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September 11-19, 2024
Join Vincent Crotty in Kinvara, County Galway, Ireland for a 5 day workshop along the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. Escape to this charming coastal town and be free to immerse yourself in the scenery, the village, and the expertise of Vincent's workshop. Delve into plein air landscapes, streetscapes, seascapes and nocturnes. Learn how to tackle lighting conditions. We will take short excursions to the Burren and other scenic locations. All levels are welcome to join this unique opportunity.
Location: Kinvara, Ireland
Instructor: Vincent Crotty
Cost: $2850 + $500 for class
Sponsor: Susan's Custom Tours & Travel
Website, email, 774-238-2332
October 1-10, 2024
A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors). Nine full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gastronomy in the most beautiful area of Tuscany. Our teaching approach and groups limited to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating learning environment. Cost of CAD 3975 (around US$ 3000) includes instruction, 9-night accommodation in single and double rooms (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 tour to the Uffizi Museum.
Location: Lucignano, Tuscany, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 3000
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789
October 3-12, 2024
5-star Painting and Cultural Cruise - Italian Riviera and France! 9 nights: from Barcelona to Rome. All Mediums | All Levels | Non-Painters | Independent Painters. Welcome to our exciting painting cruise across three countries! Embark on an extraordinary 5-star Mediterranean cruise, an artistic journey that unfolds from Barcelona to Rome. This luxurious voyage includes enchanting stops along the picturesque Italian Riviera and captivating destinations in France. As you sail through azure waters and experience the opulence of a 5-star cruise, immerse yourself in unique painting adventures at each port of call. Ports of Call: Barcelona, Marseille (Provence), Nice, Santa Margherita (Portofino), La Spezia (Cinque Terre, Florence, Pisa), Naples and Rome.
Location: Mediterranean Cruise, Italy
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: see website
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865
October 3-12, 2024
5-star Painting and Cultural Cruise - Italian Riviera and France! 9 nights: from Barcelona to Rome. All Mediums | All Levels | Non-Painters | Independent Painters. Welcome to our exciting painting cruise across three countries! Embark on an extraordinary 5-star Mediterranean cruise, an artistic journey that unfolds from Barcelona to Rome. This luxurious voyage includes enchanting stops along the picturesque Italian Riviera and captivating destinations in France. As you sail through azure waters and experience the opulence of a 5-star cruise, immerse yourself in unique painting adventures at each port of call. Ports of Call: Barcelona, Marseille (Provence), Nice, Santa Margherita (Portofino), La Spezia (Cinque Terre, Florence, Pisa), Naples and Rome.
Location: Mediterranean Cruise, France
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: see website
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865
October 3-12, 2024
5-star Painting and Cultural Cruise - Italian Riviera and France! 9 nights: from Barcelona to Rome. All Mediums | All Levels | Non-Painters | Independent Painters. Welcome to our exciting painting cruise across three countries! Embark on an extraordinary 5-star Mediterranean cruise, an artistic journey that unfolds from Barcelona to Rome. This luxurious voyage includes enchanting stops along the picturesque Italian Riviera and captivating destinations in France. As you sail through azure waters and experience the opulence of a 5-star cruise, immerse yourself in unique painting adventures at each port of call. Ports of Call: Barcelona, Marseille (Provence), Nice, Santa Margherita (Portofino), La Spezia (Cinque Terre, Florence, Pisa), Naples and Rome.
Location: Mediterranean Cruise, Spain
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: see website
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865
October 12-19, 2024
Join award winning artist and tutor Peter Keegan for what promises to be a delightful week of painting. Peter will both demonstrate and guide painters in the different ways they can create landscape paintings filled with colour, light and expression, using the magnificent views of the French Pyrenees mountains as well as the gardens and grounds of the beautiful Clos Mirabel estate as inspiration. Peter will cover many of the essential aspects of painting and drawing including creating strong compositions, understanding the power of tonal values, how to achieve rich colour harmony and how to loosen up your brushwork. Peter will be working in oils and gouache but artists are welcome to work in either oils, acrylics or gouache paints.
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Peter Keegan
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + £550 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91
October 15-20, 2024
Join us for an unforgettable painting tour in the enchanting city of Venice, designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Our tour offers luxurious accommodations, daily painting sessions, exquisite cuisine, and cultural experiences, all within a small, intimate group setting that feels like family. Each day includes demonstrations and personalized one-on-one instructions led by the renowned artist Vlad Yeliseyev, allowing you to enhance your skills while capturing the breathtaking scenes of this iconic city.
