Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Open Impressionism - Acrylic Landscape Painting"
February 9, 2025
 

Charles Wallis is an accomplished painter and was even recognized by the Texas House of Representatives with a resolution acknowledging his contribution to the art world in Texas. We all love the works of the French and other impressionists. You will create an impressionist landscape under the direction of Wallis during this one-day workshop. The painting will be done in acrylic paints.
 
Location: Bryan, Texas
Instructor: Charles Wallis
Cost: $180
Sponsor: Degallery
Website, email, +1(979)704-3090


"California Romanticism in Watercolor"
February 11-13, 2025
 

Workshop Highlights: Over the course of this three-day watercolor workshop, students will explore and master key techniques to capture the enchanting essence of California’s coastal landscapes and traditional architecture. Participants can expect to create one painting per day while learning: Selecting and Approaching a Subject; Sketching Techniques; Mixing Sublime Washes; Dynamic Watercolor Application; Painting Coastal Rocks; Creating Depth. Each day of the workshop will focus on a specific aspect of the landscape, from atmospheric perspective to textural details. By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained a deeper appreciation of California’s romantic light and refined their watercolor skills to reflect its beauty.
 
Location: Laguna Beach, California
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $650
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865


"Expressive Watercolors: From Flowers to Landscapes"
February 13-15, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
 

In this workshop, fresh flowers will inspire each student at the studio right from the start. Janet will lead various fun exercises designed to help you interpret flowers in a loose and expressive manner. You will discover the unique nature of individual flowers and experiment with finding new colors. Throughout the workshop, Janet will provide demonstrations and individual assistance, emphasizing the importance of letting the watercolor medium guide you to new creative adventures. This "Plein Air" experience, held in the studio, will cover goals such as preserving the white of the paper, avoiding muddy colors, using intuitive color choices, and developing strong compositions.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Janet Rogers
Cost: $475
Sponsor: The New Studio for the Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712


"Watercolors - Flowers to Landscape"
February 13-15, 2025
 

Fresh flowers and bouquets for all will greet students as they enter - we will explore painting individual flowers and proceed to interpreting the bouquet as we paint. We will also explore painting the Landscape in this exciting and adventuresome workshop! Color, design, spontaneous application of paint, together with demonstrations will also add to this adventure!!!! Janet is a recognized international teacher with many awards over the years - a well-known hands-on instructor!
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Janet Rogers AWS
Cost: $475.00
Sponsor: The New Studio for The Visual Arts
Website, email, 386-451-8441


"Happy-Happy Landscape Painting"
February 15, 2025
 

Join Mike Ellis, an adjunct Professor at Villanova and Immaculata Universities, as he brings you Happy-Happy Landscape Painting. Based on the painting series of Bob Ross, Ellis has simplified and sped up the learning process of landscape painting by setting up "workstations." At the beginning of the workshop, Ellis will give a demo of an entire painting using the workstations. Mike's workstation approach enables anyone at any skill level to quickly and easily paint a beautiful landscape that you'll bring home that day! In addition to the registration fee, students should bring $20 cash to pay for supplies, all of which will be provided for you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Mike Ellis
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Capturing Reflections with Oils or Acrylics"
February 17-19, 2025
 

Expand your skills with painting reflections! The class will start with a full painting demonstration. Carol will share her process for blocking in large simple shapes before layering colors. Learn how to capture believable reflections, focus on a strong composition, define values, establish a point of focus, and how to see and use color effectively in your paintings. You will also learn how to interpret your own photographs for reference and understand the relationships between value, color temperature and color intensity. There will be personalized teaching and individualized feedback throughout the day. This all-levels class focuses a lot on individual assistance from the instructor, who can adjust accordingly to each student.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Carol Iglesias
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Studio Colombia Art & Eat - Art and Food Workshop in South America"
February 18-26, 2025
 

Join our unique art workshop in South America and experience the stunning Caribbean coast from Puerto Colombia (Barranquilla) to Cartagena. Learn perspective drawing and the fundamentals of watercolors and taste the best of Colombian Caribbean food and culture. After an art class, try a "mojarra con arroz con coco" with a cold Colombian beer. Sketch on the beach, attend cooking demonstrations by local chefs, join a street food tour, and more. The price of CAD 3050 per person (around US$2250) includes eight-night double accommodation in well rated hotels, all ground transportation, all breakfasts, one lunch, two suppers, one street food tour, art instruction, cooking presentations, art supplies, and more. Single rooms available for CAD 810 (around US$ 600).
 
Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$2250
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789


"Using Design & Color in your Paintings"
February 20-22, 2025
 

June will work with each person individually as well as with the group. Each participant will be working from photographs, either their own or one of June’s. She will bring her personal collection of photographs that she has painted from & that will make good paintings. June will concentrate on color and design so landscapes and figurative pieces will all be acceptable subjects. She will also address values, drawing, lighting, & other topics related to making great paintings. She will critique your art and you can also bring a finished painting for a critique. She takes each participant where they are and helps them to move up to the next level in their art.
 
Location: Bryan, Texas
Instructor: June Dudley
Cost: $350
Sponsor: Degallery
Website, email, +1(979)704-3090


"Landscape Drama (oil & acrylics)"
February 27 - March 1, 2025
 

This workshop will offer techniques to improve your knowledge in using less detail, broader brush strokes and new color mixing techniques. Mary Ann will demonstrate and explain some of the methods of the Impressionist Painters. This class is designed for intermediate acrylic and oil painters.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Mary Ann Browning Ford
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Natural Abstract"
March 5-7, 2025
 

Expand your artist’s eye by learning different ways of seeing, loosen your grip on realism, and move into an exploration of essence. In this workshop, you’ll interpret your observations of the surrounding natural environment to create abstract art that is wholly your own. With an iterative approach, you’ll lean into different mediums, including watercolor, graphite, oil pastel and cut paper, to distill the characteristics of landscape. Along the way, creative process insights are shared that can free your hand and strengthen your visual voice. This workshop is appropriate for all levels of students.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Meg Kaczyk
Cost: $350
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Watercolor for Intermediate to Advanced Level Artists"
Fridays, March 7-28, 2025
 

Chris will demonstrate multiple paintings (seascape, floral, & island theme) from beginning to completion. Areas of demonstrations and techniques will include, design, drawing, color, value, washes, glazing, wet in wet, masking, dry brush, lifting out and more. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful watercolor paintings. He will not only tell you how, but also show you! For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com. This course is designed for intermediate and advanced level students.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $200
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Beyond the Photo: Capturing Light and Essence in Watercolors"
March 10-12, 2025
 

This workshop will equip you with the skills and knowledge to break free from photo references and create artworks that resonate with the light and atmosphere of plein air painting. We will move beyond simply copying photographs & instead focus on creating painterly and convincing watercolors that capture the essence of plein air work. The key to this transformation is learning how to paint light rather than just rendering objects as they appear in the photo. As a professional artist, understanding how to paint light is what sets you apart.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $650
Sponsor: The New Studio for The Visual Arts
Website, email, (561) 295-5712


"Paint & Sip: Lowcountry Marsh"
March 13, 2025
 

Join Lowcountry artist and Art League of Hilton Head Instructor, Kristen Augustine, for this exciting 90-minute session perfect for those who want as little or as much creative guidance as they prefer. Perfect for date-night, or girls-night-out, Kristen's course allows participants to create a bright and beautiful acrylic marsh painting using simple painting techniques. You will use a delightful balance of cool blues for the sky and water, and warm tones of yellow and green for the marsh grass. You will also focus on adding depth to the painting by utilizing the highlights and shadows! This class requires zero experience.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Kristen Augustine
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Happy-Happy Landscape Painting"
March 15, 2025
 

Join Mike Ellis, an adjunct Professor at Villanova and Immaculata Universities, as he brings you Happy-Happy Landscape Painting. Based on the painting series of Bob Ross, Ellis has simplified and sped up the learning process of landscape painting by setting up "workstations." At the beginning of the workshop, Ellis will give a demo of an entire painting using the workstations. Mike's workstation approach enables anyone at any skill level to quickly and easily paint a beautiful landscape that you'll bring home that day! In addition to the registration fee, students should bring $20 cash to pay for supplies, all of which will be provided for you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Mike Ellis
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Tonalism"
March 16, 2025
 

Tonalism is a uniquely American art form focused on the feeling, mood or emotion of the scene rather than producing a realistic representation of the subject. Often painting scenes of very early morning, very late in the evening, or foggy, rainy days, the tonalists used subtle colors that were restful and harmonious to the eye and employed soft and lost edges to create atmospheric perspective and a poetic feeling. We will review the characteristics of tonalism, and example works by famous painters. Following a demonstration, students will work on their own paintings with one-on-one consultation from the instructor. The instructor will demonstrate using soft pastels, but students are welcome to use the medium of their choice.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Colorful Horizons: A Dive into Luminous Oil Painting"
March 19-21, 2025
 

Unleash your creativity and add depth to your paintings in this adventurous and fun-filled course. Begin with a transparent underpainting, then layer earth tones and vibrant highlights to create depth and glow. Experiment with brushes, palette knives, paper towels, and even your fingers to discover new techniques. Learn the importance of focal points and composition, using complementary colors to unify your work. Subjects may include sunrises, sunsets, moonlight, seascapes, marshes, and florals (reference photos provided) but please feel free to bring your own inspirations too. After a morning demo each day; start a painting and continue working on it the next morning. No pressure—this class is about exploration and finding your own unique style. Come join us!
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Peggy Ellis
Cost: $500
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Landscapes & Seascapes in Pastel"
Fridays, March 24 - April 14, 2025
 

