— Welcome drinks and a homemade Italian dinner on the first night.

— Breakfast every day on the roof terrace (freshly baked cornetti, coffee and tea).

— 5 Picturebook Making sessions with Diletta and Dorien (each session is 90 minutes long)

— 3 Outings (a walking tour of the beautiful sites around the Inky Larks studio, a visit to the fabulous Borghese Gallery and an afternoon sketching around the centre of Rome)

— 2 Group Feedback sessions where we share our work, and get support and inspiration

— 2 Individual sessions with Dorien (one at the beginning of the week to get your picturebook started, and one at the end of the week to see your progress and plan what to do next)

— On the last day: drinks at Ottimo Massimo (a lovely independent children’s bookshop) where we read out our completed dummy books, and celebrate the great work done and all the progress made

— Dinner out for a lark!

N.B. Please note that accommodation and flights are not included.

This is for you if:

— Picture book ideas jump out at you like Alice’s White Rabbit leaving you excited, but with little guidance on what to do next;

— You’re yearning to meet other children’s authors and illustrators, chat about children’s books all day and dream up exciting collaborations together;

— The idea of gelato in the sun and sketching at the Pantheon lights you up.

Right at the start I was amazed with the wonderful first night; to be invited into an Italian home with an evening meal and such a warm welcome was really special and made it possible to connect to everyone really easily. I enjoyed the vibe of the rooftop studio, it was really a retreat in the sense that it felt like some kind of secret getaway where you could make beautiful things with a small group of like-minded people. Most of all I loved the encouragement that both Dorien and Diletta gave us. Not only was it very instructive but it also gave me the confidence and support to improve the story and finish the storyboard in a really short time. Diletta was always there to cheer you on and Dorien shared lots of her experience and pointed out possibilities for the story and storyboard that helped me take it to the next level.

Last but not least, being there together with a group of artists and illustrators who all want to help each other and having the opportunity to work on my project fulltime for a few days in such an inspiring city, was just a wonderful gift that I won’t forget anytime soon.

My daughter and I did the retreat together, which made it extra special. At one point she told us that she thought that maybe art could help change the world and I am grateful that the whole creative and supportive setting of the Inky Larks retreat inspired her to say that, because it was something that I needed to hear and that the world needs to hear.

I felt really touched when I returned, I am not often so positive about courses, actually they seldom live up to my quite ambitious expectations, but this was just right, in every way, and it was a great gift. It gave me the confidence I needed as an artist, and also the much-needed information about how to take steps towards publication.

Xandra Schipperheijn
– art teacher/illustrator

Every morning Dorien shared aspects of the picture book making process whilst we drank tea and munched on yummy pastries. She generously shared from her own expertise as a writer and illustrator, and had lots of handy check-lists to help make sure your story is heading in the right direction. I love a list, so I know I’ll be coming back to these regularly. We spent a lot of time working on our own projects and helping each other along the way; with some trips out, and extended lunch breaks seeking out gelato and art shops.

I started the week with just a concept- a few sentences and sketches. By the end of the week I’d drafted a full picture book, albeit with very rough sketches! On the last evening I was able to share this first draft book dummy and we celebrated the progress and new friendships made over a lovely meal.

It was wonderful and so much better than I could have hoped! The balance of group sessions, individual work and outings was the perfect balance for me. Having so many books to look at was really helpful as I tried to find the voice of my main character. It’s been really helpful. Honestly, I can’t think of anything that could be improved upon! I felt very motivated and more confident in what I was doing, and what the next steps would be.

I hope I can come again sometime. Even my last day doing touristy things was more lovely than I could have hoped and I didn’t want to fly home.

It was a truly wonderful week, with the loveliest of people and in the most beautiful location. Oh, and have I mentioned the pasta?!

Saira Final
– illustrator, designer and writer

I did enjoy the company, the environment, the inspiration and the guidance. There is nothing that you could do better. I felt very happy and full of inspiration and plans. I learned enough to continue with my project in my own environment. I even sent a manuscript to a publisher. I want to continue with my paintings and also with the writing part. Your retreat was perfect for me.

Ilse Wielage
– fine artist

Inky Larks Studio
Via Catalana, 10
00186 Rome Italy

A sunny rooftop-studio and home in the heart of Rome, where four generations of art are displayed on the walls, as well as a collection of old masters and artwork by children’s book illustrators.

You’ll have at your disposal a wonderful library of children’s literature (we have over 100 picturebooks as Diletta collects them at a dizzying rate!) as well as beautiful studio space to focus on your project and get into creative flow. For inspiration take your sketchbook for a stroll: there are fascinating Roman ruins, churches with Caravaggios, romantic cobbled streets and fountains – all at a stone’s throw away.

Full ticket £622,-
Including booking fee.

BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE