There is something magical about making Florence yours. In this drawing and watercolor workshop with Betty, you build a real artistic souvenir while you watch the light change over the Duomo area. Two things I especially like: you work with a step-by-step guide (not just a vague free-for-all), and you leave with both a pencil drawing and watercolor painting you can actually use as a keep-sake. One consideration: it depends on weather, so you’ll want to go with a flexible mindset and take the rain option seriously.

The setting is right in the heart of Florence, starting at Piazza del Duomo, then moving as needed. If it rains, the class shifts to a covered terrace with a view of the Duomo, so the day doesn’t get swallowed by bad luck. The group stays small (maximum 10), which makes the instruction feel personal even if you’re a total beginner.

Key points to know before you paint

• Duomo-focused view, even when it rains, thanks to a covered terrace backup plan
• Betty teaches step-by-step on composition, perspective, light and shade, and color mixing
• You’ll make two finished pieces: a pencil sketch and a watercolor painting
• Small group size (max 10) keeps the feedback practical
• Materials are handled for you, so you can focus on learning instead of packing art gear

Florence’s Duomo area becomes your sketchbook

This workshop starts where Florence really grabs you: the Duomo neighborhood. You meet at Piazza del Duomo, 10, 50122 Firenze FI, and the whole class is built around seeing the city like an artist. You’re not just looking at buildings from a distance. You’re learning how to translate what you see into shapes, lines, and color.

I like that it’s outdoor, but not in a way that feels careless. The goal is to use Florence as your reference point—its angles, shadows, and bright daylight—to practice drawing and watercolor together. And because it’s taught by Betty, you’re guided into the choices that matter, not left guessing.

Time is also realistic. The session runs about 2 hours 30 minutes, long enough to get a real start, but not so long that you feel stuck. You’ll typically begin with pencil, then move into watercolor, working toward finished results you can take home.

Meeting at Piazza del Duomo and finding your working spot

You’ll begin at the Duomo-area meeting point, then you move to the best location for sketching based on conditions. The instructor specifically notes that giving an exact address for the working spot depends on weather. That’s a small heads-up, but it’s also a sign of what you’re buying: she’s choosing angles and shelter based on what day you get.

One practical reason this matters: Florence is crowded, and your view can change fast. Having someone local guide you to a workable spot means you can actually draw without constant bottlenecks. You’re also working outdoors near landmarks, so expect some hustle around you, but the class itself is set up to keep you focused.

Also, it’s close to public transportation, so you can pair it with other Duomo-area sights without building your whole day around a complicated commute. A mobile ticket is included, which usually means less stress on the day.

What you do with pencil: composition and perspective without fear

This isn’t a class for art-school robots. It’s designed so seasoned pros and beginners can both participate. Betty stays next to you the whole session and gives direct input while you work.

Here’s what that means in practical terms. You’ll start by translating what you’re seeing into a drawing that makes sense on paper. Betty focuses on the parts that usually trip people up:

• Composition: deciding what to include and how to frame it
• Perspective: getting buildings to feel like they belong together
• Light and shade: adding depth without turning your page into a muddy mess

Even if you’ve never drawn before, the instruction is built for progress. One of the most helpful moments in classes like this is learning how to begin. Many people freeze at a blank page. Here, Betty’s teaching emphasizes a clear starting method, so you don’t waste time trying to invent your own system.

You’re also drawing on location, which forces quick observation. But because the class is guided and step-by-step, that observation turns into something concrete. The pencil portion is also your foundation for the watercolor, so don’t rush it.

By the end of this phase, you should have a solid pencil drawing that’s ready to be painted.

Watercolor time: mixing color for real light in Florence

Once your pencil sketch is in place, you move into watercolor. This is where Florence gets fun fast, because daylight here is bright and changeable. Your job is to capture that mood with color, not with perfection.

Betty’s guidance includes:

• Color mixing so you can match tones instead of just dumping paint
• Trying techniques and materials during the session, so you learn what works
• Working step by step to build a result you can finish

Watercolor has a reputation for being hard. It’s also forgiving if you learn the basics of timing and layering. The class structure helps because you’re not stuck figuring everything out alone. You can follow the sequence Betty shows and build confidence as you go.

What I like most is that the goal isn’t to produce a museum-quality copy of the Duomo. The goal is to learn how to see and translate—so you can improve later in any sketchbook. You’ll walk away with a finished watercolor painting that matches the subject you were drawing from.

When rain hits: your Duomo view doesn’t disappear

Florence weather has a habit of doing what it wants. The good news here is that the workshop is set up for that reality.