Join instructor Robert Wortmann for this 4-week course designed for those who want to learn about the pastel medium and conquer their fears of painting landscapes or seascapes. In this course, students will first explore the variety of soft pastels and the surfaces that can be used to create paintings. These exercises will be used to get students to quickly familiarize themselves with the medium. Then Robert will show and encourage students to experiment with techniques to create the results we desire. Students will then create their own landscape, or seascape works with the help and guidance of the instructor. This class is appropriate for beginner and intermediate level students. The instructor will adjust lessons according to each student's skill level.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $200
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Mastering Your Watercolor Skills"
March 28-30, 2025
 

Join Vladislav for 3day workshop in picturesque Sarasota this Spring! We are going to visit and paint variety of places. Our subjects will be boats, gardens and picturesque bay views. You will learn Vladislav's best approaches to working outdoors starting with location and “point of view" followed by important value sketching and composition lessons. Special attention will be given to the choice of colors which may be different from what’s there, and impressionistic style watercolor techniques. You will learn: -Color Mixing Techniques -Light Distribution -Bold Brush Painting Techniques -How to Add People and Other Details to Your Painting -Choosing and Emphasizing Your Focal Point -The Importance of Finishing Touches and Unifying Washes
 
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $575
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865


"Painting Lowcountry Marshes in Acrylics"
March 29, 2025
 

Join us for this exciting class where instructor Addison Palmer will teach students the fundamentals and techniques needed to create your very own realistic marsh painting. Composition, shadow, negative space, color mixing and layering are just some of the skills Addison will cover in this workshop, where students will paint a marsh scene from their own reference photograph. This class is designed for all levels of students. Note: Addison will be using heavy acrylics for this workshop! Those using other mediums are welcome to join, however, the processes Addison uses may not be applicable to your medium due to transparency and/or drying times.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Addison Palmer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Gardens in Gouache"
Tuesdays, April 1 - May 6, 2025
 

Gouache (opaque watercolor) is the perfect medium for landscape painting in the open air! Painters of all levels will fall in love with this portable, fast-drying, and easy-to-clean-up alternative to oils. Explore the medium’s vibrant color and versatile application and layering methods as you portray the beauty of springtime gardens in Philadelphia’s parks in your own personal style. Learn techniques for choosing a composition and working efficiently outdoors as you complete a series of rapid sketches and at least one sustained painting. Topics will include color, paint materiality/texture, transparent and opaque layering techniques, color mixing and historical palettes, pigments, and paper choices. Open to all levels. Painting locations featuring shade, restrooms, and other amenities.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michelle Oosterbaan
Cost: $375
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"The Landscape Oil Sketch"
Wednesdays, April 2 - May 7, 2025
 

The oil sketch is a traditional way for painters to execute preparatory ideas and quickly capture initial impressions – perfect for plein air painting! Learn useful techniques for rapidly encapsulating color and form while working directly from observation. Locations with shade and restrooms include Bartram’s Garden along the Schuylkill River and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, near Philadelphia International Airport. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roger Chavez
Cost: $375
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Catch the charm of Sicily with expressive bold strokes and colourful"
April 5-12, 2025
 

Amit Kapoor is a leading master of watercolor in India. Join us for a unique and exceptional watercolor painting workshop in Sicily with the Indian artist Amit Kapoor. It’s a beautiful opportunity for you to live and paint with a master artist in an authentic Sicilian farmhouse located just 500 m from the Mediterranean sea. Participants will learn Amit’s techniques and process to paint Plein-Air and in studio, how to be expressive with bold brush strokes and colourful palette. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Amit Kapoor
Cost: From € 2150
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email


"Happy-Happy Landscape Painting"
April 5, 2025
 

Join Mike Ellis, an adjunct Professor at Villanova and Immaculata Universities, as he brings you Happy-Happy Landscape Painting. Based on the painting series of Bob Ross, Ellis has simplified and sped up the learning process of landscape painting by setting up "workstations." At the beginning of the workshop, Ellis will give a demo of an entire painting using the workstations. Mike's workstation approach enables anyone at any skill level to quickly and easily paint a beautiful landscape that you'll bring home that day! In addition to the registration fee, students should bring $20 cash to pay for supplies, all of which will be provided for you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Mike Ellis
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"City Landscape Drawing and Painting"
Sundays, April 6 - May 18, 2025
 

Capture the small-town beauty Manayunk's hilly streets, rowhomes, and storefronts. Learn to create a convincing sense of space, light and time of day while depicting streetscapes, trees, water and sky. Color mixing and painting techniques for oils will be demonstrated, but all drawing/painting media are welcome. Located just 15 minutes outside of Philadelphia, Manayunk offers engaging urban and riverside neighborhood subjects with parking, shade, provisions and facilities available. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Larry Francis
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Venice Watercolour Retreat"
April 6-11, 2025
 

Discover Venice through the eye of an artist on this unique Watercolour Retreat. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere and picturesque beauty of the ancient city. 'La Serenissima', as Venice is also known, has inspired painters throughout centuries like no other place in the world. Watercolour artist and tutor John Skelcher will guide you through the processes and techniques of capturing the very essence of the Venetian grandeur with its winding canals and dreamy views across the lagoon. The are many quaint and tranquil spots, hidden away from the hustle and bustle, the perfect locations for and beginner and experienced artist alike for capturing the timeless charm of this magical city. Accommodation, tuition, breakfast and dinners, art materials incl.
 
Location: Venice, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: From: € 2.150
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334-903-4401


"Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
April 6-10, 2025
 

Join me for 4 days of sketching with watercolor in beautiful Sonoma. We’ll enjoy the free-flowing and colorful nature of watercolor at its best while sketching and having fun! I’ll help you develop observation skills, color awareness, simple design principles and learn about light and shadows. We’ll investigate various techniques, sketching tools, and approaches to watercolor. Enjoy time with fellow artists, instruction and friendly critiques.
 
Location: Sonoma, California
Instructor: Brenda Swenson
Cost: $1,590
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Gouache Painting Technique"
April 6, 2025
 

Join award-winning artist Natalia Andreeva for this gouache painting workshop. Natalia will do demonstrations in gouache, but other mediums are welcome. Natalia will lead you through the steps of designing your composition, format selection, judgments of perspective and illumination; she will discuss techniques of working with color and will take you all the way, till the very final touch. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to create impressionistic art with a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society.
 
Location: Bryan, Texas
Instructor: Natalia Andreeva
Cost: $180
Sponsor: Degallery
Website, email, +1(979)704-3090


"Cinque Terre Watercolour Course"
April 11-16, 2025
 

Explore the magnificent Cinque Terre region on a fantastic artistic retreat. Monterosso al Mare is the perfect location for exploring the colourful buildings, coastal scene and atmospheric sunsets through the eye of an art, whilst soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the classic Italian ‘La dolce vita’ life-style, with relaxed meals and aperitivi. After your painting sessions, there is time to explore the coastal towns and walks, as well as relaxing on the beach. This retreat is a creative experience with a truly personal and luxurious touch.
 
Location: Cinque Terre, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: € 2.250
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334-903-4001


"Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
April 11-15, 2025
 

Join me for 4 days of sketching with watercolor in beautiful Sonoma. We’ll enjoy the free-flowing and colorful nature of watercolor at its best while sketching and having fun! I’ll help you develop observation skills, color awareness, simple design principles and learn about light and shadows. We’ll investigate various techniques, sketching tools, and approaches to watercolor. Enjoy time with fellow artists, instruction and friendly critiques.
 
Location: Sonoma, California
Instructor: Brenda Swenson
Cost: $1,590
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting Magic with Debra Huse"
April 14-18, 2025
 

Simplify and edit to achieve maximum drama and beauty in your paintings. Debra will teach you how to design for powerful landscapes and how to get thick paint and clean, juicy paintings. Learn the secrets to painting clouds, mountains, boats, and trees, and capturing sparkle on the water. Break old habits and bring a new, more confident, approach to your work. Debra Huse is an award-winning, impressionist oil painter. Painting primarily En Plein Air, she is acclaimed for her joyful use of color and bold brushwork. Her work has been featured on the cover of Southwest Art, Art of the West, Plein Air, and Fine Art Connoisseur Magazines and has been exhibited in over 25 museums.
 
Location: Newport Beach, California
Instructor: Debra Huse
Cost: $950.00
Sponsor: Huse Skelly Gallery
Website, email


"The Villages -Art Retreat"
April 17-24, 2025
 

Artist Table is returning to the USA! In April we will meet in Central Florida with a new retreat concept, a luxury hotel, lush surroundings, and an immersive art experience. We will sketch, paint, and develop new skills as we travel around the beautiful community of The Villages, surrounded by lakes, tropical landscapes, and quaint town squares. Painting around the nature and water streams of the Villages. Also offering an Encaustic workshop given by a local artist. A visit to Walt Disney's EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, three meals a day, lodging, and transport are included. This all-inclusive art retreat, delicious meals, exclusive day trips, and art-making. It will be a trip you won't forget.
 
Location: The Villages, Florida
Instructor: Tali Farchi Kathleen keller
Cost: $3100
Sponsor: Tali Farchi ArtisTTable
Website, email, +1 (321) 262 9236 or +31 6 24903316


"Painting for Travelers"
April 19-26, 2025
 

A Watercolor Painting Workshop with Anita Winter. Known all over the world for its beauty, Provence is the artist's dream destination. Anita Winter will lead a group of watercolor painters on this painting adventure. During the days, we will explore Luberon, and its spectacular countryside of vineyards and orchards, fascinating "perched" hill-top villages, outstanding natural produce and the light of Van Gogh and Cezanne. You will soon see why artists of all calibers are drawn to this alluring area.
 
