A unique 11-night art workshop/art tour open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). 7 days of plein-air painting, art history/theory lectures, and gastronomy in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence followed by 4 days visiting Barcelona’s top art sites and enjoying Catalan cuisine. The price of CAD 4890 per person (around US$ 3570) 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 885 (around US$ 650).
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3570
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, etc.). 7 days of plein-air painting, art history/theory lectures, and gastronomy in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence followed by 4 days visiting Barcelona’s top art sites and enjoying Catalan cuisine. The price of CAD 4890 per person (around US$ 3570) 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 885 (around US$ 650).
 
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3570
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

Join Nina Weiss & European Landscape Workshops 2026: Now in our 26th year! Cruise through the idyllic painter's paradise of French countryside on our private hotel barge the Luciole, combined with expert guidance, and time for your own creative flow. Your Workshop fee is all inclusive: private transfer to and from Paris to the Luciole, all instruction, lecture and demonstrations from Nina, gastronomic food and wines with a well stocked open bar, all visits, tours and tuition. Your crew of six creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for which the Luciole is renown. Bicycles are available on board for your use. All mediums and levels. Maximum of 12 students. Join our group for this enchanting, specially priced art cruise!
 
Location: Paris/Burgundy Region, France
Instructor: Nina Weiss
Cost: $5,525
Sponsor: NinaWeiss/Art Endeavors European Landscape Workshops
Website, email, 847-840-0527

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, 510-584-6919

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, 510-584-6919

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, 510-584-6919

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: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + 550 € tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

The Light of the Netherlands – Zwolle & Overijssel Art Retreat July 2026 | All-Inclusive Discover the magic of Dutch light that has inspired painters for centuries. This retreat takes place in Zwolle and the surrounding province of Overijssel, where wide skies and flat landscapes offer endless inspiration. The program includes plein air painting, sketching, monotype, and printmaking workshops, as well as unique local experiences not found on a typical tourist path. Since Tali lives here, she will personally introduce you to artists, private gardens, studios, and hidden places in the “arty” scene. This all-inclusive retreat features delicious meals, exclusive day trips, and abundant artmaking. Join us in the Netherlands for an unforgettable artistic adventure.
 
Location: Zwolle, The Netherlands
Instructor: Tali Farchi and local artists
Cost: €3000-€3200
Sponsor: ArtisTTable - Tali Farchi
Website, email, +31 6 24903316

Award-winning figurative artist Ruth Fitton leads an inspiring workshop on Scotland’s rugged east coast. Immerse yourself in an all-inclusive (minus airfare) painting retreat designed to deepen your representational skills through immersive plein air and studio instruction. Over several days, you’ll explore dramatic coastal scenes and scenic countryside under Ruth’s expert guidance. Expect intensive demos, group painting sessions, and individual coaching in techniques such as narrative portraiture, texture, form, edge control, and alla prima brushwork. Held at a beautiful estate in the region, the experience includes accommodation, meals, and ground transportation. Whether you're refining studio practices outdoors or embracing the Scottish landscape as your palette, this workshop promises transformative learning, artistic growth, and unforgettable creative experiences.
 
Location: Angus, Scotland
Instructor: Ruth Fitton
Cost: $6,300 USD (All inclusive minus airfare)
Sponsor: Workshops in France
Website, email, 8185332363

Discover Ireland Through Art with Hugh O’Neill. Join us for an unforgettable creative journey in Ireland, where painting, culture, and breathtaking scenery come together. This small-group art tour offers: En plein air workshops guided by acclaimed Irish artist Hugh O’Neill; Visits to historic locations and authentic Irish experiences; Personalized instruction for all skill levels and mediums—perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. Many guests arrive solo and leave with new friends and lasting inspiration. Small groups ensure personal guidance and an authentic creative experience. Established in 1996, we have over two decades of experience crafting memorable art retreats.
 
Location: Newcastle, Ireland
Instructor: Hugh O'Neill
Cost: $1950.00
Website, email, 561-718-1294

Imagine a place where every village looks hand-painted, every vineyard rolls like a brushstroke across the hills, and every street corner whispers tales from centuries past. Welcome to Alsace - a jewel of eastern France where French charm and German soul mingle in perfect harmony, creating a cultural tapestry as rich and nuanced as a watercolor wash. Medieval towns, with their flower-laden balconies and timber-framed homes, feel like they've stepped out of a fairytale and onto your sketchpad. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet meals and sip velvety local wines. 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.
 
Location: Alsace, France
Instructor: Shari Blaukopf
Cost: starts at US $4,190
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

This course will give you the confidence and techniques required to create expressive paintings inspired by the natural beauty of the Italian landscape. Discover the joy of painting on location in this stunning rural area, responding to the colours of the landscape, exploring ideas, and developing your own unique style of painting. In the well-equipped studio, you will discover new methods of mark-making, layering, colour-mixing and composition to create harmony in your paintings. Alison will provide expert tuition with professional tips and techniques for using acrylics with mixed media. Whether you aim to capture a direct response to the landscape, loosen up your style or develop a more abstract impression, you will have the time and freedom to experiment, with expert guidance.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Alison Orchard
Cost: €2999
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join Róisín Curé for a fun week exploring the joys of sketching in ink and watercolour. Each day we’ll be out and about, choosing small scenes in which you can capture a beautiful vignette of the area, with the technique of the day being given centre stage. Food, buildings, landscape, people, interiors – or whatever we encounter – the aim is to discover this beautiful area of South West France. Róisín will demonstrate and teach the key elements for on-location sketching and will encourage you to sketch wherever and whenever you can, thereby building confidence in your sketching techniques and leading you to a lifetime of joyful creativity.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Róisín Curé
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + 500 Euros tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Join our group of expressive artists for this full day of creativity in beautiful wine-country Niagara-on-the-Lake. This workshop will focus on some basic fundamentals, exploring composition, colour with painting, collage and expressive brushwork. The studio is bright and spacious, with a limited registration of 10 people. Outdoor painting may be an option, weather permitting. In this workshop, you will learn how to plan work as well as work intuitively to create a loose and confident painting which speaks to your unique style. All GOLDEN Artist quality paints and mediums are included along with a 16” x 20” canvas. A healthy artisan lunch is included, along with all beverages. All participants will take home up 2-3 pieces of art.
 
