90 minutes, Private painting class on Lake Como shores Bellagio

We had a wonderful time and learned a lot. The Master was a great teacher. The site was perfect. A+++

Amazing experience learning how to paint using water colors in a beautiful setting. Francesca was amazing and took her time explaining the proper techniques in order for us of us to be successful. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

This is absolutely the most delightful experience - worth taking time to enjoy! Within the setting of the lovely Via Melzi Villa, a short walk from Bellagio ferry, you have an opportunity to learn learn from local artistic masters about historic Italian water painting techniques and materials while being guided to create your own artwork. Traditionally prepared pigments are used for the palate - the colors are stunning! Personal and professional guidance and attention is given, teaching you techniques you can develop from wherever you are starting from. The gracious hosts have considered and prepared everything - just bring yourself and your creativity and you will leave with joy, beautiful memories, enhanced skill and your own artistic creation. Simply perfect!

A fantastic experience for my bachelorette party yesterday. It was very fun spending this time with my friends, each trying their artistic skills. Even those who had never painted had a lot of fun, an infinite thanks to Abele and Alessandra who introduced us to the beautiful art of watercolor with their valuable advice and techniques! Absolutely recommendable!

My favorite memory from our vacation. Viewing the landscape with the intention of painting what I saw provided a much more intimate experience of Lake Como's beauty. I am not an experienced painter. Before the class, I simply appreciated the views of the lake. During the class, I observed nuances in the land, water, and light that were completely lost otherwise. The hospitality, advice, and guidance were exceptional. My lesson would not have been as special without the artists' expertise. Please do not miss this chance to see the beauty of Lake Como through an artist eye. I cannot begin to explain how deeply moving this class was. I highly recommend you take this class.

Bellagio rightly earns a lot of hype as the place to visit on Lake Como. But once you get there, you might find yourself wandering up and down the stairs looking for a place to eat or wondering how to best experience the place. The solution is to stroll out of the city down to the Villa Melzi Gardens. But don't stop there - immerse yourself by interacting with this relaxing environment. My teenage daughter and I had a wonderful time with Francesca as our instructor. I came into this with no experience painting with watercolors, while my daughter has natural artistic talents. Francesca instructed both of us quite ably as we painted a lovely view across the lake, applying various greens and blues to capture the terrain, the sky and the lake waters. We started learning how the Renaissance masters (think Raphael) made egg tempera paints, starting with a natural pigment powder and stirring in eggs and vinegard. She prepares the easels and provides the cotton paper for the painting, then helps you create your own masterpiece. She was very generous with her time and did not rush us to end the class at a particular time. She sets you up in a shady spot and wraps you in an artist's apron. Prepare to be noticed by tourists and their cameras and appreciate their envy that your are participating, not just spectating. You'll carry home your artwork in a envelope bag and show your friends who will marvel at your painterly skills. Make sure you reserve well in advance to get the time slot you want. We chose the morning (10:30) slot because the lighting is more favorable, and it's a less crowded time to travel to Bellagio if you're coming from some place like Varenna (which we did).

Our favorite experience while in Lake Como! Abele and Francesca were fantastic. Beautiful setting and so much fun learning and painting.

Wonderful experience! Abel taught me with passion, professionalism and patience many techniques of painting with watercolor, enhancing my initiatives with colors and helping me to improve. Also the location is beautiful, and the good weather made everything more magical! Highly recommended!

We had a lovely time learning about pigment making and watercolor! Beautiful setting, and a very fun experience!

WOW! What an experience!! My wife and I did this on our honeymoon and had the best time! We got to learn under Abele Vadacca who actually had been commissioned for sculptures in the garden and home of Villa Melzi. He was an amazing instructor and Francesca was an amazing associate. It was a great combination of fun, learning, appreciating the beauty of lake Como and appreciating the beauty of art. Coolest experience of the honeymoon! Can’t recommend enough - this experience is even better than advertised!