Working from still life set-ups, learn the various techniques of aqueous media used for creating light, structure, texture, transparency and opacity. While the focus of the class is water-based acrylics, students are welcome to work in pastels or oil if they prefer. Instructor demonstrations and group discussion, as well as individual attention, provided during each class session.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This course is designed for beginners who want to explore drawing and painting, as well as for more experienced students looking to enhance their college portfolio. Gain confidence experimenting with a variety of mediums, including pencil, charcoal, chalk pastel, watercolor, and acrylic paints. This student-centered class will help build essential knowledge of drawing and painting fundamentals, working from observation, and using imagination to create successful and joyful images. Students will explore different approaches to art, working from unique still-life setups, portrait sessions, and nature in the garden. Photo references, personal experiences, or other sources will also be used. If you're ready to learn solid foundational skills in drawing and painting, join us Tuesdays after school to create art!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Cost: $285
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Painting Tour in enchanting city of Venice, tailored for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Each day includes demonstrations and personalized one-on-one instruction led by the renowned artist Vladislav Yeliseyev, allowing you to enhance your skills while capturing the breathtaking scenes of this iconic city. Everyone will end up with beautiful, memorable paintings and an experience they will never forget.
 
Location: Venice, Italy
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865

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 4350 (around US$ 3170) 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$3170
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

Join acclaimed plein air artists Josh Clare & Bryan Mark Taylor for an immersive, all-inclusive (minus airfare) painting retreat in Provence, near the Côte d’Azur. Set at a charming historic moulin nestled in the stunning countryside, the workshop blends the emotional resonance of Clare’s expressive light-filled scenes with Taylor’s dynamic cityscape and landscape expertise. Over eight inspiring days, expect guided plein air sessions, daily demos, group critiques, and individualized instruction designed to deepen your understanding of light, atmosphere, composition, and narrative. Included are accommodation, meals, ground transportation and excursions across villages and vineyards. Non-painting partners are welcome too! Whether you’re expanding your technical skills or seeking creative revitalization, this French experience promises artistic growth and memorable immersion in beauty.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Josh Clare & Bryan Mark Taylor
Cost: $6,150 USD (All inclusive minus airfare)
Sponsor: Workshops in France
Website, email, 818 533 2363

This course is designed for beginners who want to explore drawing and painting, as well as for more experienced students looking to enhance their college portfolio. Gain confidence experimenting with a variety of mediums, including pencil, charcoal, chalk pastel, watercolor, and acrylic paints. This student-centered class will help build essential knowledge of drawing and painting fundamentals, working from observation, and using imagination to create successful and joyful images. Students will explore different approaches to art, working from unique still-life setups, portrait sessions, and nature in the garden. Photo references, personal experiences, or other sources will also be used. If you're ready to learn solid foundational skills in drawing and painting, join us Tuesdays after school to create art!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Annie Gardner
Cost: $380
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Our interest is whether two distinct pictorial genres, the portrait and the nude figure, can challenge each other and make each more interesting. The expressive overlap in portraiture and figure painting has been a central concern in my work for over forty years. To explore this experience the workshop will consist of two all day poses. Participants may use any painting medium (oil, acrylic, pastel, opaque watercolor), but the emphasis will be in pushing the participants’ efforts through changes and revision which may include the model’s change of state from nude to clothed or vice versa. My interest is in “likeness” which is as much involved with gesture, proportion, and spatial context as the disposition of features, complexion, and light.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Scott Noel
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Explore the colorful world of soft pastels! Color theory, layering and the use of toned paper will help you maximize vibrancy in your pastels. Learn to allow touch and mark to inform your work and avoid over-working. Art historical artists will be discussed to give grounding in the pastel tradition and provide examples to build upon. The workshop will take place in the Cerulean Arts' backyard garden (weather permitting). All levels welcome, from beginner to advanced and all forms of expression from realist to abstract. The workshop will include a tour of Keith's Cerulean Collective exhibition, on view September 16 - October 11.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Keith Leitner
Cost: $95
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

This 6-day workshop in Western Sicily builds strong painting and composition skills while encouraging artists to explore surrounding themes and develop visual narratives. Drawing inspiration from the landscape, atmosphere, and daily experiences of Western Sicily, participants will translate observations and moods onto the canvas through a thoughtful, selective use of mixed media. Artists will learn to balance intention with experimentation to create cohesive, expressive work that reflects their personal voice and artistic vision. Desired outcomes can range from representational to abstract, and materials may include one or more media. The workshop emphasizes a clear understanding of methods, materials, and tools, empowering participants to continue developing confident, independent work long after the workshop concludes.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Sandra Iafrate
Cost: $2998. Early booking fee
Sponsor: Sicily Artist Retreat
Website, email, 289-696-2789

Mastering shadows, reflections, light, and contrast is one of the keys to creating paintings that feel believable, dimensional, and full of life. In this workshop, instructor Mary Ann Browning Ford will break down the principles behind accurate light and values and give you practical guidelines. Through demonstrations, discussion, and personalized one-on-one instruction, you’ll explore how to observe and interpret light, strengthen your value relationships, and create more convincing shadows and reflections in your work. Bring your own painting ideas and spend the workshop developing your skills with guidance tailored to your individual work. While the workshop is designed with oil and acrylic painters in mind, artists working in watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, or other mediums are welcome to participate.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Mary Ann Browning Ford
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Step into the colorful world of pastels in this engaging three-week course with artist Robert Wortmann! Designed for anyone interested in exploring a new medium, this class introduces the rich pigments, expressive textures, and creative versatility of soft pastels. You’ll work on a variety of surfaces and experiment with blending, layering, and other techniques to create beautiful effects in your artwork. With Robert’s expert guidance and encouragement, you’ll build confidence, expand your creative skills, and complete the course with your own original pastel piece.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

This class is for those who would like to work in art but do not know where to start and/or with what mediums! We will start with pencils, charcoal and work our way through watercolor, acrylic, pastels and oil and any others that students may be interested in. Barb will explain the pros and cons of each of the mediums including prices points and other materials you'll need for that medium, including, brushes, surfaces and framing. At the end of the session, students will have time to try them all on a small scale. Students should bring $20 cash to pay the instructor for materials, all of which she will provide to you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Barb Snow
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

As any skilled artist knows, the study of the still life is essential in understanding the concepts of drawing, value, perspective, color and composition. Working with an assortment of objects (flowers, fruit, pottery, etc.), Katie will guide the students through the steps of setting up a still life including object placement and lighting. As always in her classes and workshops, there will be plenty of hands-on instruction and critique.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Katie Cassidy
Cost: $228 ($190 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Come and find inspiration working from an autumnal still life! Composition, color relationships, values and shadows will be emphasized. Explore the application of chalk pastels for the first time or further your current skill level. All levels of student artists are welcome in this 2-hour workshop. A brief demonstration will be included and plenty of individual attention. Take home a finished pastel painting suitable for framing!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Madison Ketcham
Cost: $55
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

8-day Sketching & Painting Retreat at Dievole Wine Resort, Tuscany. Surrounded by panoramic views and the charm of a 900-year-old winery, you’ll be immersed in the perfect setting to create art from the heart. Most meals, wine, lodging, tours and instruction included. Any medium, all levels welcome. Plus a sketchpad, sharpie, and small watercolor set is recommended, especially for beginners. Karen will demonstrate sketching with enhanced watercolor washes. Then she’ll guide you in developing those initial sketches into expressive small paintings on canvas boards. Through daily demos (in oil and sharpie) personalized instruction, explore how to build compelling compositions, simplify color theory, infuse your travel sketches & paintings with your own unique voice. Hosted by Il Chiostro Workshops.
 