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
Instructor: Sandra Iafrate
Cost: $198. early booking
Sponsor: Gate Street Studio
Website, email, 289-696-2789

Two masterclasses in one workshop. Experience an exceptional artistic journey in the heart of Western Sicily with internationally acclaimed watercolor masters Igor Sava and Ekaterina Sava. Hosted at the elegant Salinara Sicily estate, this exclusive plein air retreat blends fine art, refined hospitality, and the timeless beauty of the Sicilian landscape. Limited spots available.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Igor Sava & Ekaterina Sava
Cost: Starts at € 2500
Sponsor: SALINARA - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

Join Samantha Dion Baker for a fun week exploring the joys of sketching and watercolour. Create your own original artwork and discover a beautiful area of South West France. This workshop at Atelier Clos Maribel explores the art of seeing and storytelling through drawing, no matter your experience level. From abstract sketches to detailed renderings, there’s no right way to capture your world. Through hands-on exercises, you will get familiar with tools and materials, practice blind contour and continuous line drawing, as well as experimenting with colour, line, and composition. You will learn to organise your thoughts by creating meaningful visual narratives and challenge yourself to draw in new ways – all while capturing your adventures with confidence and creativity.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Samantha Dion Baker
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + $579 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the French Alps on this unforgettable 8-day painting vacation taught by renowned artist Leslie Fehling. Capture the golden glow of alpine meadows, the crisp reflections of snow-capped peaks in crystal-clear lakes, and the charming villages nestled in the valley, where the mountain pine fills the air. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor cheese fondue and local wines. 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.
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Leslie Fehling
Cost: starts at US $3,840
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

A painting vacation like no other! Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the French Alps on this unforgettable 8-day painting retreat taught by renowned artist Judy Salleh. Capture the golden glow of alpine meadows, the crisp reflections of snow-capped peaks in crystal-clear lakes, and the charming villages nestled in the valley, where the mountain pine fills the air. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor cheese fondue and local wines. 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.
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Judy Salleh
Cost: starts at US $3,840
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Immerse yourself in the sun-dappled beauty of Provence on this unforgettable 8-day watercolor painting workshop taught by two renowned artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling. Picture yourself painting by the peaceful banks of the Sorgue river as the cheerful hum of cicadas fills the warm afternoon or strolling through the vibrant Provencal markets where the scent of lavender and freshly baked bread mingles with the colorful bustle of vendors. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet meals and sip velvety local wines. 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.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: starts at US $4,175
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Award-winning watercolorist Marc Folly leads an immersive 9-day workshop in the scenic Languedoc region of Southwestern France. With his masterful control of light, color, and unconventional subjects—from sunlit interiors to industrial settings—Marc offers a poetic and bold approach to watercolor painting. The workshop is all-inclusive (minus airfare) and includes château-style accommodation at a historic olive-mill estate, meals and ground transportation. Expect daily demos, guided exercises, group critiques, and personalized one-on-one feedback under Marc’s expert instruction. Enjoy excursions to hilltop villages, markets, vineyards, and private vineyards as painting inspiration. Whether you're experienced or simply seeking creative expansion, this retreat promises artistic growth, camaraderie, and deep immersion in one of France’s most captivating regions.
 
Location: Moulin in Languedoc, France
Instructor: Marc Folly
Cost: $5,600 USD (All inclusive minus airfare)
Sponsor: Workshops in France
Website, email, 818 533 2363

In this oil painting workshop (pastel is welcome) with master artist, Kim Casebeer, you will escape to the beautiful, tranquil town of Fiesole, Italy. Perched on its hill just a few miles above Florence, Fiesole is a hidden gem known for its rich history, quiet atmosphere and stunning views which make it a perfect location for an intensive art retreat.
 
Location: Fiesole, Florence, Italy
Instructor: Kim Casebeer
Sponsor: Artensity Workshops
Website, email

With boundless skill, creativity and a plethora of ideas, Phyllis leads this all-inclusive collage workshop with enthusiasm to discover/create/enrich your artistic skills. Lecce's Lo Spazio d'Arte is a community art space in a naturally cool, 15th-century, converted bakery. Make collages with multiple layers and depths through using paintings, photos and objects from this beautiful, largely unexplored region. Create your marvelous memories of ancient Lecce with its above-ground and underground treasures. From pre-Roman through Renaissance to today, the arts remain alive everywhere. Villages with ancient frescoes and mosaics to modern ceramics, nearby coasts with giant caves, endless wildflowers, gnarled olive and almond orchards and vineyards. Enjoy region-specific pastas, wines and cheeses. This is deservedly named 'the Florence of the South'!
 
Location: Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Instructor: Phyllis Chekenian
Cost: 2750 euro
Sponsor: Lo Spazio d'Arte
email, (+1) 570 251 1766 or (+39) 347 906 4636

Immerse yourself in the sun-dappled beauty of Provence on this unforgettable 8-day watercolor painting workshop taught by two renowned artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling. Picture yourself painting by the peaceful banks of the Sorgue river as the cheerful hum of cicadas fills the warm afternoon or strolling through the vibrant Provencal markets where the scent of lavender and freshly baked bread mingles with the colorful bustle of vendors. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet meals and sip velvety local wines. 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.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: starts at US $4,175
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Monet’s village of Giverny, Van Gogh’s field in Auvers sur Oise and the surrounding villages seem to be just made for watercolor. Complex juicy color transitions, bright sun and all the incredible flowers and architecture are just begging to be caught on the tip of your brush. An excellent program of relaxation and enjoyment of the French Alps will be combined with a very rich and informative workshop. Moving from place to place, we will find the right solutions every time to create vibrant and sunny watercolors. I have developed the program of the workshop so that every day will be a new discovery for you!
 
