2022

“The stillness & charm of Montefollonico leave a lasting impression. It was a transformative experience as it gave clarity in my practice and peace with myself. Its beauty & very essence were a grounding force, a must for any artist.”

- Gena

“Montefollonico - Easy as is, there is something calm, quiet and airy about it. Something preserved and almost still. Untouched.

A little escapism. The beautiful views and villages were a site to see. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect despite the rainy weather. It allowed me to paint and sip wine at night; while I explored, observed, and absorbed Italy in the day.. Lovely!”

- Yolanda about her residency

“My time at Banditto residency - Balancing between being here and now, enjoying the scenery, collecting inspiration, and breathing in the Italian air and energy on one hand; getting myself out of my “everyday box”, pushing myself to find new ways, breaking old habits, training my hand and imagination, and exploring the use of pigments on the other.”

- Kasia, Residency Prize Winter 2022 Winner

“I close my eyes and return to Montefollonico. In the residence, the consciousness is cleared, as if you are washing away your old world, full of illusions and virtual goals, and absorbing something real and earthly unshakable; full of clarity and beauty. This is a defragmentation of the soul and a journey into yourself in search of true meanings."

- Vadim about his residency stay in Montefollonico

“My time in Montefollonico brought me back to the foundation of why I make work. it was a personal reminder in a stunning landscape. Roy is a thoughtful director, humble with generous insight. A residency every working artist should experience.”

- @jer_crowle

"Nature is an important reference in my painting and in Tuscany I have been able to connect with its purest essence.

My stay at the residence has been like a retreat. A perfect place to be focused, meditate and experiment without distractions. I have enjoyed both the comfortable studio, as well as the long walks in the countryside, taking pictures and sketching. But most of all, I have had the opportunity to paint a series of small oil paintings directly from life, something I had not planned, although once there, I felt it was absolutely necessary in order to understand the landscape, my painting and myself."

- Nelo Vinuesa

“What a trip! Montefollonico feels like being on a film set at times with it's picture perfect views and amazing medieval cobbled streets. This was my first residency abroad and I didnt expect to be so inspired and productive whilst I was there. Being in a new space with no distractions really made me focus and ask questions about my work that I'd never explored before.”

- Marcus