In the Flow of Colors—Painting Retreat in the Maggia Valley (Ticino)

🎨 It all starts with a dot, a line, a splotch, or a shape. The moment decides where the journey takes us.

Sometimes we’re drawn to the formality and structure of geometric patterns; other times, we’re driven toward pure, free expression. In this retreat, there’s a place for every mood you experience.

Painting is more than just color on paper—it’s an interplay that grounds you in the here and now. Sometimes it feels good to express yourself completely freely and let your true colors shine. Other times, happiness lies in gathering, finding structure, and focusing on the fine details. You’re free to try whatever takes your fancy.

Here, you simply follow your impulse. Forms emerge from the moment itself. Forget about the perfect result; instead, embrace the process: We’ll mix, splatter, layer, and bring the diversity of your inner images to life. Curiosity is your only rule in this playground. Because painting is like life: what seems like a failure often turns out later to be the most important prerequisite for something unexpectedly beautiful.

We’re in the heart of the Maggia Valley in Ticino, at Cà Stella in Bignasco, an old, lovingly maintained inn that holds many a surprise in the form of ancient frescoes. Surrounded by the unspoiled nature of this region—steep cliffs, waterfalls, gorges carved deep into the rock through which the crystal-clear, cold waters of the Maggia flow, forests, hiking trails, and little chapels high up with dramatic views—there’s inspiration for opening up inner spaces..

Top-quality materials are provided: various types of paper, ink in rich colors, watercolors, water-soluble pencils, gouache, and acrylics. Of course, there are also pencils, fineliners, and professional tools for patterns and ornaments.

This isn’t about the result, but about the joy of doing and of simply being.