Location: Giverny, France
Instructor: Michael Solovyev
Cost: starts at US $3,840
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

This is more than a workshop - it's an immersive artistic retreat in one of the world's most inspiring cities, guided by an accomplished artist who will help you discover the full expressive potential of pastel painting. You'll live like a local in the heart of Florence developing your artistic vision through an innovative approach to pastel painting. Join us this September for an experience of a lifetime.
 
Location: Florence, Italy
Instructor: Marla Baggetta
Sponsor: Artensity Workshops
Website, email

Join us for an unforgettable painting journey through the timeless landscapes of Tuscany, centered near the enchanting hilltop town of Cortona and the medieval gem of Lucca. Over ten inspiring days, we’ll explore Montepulciano, Assisi, and local wineries, spending seven nights near Cortona and three nights in Lucca. This immersive experience blends world-class art instruction, exquisite cuisine, unforgettable wines, and the breathtaking beauty of one of Italy’s most celebrated regions. Our workshop is designed for painters of all levels, from beginners to seasoned artists. Under Vlad’s expert guidance, you’ll capture the essence of Tuscany in watercolor—or the medium of your choice—while deepening your artistic vision in a warm and supportive atmosphere. Early-Bird Special $200 OFF until November 30.
 
Location: Cortona, Lucca, Italy
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $5290
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865

Capture the enchanting beauty of Italy through watercolour. During our week together you’ll connect with fellow artists, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse yourself in cultural activities that will ignite your creativity. And we’ll sketch and paint it all! On this retreat, I’ll give you the confidence to paint en plein air, mastering the art of capturing scenes on location. Armed with just a few materials, you’ll learn to paint expressive sketches that evoke emotion and narrative. I’ll guide you through each step, gradually encouraging you to explore your own artistic path. It’s a small group only, which ensures you’ll receive personalised attention, with ample time dedicated to questions and one-on-one feedback. We’ll cover concepts of perspective, composition, colour theory and watercolour techniques.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Renee Walden
Cost: €3299
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling for their workshop at the stunning Salinara Art Farm in Sicily. Discover an endless variety of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, joyful and welcoming people, traditional foods, and excellent local wines. There will be plenty of opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Cindy and Theresa will provide daily painting lessons, personalized guidance, and inspiring demonstrations. They’ll share techniques for sketching and simplifying your subject, playing with color and water, adding texture and composition, and enhancing your watercolor journal pages with writing and creative expression. The workshop will conclude with a review session and discussion of participants’ works. Limited spots available.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Theresa Goesling and Cindy Briggs
Cost: Starts at € 3200
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

Join master watercolorists Joseph Zbukvic and Lisa Wang for an immersive, all-inclusive (minus airfare) nine-day artistic retreat near the Côte d'Azur. Set on a picturesque vineyard estate minutes from the Mediterranean, the workshop begins with a two-day indoor masterclass led by Lisa, teaching how to create emotive, spontaneous images from photo references. This transitions into four plein air painting days under Joseph’s expert instruction among hilltop villages, estate grounds, and coastal vistas. Expect daily demos, group painting sessions, individual critiques, and supportive coaching all included—plus estate accommodation, meals and ground transportation. Non-painting partners welcome. Whether you’re advancing your watercolor practice or seeking fresh inspiration, this retreat offers transformative learning in stunning southern France.
 
Location: Côte d'Azur, France
Instructor: Joseph Zbukvic & Lisa Wang
Cost: $6,100 USD (All inclusive minus airfare)
Sponsor: Workshops in France
Website, email, 818 533 2363

Immerse yourself in the sun-dappled beauty of Provence on this unforgettable 8-day watercolor painting workshop taught by renowned artist Randy Hale. Picture yourself painting by the peaceful banks of the Sorgue river as the cheerful hum of cicadas fills the warm afternoon or strolling through the vibrant Provencal markets where the scent of lavender and freshly baked bread mingles with the colorful bustle of vendors. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet meals and sip velvety local wines. 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.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Randy Hale
Cost: starts at US $4,175
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Join renowned artist Samantha Williams-Chapelsky for a captivating textured semi-abstract plein air workshop in the breathtaking landscapes of Italy. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Italian countryside while learning innovative techniques to create vibrant, textured works of art. Perfect for artists of all levels, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore semi-abstract expression through Samantha’s expert guidance, all while drawing inspiration from Italy’s rich scenery and culture. Don’t miss this unforgettable artistic experience!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Samantha Williams-Chapelsky
Cost: €3649
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Writing can be both an inherited and an acquired skill, as is illustrating. With daily explorations through the heel of Italy, you will encounter antiquities, incredible nature, history and cultures from Greek to modern times. Lindsay, a fun-loving, well-published writer/illustrator and professor, will guide you. Enjoy cool mornings, exploring Lecce and nearby towns, the coast, vineyards and orchards. The warmer afternoons will take place in the naturally cool, cave-like 15th-century converted bakery, Lo Spazio d'Arte, your workspace. Everything is included: regional transportation, private accommodations in Centro Storico, full art materials packet, hand-bound journal, meals, wine and your weeklong pass for building entries at your leisure. This ‘Florence of the South’ is a treasure, and a place to create memories!
 
