’s beauty with an advanced mirrorless camera or just your iPhone, this retreat is for you. All experience levels are welcome! Together, we’ll explore composition, lighting, and storytelling—helping you refine your artistic vision, no matter your gear.

My goal is to help you see beyond the obvious beauty of Tuscany. I want you to experience the interplay of light dancing on vineyards and ancient walls, then capture that essence in each photograph. Together, we’ll delve into manual settings, composition, and thoughtful editing, ensuring that every shot tells a story that resonates with both the place and your personal creativity. By week’s end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to craft images that feel as alive as the Tuscan landscape itself.”

A Note from Laura

“As soon as you pick up a brush, you step into a realm of limitless possibilities. My approach is rooted in merging the visual spark of photography with the expressive depth of painting. We’ll begin with your best shots—discussing color harmonies and balance—before layering oils or acrylics that capture the mood of the moment. Every step of the way, I’ll be there to share insights, offer demonstrations, and help you cultivate a style that truly speaks to your personal artistic journey This workshop is for beginners, intermediate and beyond participants..”