Location: Bonnieux, Provence, France
Instructor: Anita Winter
Cost: $3,890
Sponsor: Alpine Creative Tours
Website, email, 970-846-9000


"Painting the Sunrise or Sunset in Acrylics"
April 26, 2025
 

Join us for this exciting class where instructor Addison Palmer will teach students the fundamentals and techniques needed to create your very own beautiful sunrise or sunset painting! Composition, shadow, negative space, color mixing and layering are just some of the skills Addison will cover in this workshop, where students will paint from their own reference photographs. This course is designed for all levels of students, even beginners. Note: Addison will be using heavy acrylics for this workshop! Those using other mediums are welcome to join, however, the processes Addison uses may not be applicable to your medium due to transparency and/or drying times.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Addison Palmer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Plein Air Painting at Ridgeland Mansion"
April 26-27, 2025
 

Paint on location on the grounds of beautiful Ridgeland Mansion, the historic 18th century Federal-style house located in west Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Landscape painting topics will include color mixing to achieve a sense of light and air, capturing time of day, compositional fundamentals, and sound painting practices for oil, acrylic, or pastel painting. Students are responsible for their own transportation.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $115
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Watercolor Painting Workshop: Painting in Studio + Cultural Visits"
April 29 - May 4, 2025
 

Come and paint in beautiful Santa Fe! Carol Carter will share her unique watercolor technique, painting from background to foreground, using dynamic and inventive color. We will begin each day in the studio with a watercolor tutorial where Carol will share her watercolor techniques. The workshop will provide templates, reference photos and materials information. The session will conclude with a small critique around 4pm. At the end of the day, we will walk the beautiful downtown of Santa Fe for some museums visit, wine tasting, photography, sketching, and of course we will give you free time for shopping. Relax, enjoy, learn a new watercolor technique or two among the camaraderie of other artists while savoring great local food.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Carol Carter
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Travel to Western Sicily and learn en Plein Air Oil Painting"
May 3-10, 2025
 

Come join Andrew Lattimore, as you explore the exciting and varied history of Sicily’s diverse architecture, stunning landscape, fabulous food and rich culture! We’ll be staying in Marsala at Salinara, an 18th-century villa owned by our gracious hosts, Yumi and Adriano. It is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves and is only a 10-minute walk to the Mediterranean sea. Each day we’ll enjoy an early morning breakfast following a full day of painting, exploring the sights and sounds of Sicily. We’ll paint the captivating landscape at the villa but we will also take day excursions to the city of Marsala, the Marsala Salt Pans, Erice, and the Park of Selinunte. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Andrew Lattimore
Cost: From € 2475
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062


"Watercolor Sketching and Journaling"
May 4-9, 2025
 

Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday in Santa Fe, a region famous for its stunning scenery and captivating light. During the workshop, all of the logistics will be taken care of by my good friends at French Escapade. All we have to do is relax and enjoy our days spent sketching in this strikingly beautiful part of New Mexico. We’ll have plenty of time to capture once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the pages of our watercolor journals. My teaching will focus on illustrated watercolor journaling. You’ll learn how to add style and interest to your sketchbook pages through the use of unique page layouts and borders, and we’ll cover several fun new lettering styles. I’ll offer daily demonstrations of painting techniques.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Leslie Fehling
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Paint Italy! - Pastel With Marla Baggetta"
May 6-13, 2025
 

Join us in downtown Florence, Italy and take your pastel painting to the next level. You'll live like a local in the heart of Florence developing your artistic vision through Marla's innovative approach that begins with sketching. This experience is about being immersed in the local Florentine life while you take the time to perfect your painting skills.
 
Location: Florence, Italy
Instructor: Marla Baggetta
Cost: $4150
Sponsor: Artensity Workshops
Website, email


"Chasing the Painter’s Light to the Tuscan Landscape!"
May 7-14, 2025
 

Join Alyssa for a week of immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and local color of the Tuscan landscape. Based in Beautiful Cortona, experience all the wonders Tuscany has to offer – the rolling countryside, picturesque hill towns, and breathtaking vistas through the eyes of the artist! With Alyssa’s guidance as a veteran plein-air painter and teaching artist who has spent the past two decades sharing her passion for travel and landscape painting throughout the US and Europe, this will be a week like no other! Get ready to improve your artistic knowledge, expand your creativity, build connections, and embed your experiences and memories of your Italian adventure in the beautiful artworks you create!
 
Location: Cortona, Italy
Instructor: Alyssa DeLaBruere
Cost: From US$3,990.00 All-inclusive except airfare
Sponsor: Toscana Americana Workshops
Website, email, 978-407-7127


"Watercolor Painting Workshop"
May 8-15, 2025
 

Join me in Carmel and Pacific Grove, where we’ll experience the wild beauty of rugged Pacific shores, the enchanting fairy-tale cottages, and historic Mission architecture that make this place so unique. I’ve designed this workshop to give you confidence sketching wherever you happen to be. I’ll show you how to keep your watercolour sketches loose, fresh and vibrant. And I’ll share my techniques for capturing the beauty that surrounds us, so you can savour it for years to come.
 
Location: Carmel, California
Instructor: David Daniels
Cost: $3,790 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Paint the Light and Color of Spain in Oils, Gouache, Acrylic, Pastel or Watercolor"
May 9-16, 2025
 

I am so excited to teach you in this inspiring place while working outdoors in Plein Air as the Impressionist masters did! Paint the crystal blue Mediterranean waters with breathtaking vistas of the Catalonia coast, a hidden gem fishing village, botanical gardens, and medieval villages. As a painter and colorist, I have learned that the best way to achieve the feeling of light and color in your paintings is to paint outdoors. I will be your guide and teacher for an incredible week of painting, sightseeing, dining, and artistic community while we all learn and grow our artistry during the week. The experience of painting with other artists will be a treasure you carry with you for a lifetime.
 
Location: Costa Brava, Spain
Instructor: Rose Irelan
Cost: $3,790 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Mastering Watercolor Techniques: Plein Air to Studio"
May 12-14, 2025
 

Students will learn how to approach complicated scenery and to convey its character without resorting to endless details' depiction, and master watercolor application techniques in a loose bold brush style of painting. Included in this workshop: How to define existing scapes into three focal planes to tackle any subject matter; use different painting techniques for each focal plane; finish your painting with intricate details and energize your painting with powerful brushwork; paint loose and where and why to use a particular application technique in your painting and how to apply the power of unifying wash; use the sword liner for painting trees, brunches, wires, polls and other details requiring calligraphy; use of white gouache for highlight.
 
Location: Dahlonega, Georgia
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $625
Sponsor: Art Loft
Website, email, 706-429-6008


"Sorrento & Amalfi Watercolour Course"
May 12-17, 2025
 

Join us on our visits to the picturesque towns along the Amalfi coast, such as Positano and Sorrento. We'll stop at bottegas for tasting the world-famous local Limoncello, admiring the traditional local maiolica (ceramics) and treat ourselves to little breaks for aperitivi, fully indulging in the spirit of Italian life. Around every corner, there are views waiting to be captured, from coastal views to colourful buildings and little harbours. Stunning views across the Gulf of Naples from the terraces of the historic villa that is home to our retreat, are the perfect backdrop for our morning demonstrations, before heading out to explore the towns along the Amalfi Coast. Accommodation, half-board, tuition and all materials included.
 
Location: Sorrento, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: from € 2.350
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334903-4401


"Oil Painting and Watercolor Workshop"
May 15-22, 2025
 

Join me for an amazing week of plein air painting in magnificent Provence, France! This is ‘Red poppy season’ and we’ll explore and paint the exciting spring colors of glorious Provence. I’m super excited to teach you painting in such an inspiring place! We’ll paint flower fields, countryside villages, waterways and hillside castle towns, quaint, flower-filled alleyways, medieval churches, fountains and ancient archways. We’ll paint our impressions, dine exquisitely, share gorgeous sights and creative companionship, all while learning and growing our craft. I will share my methods for creating successful paintings with loose brushwork and exciting color harmonies. I will demo in oil and watercolor, but am proficient and happy to help with acrylics and pastels as well.
 
Location: Fontaine de Vaucluse, France
Instructor: Maggie Hellmann
Cost: $3,940 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting Holidays: Plein air Painting Masterclass – The spirit of the Pyrenees Atlantiques"
May 17-24, 2025
 

A well-established contemporary plein air painter in Canada and the USA, Marc Grandbois offers his vision of personal expression through the beauty of nature. This class focuses on how to paint in plein air. Every student is led to better transpose his emotions related to place and time, into an image and to understand the subjective power of colors and gesture in painting. Marc will give a two-hour demonstration each morning en plein air in the Clos Mirabel park and surrounds. A large interior space will be available in case of bad weather. There will be a group critique on the last day for work to be shared by the group, creating both a supportive and exponential effect for future work.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Marc Grandbois
Cost: 1595€ to 2895€ for accommodation + 450€ tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Tuscan Colored Light and Fields"
May 17-25, 2025
 

In this intensive workshop Loriann will help you to see light and color so you can allow yourself to be guided by the soul of place. It's her intent to encourage your ability to embrace and translate the Italian landscape into sensitive pastel work.
 