Location: Vagliagli, Tuscany, Italy
Instructor: Karen Hewitt Hagan
Cost: $4475
Website, email, 843-754-0494

Puzzled by your art? Feeling lost? Know something's "off" but can't figure it out? This is a terrific opportunity to receive individual attention from one of the Lowcountry's masters, Art Cornell. In this intimate 2-hour session, Art will offer a limited number of one-on-one consultations for all media and subjects—helping you troubleshoot problem areas, refine your vision, and get your work presentation-ready. Whether you're stuck on a piece in progress or starting fresh with a blank canvas and an idea, Art will provide personalized recommendations, tips, and critiques to move your work forward with confidence. 100% of proceeds support ongoing Capital Improvement efforts at Art League Academy.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Art Cornell
Cost: $20
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Join us for the "Painting the Pastel Landscape: Tools, Tips & Techniques" workshop with the renowned artist Eve Miller. This exceptional event offers a unique opportunity to delve into Eve's innovative approach to capturing the beauty of landscapes with pastels. Participants will gain valuable insights into establishing correct values, while the workshop emphasizes mastering color temperature, composition, and mark-making. Each day features engaging demonstrations, and you'll receive personalized, one-on-one instruction to refine your skills. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a passionate beginner, this workshop promises to enhance your artistic journey and elevate your pastel landscapes to new heights. Don't miss the chance to learn from a true master—secure your spot today!
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Eve Miller
Cost: $500
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

This two-day workshop explores how artists can use limited palettes, dominant color relationships, and value structure to create landscape paintings with greater mood, atmosphere, and emotional impact. Through demonstrations, discussion, and hands-on painting exercises, students will learn how simplifying color choices can create stronger design, clearer visual statements, and more expressive paintings. Student Level: Open to painters with prior experience (beginner through advanced). This workshop is not intended for absolute beginners with no painting experience. Medium: Oil is preferred; however, painters working in other media are welcome provided they have prior experience in their chosen medium.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Mark Vander Vinne
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

There is nothing more satisfying for an artist than to create a beautiful pastel painting that is rich in brilliant color. This 5-week class will guide the student through the important aspects of color theory including the three characteristics of color, color temperature, color relativity and the importance of neutrals. The student will create several color schemes (monochromatic, analogous, complementary, etc.). Students will work from their own photographs.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Katie Cassidy
Cost: $234 ($195 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Experience the joy of painting outdoors in this inspiring two-day Plein Air workshop with artist and instructor Carol Iglesias! Immerse yourself in the beauty of Hilton Head Island as you learn to capture the ever-changing light, color, and atmosphere of the landscape using oils, acrylics or pastels. Each morning begins with an engaging demonstration and expert insights from Carol, who will share her techniques for quickly and confidently capturing a scene in Plein Air. Throughout the workshop, you’ll discover how to compose a strong painting, define values, identify light sources, establish focal points, and use color to bring your work to life. With personalized instruction and one-on-one feedback, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to paint directly from nature.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Carol Iglesias
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Paint from a clothed model to advance your skills in portraiture and figure painting. Explore the proportions and anatomy of the head and neck structures, the definition of features, and how to capture expression and likeness, as well as conveying the gesture and construction of the figure with the incorporation of drapery/clothing. Instruction will cover a variety of topics including glazing, broken color, surface texture, composition and design, the relationship of the figure to the environment, the creation of atmosphere and color harmony, and open- versus closed-form painting. All levels welcome. Instruction will be geared toward oil, but students are welcome to draw-only, or use other appropriate media, if they wish. Note: Tuition includes a $40 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anthony Ciambella
Cost: $385
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Discover the magic of San Miguel de Allende through an immersive creative journey blending urban sketching, expressive painting, and abstract exploration in one of Mexico’s most inspiring colonial settings. This workshop invites artists of all levels to experience the city as a muse and creative playground. Through walks along cobblestone streets, plazas, historic architecture, and colorful neighborhoods, participants translate their surroundings into personal artistic expressions. The focus is on process, curiosity, experimentation, and discovery while exploring composition, color, texture, movement, and interpretation. Combining observation with expressive and abstract techniques, artists develop deeper connections with their creativity. San Miguel de Allende provides the perfect backdrop for inspiration and new possibilities. Whether experienced or reconnecting creatively, this workshop offers a transformative adventure.
 
