Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats
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March 31 - April 9, 2023
Experience plein air painting and the art of the Flemish and Dutch masters on a small group barging tour through Holland with pastel artist Lisa Regopoulos. Lisa will lead art demonstrations and plein air painting sessions capturing the picturesque canals and landscapes with tulips in full bloom! Tour museums, local sites and enchanting villages and country sides dotted with windmills for inspiration. A highlight of our museum visits will be to the Rijksmuseum to see the first retrospective exhibit of Johannes Vermeer’s works and the largest gathering of his works ever. Ports: Amsterdam, Haarlem, Delft, Leiden, Rotterdam and Gouda, and a tour of the incredible Keukenhof Gardens, one of the most beautiful spring gardens in the world.
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Instructor: Lisa Regopoulos
Cost: Painters: $2995, Non-painters/Bikers: $2750; single room, add $1200
Sponsor: Artful Travels & International Barging Tours
Website, email, 413-237-4631

May 6-13, 2023
Painting, eating, drinking and touring like an Italian, and yes, soaking in some sun after a long winter. So come join me and have some fun, and learn a lot while you do! Why Sicily? It seems so far away. Why go all the way to paint there? Well, because of the light. The sparkling clear, vibrating light. Sicily, and specifically the area we will paint in, is at the very bottom of Italy. Far to the south and out to the west, Marsala is the nearest town. Low in latitude, at the tip of the boot, the toe juts far enough out into the Mediterranean to make the area feel like an island. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
Location: Marsala, Italy
Instructor: Thomas Jefferson Kitts
Cost: From 2640 €
Sponsor: Salinara
Website, email

May 7-14, 2023
Join Brian Murphy for a week-long plein air painting adventure in the magnificent Costa Brava, Spain. Learn to loosen up your technique and create Light Filled paintings while also learning how to paint with a Limited Palette. Brian has led numerous painting trips to France, Italy and Ireland and this workshop will continue the tradition of painting and experiencing the natural beauty and culture of the world. Spend each day discovering the wonderful light the Costa Brava landscape and seascapes provide while learning how to capture that light on your canvas. There will be daily critiques and discussions about your paintings and Brian will spend part of each day “one on one” with you as you paint the magnificent views.
Location: Calella de Palafrugel, Spain
Instructor: Brian Murphy, www.bmurphy.net
Cost: $3,590
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713

May 11-17, 2023
This master workshop is for the artist who is already painting and desires to work on their own to develop a body of work. Morgan specifically selected this area of Italy for its panoramic views from numerous villages surrounding a valley. The villages themselves abound with wonderful architecture & intimate scenes which will significantly inspire the artist. While in Padula you will be immersed in the local culture.
Your day will begin at the studio. Each day when we return from location, we have use of a studio to store our gear and our paintings. The final day will be exhibition day. Morgan will be exhibiting too and offering critique and suggestions to each artist that wishes to participate.
Location: Padula, Italy
Instructor: Morgan Samuel Price
Cost: 3800 USD
Sponsor: Art Center Padula
Website, email, +393317385409

May 16-22, 2023
Keith Wicks and Chuck Pyle are teaming up with Charolette Clement (privet chef) to paint and enjoy the picturesque town of Saint Antonin-Noble-Val. With two instructors there's lots of one on one time to learn from these two master painters. We will visit St Cirq de la Popie one of the most beautiful towns of France and visit the Toulouse Lautrec Museum. We will also visit the flea market in Albi and the famous farmers market in St Antonin painting and taking in the sites. Students who join will visit Le Touron Charolette's beautiful home and outdoor restaurant for spectacular dining experience. This week will be packed with fun and painting in Plein Air. Enrollment limited to the first 8 students.
Location: Saint Antonin-Noble-Val, France
Instructor: Keith Wicks and Chuck Pyle
Cost: $3000
Sponsor: Keith Wicks Fine Art
Website, email, 707-304-0274