Location: Florence and Fiesole, Italy
Instructor: Loriann Signori
Cost: $3990
Sponsor: Artensity Workshops
Website, email


"Let the Land Guide Your Vision"
May 18-27, 2025
 

We explore the dramatic landscape of Doolin, County Clare, Ireland and translate its landscape, energy and lore into visual artwork. Our time together will be a balance between group excursions, individual exploration, and creation coupled with sharing and diving deeper into technique. We will establish a shared studio space as a center of operation as artists of any level work together in their preferred Media. Included in the retreat are 4 art workshops with Martin Bridge; field trips; 2 meals/day; housing and publication in an anthology of creativity (subject to vetting)—join us for this retreat of like-minded individuals connecting in various ways to the land in this very special place.
 
Location: Doolin, Ireland
Instructor: Martin Bridge
Cost: $1500-$2500 depending on accommodations
Sponsor: NatureCulture, and The Milk House
Website, email, 413-475-0650


"Watercolor Painting Workshop"
May 23-30, 2025
 

You probably fell in love with making art before a painting holiday occurred to you. Classroom lessons, online sessions, or time in the studio are typically safe environments in which to learn. But once we venture outdoors to paint, the light can be dramatic, the air is filled with sights, sounds, and smells of nature. While this can all be new, it enriches the painting experience even more. When we arrive on the Costa Brava, my job is to help you capture the nuances of our surroundings with confidence. Even before departure I’ll provide practical pointers on what to bring, what to leave behind. My plein-air workshops are jam-packed with helpful tips to help you make powerful statements through your art.
 
Location: Costa Brava, Spain
Instructor: Randy Hale
Cost: $3,790 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Following Van Gogh & Cezanne in Provence"
May 23-30, 2025
 

PleinAir This retreat will take you to the same places where Van Gogh and Cézanne painted many of their masterpieces. You will be inspired by the rich locations of Arles, Saint Remi, and Aix-en-Provence. Your Hosts Tali Farchi (NL) and Shay Avivi (IL) are accomplished painters and teachers, providing art instruction to enrich your creative process. They’ll share information about these master's lives and how they worked. The ArtisTTable has hosted hundreds of artists of all levels and backgrounds. During this retreat, we will stay in the center of Arles giving easy access to this historic city. This all-inclusive art retreat boasts delicious meals, exclusive day trips, and lots of art-making. It will be a trip you won't forget.
 
Location: Arles Provence, France
Instructor: Tali Farchi, Shay Avivi
Cost: €3400 (early bird €3200)
Sponsor: Tali Farchi Artist Table
Website, email, +31 6 24903316


"The Lake Como Experience"
May 24-31, 2025
 

The Lake Como Experience - A Plein Air Watercolor Painting Workshop with Kathleen Lanzoni. Join us in Bellagio in 2025, as Kathleen Lanzoni takes a group of watercolor painters on this trip to northern Italy. During the week, this tour is designed to guide you to the finest spots along the shores of the picturesque Lake Como with its charming lakeside towns, its Renaissance architecture, Italian villas and terraced gardens. Daily we will plein air paint the beautiful towns, the lake scenes and the surrounding scenery. You will receive personal painting instruction each day. Whether you are a novice or experienced painter, this trip will be fun and an educational experience for all!
 
Location: Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy
Instructor: Kathleen Lanzoni
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: Alpine Creative Tours
Website, email, 970-846-9000


"Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
May 26 - June 2, 2025
 

Join me for one week of sketching with watercolor in beautiful Provence! Drawing while traveling is the best way to experience and remember a new place. Traveling is also a perfect opportunity to learn or hone your drawing skills. When we see new sights everything strikes us as unusual, memorable and inspiring. We have a natural desire to admire new vistas, taste new flavors, inhale unusual aromas and record these sensations through taking photos, but also through drawing and writing. For me, drawing while traveling is instinctual, and I am eager to share my passion to fully immerse yourself in a new place through the practice of travel sketching.
 
Location: Fontaine de Vaucluse, France
Instructor: Rita Sabler
Cost: $3,940 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Italy with Sharon Rusch Shaver"
May 26 - June 2, 2025
 

Italy with artist Sharon Rusch Shaver. This workshop is for all levels of experience in a painting medium of your choice. Sharon Rusch Shaver is an award-winning oil and watercolor artist who has organized unique destination painting adventures since 1996. Sharon teaches en-Plein air painting and shares her unique ability to capture a scene quickly as the light changes. This is a fun and loose painting approach that will make you excited and enjoy every moment! Accommodations are chosen for authenticity and comfort. Our hillside Villa located above the Amalfi Coast is a painter's dream. Included: Ground transfers, breakfast, lunches, welcome dinner, private en-suite accommodations, AC, pool, jacuzzi, and sauna overlooking the Italian countryside. Join us!
 
Location: Torchiara, Italy
Instructor: Sharon Rusch Shaver
Cost: $3,970
Sponsor: sharonruschshaver
Website, email, 615-579-8841


"A Sense of Place in Tuscany"
May 28 - June 4, 2025
 

Join Alison for a week of joyful exploration of Place, in the beautiful city of Cortona in the heart of Tuscany. In ancient squares, by fountains or in cafes, Alison will show you simple ways to capture buildings and include figures in your sketches. Overlooking vineyards and far off hills, we’ll explore how to simplify the scene to focus on important elements and create depth. Drawing and painting on loose pages rather than in a watercolour journal, allows us to loosen up and have fun with experimental techniques and a variety of media. We’ll work with watercolour, pen, ink, marker, on different papers, to create images, which we will curate into your personal concertina art book of your Cortona experience.
 
Location: Cortona, Italy
Instructor: Alison Watt
Cost: From US$3,850.00 All-inclusive except airfare
Sponsor: Toscana Americana Workshops
Website, email, 978-407-7127


"Cinque Terre Watercolour Retreat"
May 30 - June 4, 2025
 

Explore the magnificent Cinque Terre region on a fantastic artistic retreat. Monterosso al Mare is the perfect location for exploring the colourful buildings, coastal scene and atmospheric sunsets through the eye of an art, whilst soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the classic Italian ‘La dolce vita’ life-style, with relaxed meals and aperitivi. After your painting sessions, there is time to explore the coastal towns and walks, as well as relaxing on the beach. This retreat is a creative experience with a truly personal and luxurious touch.
 
Location: Cinque Terre, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: € 2.250
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-3349034401


"Painting Lake Como in Watercolor"
May 31 - June 7, 2025
 

A Sketchbook Journaling Workshop with Karen Ramsay. Widely considered one of the prettiest areas of Europe, the Italian Lakes were once a playground for nobility and royals, visible in the many palaces dotting the lake shores. We will be staying in the beautiful town of Bellagio, often called "the Pearl of Lake Como", situated by the foothills of the Swiss and Italian Alps. During the week, this tour is designed to guide you to the finest spots along the shores of the picturesque Lake Como with its charming lakeside towns, its Renaissance architecture, Italian villas and terraced gardens. The Italian Lakes region has a mesmerizing, timeless beauty where we will find endless inspiration to design, generate and create art.
 
Location: Bellagio, Italy
Instructor: Karen Ramsay
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: Alpine Creative Tours
Website, email, 970-846-9000


"Inspiration Renewal for the Landscape Painter"
June 1-5, 2025
 

Barbara offers workshops in pastel or oil, or both, focusing on landscapes. Her workshops are primarily in the studio, but she may occasionally offer a plein air portion to a workshop if requested. All demos are in the studio. Her teaching style includes daily demonstrations, during which she talks through each step and allows questions. She provides exercises that have very specific objectives so that students are able to see achievable results and she offers plenty of individual assistance at the easel. Barbara holds Signature Memberships in Oil Painters of America and American Impressionist Society, is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America, and an Eminent Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel Societies.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Barbara Jaenicke
Cost: $1144 + Materials fee
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389


"Painting in the French Alps: Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
June 4-11, 2025
 

The wonderful views and landscapes of the French Alps seem to be just made for watercolor. All the incredible villages, lakes and mountains are just begging to be caught on the tip of your brush. Moving from place to place, we will find the best locations to create vibrant and sunny watercolors. Every day will be a discovery for you—and a new opportunity for painting in watercolor. In addition to traditional watercolor techniques, I will introduce you to my personal methods and secrets. Join us for relaxation and enjoyment of the French Alps with a very rich and informative workshop in the open air.
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Shari Blaukopf
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Art & Gourmet"
June 9-15, 2025
 

Join us on this fantastic art & gourmet sea-side retreat at the Riviera delle Palme, in the heart of Italy. We will spend six days creating beautiful watercolour paintings, capturing the infinite beauty of classic Italian scenes that surrounds us. We will be indulging in Italy’s delicious flavours & wines. Get hands on with truffle hunting and cooking and paint & sip in hill-side vineyards. Daily painting sessions, will take place in our studio, and there will be opportunities to make studies and paint on our excursions along the seaside, and to the countryside- and charming hill-top villages and towns.
 
Location: Riviera delle Palme, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: From €2.400
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334-903-4401


"Studio Italia - Art workshop in Tuscany offered since 1997"
June 10-19, 2025
 

A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Nine full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gastronomy in the most beautiful area of Tuscany. Our teaching approach and groups limited to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating environment that fosters creativity. Cost of CAD 4175 (around US$ 3050) includes instruction, 9-night single or double accommodation (limited single rooms available at no extra cost), all breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from and to the Arezzo train station, transportation to all painting sites (Montepulciano, Cortona, Pienza, etc.), train ticket to Florence, and a guided tour to the Uffizi Museum.
 