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Instructor: Cristiana Mar & Fer Gonzalez
Cost: $950.00 includes materials
Sponsor: Cristi Fer Art Studio and Workshops
Website, email, 52-322-153-1906

Students may elect to draw or paint, using a variety of mediums. Open to all levels, from beginner to experienced.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Doyle
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Explore new techniques and further develop your personal style along with fellow artists and friends in Wayne Art Center's bright and spacious art studios. This professional-style open studio offers a self-directed environment where artists of all levels can hone their skills and explore their creativity. Designed for those seeking a dedicated time and place to create without the constraints of formal instruction, the space fosters independence and artistic growth. These sessions are open to everyone—from absolute beginners to advanced artists—providing a supportive community for anyone looking to focus on their craft.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Discover the expressive world of pastel with artist Barbara Berry. Known for her emphasis on suggestion rather than precise detail, Barbara guides students on a journey of creative interpretation—inviting both beginners and seasoned artists to explore the rich possibilities of soft pastels. Through dynamic in-class still life setups and personal photographic references of landscapes, participants will learn to capture atmosphere, emotion, and form with bold color and evocative strokes.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Barbara Berry
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of pastel as you bring breathtaking landscapes, dynamic seascapes, and dramatic cloudscapes to life in this energizing 3-week course! Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore or an experienced artist ready to elevate your skills, instructor Robert Wortmann will inspire you through engaging demonstrations and hands-on, personalized guidance. Discover how to capture light, atmosphere, and movement while working from your own reference photos to create expressive, one-of-a-kind works of art. Experience a fun, supportive studio environment that sparks creativity, confidence, and a deeper connection to the beauty of nature.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Learn methods to propel you to the next level. My goal is to show you that with one approach you can paint any subject. Oil paints are preferred, but water-soluble oils, acrylic, or pastel are acceptable. It is helpful to have a basic working knowledge of your chosen medium. Intermediate to advanced.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Chris Kling
Cost: $350
Sponsor: The New Studio For The Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712

Learn everything you need to know about the medium of pastels. Apply basic and advanced techniques in rendering the still-life, portraits and cityscape views. Topics include the use of light and color, types of pastel available, use of different papers, fixing and transporting finished drawings, and safety issues.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

The ocean, bays, creeks and skies of the Eastern Shore offer terrific material for the artist. Working from the student's own photographs, Katie will guide the class through the necessary steps to create beautiful seascapes. There will be important instruction on how to paint inspiring skies and cloud formations. As with all her classes, Katie will provide lots of personal attention and critique.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Katie Cassidy
Cost: $228 ($190 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Discover the beauty of Tonalism in a dynamic 1-day workshop with instructor Robert Wortmann! Explore this evocative American art style, known for its atmospheric landscapes and poetic use of color. Dive into inspiring examples from masters like Whistler and Innes, enjoy a live demonstration, and create your own artwork with personalized guidance. All mediums are welcome, and the day wraps up with a supportive group critique. This course is open to all levels of students.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Discover how to create vibrant, expressive landscape paintings using the principles of impressionism in either pastel or oil. In this three-day workshop, award-winning artist Greg Barnes will share the design concepts and colorful painting techniques that have become the hallmark of his work. Through daily demonstrations, discussions, and plenty of individual instruction, students will learn how to simplify the landscape into strong value patterns, compose compelling paintings, develop harmonious color relationships, and apply confident, expressive brushstrokes or pastel marks. Rather than copying nature literally, students will learn how to interpret the landscape with greater impact by emphasizing light, atmosphere, and mood. Whether working from reference photos or personal sketches, each participant will receive personalized guidance while completing several paintings.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Greg Barnes
Cost: $600
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Discover the magic of San Miguel de Allende through an immersive creative journey blending urban sketching, expressive painting, and abstract exploration in one of Mexico’s most inspiring colonial settings. This workshop invites artists of all levels to experience the city as a muse and creative playground. Through walks along cobblestone streets, plazas, historic architecture, and colorful neighborhoods, participants translate their surroundings into personal artistic expressions. The focus is on process, curiosity, experimentation, and discovery while exploring composition, color, texture, movement, and interpretation. Combining observation with expressive and abstract techniques, artists develop deeper connections with their creativity. San Miguel de Allende provides the perfect backdrop for inspiration and new possibilities. Whether experienced or reconnecting creatively, this workshop offers a transformative adventure.
 