June 8-15, 2023
This retreat will take you to the very places where Van Gogh and Cézanne painted many of their masterpieces. You will be inspired by the rich locations of Arles, Saint Remi, and Aix-en-Provence. Hosts Tali Farchi (NL) and Shay Avivi (IL) are accomplished painters and teachers, providing art instruction to enrich your creative process, they’ll share information about these artists' lives and how they worked. The ArtisTTable has hosted hundreds of artists of all levels and backgrounds. During this retreat, we will stay in the center of Arles giving easy access to this historic city. This all-inclusive retreat boasts delicious meals, exclusive day trips, and lots of art-making. It will be a trip you won't forget.
Location: Arles Provence, France
Instructor: Tali Farchi and Shay Avivi
Cost: $3,100
Sponsor: Artist Table
Website, email, 0031624903316

June 12-17, 2023
Best art course in top location on the Italian Riviera with seaview artist residencies, for beginners and advanced, this class is taught by Nicole Durand renowned sculptor in a little paradise at the border of famous cote d'Azur and Monte Carlo.
Location: Ventimiglia, Italy
Instructor: Nicole Durand
Cost: 1000 euros
Website, email, +33 608177897

June 17-25, 2023
Experience the beauty of Croatia and plein air painting on a small group sailing tour through the breathtaking islands of Croatia with artist Robert Masla. In addition to the islands, we’ll tour ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites with captivating coastlines for inspiration - all from the comfort of our private, luxury 41 meter (134.5’) yacht Barbara. Robert will lead art demonstrations and plein air painting sessions capturing the natural beauty of these Adriatic islands surrounded by the sea, nature and centuries of history!
Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Instructor: Robert Masla
Cost: $4795 Painters; $4525 non painters
Sponsor: Artful Travels & International Barging Tours
Website, email, 413-237-4631

June 22-29, 2023
During this retreat to Holland, The Netherlands we will visit the city of Zwolle, founded in 800AD. Its classically designed city center has gorgeous parks surrounded by farmland, wooded areas, canals, dikes, and lots of bikes. Your hosts Tali Farchi (NL) and Shay Avivi (IL) are accomplished painters and teachers, providing art instruction to enrich your creative process. The ArtisTTable has hosted hundreds of artists of all levels and backgrounds. During this retreat, we will stay in the 4-Star Bilderberg Wientjes Hotel. This all-inclusive retreat boasts delicious meals, exclusive day trips, and lots of art-making. You will get the full-local experience that will take you will off the beaten tourist path and be a trip you won't forget.
Location: Zwolle, The Netherlands
Instructor: Tali Farchi and Shay Avivi
Cost: $3,100
Sponsor: Artist Table
Website, email, 0031624903316

June 24 - July 5, 2023
A unique art workshop/art tour open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Seven days of plein-air painting, art history/theory lectures, and gourmet cuisine in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence followed by four days visiting Barcelona’s top art sites and enjoying Catalan cuisine. The price of CAD 4275 (around US$ 3330) 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 (Banon, Simiane-la-Rotonde, Rustrel, etc.), TGV train ticket Avignon-Barcelona, transportation and entrance fees to all museums and sites on schedule (Cézanne’s studio, La Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, Miró Museum, etc.). Limited single rooms for a supplement.
Location: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence & Barcelona, France
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 3330
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

July 9-18, 2023
A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Join us for 9 full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gourmet cuisine 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 learning environment. Cost of CAD 3775 (around US$ 2900) includes art instruction, 9-night double accommodation, all breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 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. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
Location: Lucignano, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 2900
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

August 12, 2023
Our one-day art workshop in the Ottawa region is more than an introduction to plein air painting, as you will learn to interpret and depict the landscape in a personal way. The reflection about the intertwining of two realities, nature’s and yours as the viewer, will lead to a synthesis of both on canvas. The day will start with a lecture and end with a gastronomic evening. For all levels and mediums.
The price of CA $425 (around US$ 320) includes a lecture on the history of landscape painting, four hours of plein air painting, a five-course dinner including wine (with recipes from Let Go! The Artist's Way of Cooking), and two-way transportation from Ottawa.
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 320
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 8006114789