Location: Lucignano, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3050
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789


"Painting in the French Alps: Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
June 11-18, 2025
 

The wonderful views and landscapes of the French Alps seem to be just made for watercolor. All the incredible villages, lakes and mountains are just begging to be caught on the tip of your brush. Moving from place to place, we will find the best locations to create vibrant and sunny watercolors. Every day will be a discovery for you—and a new opportunity for painting in watercolor. In addition to traditional watercolor techniques, I will introduce you to my personal methods and secrets. Join us for relaxation and enjoyment of the French Alps with a very rich and informative workshop in the open air.
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Shari Blaukopf
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Etruscan Places Open Air Landscape Fundamentals"
June 12-21, 2025
 

The challenges of open air painting require a specific technical approach. In this core program we introduce our method combining lectures, exercises & demonstrations that aim to teach participants to compose, develop and complete a painting in one session. Two instructors will work directly with participants. Sessions supported by a Siena museum visit, slide shows analyzing works of historic masters and painting technique. Fees include materials, surfaces, equipment, meals (breakfast, dinner, 4 lunches), accommodation, field trips, local transport and transfers. Rain or Shine! Call 212-388-9832 & Whats App 39-347-143-40-36 12 student maximum. Course pre-requisites: Basic ability to draw from observation. Some prior painting experience.
 
Location: Buonconvento, Italy
Instructor: Maddine Insalaco and Joe Vinson
Cost: $3,250 - $3710 depending on occupancy
Sponsor: Etruscan Places
Website, email, 212-388-9832


"Sketching in pen, ink and watercolor"
June 14-21, 2025
 

Join me for a week in Provence, where we will spend our week traveling and sketching and capturing all our experiences in our sketchbook. We will sometimes sketch quick vignettes on the go, and at other times, we will paint more immersive panoramas where we slow down to capture the essence of place in a single piece. Our travels will take us to beautiful riverside villages, lavender fields, cliffs of ochre and gardens where Van Gogh sketched. There will be markets and town squares to draw in and gourmet food to enjoy and capture in our sketches. All in all, you are promised a week filled with rich experiences and lots of art tips to up your travel-sketching game!
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Suhita Shirodkar
Cost: $3,940 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Netherlands and Belgium - Painting Tour"
June 14-22, 2025
 

The unique aspect of this tour is the opportunity to explore two incredible countries in a single trip, witnessing the diversity of landscapes, architecture, and culture as you hop between the Netherlands and Belgium. You'll be guided by our knowledgeable instructor, Vlad, along with wonderful local guides. Are you ready to embark on a journey that combines art, history, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable camaraderie? Look no further! Vlad's Painting and Cultural Tour in the Netherlands and Belgium promises to be the highlight of your summer. We invite you to check out the itinerary for this trip to explore the exciting activities and destinations we have planned.
 
Location: Bruges & Ghent, Belgium
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $3,950.00
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865


"Netherlands and Belgium - Painting Tour"
June 14-22, 2025
 

The unique aspect of this tour is the opportunity to explore two incredible countries in a single trip, witnessing the diversity of landscapes, architecture, and culture as you hop between the Netherlands and Belgium. You'll be guided by our knowledgeable instructor, Vlad, along with wonderful local guides. Are you ready to embark on a journey that combines art, history, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable camaraderie? Look no further! Vlad's Painting and Cultural Tour in the Netherlands and Belgium promises to be the highlight of your summer. We invite you to check out the itinerary for this trip to explore the exciting activities and destinations we have planned.
 
Location: Leiden, The Netherlands
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $3,950.00
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865


"Art & Wellness"
June 15-21, 2025
 

Join us on this fantastic Art & Wellness retreat at the beautiful sea-side at Italy’s Riviera delle Palme. We will spend six days painting, learning about the best ways to increase our creative brain and physical energy through the mediterranean diet brain-health focused exercises practicing beach Qui-Gong and Tai Chi. No Wellness retreat would be complete without a spa visit with reflexology of course. Deliciously healthy, fresh food is key to maintaining and improving creativity in all stages of live.We will get inspired by the infinite beauty of the classic Italian scenes that surround us from vineyards surrounded by ancient hill-top towns and panoramic coastal scenes. Here is all of Italy in magnificent panoramic views.
 
Location: Riviera delle Palme, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: From €2.400
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334-903-4401


"Black & White Landscape Drawing"
June 16-18, 2025
 

Students in this workshop will be familiarized with the fundamental principles of drawing, enhancing their ability to see the basic shapes, forms, and values that make up the landscape. Participants will learn to “read” a photograph to accurately discern its weaknesses and to discover its hidden artistic gems. By integrating nature’s inherent proportions into the artistic process, students will receive the rudimentary essentials of composing a masterful landscape drawing. With only a few basic tools used by master artists for centuries, each student will be instructed to properly design, construct, draw, and render a realistic, even a photographic, image of their chosen landscape on paper.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert H. Way
Cost: $400
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting in the French Alps: Oil Painting Workshop"
June 18-25, 2025
 

While learning the importance of oil painting techniques (values, edges, composition, etc.), the joy of actually painting France en plein air won’t get lost on Kathie! The enthusiasm for painting the mountains, lakes and chalets with you will be contagious! Kathie will walk through her process of narrowing down the choices of subject matter and then demo before it’s time for you to get your brushes wet too… and she will be right alongside cheering you on with personal instruction and encouragement! There is a reason why you want to paint. Kathie will work to help you tap that desire by throwing herself into the entire experience and beauty of the French Alps!
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Kathie Odom
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting Holidays: Mood & Atmosphere in the Medium of Your Choice with Kevin Scully"
June 21-28, 2025
 

Join Kevin Scully at the beautiful Atelier Clos Mirabel estate in the French Pyrenees for a week of drawing and painting in the medium of your choice. During this painting holiday the emphasis will be on creating work that captures the sense of space and mood of our delightful surroundings, and producing paintings that are both loose in style, and enigmatic in atmosphere. Kevin Scully will be giving plenty of demonstrations as well as providing individual guidance in choosing the right materials, choosing a composition, tonal arrangement, and suitable colour schemes to help you produce some exciting paintings. Whether your favourite medium is oils, watercolours, acrylics, or pastels, the retreat is for painters of all levels of experience.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Kevin Scully
Cost: 1595€ to 2895€ for accommodation + €400 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Loose and Free Watercolor Workshop"
June 22-29, 2025
 

In this watercolor workshop, I will help you discover new approaches to your works. Values and Color are the two main elements I will focus on and a dramatic sense of design. My personal style is basically a loose and carefree approach. Leaving a lot of the white of the paper, for me, is paramount in my watercolor work. We will work mostly from our own reference photos, in a relaxed studio environment. You can choose which genres best suit your personality - florals, landscapes, structures, etc. Critiques of the work and one-on-one directions will also be a part of this workshop. I hope you will join me in Bruges for this fantastic painting experience.
 
Location: Bruges, Belgium
Instructor: Rae Andrews
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Atelier Provence and Barcelona Art Tour"
June 25 - July 6, 2025
 

A unique art workshop/art tour open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Seven days of plein-air painting, art history/theory lectures, and gastronomy in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence followed by four days visiting Barcelona’s top art sites and enjoying Catalan cuisine. The price of CAD 4700 per person (around US$ 3450) includes instruction, 11-night double accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 6 healthy lunches, 6 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from the Manosque train station to our lodge, transportation to all painting sites, TGV train ticket Avignon-Barcelona, transportation and entrance fees to all sites on schedule (Cézanne’s studio, La Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, Miró Museum, etc.). Limited single rooms for a supplement of CAD 875 (around US$ 650).
 
Location: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence & Barcelona, France
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3450
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789


"Atelier Provence and Barcelona Art Tour"
June 25 - July 6, 2025
 

A unique art workshop/art tour open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Seven days of plein-air painting, art history/theory lectures, and gastronomy in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence followed by four days visiting Barcelona’s top art sites and enjoying Catalan cuisine. The price of CAD 4700 per person (around US$ 3450) includes instruction, 11-night double accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 6 healthy lunches, 6 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from the Manosque train station to our lodge, transportation to all painting sites,TGV train ticket Avignon-Barcelona, transportation and entrance fees to all sites on schedule (Cézanne’s studio, La Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, Miró Museum, etc.). Limited single rooms for a supplement of CAD 875 (around US$ 650),
 
Location: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence & Barcelona, Spain
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3450
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789


"Cinque Terre Watercolour Retreat"
June 27 - July 2, 2025
 

Explore the magnificent Cinque Terre region on a fantastic artistic retreat. Monterosso al Mare is the perfect location for exploring the colourful buildings, coastal scene and atmospheric sunsets through the eye of an art, whilst soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the classic Italian ‘La dolce vita’ life-style, with relaxed meals and aperitivi. After your painting sessions, there is time to explore the coastal towns and walks, as well as relaxing on the beach. This retreat is a creative experience with a truly personal and luxurious touch.
 
Location: Cinque Terre, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: € 2.250
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334903-4401


"Painting Holidays: Paint Your Bliss! Painting in the French Pyrenees with Kat O’Connor"
June 28 - July 5, 2025
 

This class will encourage you to paint what inspires you. Focusing on elements of the environment at hand – landscape, architecture, food, culture, colour – we will create not just finished paintings but a library of source information for future development. This class is designed to help you get the most out of painting while traveling. Certain things peak each painter’s interest: Mountains in the distance, a garden, or a bowl of fruit. Students will choose their subject matter and Kat will work with each person individually to help them get the most out of their painting time. Group discussions and exercises will focus on finding dynamic compositions that best describe your unique experience of a particular location.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Kat O’Connor
Cost: 1595€ to 2895€ for accommodation + $575 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Oil Painting in Giverny and Monet's Garden"
June 30 - July 7 , 2025
 

Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny is probably the most famous garden in France. Monet painted some of his most famous paintings whilst living at Giverny. Each day we’ll enjoy artistic and cultural experiences: we’ll explore Monet’s house and gardens, paint the church in Auvers sur Oise where Van Gogh painted his final piece, visit the auberge where he lived his final days…and much more! Kathie will help you tap into your desire to paint, cheering you on with personal instruction and encouragement!
 
