Art Workshops, Retreats & Tours

Note: The events listed here are subject to change without notice.  

Year-round
​Live Zoom Watercolor Workshops and Classes with Judy Mudd
Paint-along, ask questions and review during workshops. Reference materials, including drawing guides, reference photos, and palette colors are provided prior to class. After the workshop, a session video is provided to registered students to download and review again and again. Can't attend live? You can still register, receive the materials and recording to paint on your own.
Ongoing Wednesday Painting Class
hosted by Ned Mueller-OPAM-AIS Master
This ongoing class is designed to help each individual with the information and process to take your work to a higher level. For the most part we will be using photos to work from and learning not to just copy, but to interpret!  I will be giving demos and presentations of the process I use to create a better work of art by learning and applying the elements and principles of design. It is our job to employ these elements and principles to make our paintings more compelling and interesting. I hope you can join us.
Weekly,
​Every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Online
Painting and Sculpting Workshops on Italian Riviera
with Nicole Durand
Best art workshops in top location on the Italian Riviera with seaview artist residencies.
Sculpture masterclass by renowned Nicole Durand
for beginners and advanced
sculpture, stone and woodcarving
June 12-17
July 3-8
September 1-7
Beautiful Villa d'Arte at the border of the famous French Riviera and the Italian coast atmosphere
9 klms only from Montecarlo where the great old masters used to come to create for the special light
Preset Individual Multi-Unit Fresco & Sgraffito Online Courses
hosted by Fresco School
These private courses are livestreamed from our studio via Zoom. 
You are the only student in the class. 
The course will take 5 nonconsecutive days. You can choose from 6 distinct curriculums.
 - Pompeian Fresco Techniques 
 - Byzantine Fresco Techniques 
 - Renaissance Fresco Techniques 
 - Techniques of Fresco Ornamentation & Surfaces 
 - Contemporary Fresco Techniques
 - Techniques of Sgraffito 
Year-round
Online ​
​​4 – Day Private Fresco Painting Mountain Retreat with iLia Fresco
hosted by Fresco School
Personally tailored fresco class curriculum is based on the individual participant’s goals, needs, interest and/or style preferences. 
Includes introduction to Sgraffito techniques.
The workshop takes place in iLia Anossov (fresco) private studio in alpine resort village of Lake Arrowhead/Twin Peaks, California (about 75 miles from Downtown Los Angeles).
All materials provided, lodging and transportation is not included.
Year-round
​Lake Arrowhead/Twin Peaks, California
Interactive Livestream Fresco Painting & Sgraffito Online Group Workshops
hosted by Fresco School
The following 2 workshops are designed to advance your level of understanding and practice of fresco and sgraffito plastering techniques.
- Advanced Fresco Plaster Online Live Workshop
- Fresco Sgraffito Foundations Online Live Workshop
Each one of our group workshops runs over 2 weeks:
Two FSW Workshop Units Saturday and/or Sunday with corresponding Follow-Along Practice Sessions on the following week’s Saturday and/or Sunday. 
Limited to 5 students in class.
Year-round scheduled and On Demand
Online from our Studio
​Painting and Urban Sketching Workshops in Mexico
hosted by Cristi Fer Art Studio & Workshops
Gift yourself the skills of Urban Sketching and Painting.
Cristi Fer Art offers week long art vacations in Mexico all year around. 
Located in Ajijijc, vibrant and cheerful village on the shores of Lake Chapala. 
45 min drive from Guadalajara international airport. 
Our workshops satisfy any level of experience. 
Choose one or all our workshops and widen your artistic skills while enjoying Mexico’s brilliant light and opulent culture.
 - Urban Sketching Jumpstart
 - Loosen Up with Palette Knife
 - Mexico’s Doors Acrylic Painting
All Year Round
Ajijijc, Jalisco, Mexico
Plein Air Painting Workshops/Masterclasses in SICILY
hosted by SALINARA SICILY
SALINARA is an Art Farm + Retreat Center offering Inspiration and Community, where people from all walks of life could share their passions.
We "thoughtfully" organize and host workshops/masterclasses from our 18th century farmhouse in Sicily for the past twenty years.
We have welcomed hundreds of passionate international artists + teachers and leaders in a beautiful and inspiring environment.
Please get in touch if there is anything more you would like to know about SALINARA or the surrounding areas and we will send you an info pack answering all the questions on your mind.
Ongoing throughout the year.
Join us in sunny SICILY...!
Landscape Painting Workshops in Italy
hosted by Etruscan Places
Etruscan Places offers a unique series of open air painting workshops on location, rain or shine, in some of Italy’s most spectacular landscapes. Artists, curators, writers Maddine Insalaco and Joe Vinson live in both the USA and Italy. Their presence in Tuscany since 1995 guarantees their knowledge of the landscape and local culture. Fees include materials and surfaces, equipment, meals, accommodation, field trips and local transport. 12 student max and 2 instructors every class. Reduced rates for extended stays.
June through October
Tuscany ITALY
Workshops in France - Workshops and Retreats
Our mission to bring artists together in wonderful destinations to be inspired by their surroundings and the creativity that comes from working in small enrichment groups. Workshops and retreats are designed to provide guests with an ideal environment for creating art while enjoying themselves to the fullest. Our unique locations have been selected for its fantastic weather, sensational scenery, rich tapestry of historical towns and villages, not to mention the cuisine and wines of these regions.
Year round between April and October
Paris, Provence, Southwestern France, Tuscany and the east coast of Scotland
Fine Art Workshops in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Bluebird Studios
Bluebird Studios is “The Atelier of the West” and our goal is to provide our guests with a warm, welcoming gathering place in an open, comfortable, and well-equipped studio space for the study of traditional fine arts under the guidance of professional artists. Our mission is to host events beyond the traditional workshop and offer our students a memorable experience to soak up the history, culture, and ambiance only Santa Fe can offer.
We offer art workshops in oil, pastel and watercolor painting and this year we have added a sculpture class! Our workshops are taught in studio and plein air. We offer something for all! Beginners to advanced.