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Instructor: Cristiana Mar & Fer Gonzalez
Cost: $950.00 includes materials
Sponsor: Cristi Fer Art Studio and Workshops
Website, email, 52-322-153-1906

Learn methods to propel you to the next level. My goal is to show you that with one approach you can paint any subject. Oil paints are preferred, but water-soluble oils, acrylic, or pastel are acceptable. It is helpful to have a basic working knowledge of your chosen medium. Intermediate to advanced.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Chris Kling
Cost: $350
Sponsor: The New Studio For The Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712

Artists can all benefit from ideas to help us create more expressive paintings. Karen is always striving to interpret her subject by including her own personal touch rather than a copying the reference and painting exactly what she sees. She will share her tips and techniques for the effective use of photos to inspire paintings. She will give you the tools you need to move away from copying the reference and to help you create stronger paintings. She considers herself a contemporary landscape painter. She is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America and a Masters Circle recipient of the International Association of Pastel Societies. For more information, visit karenmargulis.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Karen Margulis
Cost: $485 Museum members/ $535 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372

A successful painting relies on the harmonious interplay of essential elements: color, value, technique, and a clear focal point. In this workshop, Aline explores these fundamental principles through an innovative approach—viewing subjects as abstract shapes to create compelling illustrative works. Students will work from their own photographic references, transforming them into expressive pastel paintings. Through daily painting demonstrations, Aline will guide participants in understanding color through the lens of temperature, intensity, and value, while demonstrating how to translate these concepts using pastel techniques. A key focus will be the practice of building shapes and strategically carving back into them to achieve a dynamic, painterly finish. This class is a great choice for intermediate and advanced-level pastel painters.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Aline Ordman
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

National award-winning artist, Bryan Jernigan, paints impressionistic pastel landscapes and still lifes. Each day in this workshop, he will demonstrate landscapes – from bucolic scenes to sandy beaches – and still life arrangements while he shares with you the secrets of the pastel medium. From choosing the right papers to create your best work to learning the basics of value, composition and color that apply to all disciplines, a new world of artistic possibilities will open up for you. You’ll learn what tools to use, get practical guidance on developing skies, water, trees, flowers and more, explore framing options, and discover application tips and tricks to take your art to the next level as well as techniques to produce loosely expressive, impressionistic works.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Bryan Jernigan
Cost: $1,596
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389

Discover the magic of San Miguel de Allende through an immersive creative journey blending urban sketching, expressive painting, and abstract exploration in one of Mexico’s most inspiring colonial settings. This workshop invites artists of all levels to experience the city as a muse and creative playground. Through walks along cobblestone streets, plazas, historic architecture, and colorful neighborhoods, participants translate their surroundings into personal artistic expressions. The focus is on process, curiosity, experimentation, and discovery while exploring composition, color, texture, movement, and interpretation. Combining observation with expressive and abstract techniques, artists develop deeper connections with their creativity. San Miguel de Allende provides the perfect backdrop for inspiration and new possibilities. Whether experienced or reconnecting creatively, this workshop offers a transformative adventure.
 
