Top Venice Painting Classes

Bring home the ultimate souvenir of your Venetian sojourn—your own papier-mâché carnival mask, handmade to your own design. A local master artisan works with you and your small group to unleash your creativity, as well as sharing stories of craftsmanship and carnival. Work with a whirlwind of materials—not just paint, but feathers, glitter, and trimmings—to create something that’s truly and uniquely yours.

Head to one of the few remaining artisan mask studios still active in Venice for this mask-making workshop, a wonderful way to unleash your creativity—and craft a unique and expressive souvenir. Learn the history of Venetian masks and the artisans who make them, then paint and decorate your own mask using traditional techniques such as painting and gilding. Your tutor is on hand throughout to help realize your vision.

Venetian masks have a long and storied history: during the republic’s heyday, they were used to conceal the identities of residents who engaged in decadent activities. In their masks, peasants and noblemen were equal. Make your own Venetian mask (yours to keep), adorned with sequins, ribbons, and other fineries, under the tutelage of a local artist. All materials are provided.

Take a course on mask-making from a master artisan in Venice, and learn about the history of this ancient tradition. See the traditional art of decorating a mask and see what goes into the preparation for the Venetian Carnival. Then create your own masterpiece to create a special memory from your time in Venice.

Don’t just snap pictures of Venice’s stunning scenery; interpret the sights of the Floating City in your own way during an outdoor painting class with a local artist. Rather than sitting inside, draw inspiration from what’s right in front of you as you set up your easel in a setting sure to stimulate your creativity.

The Doge's Palace prison near St. Mark's Square is where Casanova was held before his famous escape—a specific and unusual piece of Venetian history that standard walking tours rarely cover. This experience combines a guided visit to the historic prison with a hands-on Carnival mask-making workshop led by a local artisan, with a completed mask to take home at the end.

Anyone can go to Venice and buy a handcrafted mask, but this private workshop lets you create your own keepsake to take home. Escape the tourist hordes in an intimate mask workshop in Venice’s authentic Cannaregio district. Learn about the history and traditional craftsmanship of Venetian masks from an experienced mask-maker. Choose two papier-mâché masks to decorate, with hands-on guidance from your teacher.

Explore a unique part of Venice’s history and culture—and enjoy a hands-on art experience that few other visitors get to have—thanks to this small-group mask-making workshop. Make your own way to the centrally located artisan studio, and get ready to create your very own Venetian mask using papier-maché and other provided materials. As you craft, learn insider facts and stories about the city’s mask-making traditions that you wouldn’t otherwise encounter.

Step into a hidden Venetian atelier and enjoy an evening of creativity, wine, and social connection. Sip fine Italian wine while bringing your own canvas to life, sharing laughs and inspiration with fellow guests. Surrounded by candlelit décor, vintage mirrors, and hand-crafted tables, you’ll create a unique painting to take home—a memorable experience in the heart of Venice.

Your experience begins with an introduction to the history and symbolism of Venetian masks, an enduring part of the city's cultural identity. You'll then choose your design approach, whether inspired by traditional Carnival styles or guided by your own creativity. With step-by-step support from a local artist, you'll decorate your mask using colors, patterns and decorative details, gradually transforming it into a personal creation. Throughout the workshop, you'll enjoy a Venetian aperitivo featuring wine and local specialties, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages conversation and creativity. By the end of the experience, you'll leave with a handcrafted mask that reflects your own interpretation of Venice and a deeper appreciation for one of the city's most celebrated artistic traditions.

For this private mask-decorating workshop in Venice, arrive at a traditional atelier, and get a blank sand-colored mask that’s ready for your artist eye. Use feathers, sequins, and other materials to make a masterpiece. Your guide will share facts about the history of mask making and can also show you some great techniques to use. Afterward, you’ll get to bring home your decorated mask.