Florence is loud, so drawing helps you focus. I love Betty’s on-site instruction and the pencil-to-watercolor keepsake you take home. One thing to consider, the exact spot can shift with weather, since the class is outdoors and uses a covered terrace if conditions change.

You’ll meet in the center at Piazza del Duomo, then spend about 2.5 hours working step by step on composition, perspective, and color. It is a small-group setup (max 10), and you get guidance even if you are a total beginner.

Key points to know before you go

• Duomo views with an artist workflow that goes from rough pencil sketch to finished watercolor
• Small group size, so you actually get feedback instead of waving at the instructor
• Rain-ready plan with a covered terrace and a great view of the Dome
• All materials provided, so you travel lighter
• Beginner-friendly teaching, including practical tips for light and shade

Drawing and Watercolor in Florence, why this works better than more sightseeing

Florence can feel like a nonstop stream of stone and selfies. This workshop gives you a different way to experience the same sights. You do not just look. You slow down and translate what you see into lines, then color.

The best part is that the class is guided but not stiff. Betty gives you a process, not a lecture. That means even if your drawing is more stick-figure than Renaissance, you still end up with something you can be proud of. And because it is outdoors, the light you see is the light you paint. That is hard to fake later in a hotel room.

Also, you get breathing room from crowds. The work tends to happen in a calmer corner than the busiest lanes, which makes the whole session feel like a pocket of calm right in the middle of the city.

Piazza del Duomo meet-up, then you move to your drawing spot

The meeting point is Piazza del Duomo, 10, right by the big-name sights. The session starts there and you return there at the end.

From your first minutes, you will understand the pacing. You are not shuffled into a museum-style line. Instead, you settle in, get oriented, and start with a drawing approach that makes the subject manageable. The instructor is with you the whole time, so you are not left to figure out materials or techniques on your own.

If you are thinking about logistics, keep this in mind: the workshop is outdoor, and the precise location where you work can vary based on weather. That is not a trick. It is how they keep the class moving and comfortable. If it is clear, you are outside using the city as your classroom. If it rains, you shift to a covered terrace with a view toward the Duomo.

How the pencil drawing is taught, so the Duomo actually becomes drawable

This is not random sketching. You get step-by-step help for turning a huge, complex landmark into something you can handle on paper.

The instructor’s focus includes:

• Composition (where things sit on your page)
• Perspective (so buildings do not look like they are falling over)
• Light and shade (so your drawing has depth)
• A practical approach to starting (so you are not staring at a blank page)

Here is why that matters. When you draw on vacation without a method, you often burn time fixing proportions. You also tend to skip the hard parts like where the major shapes begin. A guided approach gives you a structure that you can stick to, even when you are nervous about drawing.

You also get tips on how to work from what you see, not from what you think a building should look like. That means your final watercolor has a stronger foundation, because your pencil sketch already has the right map of the scene.

Watercolor time, color mixing and technique that makes it look finished

Once the pencil work is in place, the session shifts toward watercolor. This is where a lot of people expect to wing it. Instead, you learn how to think about color and control.

Betty’s instruction covers:

• Color mixing (so your colors look cohesive, not randomly painted)
• Techniques for working with watercolor materials
• Guidance on shading and tones to match the light you are seeing

A big reason this class is so popular is that you do not spend 2.5 hours drowning in theory. You paint. Then you adjust. Then you paint again, using the instructor’s corrections while you are still in the moment.

That is also why most people leave with a recognizable finished piece. You are not just filling time. You are building a product. And if you have never done watercolor before, the step-by-step guidance makes it feel less intimidating.

Rain in Florence, but you still get the view

Florence weather can change fast. The workshop is set up for that reality.

If rain or bad weather hits, the class moves to a covered terrace with a fantastic view toward the Dome of Florence. You might not get the exact same exposure to the scene as on a sunny day, but you still get the key elements that matter for drawing and painting: a strong subject, workable shelter, and a view that gives you real inspiration.

Because the activity is outdoor, the exact address of where you sit can depend on the weather. The important part for you is the flexibility. This is not one of those tours that stops at the first raindrop. The whole point is to keep you painting and learning.

One more small detail that helps morale: people appreciate that the session keeps a relaxed rhythm even during rain. No panic. Just a shift to a workable spot.

Small group size and hands-on teaching, what you get besides a seat

The workshop is capped at 10 travelers. That is not a random number. Smaller groups make a difference when you are learning hands-on skills.

