Our Workshops and Retreats
Michael and his team run workshops and creative retreats in Italy throughout the year.
His retreat philosophy is quite simple. In fact, there are no specific techniques in either painting or drawing, although this does naturally happen along the way, but instead he offers a process of experience and discovering together through play and experiment, what it is to be an artist. That is to say, understanding how to empty our minds of the conditioning and indoctrination which we have all collected throughout our lives, thus enabling us to open ourselves instead to what is commonly referred to as “creative flow” (or you could say our muses) where we will find an alternative fertile universe, a non-exhaustible source of energy, of image, of poetry, of music, in fact all things creative in our lives.
One2One Retreats
Four to Seven day Programs for individuals who would like to take a deep personalised journey to explore or perhaps refresh their innate creativity.
Group Creativity Retreats
These are for small groups from two to six participants who are happy to share their experience with others in a light hearted and supportive environment. Normally Wednesday-Wednesday.
From these you can expect…
Dynamic days where you will shift back into your precious creative self and to be reminded of the simple secrets of making, doing and creating once more with the innocence of a child.
Michael, in his masterful way, will guide you into hidden realms within yourself. From there you will start the journey to rediscover and reconnect with the creative self that has been awaiting your return for your entire adult life.
All of our workshops and retreats are designed to help you find what is true and creative within your life and work. They are all co-created with participants before hand to decide on dates and to cater for specific needs.
About the venue
Immersed in Nature, Cittadella is a retreat at the foot of the Sibillini Mountain range of the Appenines, a place of ancient mystery and magic. Once the realm of La Sibilla, the Goddess of the mountains, whose power here can still be felt in moments.
Our venue sits beneath the majestic extinct volcano of Monte Vettore which rises almost 2500 metres into the sky. There are deep and rich forests surrounding the venue where you may see many indigenous animals, which have been reintroduced as part of the National Parks’ re-wilding program. Spread throughout this area are sacred rivers, waterfalls and geothermal pools that you can visit. You can also take a swim in the large swimming pool at the venue.
Accommodation at Cittadella,
The accommodation comprises of single or double mini apartments and
larger ones for shared use. Full board, which includes an ample breakfast and dinner (Italian mountain
cuisine)
It’s a casual and friendly place to stay and besides the apartments there is a
meeting room, a large restaurant and a breakfast room; all this set in a large
garden with ample shade, large swimming pool and spectacular panoramic views over the
mountain hillside.
About the coach
Michael Eldridge is a painter and photographer who has taught for many years as a senior lecturer at what is now the Arts University of Bournemouth and until recently he was professor of painting at the Siena Art Institute in Italy. He is also a CTI trained creativity Coach.
NEXT RETREAT DATES:
Available between May and September 2025.
If you would like to know more about our Workshops and Retreats, contact us!
Email: michaeleldridgeenquiries@gmail.com
Reviews:
“Genius is nothing more nor less than childhood recovered at will.” Charles Baudelaire
With Michael in the Sibillini Mountains we recovered our childhoods and created art that we could not have created from an intent. Michael’s workshops are about connecting with one’s inner child and the outcomes are surprising, liberating and joyful. – Ruth
Thank you Michael for sharing these days with me, showing me how to create a powerful bubble – choosing what to bring and let in, and what to leave out – And thank you for introducing me to the world of Chi Kung and so much more. I enjoyed playing in colours and giving myself full permission to be an artist. I have found my fun mindfulness – I can stay focused, and I can completely forget about the external world and noise when I paint – and I love it! – Raquel