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Instructor: Cristiana Mar & Fer Gonzalez
Cost: $950.00 includes materials
Sponsor: Cristi Fer Art Studio and Workshops
Website, email, 52-322-153-1906

Step into the golden light and timeless beauty of Provence where Van Gogh once wandered, sketched, and painted with passionate intensity. This immersive plein air painting workshop, taught by renowned artist Rose Irelan, invites you to slow down and truly see the world around you. We’ll explore some of France’s most picturesque villages. You’ll find timeless vignettes: sunlit villages with old stone houses draped in flowers, bubbling fountains, cobbled streets, medieval churches, and sweeping views across the valleys— each day offers a new scene to explore and interpret in paint. We’ll embrace bold expression, luminous color, and reverence for the land. Rose will be demonstrating in oil and gouache but all mediums are welcome—including watercolor, acrylic, and pastel.
 
Location: Luberon, France
Instructor: Rose Irelan
Cost: starts at US $4,175
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Immerse yourself in the storybook beauty of Bruges, Belgium on this unforgettable 8-day travel painting vacation taught by renowned artist Maggie Hellmann. Imagine yourself painting along Bruges’ canals and cobblestone streets, capturing the city’s historic architecture, the graceful swans gliding through the waterways, along with the watermills and horse-drawn carriages. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor refined Belgian cuisine, the famous chocolate and waffles and sip locally brewed beer. With hands-on instruction, stunning scenery, and a supportive, joyful atmosphere, you’ll leave with not just new skills but cherished memories and a heart full of creative energy. Maggie will demo in watercolor and help students with their medium: Soft Pastels, Gouache, Journaling, Colored Pencil and Travel Sketching.
 
Location: Bruges, Belgium
Instructor: Maggie Hellmann
Cost: starts at US $4,390
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Join us to paint in the footsteps of the Impressionist masters on this unforgettable plein air painting vacation in France! Maggie is an award-winning impressionist painter, well known for her exciting color, strong compositions and loose brushwork. And Maggie loves to teach painting almost as much as she loves to paint. We’ll paint in Monet’s village of Giverny, Van Gogh’s field in Auvers sur Oise, beautiful Honfleur and more. Inspired all around by French charm, we’ll paint our impressions, dine exquisitely, share gorgeous sights and the camaraderie of fellow painters, all while learning and growing our craft. Designed for artists of all levels. Maggie will demonstrate in oil and watercolor, but is happy to help with acrylics and pastels as well.
 
Location: Giverny, France
Instructor: Maggie Hellmann
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

An unforgettable week-long Plein Air retreat in Arega, Portugal! Enjoy painting and drawing in this beautiful part of Portugal. We’ll explore the charming village of Arega, a private local garden, and the surrounding countryside, discovering inspiring places to paint and sketch. A “Drawing Safari” workshop is a wonderful way to capture the essential shapes and lines of the landscape. You’ll be painting right alongside me. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just beginning, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to experiment, develop your skills, and find your own way of responding to the landscape. Our beautiful accommodation is a charming farm nestled in the hills of the breathtaking Arega area, with large private rooms or double rooms for couples.
 
Location: Arega, Portugal
Instructor: Tali Farchi
Cost: €3500 - €3650
Sponsor: ArtisTTable/Tali Farchi
Website, email, +31 6 24903316

This workshop will include demos, one-on-one instruction, critiques, and tips on painting the colors, sights and memories of Languedoc. We will explore how to find the perfect scene and quickly compose it on paper or canvas to capture each amazing location. Whether painting in watercolor, oil or pastel, participants will discover the secrets of painting the essence of southwest France from its sunshine to its shadows and Mediterranean colors. We will stay in Quarante, a hidden gem nestled in the sun-drenched landscapes of southern France's Languedoc region. Steeped in history, dating back to Roman times, this charming village captures the peaceful essence of rural French life. Beyond the village borders, rolling vineyards dominate the countryside.
 