When you are drawing, you need feedback quickly:

• Is your horizon line too high or too low?
• Are you simplifying the building in a smart way?
• Do you need a shift in shadow tone?
• Are you mixing colors in a way that works together?

In a small group, Betty can actually get close enough to guide you without you feeling ignored. People also mention how patient and supportive she is, especially with beginners. The vibe stays encouraging rather than critical, which matters when you are worried about making mistakes.

Another practical perk: Betty brings what you need. You are not hunting for watercolor sets, brushes, or paper. That is a real cost saver and also cuts down on stress.

Some people note that she provides a tea and snack during the session. It is the kind of comfort that turns the workshop from a task into an enjoyable afternoon.

If you want a sense of her teaching style ahead of time, you can check her Instagram profiles:

@bettyritschel, @myflorenceexperience, @florencewatercolours

Materials covered, what to bring anyway

This class is designed so you do not need to prep art supplies. Betty brings the materials you need during the session.

So what should you bring?

• Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, since you will be sketching and painting outdoors.
• Plan for the weather. Even with a terrace option, you will still be outside or near outdoor conditions at the start.
• If you have a favorite small sketch tool, you can bring it out of personal preference, but the class does not require it based on the info you are given.

The main idea is simple: show up, and let the instructor guide you with the right tools.

Timing and pacing, how to fit it into your Florence day

The class runs about 2 hours 30 minutes. That makes it easy to slot between major sightseeing blocks.

My advice is to not overpack the rest of your day with high-expectation plans. You will spend your attention on drawing and watercolor, and the whole point is to have that focused time. If you rush off immediately after, you may miss the fun of finishing and reflecting on what you made.

Also, since the workshop location can shift with weather, build in a bit of flexibility. The schedule is still set, but the working spot can change.

Price and value, is $58.05 worth it?

At $58.05 per person for roughly 2.5 hours, this sits in the mid-range for a hands-on class in central Florence. Here is how it adds up in value:

You are paying for:

• Guided instruction for both drawing and watercolor
• A small-group setting (max 10)
• Materials brought to you
• A subject you can actually finish with, rather than just practicing for the sake of practicing
• A rain solution that keeps the experience going

If you compare this to buying supplies in Florence, taking a workshop with limited feedback, or doing watercolor later at home with no guidance, the class format makes more sense. You are not just paying for paint. You are paying for a process and a teacher in the moment.

Also, with ratings averaging 5 out of 5 and a 100% recommendation rate, the experience is clearly hitting what people come for: learning without feeling overwhelmed, plus a memorable take-home piece tied to Florence.

Who this workshop suits, and who may want something else

This is a solid fit if you:

• Want a calmer, creative break from nonstop sightseeing
• Like learning practical skills you can use at home
• Are a beginner who wants structure and encouragement
• Prefer a small group and hands-on guidance
• Want a specific Florence souvenir you made yourself

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a fully indoor activity with a fixed venue location (the class is outdoor and adapts)
• Are short on time and need a very quick stop
• Do not want to pause sightseeing at all, since the goal here is to work, not just walk

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the workshop meeting point?

It meets at Piazza del Duomo, 10, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the drawing and watercolor workshop last?

The duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What does it cost?

The price is $58.05 per person.

Is this class outdoor?

Yes. It is an outdoor activity, and the location can depend on weather.

What happens if it rains?

If rain or bad weather occurs, the class takes place on a covered terrace with a view toward the Dome of Florence.

Are art materials provided?

Yes. Betty brings all the materials needed for the class.

Is the workshop wheelchair friendly?

It is wheelchair friendly, but you must inform the instructor in advance so the session can be prepared for your needs.

How many people are in the group?

The workshop has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Can I bring a service animal?

Service animals are allowed.

Is there free cancellation, and how far in advance?

There is free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

Should you book this Florence drawing and watercolor workshop?

If you want one thing in Florence that is both relaxing and genuinely memorable, book it. This is a creative break that turns the city’s biggest landmark into an achievable subject, with real instruction for beginners and thoughtful help for anyone who wants to improve.

The strongest reasons to go are simple: you get hands-on guidance, you work in a beautiful location near the Duomo, and you are not left stuck if the weather changes. The one trade-off is that the exact working spot can shift, because it is an outdoor setup. If you can be flexible, you will likely come away with a finished piece and a new sketchbook habit.