Location: Venice, Italy
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865
October 27 - November 3, 2024
We invite you to join us in this relaxed, beautiful, historic place. Give yourself this time and space to joyfully become a better painter!
The setting of Salinara, with its rustic beauty, farm fresh meals, and interesting excursions provides the perfect environment for our “Spirit,Mind,Body” experience. Your artistic SPIRIT will be recognized, encouraged, and celebrated as you work with other creative participants. Your MIND will be engaged by discussions of Art within the group, and your problem solving skills will be challenged as you are improving your painting ability. Your BODY will be nourished with fresh food, walks, biking, and yoga sessions. The emphasis on this workshop is to help promote skill-building with your painting, regardless of your level.
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Qiang Huang and Suzanne Enriquez Dougher
Cost: From 2000 $
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email
May 9-16, 2025
I am so excited to teach you in this inspiring place while working outdoors in Plein Air as the Impressionist masters did! Paint the crystal blue Mediterranean waters with breathtaking vistas of the Catalonia coast, a hidden gem fishing village, botanical gardens, and medieval villages. As a painter and colorist, I have learned that the best way to achieve the feeling of light and color in your paintings is to paint outdoors. I will be your guide and teacher for an incredible week of painting, sightseeing, dining, and artistic community while we all learn and grow our artistry during the week. The experience of painting with other artists will be a treasure you carry with you for a lifetime.
Location: Costa Brava, Spain
Instructor: Rose Irelan
Cost: $3,790 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713
May 15-22, 2025
Join me for an amazing week of plein air painting in magnificent Provence, France! This is ‘Red poppy season’ and we’ll explore and paint the exciting spring colors of glorious Provence. I’m super excited to teach you painting in such an inspiring place! We’ll paint flower fields, countryside villages, waterways and hillside castle towns, quaint, flower-filled alleyways, medieval churches, fountains and ancient archways. We’ll paint our impressions, dine exquisitely, share gorgeous sights and creative companionship, all while learning and growing our craft. I will share my methods for creating successful paintings with loose brushwork and exciting color harmonies. I will demo in oil and watercolor, but am proficient and happy to help with acrylics and pastels as well.
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Maggie Hellmann
Cost: $3,940 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713
May 17-24, 2025
A well-established contemporary plein air painter in Canada and the USA, Marc Grandbois offers his vision of personal expression through the beauty of nature. This class focuses on how to paint in plein air. Every student is led to better transpose his emotions related to place and time, into an image and to understand the subjective power of colors and gesture in painting. Marc will give a two-hour demonstration each morning en plein air in the Clos Mirabel park and surrounds. A large interior space will be available in case of bad weather. There will be a group critique on the last day for work to be shared by the group, creating both a supportive and exponential effect for future work.
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Marc Grandbois
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + 450€ tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91
May 18-27, 2025
We explore the dramatic landscape of Doolin, County Clare, Ireland and translate its landscape, energy and lore into visual artwork. Our time together will be a balance between group excursions, individual exploration, and creation coupled with sharing and diving deeper into technique. We will establish a shared studio space as a center of operation as artists of any level work together in their preferred Media.
Included in the retreat are 4 art workshops with Martin Bridge; field trips; 2 meals/day; housing and publication in an anthology of creativity (subject to vetting)—join us for this retreat of like-minded individuals connecting in various ways to the land in this very special place.
Location: Doolin, Ireland
Instructor: Martin Bridge
Cost: $1500-$2500 depending on accommodations
Sponsor: NatureCulture, and The Milk House
Website, email, 413-475-0650
June 10-19, 2025
A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Nine full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gastronomy in the most beautiful area of Tuscany. Our teaching approach and groups limited to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating environment that fosters creativity. Cost of CAD 4175 (around US$ 3050) includes instruction, 9-night single or double accommodation (limited single rooms available at no extra cost), all breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from and to the Arezzo train station, transportation to all painting sites (Montepulciano, Cortona, Pienza, etc.), train ticket to Florence, and a guided tour to the Uffizi Museum.