Location: Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Instructor: Lindsay Barrett George
Cost: 2750 Euro
Sponsor: Lo Spazio d'Arte
email, (+1) 570 251 1766 or (+39) 347 906 4636

Immerse yourself in art and culture while everything is planned for you. Immerse yourself in the sun-dappled beauty of Provence on this unforgettable 8-day watercolor painting workshop taught by renowned artist Sarah Burns. Picture yourself painting by the peaceful banks of the Sorgue river as the cheerful hum of cicadas fills the warm afternoon or strolling through the vibrant Provencal markets where the scent of lavender and freshly baked bread mingles with the colorful bustle of vendors. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet meals and sip velvety local wines. 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.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Sarah Burns
Cost: starts at US $4,175
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

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

A concertina sketchbook is the perfect way to make an artistic memory of a place you’ve been. Creative lettering and colourful watercolour sketches result in a collection of vibrant memories that will bring your week back to life forever. The town of Montelparo provides the perfect setting for this way to record a trip with its classical buildings, traditional shops, wonderful food, colourful inhabitants and even truffles in October. Over the last decade Róisín Curé has taught students at every stage of their journey, and with her guidance you’ll take your skill to the next level whether you love to sketch people, buildings, nature or anything that catches your eye.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Róisín Curé
Cost: €2999
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join international artist and art educator Jenny Aitken, RSMA at Atelier Clos Mirabel in S.W France for a week-long painting retreat. Jenny Aitken,is a full-time painter and writes regularly for The Artist Magazine. She has taught thousands of students throughout her career, and recently authored the book Painting into the Light. During this workshop, emphasis is put on capturing movement, light and texture. Jenny will guide you to finding the best paths to capture these elements and provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to achieve your personal goals with demonstrations and plenty of one-to-one teaching. Each week is unique, focusing on plein air study alongside studio techniques.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Jenny Aitken, RSMA
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + £500 for tuition
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Join printmaker Megan Hunter in collaboration with medical herbalist Julia Behrens for a week immersion in botanical monoprinting, plant knowledge and print practice in a historic Umbrian villa. This immersive botanical monoprinting retreat explores layered colour, plant form, paper and composition to develop a considered body of work informed by direct engagement with the surrounding landscape. Participants gather local flora on guided walks, exploring its medicinal, ecological and cultural histories before translating it into layered prints in the studio. Through colour and texture, you create a collection of botanical prints, part artwork, part visual field journal and record of time in Italy. Includes chef prepared meals, accommodation, materials, excursions, wine and olive oil tastings. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists.
 
Location: Panicale, Italy
Instructor: Megan Hunter
Cost: €2000- €3200
Sponsor: Ink & Paper Italy- Printmaking & Art Retreats
Website, email, +39 3339401890

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

Join renowned artist David Dunlop, a modern-day old master whose luminous landscapes draw from both renaissance techniques and contemporary science, on an unforgettable artistic journey in Greece. Beginning in Athens, we'll explore the Parthenon and visit the Acropolis Museum. Next, travel to Crete, where we’ll spend the next five days in the beautiful town of Chania with its Venetian harbor, serene coastlines, and historic landscapes. Enjoy daily guided painting sessions with David Dunlop at some of the island’s most scenic locations within steps from our hotel overlooking the sea. Daily painting sessions with David will include demonstrations, personalized feedback and discussions on technique, composition, and color. Crete in October is the perfect time of year for plein air painting!
 
Location: Chania, Crete, Greece
Instructor: David Dunlop
Sponsor: Artful Travels
Website, email, 413-237-4631

Immerse yourself in art and culture while everything is planned for you. Immerse yourself in the sun-dappled beauty of Provence on this unforgettable 8-day watercolor painting workshop taught by renowned artist Sarah Burns. Picture yourself painting by the peaceful banks of the Sorgue river as the cheerful hum of cicadas fills the warm afternoon or strolling through the vibrant Provencal markets where the scent of lavender and freshly baked bread mingles with the colorful bustle of vendors. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet meals and sip velvety local wines. 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.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Sarah Burns
Cost: starts at US $4,175
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Get ready for an unforgettable artistic adventure in the heart of Le Marche, Italy, next fall 2026! Spend a week soaking up the stunning scenery of rolling hills, ancient villages, and sparkling coastlines while diving into the world of line & wash watercolor painting. Led by the talented Sarah Whyte, this workshop is more than just a painting class—it’s a fresh way to see the world around you. Sarah’s down-to-earth teaching style will inspire you to sharpen your observation skills, uncovering the magic of light, color, and texture in nature. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned artist, Sarah will help you bring your own perspective to life surrounded by Italy’s breathtaking landscapes!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Sarah Whyte
Cost: €3699
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Escape to a transformative 7-day all-inclusive En Plein Air art retreat in the breathtaking landscapes of Le Marche region in Italy, hosted at the luxurious Hotel Leone. Led by the talented and inspiring Oksana Zhelisko, this retreat is open to artists of all levels, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills in oil or acrylic painting. Oksana will break down the painting process into its essential elements, focusing on key aspects like composition, value, and colour mixing. Working En Plein Air captures the nuances of light, shadow, and colour live, helping you build a deeper understanding of the landscape around you. Oksana’s personalized approach will also empower you to express your vision confidently and creatively.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Oksana Zhelisko
Cost: €3549
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join award-winning Japanese artist Keiko Tanabe for an unforgettable watercolor experience in Sicily! We are thrilled to welcome Keiko back to our island for the sixth time — a truly special opportunity to paint under her masterful guidance in one of the most inspiring destinations in the world. During this workshop, Keiko will guide you through a variety of subjects — from breathtaking Mediterranean seascapes and rolling landscapes to historic cityscapes and charming indoor scenes at our authentic Sicilian farmhouse. Keiko’s workshop is open to all skill levels — from enthusiastic beginners to experienced painters. .Limited spots available
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Keiko Tanabe
Cost: Starts at € 2500
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

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

A unique art workshop in South America on the stunning Colombian Caribbean coast (Cartagena and Puerto Colombia). Acquire solid notions of perspective drawing, learn 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. Draw and paint on the beach, attend cooking demonstrations by local chefs, visit food markets and museums, etc. The price of CAD 3235 per person (around US$2220) includes eight-night double accommodation in well rated hotels, all ground transportation, all breakfasts, one lunch, two suppers, one street food tour, instruction, art supplies, and more. Single rooms available for a supplement of CAD 825 (around US$580).
 
Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$2220
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

Discover the enchanting landscapes and luminous light of Italy’s hidden gem, Le Marche, during this transformative 7-day plein air painting experience. Under the expert guidance of renowned artist Deena Ball, you’ll immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and sun-drenched hillsides while refining your artistic skills and developing your unique creative voice. This retreat thoughtfully balances instruction with creative exploration. Begin with foundational concepts including sketching, notan studies, value work, and color theory, then apply these techniques during daily painting excursions to carefully curated locations and historic Montelparo. You’ll return home with a collection of completed paintings and the skills and confidence to continue capturing beauty through your art.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Deena Ball
Cost: starts at €3599
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join Rita Sabler for a week of Travel Sketching in South West France, documenting your journey in ink and watercolour. Framed by the snowcapped Pyrénées mountains – where vineyard-covered hills roll gently beneath snow-dusted peaks and evenings glow with unforgettable sunsets – we invite you to explore the art of the travel sketchbook. There’s a familiar moment when arriving somewhere new: a sense of wonder so vivid and fresh. While a photograph can capture the scene, it often misses the deeper experience of truly seeing and connecting. Sketching slows you down. It encourages observation, curiosity, and presence, turning fleeting impressions into something far more meaningful and enduring. Join us in capturing the spirit of a place that has moved artists for generations!
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Rita Sabler
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Portugal on this unforgettable 8-day painting vacation taught by two renowned artists Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling. Picture being by the beach, painting the coastal light as it reflects off the Atlantic, the clean lines of cliffs and beaches, and the character of its historic streets and seaside architecture. Capture the whitewashed buildings with blue doors and the traditional azulejos that define Portugal’s architectural style. Enjoy time with fellow artists while sharing fresh seafood, local wines, and relaxed evenings by the water. With personalized 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.
 
Location: Cascais, Portugal
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: starts at US $4,390
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Discover the enchanting landscapes and architecture of Italy during this special painting retreat. Under the expert guidance of artist Christopher Cole, you’ll immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and sun-drenched hillsides while refining your artistic skills and developing your unique creative voice. Christopher’s course will focus on sketching and painting from direct observation. Using pencil, pen, watercolours and/or acrylics you will be guided to achieve authentic interpretations of local views, buildings and people on location. By demonstrating how to select your subject, then how to compose and colour your painting, Christopher will inspire confidence using both traditional and contemporary techniques.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Christopher Cole
Cost: starts at €2999
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Step into a painter’s paradise and join watercolor artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling for an inspiring retreat in the heart of Italy. This creative escape is designed for artists at every stage—from those just beginning their watercolor journey to seasoned painters eager to refine their practice. You’ll explore expressive watercolor journaling and painting en plein air, capturing Italy’s timeless charm with luminous colors. You’ll wander sunlit piazzas, view spectacular landscapes and meander in quiet gardens, sketching life as it unfolds. Alongside new friends who share your love of art, you’ll enjoy meaningful conversations, laughter, and inspiration. Together you’ll savor Italian culture, cuisine, fabulous boutique shops and charming cafes—experiencing the journey with both brush and heart.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: starts at €4299
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Imagine spending 7 beautiful days painting outdoors, surrounded by inspiring places, good conversations, flowing watercolors, and the simple joy of slowing down and truly noticing the world around you. As a plein air watercolor artist, my teaching philosophy begins with one important foundation: observation. During this retreat, you will learn how to observe a subject, simplify its complexity, and create a clear mental picture before even touching the brush to paper. You will discover how to capture the spirit, energy, and atmosphere of a place, and learn how a few confident and expressive brush strokes can communicate the mood, light, rhythm, and life of a location in a powerful way. This approach helps artists paint with freedom, confidence, and emotional connection.
 
Location: Calella de Palafrugell, Spain
Instructor: Nitin Singh
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Join me for an unforgettable week on the Costa Brava, surrounded by breathtaking views. This workshop focuses on painting quickly, on location, capturing light and atmosphere rather than detail. Participants will work in sketchbooks or on small sheets. The goal is not to finish images, but to train the eye to decide fast and paint with clarity. A proven and efficient process will be shared: drawing first, strong values, limited palette, and confident brushwork. Speed is not an effect — it is a tool to stay connected to what is essential. The Costa Brava, with its light, sea, and simple forms, is an ideal place for this approach. Each session will alternate between short demonstrations, practice, and individual guidance.
 
Location: Calella de Palafrugell, Spain
Instructor: Jean-François Arnaud
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

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: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + 550 € tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

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

Join me for an unforgettable week on the Costa Brava, surrounded by breathtaking views! I cannot imagine a more dynamic sun-filled opportunity than the landscape of Costa Brava, Spain. The goal of this watercolor workshop is to identify and capture sunlight within a plein air painting. Utilizing my patented plein air viewfinder, we will capture our images and transform them into plein air paintings. Daily demonstrations and instruction will accompany my presentations. You will be amazed at my “Before and After” approach that allows you to see into the future of your own painting. This workshop is geared towards independent personal painting development and is open to all levels of artists, regardless of their artistic ability.
 
Location: Calella de Palafrugell, Spain
Instructor: Russell Jewell
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Spend a week exploring the beauty, color, and spirit of Italy through expressive painting and creative exploration. During our time together in the beautiful hilltop village of Montelparo, you’ll learn a simple creative framework that will help you see the landscape in new ways. Through a blend of technique, demonstration, and exploration, we’ll work with color, line, movement, and light to create expressive landscape paintings inspired by the stunning scenery around us. We’ll spend time painting both in the studio and on location, observing the rhythms of the Italian countryside and responding to the landscape with curiosity and creativity. We’ll also create a small encaustic wax keepsake—as a way to preserve a memory from our time together.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Jennifer Bonneteau
Cost: starts at €3599
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join me on the Costa Brava, where we will spend our week sketching and capturing all our experiences in our sketchbook to create a rich and immersive experience. 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 sketches will include landscapes, architecture, life on the streets and in cafes, as well as the unique fauna, flora and natural formations around us. Lessons will cover topics like color, people sketching, painting water and foliage, texture and mark-making, and composing vignettes. Our travels will take us to beautiful beaches, botanical gardens, medieval villages and a tour into Dali’s world.
 