Location: Bruges, Belgium
Instructor: Kathie Odom
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Oil Painting Countryside Retreat, Italy"
July 12-18, 2025
 

All-inclusive oil painting retreat in stunning surrounding in the heart of the Italian countryside. Demonstrations, Art materials, excursions, cooking class, vineyard paint & sip, all meals (excl lunch excursion day), accommodation included.
 
Location: Ascoli Piceno, Italy
Instructor: John W. Skelcher
Cost: USD 2.500 single; Twin/Double USD 2.350 p.p.
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, 3349034401


"Studio Watercolor Workshop"
July 21-24, 2025
 

In this workshop, our main focus will be on the art of capturing and portraying light. Light plays a vital role in bringing depth, atmosphere, and realism to any artwork. Participants will have the opportunity to explore a range of techniques that can be employed to effectively represent light, including glazing, wet-on-wet, and drybrush techniques.
 
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $675
Sponsor: Palette Productions
Website, email


"Painting in the Dutch Landscape"
July 21-28, 2025
 

Many of the Dutch painters were influenced by the light in the flat countries. In July we will meet in Zwolle, the Netherlands. and the surrounding, which is in the province of Overijssel north-east of the Netherlands. Not only painting and sketching are in the program, but also stone carving, Monotype and print workshops, and exciting local stuff that a regular tourist won't be able to see or do, as Tali Lives here she is very involved in the "Arty" scene. will introduce you, to artists, places, landscapes, private gardens, and local homes. This all-inclusive art retreat boasts delicious meals, exclusive day trips, and lots of artmaking and PlainAir painting. It will be a trip you won't forget.
 
Location: Zwolle, The Netherlands
Instructor: Tali Farchi
Cost: €3100 (early registration €2950)
Sponsor: Artist Table Tali Farchi
Website, email, +31 6 24903316


"Painting & Printmaking Countryside Retreat, Italy"
July 26 - August 1, 2025
 

All-inclusive inspirational painting, drawing & print-making retreat. Nestled amidst rolling hills, sunflower fields, vineyards and olive groves, there is an abundance of inspiration everywhere you look. Accommodation, all meals (excl one lunch on excursion day), demonstrations, all materials, excursions, cooking class, vineyard paint & sip included.
 
Location: Ascoli Piceno, Italy
Instructor: John W. Skelcher
Cost: USD 2.500 single; Twin/Double USD 2.300 p.p.
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +393349034401


"Navigating the Three Planes of Vision in Watercolor"
August 1-3, 2025
 

Join us for an inspiring workshop where we'll dive into an exciting variety of subjects, from bustling streetscapes and serene boats to breathtaking landscapes. You'll discover how to tackle complex scenes with ease, focusing on capturing their true essence without getting overwhelmed by details. Through bold, expressive brushwork and vibrant watercolor techniques, you’ll learn to infuse your paintings with life and energy, confidently portraying the character and mood of your subjects. Sign up by May 15th, 2025 is required.
 
Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $560-610
Sponsor: Falmouth Art Center
Website, email, 508.540.3304


"Watercolor Painting & Sketching"
August 25 - September 1, 2025
 

Join Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling in Bruges, Belgium and have a creative life experience. You’ll enjoy inspiring locations such as canals, wind mills, Flemish architecture, daily painting demonstrations, personalized instruction, and encouraging support from Cindy and Theresa. “We show you how to simplify and design your subject, draw confidently, jazz up your colors, paint with serendipity and experiment with new techniques. Create colorful paintings en Plein Air with an emphasis on celebrating your own unique point of view”.
 
Location: Bruges, Belgium
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: $3,840 before Jan 31
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Watercolor sketching and Journaling"
August 30 - September 6, 2025
 

Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday in Giverny, a strikingly beautiful part of France famous for its stunning scenery and captivating light. We’ll have plenty of time to capture once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the pages of our watercolor journals. You’ll learn how to add style and interest to your sketchbook pages through the use of unique page layouts and borders, and we’ll cover several fun new lettering styles. In addition, I’ll offer daily demonstrations of techniques for painting the subject matter you’ll encounter each day. And you’ll be painting right along with me, since we learn more by doing than by simply observing. The workshop is suitable for all levels, but some experience with drawing and watercolor would be helpful.
 
Location: Giverny, France
Instructor: Leslie Fehling
Cost: $3,840 before Jan 31
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Art & Wellness"
August 31 - September 6, 2025
 

Join us on this fantastic Art & Wellness retreat at the beautiful sea-side at Italy’s Riviera delle Palme. We will spend six days painting, learning about the best ways to increase our creative brain and physical energy through the mediterranean diet brain-health focused exercises practicing beach Qui-Gong and Tai Chi. No Wellness retreat would be complete without a spa visit with reflexology of course. Deliciously healthy, fresh food is key to maintaining and improving creativity in all stages of live.We will get inspired by the infinite beauty of the classic Italian scenes that surround us from vineyards surrounded by ancient hill-top towns and panoramic coastal scenes. Here is all of Italy in magnificent panoramic views.
 
Location: Riviera delle Palme, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: From €2.400
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334-903-4401


"Advanced Plein Air Landscape"
September 4-13, 2025
 

The Advanced Plein Air Landscape workshop will offer experienced painters the opportunity to work intensively without the disruption of movements in splendid isolation. Participants may develop longer term and larger scale works if desired. Instructors Maddine Insalaco and Joe Vinson, will be present each day. Critiques will be held daily. Slide shows on issues relevant to landscape painting will be held two evenings. Fees include most materials, surfaces, easels and other equipment (umbrellas, chairs, etc.) , accommodations, meals (breakfast, 4 lunches, dinner) field trip, local transportation and transfers. Reduced fees for extended stays. 12 student maximum. Rain or Shine. Call: 212-388-9832 Whats App 39-347-143-40-36 E-mail: info@landscapepainting.com
 
Location: Buonconvento, Italy
Instructor: Maddine Insalaco and Joe Vinson
Cost: $3,250 - $3,710 depending on occupancy
Sponsor: Etruscan Places
Website, email, 212-388-9832


"Watercolor Painting & Sketching"
September 4-11, 2025
 

Join Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling in the French Alps and have a creative life experience. You’ll enjoy inspiring locations such as mountains, lakes, chalets, meadows, daily painting demonstrations, personalized instruction, and encouraging support from Cindy and Theresa. “We show you how to simplify and design your subject, draw confidently, jazz up your colors, paint with serendipity and experiment with new techniques. Create colorful paintings en Plein Air with an emphasis on celebrating your own unique point of view”.
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: $3,840 before Jan 31
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Watercolor sketching"
September 6-13, 2025
 

Do you struggle to apply watercolour or get overwhelmed sometimes when sketching? I will help solve your problems by showing you how to make fast improvements through sharing my most successful tips with watercolour sketching. You will receive plenty of individual tuition, demonstrations and examples to support you along the way. Return home armed with new skills in watercolour and sketching as you will have learnt how to sketch confidently, understand paint consistency and application and mix wonderful glowing colours to capture the magical scenes of Giverny. I will encourage you to sketch what makes your heart sing! The subjects covered will be truly inspirational – including French buildings, landscapes, local scenes and Monet’s garden!
 
Location: Giverny, France
Instructor: Judy Salleh
Cost: $3,840 before Jan 31
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Art & Gourmet"
September 6-12, 2025
 

Join us on this fantastic art & gourmet sea-side retreat at the Riviera delle Palme, in the heart of Italy. We will spend six days creating beautiful watercolour paintings, capturing the infinite beauty of classic Italian scenes that surrounds us. We will be indulging in Italy’s delicious flavours & wines. Get hands on with truffle hunting and cooking and paint & sip in hill-side vineyards. Daily painting sessions, will take place in our studio, and there will be opportunities to make studies and paint on our excursions along the seaside, and to the countryside- and charming hill-top villages and towns.
 
Location: Riviera delle Palme, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: From €2.400
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334-903-4401


"Watercolor Painting Workshop in Provence"
September 11-18, 2025
 

Experience the Provence region on an immersive artistic journey with Alicia Farris. Alicia adores sharing her passion for watercolor painting and inspires with her creative energy and loose and lively painting style. She feels artists share a special sense for both seeing and feeling their subjects. She helps inspire her students to use color and light to paint a story from their hearts, not merely from what their eyes see. You’ll have the opportunity to watercolor paint, sketch and photograph your way through this spectacular region of Provence. Whether it’s the beautiful gardens, the lovely vistas, colorful markets or the quaint villages that inspire you, Alicia will guide you through the creative process.
 
Location: Luberon, France
Instructor: Alicia Farris
Cost: $3,940 before Jan 31
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Capturing Radiant Light in Your Paintings in Oil or Acrylic"
September 11-13, 2025
 

Master your ability to capture radiance in your paintings and join South Carolina artist Michael Story for this three-day landscape painting workshop. Michael will explain and demonstrate the fundamentals of building radiant color by applying complementary and analogous color combinations. Students begin their paintings with an initial charcoal drawing, followed by a color wash applied over the image. Starting with rich shadow colors, you’ll begin blocking in our painting, then progressing dark to light to completion. Building final layers of color and avoiding muddy mixtures, you’ll achieve fresh, bright, radiant color while capturing depth and drama to your work. For more information, visit michaelstory.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Michael Story
Cost: $575 Museum members/ $625 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372


"Painting in Puglia"
September 14-21, 2025
 

Discover the sun-drenched landscape of Southern Italy on this painting holiday that takes you on an artistic journey with Sandra Iafrate. There is no shortage of inspiration for any artist. Your stay will be in a restored 19th century farmhouse in Ortelli from which we will visit local towns: Lecce, Otranto and Specchia. You'll enjoy daily painting instruction and coaching in drawing, composition, planning, colour theory, brushwork and conceptualization of work. The medium used is mainly acrylic; however, oil, watercolour, and drawing mediums are also welcomed.
 
