Join Us for a Rare Fine Art Trip to Venice

Venice is one of the most colorful and architecturally interesting cities in the world, with everyday life taking place on canals and most transportation occurring by boat. That’s why so many artists have been drawn to this inspirational city.

John Singer Sargent did an entire series of paintings in Venice over the course of several years, and the last time I was there, I stood in the same spots where Sargent would have stood to do his paintings. But it wasn’t just Sargent; there has been a procession of artists to Venice for generations. The city was documented most by Canaletto, who lived in Venice, and resident artists have also included Bellini, Carpaccio, Veronese, Giorgione, Titian, and Tintoretto.

Anders Zorn painted his famous portrait of Isabella Stewart Gardner in Venice. In fact, he had stayed at her home, Palazzo Barbaro, for several weeks, struggling with the portrait, until one day she got up, walked to the balcony with arms spread wide, and Zorn shouted, “Don’t move! Hold that pose!” Other guests at the palazzo included Sargent and Henry James. Sargent first visited in the 1880s and then multiple times from 1898-1913. He loved the architecture, the water, and the characters around Venice and painted it all in both oils and watercolor.

Announcing Our Fine Art Connoisseur Trip to Venice

Each year, Fine Art Connoisseur Editor Peter Trippi and I lead a group of art enthusiasts, collectors, and artists through a region of Europe to go “behind the scenes” in the art world. Our next trip, October 20-29, 2024, includes six nights in Venice and three nights in Verona, a must-see art adventure not on many people’s radar.

Our trips are legendary. On a typical trip we visit art museums, often privately and behind the scenes with the help of curators and directors. It’s not unusual for us to find ourselves in private homes, visiting with artists or viewing private collections, touring the artwork in churches, or having gourmet meals, as well as enjoying multiple memory-creating unique experiences rarely available to those touring on their own.

Venice promises many special adventures in a city rich with culture, with art created across generations. Due to limitations on our scheduled events, seating is especially limited for this tour. It is recommended that reservations be booked now (also, this is the time to save by advance booking on flights).

This trip does not include airfare, but includes hotels, touring transportation, and most meals. This is a very high-end, VIP-level luxury trip. Art lovers and spouses are welcome. Booking deadline: May 15 or while seats last.

To sign up for the trip, visit www.FineArtTrip.com.

Optional Painting Trip with Eric Rhoads

I’m going to take advantage of the chance to paint Venice one last time (in case it sinks), so I’m organizing an optional three-day painting trip (October 17-19) before the Fine Art Trip begins. This is only available to people in attendance on the full trip, and must be arranged separately through me, by contacting [email protected].