Location: Calella de Palafrugell, Spain
Instructor: Suhita Shirodkar
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Join David for a week of studio painting, combined with visits to some of Normandy’s most inspiring sites. Come experience the magic of Normandy’s light—and let it transform your art and your spirit. Designed for artists of all levels, this creative retreat offers studio painting sessions, cultural excursions, expert guidance, and leisurely moments to savor gourmet meals and the camaraderie of fellow painters. Watercolor paintings can be so much more than a checklist of watercolor techniques. David goes beyond paint application basics and shows how to construct strong, vibrant, personality-filled paintings. Daily one-on-one critiques and demos will be vital to helping you find your watercolor voice. The painting sessions will take place in a beautiful glass studio.
 
Location: Giverny, France
Instructor: David Daniels
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Join Kirah Van Sickle for a week-long painting adventure in Spain, immersing yourself in the sun-dappled beauty of the Costa Brava. Our art adventure taps into Kirah’s extensive command of color theory and painting fundamentals, to build dynamic compositions and capture the amazing coastal light! Through sketching and small landscape studies, we will pull from the Impressionist and post-Impressionist playbook to build color-mixing confidence, and capture the dynamics of atmospheric perspective in innovative ways. Kirah encourages a daily sketchbook practice and loves combining bold color studies with dynamic landscape compositions. Having daily sketch prompts, fun “quick study” painting techniques, and a variety of compositional templates, builds color-mixing and brush-handling confidence. Seasoned beginners to advanced artists are welcome.
 
Location: Calella de Palafrugell, Spain
Instructor: Kirah Van Sickle
Cost: starts at US $4,290
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

Join me for an unforgettable week in the stunning Italian Countryside - eating delicious food, relaxing and capturing Italy in our sketchbooks. This special trip is for everyone. Whether you love watercolour, gouache, or simply the joy of putting colour on paper, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who understand how special it is to create. We’ll spend our days strolling through Italian streets, sketching inspiring scenes, experimenting with colour, sharing ideas, and enjoying the simple pleasure of making art in a beautiful place. You’ll leave not only with a sketchbook full of memories, but with new confidence, ideas, and inspiration to continue your joy-filled art practice at home.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Sketches n Scrubs
Cost: starts at €3349
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Costa Brava on this unforgettable 8-day travel painting vacation taught by renowned artist Eric Santoli. Imagine yourself sketching along the sun-drenched coves of the Costa Brava, where the salty breeze of the Mediterranean mingles with the scent of pine and grilled seafood, and the rhythmic lull of the waves harmonizes with the distant laughter of seaside cafés. Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet tapas and sip sangria. 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. Lessons are structured for beginners as well as advanced students.
 
Location: Calella de Palafrugell, Spain
Instructor: Eric Santoli
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the French Alps on this unforgettable 8-day painting vacation taught by renowned artist Manon Sander. Capture the golden glow of alpine meadows, the crisp reflections of snow-capped peaks in crystal-clear lakes, and the charming villages nestled in the valley, where the mountain pine fills the air. Whether you are looking to refine your technique, ignite that creative spark, or simply enjoy painting with other artists in an inspiring setting, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the French Alps and create memorable works of art under expert guidance. All demonstrations will be done in gouache but participants are welcome to paint in the medium of their choice: oil, acrylic or gouache.
 
Location: Chamonix, France
Instructor: Manon Sander
Cost: starts at US $4,290
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. Imagine yourself sketching 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. Renowned artist Judy Salleh will provide hands-on instruction in watercolour and sketching so you can gain new skills and confidence, learning about paint consistency and application and mixing wonderful glowing colours. We will be a lovely small group with a maximum of 13 artists so you will receive individual assistance to ensure that every aspect of the experience meets your expectations. You’ll enjoy stunning scenery, the camaraderie of like-minded artists, and a supportive, joyful atmosphere.
 
Location: Bruges, Belgium
Instructor: Judy Salleh
Cost: starts at US $4,390
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

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

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the French Alps on this unforgettable 8-day painting vacation taught by renowned artist Geoffrey Allen. Geoffrey’s teaching practice begins with watercolor handling, color mixing, getting the most expression out of your brushes, contour drawing and separating the values of light and shade. He will touch on basic perspective, color temperature and value – all while emphasizing a fresh and expressive application of paint. These topics will help us quickly capture the mood and atmosphere on full display for us in the French Alps - the golden glow of alpine meadows, the crisp reflections of snow-capped peaks in crystal-clear lakes, and the charming villages nestled in the valley. Come join us on this painting adventure!
 
Location: Chamonix, France
Instructor: Geoffrey Allen
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Immerse yourself in the storybook region of Alsace on this unforgettable 8-day watercolor painting workshop! You’ll enjoy inspiring locations such as quaint villages, colorful facades, green rivers and vineyards. Artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling will provide daily painting demonstrations, personalized instruction, and encouraging support. They will show you how to simplify your subject, draw confidently, jazz up your colors, paint with serendipity and create colorful paintings en Plein Air with your own unique point of view. Join us for this dreamy adventure in France, relishing the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet meals and sip velvety local wines. You’ll leave with not just new skills but cherished memories and a heart full of creative energy.
 
Location: Alsace, France
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Immerse yourself in the sun-dappled beauty of Provence on this unforgettable 8-day watercolor painting workshop. We’ll paint among fragrant gardens, colourful market stalls, canals and quiet medieval lanes. We’ll follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, finding inspiration in the same light and landscape that shaped his work. Throughout the retreat, I’ll break each demonstration into clear, manageable steps so you can relax, paint, and truly absorb each stage of the process. My aim is to help you gain confidence with watercolour – whether it’s learning how much water to use, how to simplify complex scenes, or how to capture fleeting light and movement on the page. We’ll focus on practical techniques that make plein-air and travel sketching feel approachable and exciting!
 
