Master Perspective
From first principles — one point, two point, eye-level, oblique. Build the language that lets you draw any space from imagination.
— autumn 2026, tuscany
The Tuscan Architectural Drawing Retreat
Twelve days. One villa. A small group of architects rediscovering the line.
You will work alongside practising architects in pen, pencil, watercolour & ink.
You will sketch from life in the Villa Courtyard, from Historical References, in Florentine Piazzas, and in the Chapels that taught the West how to see.
for the burnt-out architect
A retreat for those who have lost the love of the line.
Deadlines, deliverables, and the glow of the screen have a way of grinding the joy out of a practice that began with wonder. This retreat is built for architects in burnout, students stuck in design block, and anyone who feels their creative well has run dry.
We pair lectures on architectural history and style with daily lessons in hardline drafting and soft, observational sketching. Twelve days away from the screen — returning to the Art of Architecture, and the reasons you fell for it in the first place.
history in the studio
Daily lectures in architectural history.
Every morning begins at the lectern. We trace the orders from Vitruvius through Brunelleschi, Alberti, and Palladio — giving context to the drawing styles and visual language you will be exploring with your pen that afternoon.
You won't just learn how to draw a cornice. You'll learn why it looks the way it does, who first drew it that way, and what it meant to the city below.
what you'll do
Three pursuits, one craft.
Sketch Italy from Life
Daily plein-air sessions in the villa, the village, and on day trips to Florence and Siena. Capture buildings as they actually stand.
Render in Ink & Wash
Build atmosphere. Move from quick line studies to finished tonal drawings worthy of framing — and of your portfolio.
Artwork
Drawings from my own hand.
A glimpse of the level of craft you'll be working towards — studies in line, tone, and observation drawn over years in the field.
— the retreat, in detail
Everything that's included.
From the moment you land in Florence to your farewell brunch — here is what twelve days at the villa look like.
— the itinerary
Twelve Days, One Drawing Hand
Sample schedule — exact order may shift with weather, light, and the rhythm of the group.
- Sep 12
Welcome & Arrival
Shuttle from Florence Airport to our 16th-century villa. Settle in, meet your instructors, and gather for a welcome dinner under the loggia.
- Sep 13
Materials & Line Warm-ups
An introduction to drawing tools, papers, and ink. Afternoon line studies in the cloister to loosen the hand and tune the eye.
- Sep 14
One-Point Perspective
The foundational language of architectural drawing. Construct corridors, colonnades, and arches from observation.
- Sep 15
Two-Point & Eye-Level
Move outdoors. Draw the village rooftops and bell towers using two-point perspective. Evening critique with wine.
- Sep 16
Florence Day Trip
Sketch the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the streets of the Oltrarno. Lunch in a trattoria, museum visits in the afternoon.
- Sep 17
Light, Shadow & Tone
Ink wash and graphite tone. Render volume and atmosphere in classical facades using a value-first approach.
- Sep 18
Ornament & Detail
Capricorn capitals, acanthus, dentils, oculi. A close study of architectural ornament in pen and ink.
- Sep 19
Plan, Section, Elevation
Translate observed buildings into measured orthographic drawings. The architect's vocabulary.
- Sep 20
Siena Day Trip
Draw the Piazza del Campo and the Palazzo Pubblico. Evening passegiata and gelato.
- Sep 21
Composition & Atmosphere
Move from study to finished sheet. How to compose a drawing that holds the eye.
- Sep 22
Final Sheet & Exhibition
A full studio day on a finished drawing. Evening exhibition of student work in the villa courtyard.
- Sep 23
Farewell Brunch
Long farewell brunch on the terrace. Shuttle back to Florence Airport.
— your instructor
meet your host
Seán O'Connor
Architect, Artist & Educator
Seán O'Connor is an Irish Architect and artist registered with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. Born in 1997, he studied architecture at both Technological University Dublin and University College Dublin, combining academic training in architectural history, theory and design with professional experience in practice.
Working in the construction industry since 2017, Seán bridges the gap between architectural thinking and real world building. His work combines traditional hand drawing and analogue drafting techniques with contemporary architectural knowledge to create detailed sketches, architectural studies and built projects.
Through his sketchbooks, artwork and YouTube channel, Seán travels the world documenting significant architecture, exploring the ideas behind it, and teaching viewers how to see, draw and understand the built environment more deeply.
— questions, answered
Frequently asked.
— reserve your seat
Tickets.
Twelve seats only. Pricing is all-inclusive of accommodation, meals, materials, tuition, and ground transport in Italy.
Private Room
A private bedroom with en-suite bathroom in the main villa. Garden and valley views.
Express interestShared Room
A twin room shared with one other participant. Private or shared bathroom depending on availability.
Express interestDay Pass
Local? Join us for the studio days without overnight accommodation. Limited spots.
Express interest— get in touch
Contact.
Questions about the retreat, payment plans, or accessibility? Write to us directly and we'll get back to you within a few days.
hello@blueprintblogger.comjust twelve seats
One September. A small table.
Our first retreat is taking shape. Leave your name and we'll write to you the moment dates and reservations open.