Location: Apulia, Italy
Instructor: Sandra Iafrate, sandraiafrate.com
Website, email


"Sorrento & Amalfi Watercolour Workshop"
September 15-20, 2025
 

Join us on our visits to the picturesque towns along the Amalfi coast, such as Positano and Sorrento. We'll stop at bottegas for tasting the world-famous local Limoncello, admiring the traditional local maiolica (ceramics) and treat ourselves to little breaks for aperitivi, fully indulging in the spirit of Italian life. Around every corner, there are views waiting to be captured, from coastal views to colourful buildings and little harbours. Stunning views across the Gulf of Naples from the terraces of the historic villa that is home to our retreat, are the perfect backdrop for our morning demonstrations, before heading out to explore the towns along the Amalfi Coast. Accommodation, half-board, tuition and all materials included.
 
Location: Sorrento, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: From €2.350
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334-903-4401


"Stroke Up on the Basics of Good Painting in Pastels"
September 17-19, 2025
 

The classes will focus on Southern landscapes using references of the students' choice or those of the instructor. Discussion and demos will provide students with knowledge that can be used to improve their choice of subject and application of composition principles. Accuracy in shape-making and displaying depth through perspective and value will be stressed. Pastel instruction will focus on the application of the pastel to the sanded surface support used for pastel painting. Emphasis will be on underpainting, stroke making, optical color mixing, value-produced edges, and layering of strokes. Preservation of the work, transportation, and framing will be discussed and demonstrated. Pastel is a very permanent medium when applied and handled intelligently. All of this will be discussed in class.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Gary Baughman
Cost: $180
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Stroke Up on the Basics of Good Painting in Oils"
September 17-19, 2025
 

The classes will focus on painting Southern landscapes using references of the students' choice or those of the instructor. Discussion and demos will provide students with knowledge that can be used to improve their choice of subject and application of composition principles. Accuracy in shape-making and displaying depth through perspective and value will be stressed. Color mixing, brush and palette knife application of the medium, and edge treatments will be demonstrated by the instructor. Expecting to paint a masterpiece in class should not be a student objective. Learning the techniques and principles that will lead to prize-winning paintings, being awarded commissions, and obtaining gallery representation should be the take-away from class.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Gary Baughman
Cost: $180
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Oil painting and gouache"
September 20-27, 2025
 

Come join me for an amazing week of plein air painting in beautiful Provence, France! We will have gorgeous views to paint of cute medieval villages, colorful markets, rivers, olive trees, etc… It is also a place to enjoy gourmet cheese and wine, ratatouille and creme brûlée! You can choose to work with Oil &/or Gouache in this workshop. I will be doing daily demos and assisting you with your paintings. I enjoy teaching and will be there with you to help strengthen your painting skills and artistic voice. We will focus on design, color mixing, and capturing the mood of the day by understanding atmospheric perspective. This workshop is open to beginner and intermediate students.
 
Location: Luberon, France
Instructor: Ellen Howard
Cost: $3,940 before Jan 31
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Watercolor Sketching and Journaling in Western Sicily"
September 20-27, 2025
 

Join Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling for their 2nd workshop at the stunning Salinara Art Farm on the west coast of Sicily. Sicily is a unique island that has been shaped by many cultures over many thousands of years. Excursions and painting to surrounding salt pans with colorful sunset, fisherman boats, local markets, picturesque villages with narrow streets, churches, a never ending range of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, jovial, kind and friendly people, traditional foods and great local wine, medieval hill town of Erice, Archeological Park of Selinunte with Greek temples. And many beaches where we can swim in the blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Theresa Goesling and Cindy Briggs
Cost: From € 3100
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email


"Painting The Tuscan Sun - Art Voyage"
September 21-28, 2025
 

Cortona - Montepulchiano - Arezzo - Siena | Join us for an unforgettable artistic journey through the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany, centered near the charming hilltop town of Cortona. This 7-day immersive experience offers the perfect blend of world-class art instruction—featuring Painting and Urban Sketching in one workshop—paired with delectable cuisine, exquisite wines, and the timeless beauty of one of Italy’s most celebrated regions. This tour is thoughtfully designed for everyone—whether you’re eager to learn from Vlad, paint at your own pace, or simply savor the experience as a non-painter. Included: 7 Nights at 4-star Villa, All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners, Workshop, Guided Tours, Wine Tasting, Private transportation, Gastronomic exploration, Some alcohol and Airport transfer.
 
Location: Cortona, Italy
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: from $3810
Sponsor: Bon Art Voyage
Website, email, 941-330-6865


"Capturing light and atmosphere in watercolor"
September 27 - October 4, 2025
 

Keiko Tanabe is a Japanese contemporary artist who has won multiple awards and has been invited to and completed successfully many workshops and numerous live demonstrations around the world, we are so proud that she’s coming to Sicily. Come to enjoy a masterful tuition by Keiko, subject matters will be landscape, Mediterranean seascape, old historic cityscape, indoor locations in the authentic farmhouse where the participants will stay. Sicily it’s like a dream, colorful sunset, olive groves, lined vineyards, picturesque villages with narrow streets, churches, a never ending range of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, jovial, kind and friendly people, traditional foods and great local wine. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Keiko Tanabe
Cost: From € 2250
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062


"Marouatte Castle France Painting Retreat"
September 30 - October 7, 2025
 

One week Painting retreat at a genuine medieval castle in South West France all expenses paid from Angouleme train station at start to end with American masters John Hulsey & Ann Trusty.
 
Location: Grand Brassac, France
Instructor: John Hulsey & Ann Trusty
Cost: $3,150 to $3,750
Sponsor: Copeland International Arts Inc
Website, email


"Studio Italia - Art workshop in Tuscany offered since 1997"
October 1-10, 2025
 

A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Nine full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gastronomy in the most beautiful area of Tuscany. Our teaching approach and groups limited to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating environment that fosters creativity. Cost of CAD 4175 (around US$ 3050) includes instruction, 9-night single or double accommodation (limited single rooms available at no extra cost), all breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from and to the Arezzo train station, transportation to all painting sites (Montepulciano, Cortona, Pienza, etc.), train ticket to Florence, and a guided tour to the Uffizi Museum.
 
Location: Lucignano, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3050
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789


"Watercolor sketching and Journaling"
October 1-8, 2025
 

Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday in Alsace, a stunningly beautiful part of France famous for its charming scenery and clear light which has captivated artists through the centuries. We’ll have plenty of time to capture once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the pages of our watercolor journals as we explore all the charming villages of Alsace. In this week-long workshop, I’ll offer daily demonstrations of techniques for painting the subject matter you’ll encounter each day. And you’ll be painting right along with me, since we learn more by doing than by simply observing. The workshop is suitable for all levels, but some experience with drawing and watercolor would be helpful.
 
Location: Alsace, France
Instructor: Leslie Fehling
Cost: $3,840 before 1/30/25
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Cinque Terre Watercolour Retreat"
October 2-7, 2025
 

Explore the magnificent Cinque Terre region on a fantastic artistic retreat. Monterosso al Mare is the perfect location for exploring the colourful buildings, coastal scene and atmospheric sunsets through the eye of an art, whilst soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the classic Italian ‘La dolce vita’ life-style, with relaxed meals and aperitivi. After your painting sessions, there is time to explore the coastal towns and walks, as well as relaxing on the beach. This retreat is a creative experience with a truly personal and luxurious touch.
 
Location: Cinque Terre, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: € 2.250
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334-903-4401


"Immersive watercolor workshop in Sicily"
October 4-11, 2025
 

Sicily – It's on everyone's bucket list, with colorful sunsets, olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque villages with narrow streets, a never ending range of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, it’s a painters paradise… And it will be our home for 7 days. The workshop is hosted by the retreat center Salinara. Our daily watercolor routine will include daily demonstrations by Gary, along with time for individual instruction. Afternoons will vary between painting time, exploring the region on your own, or possible one of the many activities offered through Salinara – on designated days Gary will conduct group critique over cocktails before the evening meal. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Gary Tucker
Cost: From $2300
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email


"Painting Holidays: Painting Light in Oils with Jenny Aitken"
October 4-11, 2025
 

Award winning artist Jenny Aitken is passionate about the depiction of light in paint. She has taught thousands of students throughout her career, and recently written a book on the subject, Painting into the Light. During this week long atelier at Clos Mirabel in Jurançon, France, she will cover all her methods and techniques, both in the studio and plein air.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Jenny Aitken
Cost: 1595€ to 2895€ for accommodation + £500 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"5-star Greece & Turkey Painting Cruise"
October 6-16, 2025
 

Ports: Athens, Volos, Istanbul, Ephesus, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos. Join our luxurious painting and cultural tour onboard Celebrity Infinity, starting from the historic city of Athens and exploring the stunning Greek islands and Turkey. This journey offers a perfect blend of painting experience lead by award-winning master watercolorist Vladislav Yeliseyev and deep cultural immersion, with private tours ensuring an intimate and enriching experience. This tour is designed for everyone - whether you wish to learn from Vlad, paint independently, or simply enjoy the journey as a non-painter. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and artistic inspiration that the Mediterranean has to offer. This journey promises not only a lavish vacation but also an unforgettable artistic odyssey around Aegean Sea!
 