Location: Luberon, France
Instructor: Cheryl Bruce
Cost: starts at US $4,390
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

We’ve chartered the entire ship! So, excluding the friendly crew and staff, just about every passenger will be a fellow sketcher! Your four workshop instructors are: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling, Judy Salleh and Leslie Fehling! This once-in-a-lifetime creative journey includes: 8 days and 7 nights of luxury travel on the historic River Rhine, from Basel (Switzerland), through Ribeauvillé and Strasbourg (France), to Mainz and Cologne (Germany), from Arnheim to Nijmegen (The Netherlands), finally docking in Amsterdam. We will paint as the journey unfolds—sometimes on the boat as it glides along the water, other times outdoors in the heart of beautiful cities. You’ll have plenty of time to wander, absorb the local culture, and enjoy a bit of shopping.
 
Location: Arnheim & Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Instructor: 4 instructors
Cost: starts at € 4,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

We’ve chartered the entire ship! So, excluding the friendly crew and staff, just about every passenger will be a fellow sketcher! Your four workshop instructors are: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling, Judy Salleh and Leslie Fehling! This once-in-a-lifetime creative journey includes: 8 days and 7 nights of luxury travel on the historic River Rhine, from Basel (Switzerland), through Ribeauvillé and Strasbourg (France), to Mainz and Cologne (Germany), from Arnheim to Nijmegen (The Netherlands), finally docking in Amsterdam. We will paint as the journey unfolds—sometimes on the boat as it glides along the water, other times outdoors in the heart of beautiful cities. You’ll have plenty of time to wander, absorb the local culture, and enjoy a bit of shopping.
 
Location: Mainz & Cologne , Germany
Instructor: 4 instructors
Cost: starts at € 4,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

We’ve chartered the entire ship! So, excluding the friendly crew and staff, just about every passenger will be a fellow sketcher! Your four workshop instructors are: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling, Judy Salleh and Leslie Fehling! This once-in-a-lifetime creative journey includes: 8 days and 7 nights of luxury travel on the historic River Rhine, from Basel (Switzerland), through Ribeauvillé and Strasbourg (France), to Mainz and Cologne (Germany), from Arnheim to Nijmegen (The Netherlands), finally docking in Amsterdam. We will paint as the journey unfolds—sometimes on the boat as it glides along the water, other times outdoors in the heart of beautiful cities. You’ll have plenty of time to wander, absorb the local culture, and enjoy a bit of shopping.
 
Location: Ribeauvillé & Strasbourg, France
Instructor: 4 instructors
Cost: starts at € 4,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

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 4990 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 4990 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

Your 7-night art adventure awaits! If you’re seeking an authentic Italian escape, Le Marche is the answer. This enchanting area is nestled between the dramatic Sibillini mountains and the Adriatic Sea and is charactised by endless coastline, rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive trees, historic villages and breathtaking mountain ranges. Our time together will be a nurturing blend of being out in our environment, sketching/taking photos and gathering inspiration, and devoted studio time and one-on-one instruction to allow you to grow your skills, explore new techniques, and relish in your creativity. Professional plein air artist Beth Bathe will be demoing/instructing using water mixable oil paint, perfect for plein air. Students may use the medium of their choice.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Beth Bathe
Cost: starts at €3699
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join Róisín Curé for a fun week exploring the joys of sketching in ink and watercolour. Each day we’ll be out and about, choosing small scenes in which you can capture a beautiful vignette of the area, with the technique of the day being given centre stage. Food, buildings, landscape, people, interiors – or whatever we encounter – the aim is to discover this beautiful area of South West France. Róisín will demonstrate and teach the key elements for on-location sketching and will encourage you to sketch wherever and whenever you can, thereby building confidence in your sketching techniques and leading you to a lifetime of joyful creativity.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Róisín Curé
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + 500 Euros tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Join Artist Cory Wright in Le Marche, Italy for an unforgettable retreat where you will learn to capture your own version of the Italian countryside using gouache- a fun, versatile, & easily portable opaque watercolor medium, perfect for on-the-go travel, creating postcard size paintings. No previous experience needed, just an open mind and a willingness to learn! Cory will do daily demos and provide individual instruction as you paint together at various locations throughout the week. You will observe her methods up close as she guides you in how to use various techniques to create strong compositions, mix the colors you want, loosen up your brushwork, make every brushstroke count and eliminate fussy detail by focusing on the big shapes first.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Cory Wright
Cost: starts at €4099
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

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

Join artist Michelle Held for an immersive plein air painting experience set in the breathtaking landscape of Provence. We’ll paint among fragrant gardens, colorful market stalls, canals and quiet medieval lanes. We’ll follow the footsteps of Van Gogh, finding inspiration in the same light and landscape that shaped his work. Daily demonstrations will be in both gouache and oil, focusing on brushwork, confident mark-making, and expressive design. This retreat is about more than technique! Together, we’ll slow down, observe deeply, and paint with intention - creating works that are not only visually strong, but emotionally resonant. Come ready to grow, explore, and connect with your art, with this incredible place, and with a community of kindred spirits.
 
Location: Luberon, France
Instructor: Michelle Held
Cost: starts at US $4,390
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Experience Normandy on an immersive artistic journey with Alicia Farris. Alicia adores sharing her passion for painting and inspires with her creative energy and loose and lively painting style. She helps 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. Whether it’s the picturesque villages, narrow streets and cobblestone lanes or flowers and plants at the dreamlike gardens that inspire you, Alicia will guide you through the creative process. Come experience the magic of Normandy’s light—and let it transform your art and your spirit!
 
