DANTE mentioned it in 'Paradiso'. Michelangelo ascribed his genius to its pure mountain air and depicted it on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. St. Francis loved its remote and craggy grandeur. High up in the Appenines, the Tuscan hilltown of Chiusi della Verna has long been a favourite summer retreat for Italians attracted by its stunning location nestling below an ancient monastery and surrounded by beech forests, but it has remained largely off-the-beaten-track to foreign tourists. Lynne Curran has established her studio in a 900 year old house overlooking the Tiber and Arno valleys, and here she offers people the chance to learn and develop this beguiling and absorbing art form in an appropriately medieval setting, as well as providing them with a convenient base to explore this fascinating corner of Tuscany. The 5-day autumn course runs from SEPTEMBER 28th to OCTOBER 2nd. Places are limited therefore booking is essential. Contact us for further details at swiftcurran@hotmail.com/www.davidswift.org

'Colin' detail from 'La dame aux belles plumes'