August 21-26, 2023
The most enjoyable painting I do is when I paint outdoors. There is an intimacy and sense of “being there” that only occurs when you take the time to slow down and record your surroundings in watercolor- and what surroundings we will have! Join me in Belgium for a truly memorable week! We will tour daily with an easy schedule of demonstration, one on one critique, and group discussions designed to build your confidence and ability alike. You may paint or explore or do both on any given day. I will be there to guide you through my approach to painting en plein air and help you take your watercolors to the next level!
Location: Newcastle, Ireland
Instructor: Hugh O'Neill
Cost: $1400
Website, email

September 1-8, 2023
While learning the importance of oil painting techniques (values, edges, composition, etc.), the joy of actually painting France en plein air won’t get lost on Kathie! Her enthusiasm for painting the rolling vineyards and lavender fields with you will be contagious! Kathie will walk through her process of narrowing down the choices of subject matter and then demo before it’s time for you to get your brushes wet too… and she will be right alongside cheering you on with personal instruction and encouragement! There is a reason why you want to paint. Kathie will work to help you tap that desire by throwing herself into the entire experience and beauty of Provence!
Location: Venasque, France
Instructor: Kathie Odom
Cost: $3,590
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713

September 8-15, 2023
While learning the importance of oil painting techniques (values, edges, composition, etc.), the joy of actually painting France en plein air won’t get lost on Kathie! Her enthusiasm for painting the rolling vineyards and lavender fields with you will be contagious! Kathie will walk through her process of narrowing down the choices of subject matter and then demo before it’s time for you to get your brushes wet too… and she will be right alongside cheering you on with personal instruction and encouragement! There is a reason why you want to paint. Kathie will work to help you tap that desire by throwing herself into the entire experience and beauty of Provence!
Location: Venasque, France
Instructor: Kathie Odom
Cost: $3,590
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713

October 1-10, 2023
A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Join us for 9 full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gourmet cuisine 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 learning environment. Cost of CAD 3775 (around US$ 2900) includes art instruction, 9-night double accommodation, all breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 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. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
Location: Lucignano, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 2900
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789

October 1-8, 2023
Sicily is an island of contrasts -from fertile volcanic land, ancient and arid ruins to baroque style architecture, it offers beautiful compositions for painters. Its stunning location in the middle of the Mediterranean means it is blessed with good weather, ideal for painting! This painting holiday is a complete artistic journey from start to finish. You will stay at authentic yet modern villas in the south-east of the island, surrounded by almond, olive and pomegranate trees. Your painting supplies, sketchbook, pencils, boards and easels are provided in a spacious beautiful studio. You will enjoy daily painting classes and excursions to: the coastal town of Siracusa; Ortigia; the Baroque town of Noto; the fishing village of Marzamemi; and the cities of Modica and Ragusa.
Location: Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Sandra Iafrate, sandraiafrate.com
Cost: $2980. Canadian
Website, email

October 8-15, 2023
We have designed an amazing adventure filled with artists’ favorites such as breathtaking views of Czech towns and rivers, fantastic guided tours, exceptional daily watercolor instructions and painting spectacular sceneries of Bohemian landscape complimented with delicious local delicacies, comfortable lodging and private transportation. All mediums | All levels | Non-painters are welcome. Explore the country of castles with Vlad. We will start our journey in Prague, “Golden City of a Thousand Spires”, one of most fascinating cities in Europe, exploring and painting in historic neighborhoods across the Vltava River. Crossing the country down to the South region, we will experience the number and variety of Czech castles from Gothic ruins to majestic, baroque mansions that are simply awe-inspiring.
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865

ongoing
La Maison de Beaumont’s multi-disciplinary artist residency was created with the goal of offering a beautiful space for musicians, scholars, writers, painters and other artists who seek a quiet place to work undisturbed on their art. The scenery and beauty of the region, as well as the history and comfort of the house, provide an ideal setting to focus on creative work. The Residency provides: • Up to two months in residence at La Maison de Beaumont • A fully equipped private apartment with kitchen & bath • Access to a multi-use space that can serve as an artist studio or a performance and exhibition space • A Common Terrace for relaxation, networking with other residents, meditation, etc.
Location: Beaumont-de-Pertuis, France
Cost: 45 Euros to apply
Sponsor: La Maison de Beaumont
Website, email

See also:
Art Books for Oil Painting |
Tutorials for Oil Painting