Location: Giverny, France
Instructor: Alicia Farris
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

This exciting retreat will include both classroom sessions and two selected en plein air outings at stunning locations. The class is designed to give you the tools to sketch and paint in watercolor, and to deepen your understanding of composition, sketching, color mixing, and brush techniques. Al will share his approach to creating a sketchbook or “memory” book using ink, pencil, and watercolor. These studies created outdoors not only capture intriguing moments but also provide essential information for future paintings. Al believes this is a vital skill for capturing the correct composition, mood, and moment of a scene before committing to a full watercolor painting. We will use our sketches to create dynamic watercolors. Join us for this painting adventure!
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Al Kline
Cost: starts at €3349
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join artist Carol Roark for an immersive plein air painting holiday, set in the stunning French Alps! Deepen your skills while connecting with the beauty of nature alongside like-minded artists. Through a combination of demonstrations, and structured lessons, Carol will help you explore the foundational principles of strong painting: concept, composition, value, color, and edges. You’ll learn to build compelling designs and capture the essence of the scene before you. Carol will demo in both oil and gouache. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, this course will help you sharpen your visual instincts, grow your confidence, and enjoy the sheer joy of painting outdoors. Together, we’ll soak in the beauty of the Alps—and have a great time doing it!
 
Location: Chamonix, France
Instructor: Carol Roark
Cost: starts at US $4,290
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Bruges’ canals and cobblestone streets seem to be just made for watercolor. Complex juicy color transitions, sky and all the incredible architecture and flowers are just begging to be caught on the tip of your brush! But every view, every subject that you want to transfer to your paper requires a different technique, a change in the set of colors, or a completely different approach to watercolor. Understanding how to properly build a project to achieve the best result with the least effort is the key to success. An excellent retreat for relaxation and enjoyment of Bruges and the surroundings will be combined with a very rich and informative painting program in the open air and in the studio.
 
Location: Bruges, Belgium
Instructor: Michael Solovyev
Cost: starts at US $4,390
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

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

Immerse yourself in the sun-dappled beauty of Provence on this unforgettable 8-day watercolor painting workshop taught by renowned artist Rehann Vazid. This plein-air workshop is designed to help artists break through hesitation and discover the power of bold painting! Rehann is a Melbourne-based (AUS) watercolour artist & educator known for his colorful, light-filled landscape paintings. Through gestural brushwork, strong composition and unapologetic color, participants will learn to trust their instincts and find their visual voice in watercolor. Beginners will discover essential watercolor basics; advanced painters will push into greater boldness and expression. 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.
 
Location: Luberon, France
Instructor: Rehann Vazid
Cost: starts at US $4,390
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

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

Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday in Portugal! All we have to do is relax and enjoy sketching in this stunningly beautiful part of Portugal. 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 coast and charming villages. 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.
 
Location: Cascais, Portugal
Instructor: Leslie Fehling
Cost: starts at US $4,390
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Immerse yourself in the hill towns of Le Marche for a week of watercolor painting, Italian light, and local life. Based at the elegant Hotel Leone in Montelparo, our days move between plein-air painting from the hill tops and in the villages, looking out toward the Adriatic Sea over olive groves and medieval rooftops, studio sessions with instruction in color studies and watercolor technique, a visit to a family-run fiber farm to learn eco-printing, and an unforgettable afternoon of pasta-making (and eating) with three generations of a local family and their beloved Nonna. Between painting sessions and outings, we’ll savor delectable regional cuisine and local wines, experiencing the textures, flavors, and rhythms of Italian life. All experience levels are welcome.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Julia Morgan
Cost: starts at €3449
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join Julie Drew in an unforgettable painting and sketching adventure in the medieval village of Montelparo with amazing food and a taste of the culture. You will explore, paint and sketch in Montelparo and 2 nearby historic locations. There will be archways, doorways, cobblestone paths, vistas and Medieval villages to inspire you. Julie will teach you how to focus in and paint with your heart. There will be time to paint freely as well as guidance and demonstrations, where we will cover tricks and tools of painting that you will be able to use long after the retreat is over. At the end of our excursions, we will talk about our paintings, sharing ideas and learning from each other.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Julie Drew
Cost: starts at €3099
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join me in discovering the wonders of Portugal together and creating memorable paintings of our beautiful surroundings! Picture being by the beach, painting the coastal light as it reflects off the Atlantic, the clean lines of cliffs and beaches, and the character of its historic streets and seaside architecture. Capture the whitewashed buildings with blue doors and the traditional azulejos that define Portugal’s architectural style. Enjoy time with fellow artists while sharing fresh seafood, local wines, and relaxed evenings by the water. 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. I hope you will join me to paint Portugal!
 
Location: Cascais, Portugal
Instructor: Barry Herniman
Cost: starts at US $4,390
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

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

This retreat is open to all levels! Discover the joys of painting from life, exploring themes of still-life, sketchbook and landscape painting. We will start with basics like palette selection and water control and move onto more complex compositions. The villages and sweeping landscapes of Italy promise a wealth of inspiration for every artist. Daily classes with Emily will cover: • Basic water control, including controlling your watercolor when working upright • Painting in a sketchbook, on-location • Painting from life with all of its joys and challenges! • Focusing on values • Narrowing down complex pieces to simple shapes • Creating strong compositions • Defeating artist’s block and finding inspiration • Sketching and painting on the go • Color mixing and working with a cohesive palette …and much more.
 
Location: Montelparo, Italy
Instructor: Emily Olson
Cost: starts at €4099
Sponsor: Hotel Leone
Website, email, +39 340 4166054

Join international artist and art educator Jenny Aitken as she returns at Atelier Clos Mirabel in SW France for a week-long painting retreat. Jenny Aitken, RSMA is a full-time painter and writes regularly for The Artist Magazine. During this class, emphasis is put on capturing movement, light and texture. 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 atelier in Ju¬ran¬çon, France, Jenny Aitken will cover all her methods and techniques, both in the studio and plein air.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Jenny Aitken, RSMA
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + £600 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91