Location: Quarante, France
Instructor: Diane Fechenbach
Cost: $3990
Sponsor: Alpine Creative Tours
Website, email, 970-846-9000

A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors). 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 of up to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating environment that encourages creativity. Cost of CAD 4485 (around US$ 3290) includes instruction, 9-night single or double accommodation (limited single rooms available at no extra cost), all breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 gourmet dinners, 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$ 3290
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

Nature will be our starting point, but rather than copying what we see, we will look for the underlying structure, rhythm, color relationships, and emotional character of our subject. Guided exercises and demonstrations will help participants simplify complex natural forms, take creative risks, and move beyond predictable solutions. We will explore how colored grounds and expressive underpainting can establish mood; how Notan and value patterns can strengthen impact; and how cropping, repetition, and variation can generate compelling new compositions. The emphasis is on exploration, discovery, and building a process that can continue long after the retreat. Students gain a clearer understanding of how to move from observation into abstraction; and practical strategies for beginning, revising, evaluating, and extending their work into a cohesive series.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Debora Stewart
Cost: $1,596
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389

A unique 11-night art workshop/art tour open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors). 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 5090 per person (around US$ 3660) includes instruction, 11-night double accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 6 healthy lunches, 6 gourmet dinners, transportation from the Manosque train station to our house, transportation to all painting sites, TGV train ticket from Avignon to 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 885 (around US$ 650).
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 3660
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

A unique 11-night art workshop/art tour open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors). 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 5090 per person (around US$ 3660) includes instruction, 11-night double accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 6 healthy lunches, 6 gourmet dinners, transportation from the Manosque train station to our house, transportation to all painting sites, TGV train ticket from Avignon to 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 885 (around US$ 650).
 
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 3660
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

For centuries, the magical light of the Low Countries has captivated Dutch painters—the endless skies, shifting clouds, quiet waterways, and ever-changing atmosphere. Join me this June–July for a unique painting retreat in Zwolle and the beautiful landscapes of Overijssel. We’ll paint historic streets, peaceful waterways, and dramatic Dutch skies, while also exploring other creative techniques: painting on ceramics, a monotype workshop, and drawing a live model at the local artists’ club. You’ll stay in a 4-star hotel in the heart of Zwolle, just steps from the charming historic city centre. My atelier, nearby, will be our creative home for gathering, working, sharing, and reflecting. I’ll personally guide you throughout this special week of painting, creativity, friendship, and summer light.
 
Location: Zwolle, The Netherlands
Instructor: Tali Farchi
Cost: €3250 - €3400
Sponsor: ArtisTTable/Tali Farchi
Website, email, +31 6 24903316

Discover the magic of San Miguel de Allende through an immersive creative journey blending urban sketching, expressive painting, and abstract exploration in one of Mexico’s most inspiring colonial settings. This workshop invites artists of all levels to experience the city as a muse and creative playground. Through walks along cobblestone streets, plazas, historic architecture, and colorful neighborhoods, participants translate their surroundings into personal artistic expressions. The focus is on process, curiosity, experimentation, and discovery while exploring composition, color, texture, movement, and interpretation. Combining observation with expressive and abstract techniques, artists develop deeper connections with their creativity. San Miguel de Allende provides the perfect backdrop for inspiration and new possibilities. Whether experienced or reconnecting creatively, this workshop offers a transformative adventure.
 
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Instructor: Cristiana Mar & Fer Gonzalez
Cost: $950.00 includes materials
Sponsor: Cristi Fer Art Studio and Workshops
Website, email, 52-322-153-1906

Join Susan Kuznitsky for an inspiring art retreat set in the enchanting village of Montelparo, nestled in Italy’s Le Marche region. This unique workshop offers artists a rare opportunity to capture the magnificent and magical light of Italy through the medium of pastels, surrounded by the timeless beauty and charm of Italy. The focus of the workshop is to help participants harness the essence of Italian light and landscape by learning how to translate what excites them about a scene into expressive pastel compositions. Through guided instruction, artists will discover how to simplify complex scenes into bold, large shapes and learn the crucial skill of deciding which details to include and which to omit to best convey emotion and atmosphere.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Susan Kuznitsky
Cost: starts at €3599
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Wherever you are in your artistic journey, this culture-filled week in Italy’s stunning Le Marche region is sure to inspire! Experience luxury accommodation in the Hotel Leone, surrounded by panoramic views, and authentic culinary experiences. We will explore the regions charming landscapes and architecture, and will use the camera lens with a “painter’s eyes” - gathering expressions of light, or interesting architectural details with shadows. We will do some quick sketches, make color notes, or recall the emotions stimulated by our time in each place. In the peaceful sun-drenched studio, we will focus on creating dynamic color stories, and simplified expressive compositions using hard and soft pastels, underpainting and brushes. I will support and encourage the joy of authentic expression.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Tobi Clement
Cost: starts at €3399
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors). 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 of up to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating environment that encourages creativity. Cost of CAD 4485 (around US$ 3290) includes instruction, 9-night single or double accommodation (limited single rooms available at no extra cost), all breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 gourmet dinners, 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$ 3290
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

