Leonardian Drawings & art workshop in Florence

Imagine strolling through Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, and then stepping into a cozy studio where you can create your own masterpiece — that’s exactly what the Leonardian Drawings & Art Workshop offers. This 3-hour private experience, priced at around $109, is hosted by Octavio Palomino, a sculptor with a passion for sharing traditional techniques alongside modern methods. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some art experience, this workshop invites you to connect with Florence’s artistic heritage in a hands-on, personalized setting.

What we love most about this experience is its intimate nature — you’ll enjoy a private lesson, often scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening, with full attention from your instructor. Plus, the variety of options—from drawing in the style of Leonardo da Vinci, to sculpting, watercolor, and even palette knife painting—means you can tailor your session to your interests. The studio’s central location in Florence, close to public transportation, makes it easy to find and convenient to incorporate into your sightseeing plans.

A potential consideration is that the workshop is strictly limited in duration (around three hours), so if you’re looking for a deep dive into art history or multiple sessions, this might feel a bit concise. Also, the sculpture part excludes casts, which might matter if you’re interested in that particular activity. This workshop suits travelers eager for a meaningful, creative experience that leaves them with a tangible souvenir and a new appreciation for Florentine artistry.

If you’re someone who loves trying your hand at art, enjoys learning traditional techniques, or simply wants a creative break from sightseeing, this workshop is a perfect fit. It’s especially appealing for beginners and those seeking a memorable, personalized activity away from the crowds.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private sessions ensure individual attention and tailored guidance.
• Diverse Art Forms: Choose from Leonardo-style drawing, sculpture, watercolor, or modern techniques like palette knife painting.
• Authentic Techniques: The workshop emphasizes traditional Florentine methods, blended with contemporary approaches.
• Central Location: Easy to access, near public transit, making it simple to add to your Florence itinerary.
• All Skill Levels Welcomed: No previous experience needed; the staff is friendly and open to beginners.
• Memorable Souvenir: Take home your own artwork or plaster mold as a keepsake of Florence’s artistic spirit.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Walking into the Geko Art Studio in Florence, you immediately sense the creative energy. The studio, located on Via Coluccio Salutati, is described as quaint and easy to find. It’s a welcoming space, perfect for those who appreciate a personal touch—a stark contrast to large, impersonal tour groups. The experience is designed to be flexible: once you book, the staff contacts you to set a time that fits your schedule, typically between 2-5 pm or 5:30-8:30 pm, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere.

The workshop itself offers a variety of artistic activities. The most popular is the Leonardo-style drawing session, where you’ll learn traditional techniques using sanguine, sepia, or charcoal to reproduce famous sketches — a wonderful way to connect with the genius of Tuscany’s most famous son. The reviews praise the instructor’s skill and warmth, with one guest noting, “Rosanna and Octavio were fantastic! Rosanna reached out shortly after I booked to confirm a time, making the process seamless.”

For those interested in sculpture, you’ll work with clay to produce a small relief sculpture. While casts are not included, the tactile experience of modeling clay can be very satisfying, especially as a first try at sculpture. The botanical plaster casting workshop is another highlight, where you’ll press plants into clay, then create plaster molds—perfect for nature lovers.

Alternatively, if painting appeals more, you can choose a watercolor class focused on naturalistic subjects like flowers or fruit, or experiment with applying gold leaf to your watercolor for a touch of luxury. The palette knife painting session offers a different approach, resulting in textured, bold strokes that produce a small oil painting. You’ll leave with a finished piece, which is a great souvenir ensuring that your time in Florence has a lasting artistic memory.

What makes this experience stand out? Aside from the personalized approach, the instructors’ ability to make beginners feel comfortable, combined with the chance to learn traditional Florentine methods, is unique. One reviewer stated, “It was super welcoming and very open to beginners. I had no experience beforehand and still had a great time,” capturing how accessible this workshop really is.

The inclusion of snacks and all necessary materials—paper, pencils, clay, canvas, and colors—adds to the value. You won’t need to worry about bringing anything besides your enthusiasm. For sculpture, cast-making is excluded, but this minor detail doesn’t detract from the overall quality and hands-on nature of the activity.

A key highlight noted in reviews is the excellent guidance and warm welcome provided by the staff, which significantly enhances the experience. Many travelers felt that the lesson was tailored to their skill level, making it suitable for total novices as well as more experienced artists.

The Value of This Artistic Experience

At just over $100, this workshop offers surprisingly good value considering the personalized instruction, high-quality materials, and the chance to learn from talented artists. Private sessions in Florence, especially those involving traditional techniques, tend to command higher prices—this experience manages to strike a fair balance between affordability and quality.

The real value lies in the opportunity to create something meaningful and authentic, not just to observe art but to produce your own piece. Plus, being able to choose from a variety of art forms means you can pick something that resonates with your interests—whether it’s drawing, sculpture, or painting.

The reviews reflect this value: “We had such a good time thank you. Very easy to find and a quaint studio,” says Anthony, highlighting the ease of access. Another guest praised the welcoming atmosphere and the ability to start with no experience, emphasizing that this workshop is accessible to all.

In essence, this is not a mass-market tour; it’s a carefully curated, authentic artistic experience that marries Florence’s past with your present creativity.

Who Will Love This Workshop?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want to step away from typical sightseeing and try their hand at creating art. It appeals especially to beginners eager to learn traditional techniques or those wanting a relaxed, private activity. If you love the idea of taking home a personal souvenir — whether a drawing, sculpture, or painting — this is an excellent choice. Art enthusiasts or curious travelers looking to deepen their understanding of Florence’s artistic roots will also find this workshop rewarding.

While it’s ideal for individuals, couples, or small groups, the private nature ensures a personalized touch that makes it special for anyone looking to make their Florence visit more meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The reviews specifically mention that the instructors are welcoming and open to beginners with no prior experience.

How long does the workshop last?
It’s approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to learn new techniques and create a piece without feeling rushed.

Can I choose the type of activity?
Yes. You can opt for Leonardo-style drawing, sculpture, watercolor, watercolor with gold leaf, palette knife painting, or a botanical plaster casting.

Is the workshop private?
Yes, once booked, it is a private activity for your group, ensuring personalized attention.

Where does the workshop take place?
At the Geko Art Studio in Florence, conveniently located on Via Coluccio Salutati, close to public transportation.

Are snacks included?
Yes, snacks are provided as part of the experience.

What materials are included?
Drawing supplies, clay and support for sculpture, and canvas and paints for painting are all provided. Cast-making is not included for sculpture.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing that’s okay to get a little paint or clay on.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For anyone visiting Florence who wants to engage with its artistic heritage in a personal way, this Leonardian Drawings & Art Workshop offers an authentic, creative, and memorable experience. It’s well-suited for beginners, art lovers, or curious travelers wanting a break from museums and a chance to produce their own work. The private setting, friendly instructors, and range of art forms make it a standout activity that enhances your Florence journey.

Whether you leave with a custom watercolor, a clay relief, or a Leonardo-inspired sketch, you’ll have a tangible reminder of your time in this city of masterpieces. Best of all, it’s an opportunity to see Florence not just through a camera lens but through your own artistic eyes.

Note: For more information or to book, visit Viator’s listing.