Location: Celebrity Cruise, Greece
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: from $4985
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865


"Venice Watercolour Retreat"
October 7-12, 2025
 

Discover Venice through the eye of an artist on this unique Watercolour Retreat. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere and picturesque beauty of the ancient city. 'La Serenissima', as Venice is also known, has inspired painters throughout centuries like no other place in the world. Watercolour artist and tutor John Skelcher will guide you through the processes and techniques of capturing the very essence of the Venetian grandeur with its winding canals and dreamy views across the lagoon. The are many quaint and tranquil spots, hidden away from the hustle and bustle, the perfect locations for and beginner and experienced artist alike for capturing the timeless charm of this magical city. Accommodation, tuition, breakfast and dinners, art materials incl.
 
Location: Venice, Italy
Instructor: John Skelcher
Cost: from: € 2.150
Sponsor: Painting Holiday Italy
Website, email, +39-334-903-4401


"Vignettes of the Pyrenees: A Sketchbook Masterclass in Ink and Watercolour"
October 18-25, 2025
 

Join Róisín Curé for a fun week exploring the joys of sketching. Create your own original artwork and discover a beautiful area of France. As an artist, confidence is key. The path to confidence comes down to two things: volume of work produced, and being guided correctly. In this immersive, week-long course I will demonstrate and teach the key elements that will raise your game as an on-location sketcher: composition, accurate drawing technique, mechanics of watercolour for beauty and control, using a limited colour palette, and rendering correct values. Each day we’ll be out and about (or in studio in the case of bad weather), choosing small scenes in which you can capture a beautiful vignette of the area.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Róisín Curé
Cost: 1595€ to 2895€ for accommodation + 500 Euros tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Painting retreat in picturesque Marsala"
October 18-25, 2025
 

Join watercolor artist Jeni Caruana on the beautiful island of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea on the South side of Italy. Jeni is an experienced tutor for all levels of artists, from beginners to advanced. She encourages everyone to challenge their boundaries and make new discoveries about their own unique expression. Whether it’s basic techniques to give a firm background, or a nudge into loosening up rigid habits, Jeni gives individual attention and inspiration to everyone in the group. The sessions are taught in watercolour, because it is so portable and easy to use on site, but the principles of drawing and colour apply to all mediums, so artists are welcome to bring whatever they are most happy with.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Jeni Caruana
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062


"Landscape Painting at Atelier Clos Mirabel"
October 25 - November 1, 2025
 

Join Kathleen Speranza for an inspiring week of landscape painting. The surrounding fields and distant mountain views will provide a magnificent motif for the study of colour, light and space. Particular attention will be paid to atmospheric perspective and the subtle layers of colour needed to capture it. Students will learn a specific technique of oil painting which will build an image in three stages. Sketching, underpainting and the subsequent layering of thin paint will provide a method for translating the layers of space that can be seen in this uniquely beautiful landscape. A limited, premixed palette will enable a fluid and intuitive approach. Direct observation of light in the morning and early evening will provide a way to isolate and express the poetry of time and mood.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Kathy Speranza
Cost: 1595€ to 2895€ for accommodation + $1,000 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Atmospheric Landscape in Watercolor"
March 8-13, 2026
 

This is one of the most favorite genres for watercolor artists. In this course we will analyze the three basic principles of landscape construction — three rules without which it is simply impossible to create a convincing and expressive watercolor. You will learn how to create atmospheric landscapes by manipulating tonal values, color and edge. Michael will show how to paint luminous landscapes and how to add emotions to your artwork. You will understand how to draw the right sketch and capture a picture in a dynamic and fresh style. You can expect plenty of individual attention and helpful demonstrations throughout the workshop.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Michael Solovyev
Cost: $1144 + Materials fee
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389


"The Art of Travel Sketching"
March 21-28, 2026
 

Join Rita Sabler for a week of travel sketching in South West France. Document your journey in a sketchbook using ink and watercolour. Let images and words work together in harmony to tell the story of place. Have you ever arrived in a new place and been immediately overwhelmed by its unique character and beauty? Our natural instinct is to capture this beauty, to cherish and remember it. Taking photos provides a quick and easy solution, but doesn’t allow you to really look and absorb the place with all of your senses to truly make it yours. Join us in this magical place with majestic mountains and hidden villages, creating a travel sketchbook that truly captures the place and honors its beauty.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Rita Sabler
Cost: 1595€ to 2895€ for accommodation + 450€ tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Sketching on the Rhine River Cruise"
July 3-10, 2026
 

We’ve chartered the entire ship! So, excluding the friendly crew and staff, just about every passenger will be a fellow sketcher! Your three master workshop instructors are: Brenda Swenson, Shari Blaukopf and Suhita Shirodkhar! This once-in-a-lifetime creative journey includes: 8 days and 7 nights of luxury travel on the historic River Rhine, from Amsterdam through Nijmegen-Arnheim (Holland), to Cologne and Mainz (Germany), through Strasbourg and Ribeauvillé (France), finally docking in Basel (Switzerland). Enjoy on-board sketching sessions, where you’ll learn how to quickly capture natural scenes, skies and townscapes as we sail to our next destination. You will have time to wander, shop and absorb local culture at every stop — or simply sit and continue sketching to your heart’s content.
 
Location: Strasbourg & Ribeauvillé, France
Instructor: Brenda, Shari and Suhita
Cost: starts at € 4,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Sketching on the Rhine River Cruise"
July 3-10, 2026
 

We’ve chartered the entire ship! So, excluding the friendly crew and staff, just about every passenger will be a fellow sketcher! Your three master workshop instructors are: Brenda Swenson, Shari Blaukopf and Suhita Shirodkhar! This once-in-a-lifetime creative journey includes: 8 days and 7 nights of luxury travel on the historic River Rhine, from Amsterdam through Nijmegen-Arnheim (Holland), to Cologne and Mainz (Germany), through Strasbourg and Ribeauvillé (France), finally docking in Basel (Switzerland). Enjoy on-board sketching sessions, where you’ll learn how to quickly capture natural scenes, skies and townscapes as we sail to our next destination. You will have time to wander, shop and absorb local culture at every stop — or simply sit and continue sketching to your heart’s content.
 
Location: Amsterdam & Nijmegen-Arnheim, The Netherlands
Instructor: Brenda, Shari and Suhita
Cost: starts at € 4,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Sketching on the Rhine River Cruise"
July 3-10, 2026
 

We’ve chartered the entire ship! So, excluding the friendly crew and staff, just about every passenger will be a fellow sketcher! Your three master workshop instructors are: Brenda Swenson, Shari Blaukopf and Suhita Shirodkhar! This once-in-a-lifetime creative journey includes: 8 days and 7 nights of luxury travel on the historic River Rhine, from Amsterdam through Nijmegen-Arnheim (Holland), to Cologne and Mainz (Germany), through Strasbourg and Ribeauvillé (France), finally docking in Basel (Switzerland). Enjoy on-board sketching sessions, where you’ll learn how to quickly capture natural scenes, skies and townscapes as we sail to our next destination. You will have time to wander, shop and absorb local culture at every stop — or simply sit and continue sketching to your heart’s content.
 
Location: Cologne & Mainz, Germany
Instructor: Brenda, Shari and Suhita
Cost: starts at € 4,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Watercolour with Barbara Hirsekorn"
July 4-11, 2026
 

Join Barbara Hirsekorn for a fun week exploring watercolour sketching in the beautiful grounds and surroundings of Atelier Clos Mirabel in South West France. This course is suitable for both beginners with basic knowledge and experienced watercolour painters. The workshop combines demonstrations, discussions about materials and techniques, practical exercises to develop skills, with plenty of individual attention and feedback. The topics of picture composition, colour theory and spatial drawing/painting are also covered in the course. We will alternate between plein air and studio work in the protected atmosphere of the Atelier. Two outings are included. A minimum of two hours walking and standing in front of the motive for a certain amount of time are required from participants.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Barbara Hirsekorn
Cost: 1595€ to 2895€ for accommodation + 550 € tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Painting the landscape (but seeing more)"
Ongoing classes
 

These ongoing classes series of 4 meetings each, are for you, who wish to improve your painting and sketching skills of the Landscape. Painting from your window or from images you took yourself. Will be available to participants of any level! Classes offer individual instruction and assignments. In addition, I will be open to specific requests for technique or any artistic "problem" that you may want to talk about and work out. Finding shapes, colors, and color values. Using the brush as an extension of your hand, we can work looser. The class is on Mondays. Duration 2 hours (it is an international group check your time zone on the site)
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: Tali Farchi
Cost: $125 for 4 meetings
Sponsor: Artist Table
Website, email, 0031624903316


"Story Painting"
Ongoing classes
 

Storytelling versus Story Painting? Or maybe not versus? Let’s tell your story in a painting. In this class, we will learn how to tell your story, convey atmosphere, and feel, and understand colors, lines, focal-point, framing, and depth. You can add (or deduct) from the painting that will tell your story! Let us hear your tale! an ongoing class and instructions. From the prehistoric images in the caves to Edward Hopper... from the bible in pictures to the most modern painters of our times... We will set our subjects in 4 meetings. If you miss a class there will be a recording available.
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: Tali Farchi
Cost: $125 for 4 meetings
Sponsor: Artist Table
Website, email, 0031624903316


 

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