Location: Lucignano, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3050
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789
June 14-22, 2025
The unique aspect of this tour is the opportunity to explore two incredible countries in a single trip, witnessing the diversity of landscapes, architecture, and culture as you hop between the Netherlands and Belgium. You'll be guided by our knowledgeable instructor, Vlad, along with wonderful local guides. Are you ready to embark on a journey that combines art, history, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable camaraderie? Look no further! Vlad's Painting and Cultural Tour in the Netherlands and Belgium promises to be the highlight of your summer. We invite you to check out the itinerary for this trip to explore the exciting activities and destinations we have planned.
Location: Bruges & Ghent, Belgium
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $3,950.00
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865
June 14-22, 2025
The unique aspect of this tour is the opportunity to explore two incredible countries in a single trip, witnessing the diversity of landscapes, architecture, and culture as you hop between the Netherlands and Belgium. You'll be guided by our knowledgeable instructor, Vlad, along with wonderful local guides. Are you ready to embark on a journey that combines art, history, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable camaraderie? Look no further! Vlad's Painting and Cultural Tour in the Netherlands and Belgium promises to be the highlight of your summer. We invite you to check out the itinerary for this trip to explore the exciting activities and destinations we have planned.
Location: Leiden, The Netherlands
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $3,950.00
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865
June 18-25, 2025
While learning the importance of oil painting techniques (values, edges, composition, etc.), the joy of actually painting France en plein air won’t get lost on Kathie! The enthusiasm for painting the mountains, lakes and chalets with you will be contagious! Kathie will walk through her process of narrowing down the choices of subject matter and then demo before it’s time for you to get your brushes wet too… and she will be right alongside cheering you on with personal instruction and encouragement! There is a reason why you want to paint. Kathie will work to help you tap that desire by throwing herself into the entire experience and beauty of the French Alps!
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Kathie Odom
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713
June 21-28, 2025
Join Kevin Scully at the beautiful Atelier Clos Mirabel estate in the French Pyrenees for a week of drawing and painting in the medium of your choice. During this painting holiday the emphasis will be on creating work that captures the sense of space and mood of our delightful surroundings, and producing paintings that are both loose in style, and enigmatic in atmosphere. Kevin Scully will be giving plenty of demonstrations as well as providing individual guidance in choosing the right materials, choosing a composition, tonal arrangement, and suitable colour schemes to help you produce some exciting paintings. Whether your favourite medium is oils, watercolours, acrylics, or pastels, the retreat is for painters of all levels of experience.
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Kevin Scully
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + €400 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91
June 25 - July 6, 2025
A unique art workshop/art tour open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Seven days of plein-air painting, art history/theory lectures, and gastronomy in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence followed by four days visiting Barcelona’s top art sites and enjoying Catalan cuisine. The price of CAD 4700 per person (around US$ 3450) includes instruction, 11-night double accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 6 healthy lunches, 6 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from the Manosque train station to our lodge, transportation to all painting sites,TGV train ticket Avignon-Barcelona, transportation and entrance fees to all sites on schedule (Cézanne’s studio, La Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, Miró Museum, etc.). Limited single rooms for a supplement of CAD 875 (around US$ 650),
Location: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence & Barcelona, Spain
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3450
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789
June 25 - July 6, 2025
A unique art workshop/art tour open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Seven days of plein-air painting, art history/theory lectures, and gastronomy in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence followed by four days visiting Barcelona’s top art sites and enjoying Catalan cuisine. The price of CAD 4700 per person (around US$ 3450) includes instruction, 11-night double accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 6 healthy lunches, 6 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from the Manosque train station to our lodge, transportation to all painting sites, TGV train ticket Avignon-Barcelona, transportation and entrance fees to all sites on schedule (Cézanne’s studio, La Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, Miró Museum, etc.). Limited single rooms for a supplement of CAD 875 (around US$ 650).
Location: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence & Barcelona, France
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3450
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789
June 28 - July 5, 2025
This class will encourage you to paint what inspires you. Focusing on elements of the environment at hand – landscape, architecture, food, culture, colour – we will create not just finished paintings but a library of source information for future development. This class is designed to help you get the most out of painting while traveling. Certain things peak each painter’s interest: Mountains in the distance, a garden, or a bowl of fruit. Students will choose their subject matter and Kat will work with each person individually to help them get the most out of their painting time. Group discussions and exercises will focus on finding dynamic compositions that best describe your unique experience of a particular location.
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Kat O’Connor
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + $575 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91
June 29 - July 6, 2025
While learning the importance of oil painting techniques (values, edges, composition, etc.), the joy of actually painting Belgium en plein air won’t get lost on Kathie! The enthusiasm for painting medieval architecture and windmills 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 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 this amazing city of Bruges!