The class is outdoor, but Betty includes a rain plan: if the weather is bad, the session takes place on a covered terrace with a fantastic view of the Duomo. The exact location changes with conditions, but the promise is consistent: you won’t lose the core experience.

This matters because watercolor hates chaos. Wind, sudden downpours, and damp paper can ruin your work fast. A covered setup protects your materials and your concentration. It also means you still practice how to draw and paint based on the real view in front of you, rather than being forced into an indoor substitute.

If you’re booking for a rainy day, go ahead. Just pack the mindset that you’ll work from shelter when you need it.

Small group size means more hands-on help

This class caps at 10 travelers. That’s not a tiny group, but it is small enough for personal coaching to actually happen. Betty can watch your progress, point out specific issues, and help you correct your approach while it’s still easy to fix.

You’ll also notice how different people interpret the same subject. That’s one of the underrated joys of these workshops. You don’t just learn technique. You also see how composition and color choices create different moods—even when everyone is drawing the same Florence landmark area.

If you’re traveling with a partner or friends, this can be a great shared activity because everyone leaves with their own result. And because the teaching is encouraging and practical, it’s easy to enjoy even if you start out saying you’re not an artist.

Wheelchair friendly, with an important heads-up

The workshop is wheelchair friendly, but the instructor asks you to inform her in advance so the session can be prepared for your needs. That’s one of those details that makes a difference. In an outdoor setting with changing locations depending on weather, planning the route and the working space upfront helps everyone.

If you need special assistance, message ahead rather than assuming it will be handled on the day. In practice, that’s how you get a smooth experience instead of last-minute scrambling.

Price and value: what $58.05 buys you in Florence

At $58.05 per person for about 2.5 hours, you’re paying for more than “a place to sit and paint.” You’re paying for structured instruction from Betty, a guided workflow from pencil to watercolor, and the benefit of doing it in the Duomo area with a rain plan.

Also, the class includes materials brought by the instructor. For many visitors, that’s a hidden value. Buying watercolor supplies in Florence can be more expensive than expected, and hauling it around is annoying. Here, you can show up, learn, and produce a finished piece.

The small group size supports the value, too. You’re not paying city-tour prices for a workshop where you get no real feedback. You’re paying for direct coaching on the exact skills that make your art improve quickly.

One more practical note: it’s commonly booked around 34 days in advance on average. If this is one of your must-dos, don’t wait too long.

Who this workshop is best for

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a break from constant sightseeing
• hands-on learning with clear guidance
• a Florence souvenir that’s personal, not store-bought

Beginners will likely get the most confidence from the step-by-step approach. If you already draw or paint, you’ll still benefit because you get feedback on the specific fundamentals—composition, perspective, light and shade, and color mixing.

It’s also a great option if you’re traveling in a smaller group. Many people love the format because you can learn at your pace while still getting attention from the instructor.

If you’re the type who hates plans and hates structure, you might want to choose a different activity. This class has a clear teaching sequence, and that’s part of why it works.

A realistic way to enjoy the session

You’ll enjoy this most if you treat it like a learning exercise, not like a test. Keep expectations simple: you’re practicing how to see, simplify, and apply color. If your first attempt looks rough, that’s normal. The point is that Betty helps you improve during the session, so your final piece reflects what you learned that day.

Also, bring a flexible attitude about location. The workshop chooses the best spot depending on weather. That’s not a downgrade. It’s the method.

If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed in busy tourist areas, the class can actually feel calming. You’re there to slow down, focus, and create—right in the middle of Florence.

And yes, a few visitors have appreciated small extras like tea and a snack during the class. That kind of comfort helps you settle in and focus.

Should you book this drawing and watercolor workshop?

I think you should book it if you want a hands-on Florence experience with real coaching. The combination of pencil instruction, watercolor guidance, a small group, and a rain-proof terrace plan makes it an unusually reliable art activity for the Duomo area.

Skip it only if you’re looking for a casual, self-guided sketch without instruction. This class is teaching-focused. You’ll get the most out of it when you’re ready to follow the steps and learn why each step matters.

If you want an art souvenir that feels like you made it in Florence—rather than something you bought on the way—this is one of the best ways to do that.

FAQ

How long is the drawing and watercolor workshop?

It runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet the instructor?

Meet at Piazza del Duomo, 10, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.

Is the workshop held outdoors?

Yes. It’s an outdoor activity, inspired by the sights and sounds of Florence.

What happens if it rains?

If weather is bad, the class moves to a covered terrace with a view of the Duomo.

Are materials included?

Yes. The instructor brings the materials needed for the session.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, it is wheelchair friendly. You should inform the instructor in advance so the session can be prepared to meet your needs.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Free cancellation is available, and changes within 24 hours of the start time are not accepted.