Meet Christi & Chelsea, the Sketchy Gypsies!

A couple years ago, Chelsea and Christi crossed paths as they each journeyed toward their dreams of creating and helping others to create. Artists with a penchant for gorgeous vistas demanding to be captured, and a love for embracing all that makes us human, these two women soon baked a plan that would bring their talents and passions together, and invite intrigued travelers to join in the adventure.

And so, Bellissima Art Retreats was born.

Believing that living a full life means waking those senses that often lie dormant while we work, pay bills, get the kids to their activities, and a plethora of other “life” tasks, these holistic retreats are designed to refresh you, draw out your creativity, and give you space to breathe and get acquainted with yourself again.

Invest in yourself and join us on your next adventure!

Christi Schaeffer Belle

Ciao there! I'm Christi!

I've been painting since I was able to hold a paintbrush and truly believe that creating is what we were made to do. I'm also a huge travel-junkie so this is really a culmination of all my favorite things ;) I'm most passionate about people and art--and the connections made between the two.

I  hope to inspire others through the creative process.  My favorite part of teaching is watching students light up when they step back and look at what they’ve created. I am here to help you feel comfortable with a paintbrush (even if you've never held one before) and proud of what you’ve accomplished!

Check out Christi's work and her personal business, Gypsy Studios! 

Chelsea Ward

Ciao there! I'm Chelsea!

I've been an Italy addict since my first visit in 2009. After spending 6 weeks in Castiglion Fiorentino learning to watercolor the Italian light and Tuscan hills, I knew I had found my passion and the place that feeds it best. 

Ever since that pivotal summer, I try to return to Italy as much as possible to sketch as much as possible. I love having the opportunity to show our new friends my favorite side of Italy and how to fill their sketchbooks. The best souvenir to bring home is a sketchbook full of memories! 

Take a peek at Chelsea's own sketchbooks and artwork on her portfolio and join Chelsea on her newly revamped art retreats in Italy over at Wanderful Retreats!