Paint Florence, not postcards.

This is an outdoor workshop in the middle of Florence where you learn to draw and watercolor what you see, with help from Betty. I like that the lesson is set up around real city views—so you’re practicing composition and perspective on the spot, not copying a template. I also like that the class stays fun even when the light changes, because Betty keeps steering you step by step through sketching and paint mixing.

A second big plus: the group is small (up to 10), so you get hands-on attention instead of floating near the edges. Plus, you’re not left scrambling for supplies—Betty brings what you need. One possible drawback: the exact place you work can shift depending on weather, so you won’t get one fixed address stamped onto the plan.

Quick highlights

• Duomo-focused view for drawing and watercolor, with a skyline angle that feels special
• Betty teaches step-by-step (composition, perspective, light/shade, color mixing)
• Rain plan that uses a covered terrace with a great Dome of Florence sightline
• All materials included so you can travel light and start immediately
• Max 10 people for more direct coaching and calmer working time
• You end with two finished pieces: a pencil drawing plus a watercolor painting

Drawing and Watercolor in the Heart of Florence: What Makes This Workshop Different

Most Florence art experiences either feel like a tour, or like a studio class. This one is neither. It’s outdoor sketching and watercolor work en plein air—right where Florence actually lives—so you’re training your eye as much as your hand. You start with pencil, build the structure, then add watercolor to capture the mood of the day.

Betty’s approach is practical. She stays next to you during the session with clear tips on how to see what matters: the big shapes first, then the angles, then the light. That matters in a city like Florence, where the details can overwhelm you fast. When you’re staring at a complicated façade, the trick is knowing what to simplify so the drawing still looks convincing.

And yes, the Duomo is part of the story here. You’ll be working from a vantage that puts the Dome of Florence in front of you—so you’re not just drawing random buildings. You’re drawing one of the most iconic forms in the city, learning how to translate its curves and massing into paper.

Your 2.5 Hours With Betty: How the Class Flows

This is about 2 hours 30 minutes, and it runs in a logical order so you’re never stuck too long. Even if you’re a first-timer, you’ll have a sequence to follow.

Step 1: Arrive, set up, and start your pencil drawing

After meeting at Piazza del Duomo (start is listed as Piazza del Duomo, 10, 50122 Firenze FI), you’ll get positioned to work outdoors. The goal early on is not to “make it perfect.” It’s to get the outline and the major proportions working—what you’d call the skeleton of the image.

Betty’s focus here is classic fundamentals:

• composition (what to include and what to leave out)
• perspective (how buildings converge or tilt)
• light and shade (where the darker values should sit)

If you tend to start by jumping into tiny details, she’ll guide you to start bigger. That’s a huge confidence booster.

Step 2: Add watercolor and practice color mixing

Once your pencil sketch is down, the watercolor portion turns your drawing into something that looks alive. Watercolor is unforgiving in a good way: you have to commit, but you can also learn fast because mistakes are part of the medium.

You’ll get coaching on:

• color mixing
• trying different painting techniques
• making light areas feel lighter and shadows feel grounded

The payoff is that you’re not just painting the “idea” of Florence—you’re painting the specific light you’re seeing. And because the class is outdoors, you start to understand how quickly the city’s colors shift.

Step 3: Finish with a wearable souvenir

By the end, you’re walking away with both:

• a pencil drawing
• a watercolor painting

This is a big deal for value. A lot of “activity” purchases give you a photo or a postcard. Here you get something you can keep, frame, and actually remember later.

Where You’ll Actually Work: Duomo Views, With a Weather-First Setup

The best part of this class is also the part that trips people up a little: the exact work spot is weather-dependent. The activity doesn’t list one single final address because it’s designed around picking the right terrace or shelter when conditions change.

That’s why you should plan for this to be a little flexible. You’ll meet at Piazza del Duomo, and then Betty will position you for the best outcome that day. If the weather is kind, you may be in an outdoor angle among the buildings. If weather turns, you’ll move to a covered terrace with a Dome of Florence view.

That “chosen-for-weather” setup is what keeps the experience from feeling like a gamble.

The Rain Plan: A Covered Terrace That Doesn’t Kill the Vibe

Florence weather loves surprises. The good news is this workshop is built for that reality.

When rain or bad weather shows up, the class goes to a covered terrace with a fantastic view to the Dome of Florence. The key here is that you’re not forced into a rushed indoor substitute where you lose the whole point of en plein air. You still keep the visual anchor—the Duomo—and you still practice painting from real sightlines.

In one example from past participants, even terrible weather didn’t break the flow. People were still sketching and painting, just with shelter overhead. That’s the difference between “rain policy” on paper and a plan that actually works in practice.

Small Group Size Means Better Feedback (Not Just More Chairs)

With a maximum of 10 travelers, this class has room for real coaching. You’re not competing for attention, and you’re not waiting while someone else gets instruction.

This matters most if:

• you’re brand new to drawing
• you don’t know what to do first
• you want feedback on perspective or mixing colors

In a couple of past experiences, people noted how hands-on and patient Betty was, including in situations with beginners and even with private lessons. That’s exactly what you want from a class like this: technique that’s explained in a way you can use right away.

What You’ll Learn in Practical Terms (Even If You’re Not an Artist)

Let’s cut through art-class fluff. You’re not going to become a Renaissance painter in 2.5 hours. But you will learn a set of skills that transfer to future sketching.

Here are the most useful lessons you’ll get:

• How to start a drawing correctly so it doesn’t fall apart halfway through
• How to simplify a complex scene into shapes that fit on paper
• How to think about perspective so buildings don’t look “tilted by accident”
• How to map light and shade so your watercolor has depth
• How to mix colors so you’re not using straight tube paint like it’s tempera

And because you’re working from Florence in real time, these lessons stick better. You’re not memorizing steps; you’re applying them to something you can look at while you paint.

Materials and What to Bring (So You Travel Light)

One of the smartest parts of this workshop is that Betty brings the materials you need. That means you don’t have to track down a sketch kit in Florence at the last minute or hope your watercolor set survives the trip.

So what should you do instead?

• Wear comfortable shoes for standing and working outdoors
• Dress for the weather you’ll actually get (Florence can swing fast)
• Keep your day flexible enough for a mobile meeting spot after you arrive

If you’re using a wheelchair, the workshop is described as wheelchair friendly, but you should inform Betty in advance so the session can be prepared for your needs.

Also, service animals are allowed, which is helpful if you travel with one.

The Value: Does $58.05 Make Sense for What You Get?

At $58.05 per person, this is priced like a focused, instructor-led experience—not like an all-day guided museum tour.

The value comes from three things you can’t easily replace on your own:

• Instruction in real-time (composition, perspective, light/shade, color mixing)
• A guided step-by-step structure that gets you to a finished pencil + watercolor piece
• A small group setting (max 10) that supports hands-on help

You’re also paying for the practical setup: the class is organized around a good view spot and a rain-proof backup. That reduces the “I hope the weather plays nice” risk that comes with DIY sketching.

If you already know how to draw and paint, you may still enjoy the day for the Duomo-focused perspective and Betty’s technique tips. If you’re a complete beginner, this price looks even better because the class is built for people who don’t have the muscle memory yet.

Who This Is Best For (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This workshop is a strong fit for:

• first-time sketchers who want structure
• travelers who like quieter, slower moments away from constant sightseeing
• anyone who wants a Duomo view but in a creative, personal way
• couples, friends, or small groups who want a shared activity with a tangible result

It’s also a great choice if your trip is packed and you need a break that doesn’t feel like sitting in a café. The creative process gives your brain a different rhythm.

Who might choose a different activity? If you want a traditional guided tour with lots of historical narration, this isn’t that. This is about making art and learning how to see, not about long explanations of architecture.

Getting the Most Out of Your Session

You don’t need talent. What helps is attitude.

Come ready to:

• start with pencil lines that look a little rough at first
• accept that watercolor is a learning process, not a test
• ask questions while Betty is right next to you

One practical trick: don’t overthink the tiny features. Let Betty steer you toward what to simplify. When you get the big shapes and shadows in place, the scene snaps into focus.

Also, if you’re the type who normally avoids standing still, this might surprise you—in a good way. You’ll be standing (or seated at a terrace), but you’ll feel busy because you’re actively making something.

Should You Book This Drawing and Watercolor Workshop in Florence?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a hands-on Florence experience that’s different from the usual photo-stop circuit. The combination of step-by-step coaching, Duomo views, and a workable rain plan makes it a low-stress creative activity.

It’s especially worth it if you:

• want a finished pencil drawing and watercolor painting as a souvenir
• like small group instruction
• prefer learning through doing instead of just watching

The only real caution is the flexible location depending on weather. If you hate change, you might feel a little uneasy when the exact address isn’t fixed. But if you’re okay with a guide adapting to conditions, that flexibility is actually part of the value.

FAQ

Where is the workshop meeting point?

The class starts at Piazza del Duomo, 10, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the drawing and watercolor workshop last?

It runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Is this class beginner-friendly?

Yes. The workshop is described as suitable for seasoned pros and beginners, and the instruction is step-by-step with guidance on composition, perspective, and color.

Do I need to bring art supplies?

No. Betty brings all the materials needed for the activity during the class.

What happens if it rains in Florence?

The workshop will take place on a covered terrace with a view to the Dome of Florence if rain or bad weather occurs.

Where will the class take place if the weather changes?

The exact location can vary depending on conditions, so the address isn’t fixed in advance. You’ll meet at Piazza del Duomo and Betty will position you for the best spot that day.

How big is the group?

The class has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

It is described as wheelchair friendly, but you need to inform Betty in advance so the session can be prepared for your needs.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

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