Location: Bruges, Belgium
Instructor: Kathie Odom
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713
September 20-27, 2025
Come join me for an amazing week of plein air painting in beautiful Provence, France! We will have gorgeous views to paint of cute medieval villages, colorful markets, rivers, olive trees, etc… It is also a place to enjoy gourmet cheese and wine, ratatouille and creme brûlée! You can choose to work with Oil &/or Gouache in this workshop. I will be doing daily demos and assisting you with your paintings. I enjoy teaching and will be there with you to help strengthen your painting skills and artistic voice. We will focus on design, color mixing, and capturing the mood of the day by understanding atmospheric perspective. This workshop is open to beginner and intermediate students.
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Ellen Howard
Cost: $3,940 before Jan 31
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713
September 30 - October 7, 2025
One week Painting retreat at a genuine medieval castle in South West France all expenses paid from Angouleme train station at start to end with American masters John Hulsey & Ann Trusty.
Location: Grand Brassac, France
Instructor: John Hulsey & Ann Trusty
Cost: $3,150 to $3,750
Sponsor: Copeland International Arts Inc
Website, email
October 1-10, 2025
A thought-provoking and inspirational art workshop open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Nine full days of plein air painting, art history/theory lectures, touring, and gastronomy in the most beautiful area of Tuscany. Our teaching approach and groups limited to eight participants allow us to offer personalized instruction and a stimulating environment that fosters creativity. Cost of CAD 4175 (around US$ 3050) includes instruction, 9-night single or double accommodation (limited single rooms available at no extra cost), all breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from and to the Arezzo train station, transportation to all painting sites (Montepulciano, Cortona, Pienza, etc.), train ticket to Florence, and a guided tour to the Uffizi Museum.
Location: Lucignano, Italy
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$3050
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789
October 4-11, 2025
Award winning artist Jenny Aitken is passionate about the depiction of light in paint. She has taught thousands of students throughout her career, and recently written a book on the subject, Painting into the Light. During this week long atelier at Clos Mirabel in Jurançon, France, she will cover all her methods and techniques, both in the studio and plein air.
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Jenny Aitken
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + £500 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91
October 6-16, 2025
Ports: Athens, Volos, Istanbul, Ephesus, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos. Join our luxurious painting and cultural tour onboard Celebrity Infinity, starting from the historic city of Athens and exploring the stunning Greek islands and Turkey. This journey offers a perfect blend of painting experience lead by award-winning master watercolorist Vladislav Yeliseyev and deep cultural immersion, with private tours ensuring an intimate and enriching experience. This tour is designed for everyone - whether you wish to learn from Vlad, paint independently, or simply enjoy the journey as a non-painter. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and artistic inspiration that the Mediterranean has to offer. This journey promises not only a lavish vacation but also an unforgettable artistic odyssey around Aegean Sea!
Location: Celebrity Cruise, Greece
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: from $4985
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865
October 25 - November 1, 2025
Join Kathleen Speranza for an inspiring week of landscape painting. The surrounding fields and distant mountain views will provide a magnificent motif for the study of colour, light and space. Particular attention will be paid to atmospheric perspective and the subtle layers of colour needed to capture it. Students will learn a specific technique of oil painting which will build an image in three stages. Sketching, underpainting and the subsequent layering of thin paint will provide a method for translating the layers of space that can be seen in this uniquely beautiful landscape. A limited, premixed palette will enable a fluid and intuitive approach. Direct observation of light in the morning and early evening will provide a way to isolate and express the poetry of time and mood.
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Kathy Speranza
Cost: 1595€ to 2895€ for accommodation + $1,000 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91
November 1-8, 2025
This course will focus on using colour in figurative painting to create atmospheric and expressive paintings. You will work from a life model, participating in exercises based in colour theory. You will try out techniques such as painting on a coloured ground and making colour paintings from black and white drawings. This foundational work will sharpen your observational skills and deepen your technical understanding of colour. Beyond these technical elements, we will explore how to use colour to express something of our inner lives. We will take inspiration from art history by studying artists such as Gwen John, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Sargy Mann, Pierre Bonnard, and Milton Avery. Throughout the course, you will benefit from personalized feedback and group discussions.
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Katy Papineau
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + £350 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91
See also:
Art Books for Oil Painting |
Tutorials for Oil Painting