Modern Impressionist Workshop Retreat Italy 2026 with Kyle Ma and Kimball Geisler

MODERN IMPRESSIONIST

Workshop Retreat Umbria, Italy 2026

June 2nd-9th 2026
Instructed by internationally renowned artists Kyle Ma and Kimball Geisler

8 day/ 7 night accommodations (private or shared bedroom) in a historic hillside castle in Umbria near Gubbio, Italy
7 day Immersive workshop with acclaimed modern impressionist artists Kyle Ma and Kimball Geisler
Transportation on 2 unforgettable paintings excursions to ancient hilltop towns
Transportation from and to the airport
Full Gourmet catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the entire week
Hosted by Modern Impressionist Magazine.

The Modern Impressionist workshop retreat at the enchanting 1400 acre estate, Castle Gubbio in Italy. Instructing this week long immersive painting event is international renowned artists Kyle Ma and Kimball Geisler.

Castle Gubbio was built in the Middle Ages to defend the town of Gubbio against Perugia. The castle has retained its defensive character from the outside, but four years of intensive renovation have turned the interior into an extremely welcoming and comfortable house.

The castle is surrounded by a park with century old trees, large lawns and a beautiful pool which looks out over the hilly 1400-acre estate. The estate is signposted with beautiful walks, and in the appropriate season guests can even go truffle hunting with local experts. The owners of the estate are descendants of the family of Napoleon Bonaparte and the castle has been in their family since 1830.

Castello Gubbio is situated on a promontory in Umbria, the region called “the green heart of Italy”, in the territory of Gubbio, surrounded by a large loop of the Chiascio river. It overlooks the Cucco Mount, which has summer sports (trekking and delta plane) and winter sports (skiing) available.

Immerged in an uncontaminated landscape, bordered by woods, grasslands and waters, the history of Castello Gubbio dates back to the middle ages, when it was the heart of the defence of the Commune of Gubbio against Perugia.

The local village can be reached in 8 minutes by car. Gems such as Gubbio, Perugia, Assisi, Cortona, Spoleto and Todi are all within easy reach.
In 1391 Melchiorre Montaiti, Lord Magrano, undertook to go against the Noble Antonio da Montefeltro, Lord of Urbino and Gubbio. Magrano was then severely assaulted with the destruction of its mill (which was built again and still exists today) but the soldiers of the Montefeltro family failed to take over the castle.

In 1431 Magrano moved under the jurisdiction of the Dukes of Montefeltro.

About artist

Instructed by internationally renowned artist Kyle Ma

Kyle Ma was born in the year 2000, he developed a love for art at an early age after being exposed to the works of the old masters through museums and art history books. Kyle says that painting allows him to express his viewpoint of our world. In 2010, Kyle moved with his family to Austin, Texas where he began seriously study oil painting under Elizabeth Locke. Here, Kyle learned the importance of having a solid foundation in the fundamentals to be a successful representational artist.

Memberships

Awards

2018
Oil Painters of America Western Regional Show Impressionist Award of Excellence
BoldBrush Fine Art Competition Finalist
Oil Painters of America National Show Still Life Honorable Mention
Art Renewal Center International Salon Finalist

2019
3rd place, The Artist’s Magazine Competition
Windows to the Devine Award, Art Renewal Center International Salon
Signature Membership, Oil Painters of America
"Best in Show", BoldBrush Painting Competition
Annual Winner Art Muse Contest

Instructed by internationally renowned artist Kimball Geisler

Kimball Geisler was born and raised in California where he was first introduced to art and painting. It was in his later years in high school that he began to show promise in his art classes, demonstrating advanced skills in drawing and the use of color. His high school art teacher introduced him to Plein Air painting through a friend who was making a living off of the craft. Through some private lessons, Kimball was introduced to oil painting through working in Plein Air in Northern California’s central valley. Although it would be years before he even considered taking on a career as a full-time artist, this experience paved the way for his future in the arts.

In 2011, he attended Brigham Young University Idaho unsure of what he wanted to study. It was through taking a few art classes that his interest in art was rekindled. He met with and studied under many successful artists who guided him to focus on traditional concepts, mainly through figurative work. It was through a strong foundation rooted in the fundamentals of art that he began to explore landscape painting; and once again, he went outdoors to paint Plein Air. He graduated from the university in 2015 with a BFA in painting, and continued to sharpen his skills with a brush. In 2016 he entered the gallery scene where he began to paint full-time.

Kimball describes his style of Plein Air as realism. While in his work he strives for accurate drawing, value, and color to represent his subject, he relies heavily on the spontaneity of the paint as it is transferred from his brush to the canvas. Through thick and thin, rough and smooth brushwork, he believes that detail is better left implied than described.

Since entering into the art market, Kimball has enjoyed consistent sales and positive feedback from collectors, vendors, and prominent artists, and has served as judge in several art competitions. His work has been featured in full articles in prominent art magazines, and it has taken him to incredible locations throughout many different states as well as other countries. He’s earned notable awards through various painting competitions and shows, including the Grand Prize for the annual Plein Air Salon for 2022. In 2024 he was selected to participate in the Buffalo Bill Art Auction in Cody Wyoming.

Today Kimball lives in Rexburg, Idaho, with his family where he enjoys the rich mountain terrain that Idaho has to offer.

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Very Limited Space Available

Federico da Montefeltro (1422-1482) turned it into his favourite hunting residence. It is said that the Duke was active in the hunting of the fallow deer and wild boars that still populate the residence today. This hunting always finished with a banquet during which guests appreciated the most precious fruits of this land, particularly the truffle.

In 1600, the ownership of the castle went to the noble family of the Carpegna, a family of bishops, cardinals and Priori of various cities in Umbria and Lazio.

In 1830, Magrano became the property of the family that still owns it today. More specifically, it went to Princess Giulia Bonaparte, daughter of two first cousins, Zenaide and Carlo Luciano Bonaparte Prince of Canino, who were both nephews of Napoleon.

It is in this charming corner of nature, in this place so full of tradition and history, that guests can spend some nice days of relaxation and entertainment. Umbria, often referred to as the “Green Heart of Italy,” is a picturesque region located in the heart of the Italian peninsula. Nestled between Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche, Umbria boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and cultural richness.

With its rolling hills, lush vineyards, and medieval towns, this region offers a diverse array of attractions and activities that make it a hidden gem in Italy.