Since the dawn of time, landscapes have stirred the human spirit. From violet mountain ranges fading into mist, to emerald hills rolling endlessly beneath glowing skies, to sunsets that shimmer and dissolve into gold—nature offers a poetry that begs to be painted. In the heart of Italy’s Le Marche region, beauty unfolds at every turn. It is here that we will slow down, observe deeply, and allow the land itself to guide our creative journey. This course invites you into an exploration of soft pastel that is both expressive and immersive. We will experiment boldly—layering watercolor and acrylic inks to create luminous underpaintings that breathe beneath the pastel surface. Together we will cultivate fearlessness, curiosity, and joy in the creative process.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Jennifer Linderman
Cost: starts at €3349
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Discover the magic of San Miguel de Allende through an immersive creative journey blending urban sketching, expressive painting, and abstract exploration in one of Mexico’s most inspiring colonial settings. This workshop invites artists of all levels to experience the city as a muse and creative playground. Through walks along cobblestone streets, plazas, historic architecture, and colorful neighborhoods, participants translate their surroundings into personal artistic expressions. The focus is on process, curiosity, experimentation, and discovery while exploring composition, color, texture, movement, and interpretation. Combining observation with expressive and abstract techniques, artists develop deeper connections with their creativity. San Miguel de Allende provides the perfect backdrop for inspiration and new possibilities. Whether experienced or reconnecting creatively, this workshop offers a transformative adventure.
 
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Instructor: Cristiana Mar & Fer Gonzalez
Cost: $950.00 includes materials
Sponsor: Cristi Fer Art Studio and Workshops
Website, email, 52-322-153-1906

This workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) and developing greater skills of observation, simplification and painting “wet on wet” to create strong “painterly” paintings. The goal is to create an artistic painting that accurately relates the important forms of a composition rather than simply copying everything in a photograph. The workshop begins with painting basics, fundamentals of color, value, edges, perspective and other “practical” elements. Participants will work on a series of timed painting exercises while developing their skills of observation, simplification, bold brushwork and painting in a “decisive” and “intentional” manner. Dan will demo and provide plenty of one-on-one individual instruction each day. This workshop is for intermediate to advanced painters (oil and acrylic).
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dan Graziano
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

This workshop takes a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of a strong landscape composition. The emphasis is on shapes and editing. And the goal is to create the illusion of details in your landscape painting without unnecessary rendering, resulting in a more expressive and eloquent capture of your subject. We’ll work through a painting process that maintains the initial shapes and editing, while learning to make selective decisions for the finishing stages. Values and edges will also be addressed. Students will start off using instructor-provided reference photos but will have the option to use their own photos, too. This workshop is open to all levels but geared primarily toward artists with at least some basic painting experience.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Barbara Jaenicke
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

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 Tuesdays. 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

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

An international group meets online via Zoom every Wednesday (check your time zone). Short and long poses, from 5-10 minutes and 20-30 minutes. Each week I invite a new model to pose. There is always some music in the background that I'm sharing too. 2 hours session. No instruction. At the end of the session, we show each other the work. Friendly atmosphere, everyone is welcome!
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: Open session hosted by Tali Farchi
Cost: $15 per session
Sponsor: Artist Table
Website, email, 0031624903316