August 2024
Needle Felting: Sculpture in Wool with Stephanie Metz
hosted by Pacific NorthWest Art School
In this workshop students will learn to use felting needles to shape wool fibers into free-standing, solid felt sculpture. Topics include basic form-building, fine detailing, adding color, incorporating mixed media, and working with armatures. Class time will include slideshows, daily demonstrations, and one-on-one instruction and feedback with lots of hands-on work time. All of the crucial tools and materials needed to complete a small project will be supplied with materials fee (see below), however students who already own needle felting tools and supplies are welcome to bring them. Bring along a spirit of experimentation and play; needle felting is incredibly forgiving and changeable. Please note that needle felting involves repetitive, physical hand and arm exercise. All levels welcome.
August 2-6, 2024 
Pacific NorthWest Art School
Whidbey Island
15 N W Birch St
Coupeville, WA 98239
Plein Air in the Green Mountains of Vermont
The Wilmington Inn in historic Wilmington is the base for a painting retreat in Vermont’s Green Mountains. Surrounded by lakes, mountains, and forests, the area’s mid-summer landscape is lush and colorful. As artists, you will be taking the time to observe and record where we are and what we see. Your time there will be richer than that of most tourists who simply pass through. We will celebrate the Vermont landscape through an artist’s eye, our drawings and paintings becoming visual records of our experience. This workshop is an opportunity for you to experience the plein air painting process. Working outdoors on-site allows us to immerse ourselves in the land with all our senses - looking, listening, and smelling the unique character of the location.
August 11-15, 2024
The Wilmington Inn
Wilmington, VT 05363
Workshop in Santorini 
hosted by Watercolor International Greece
Watercolor workshop in Santorini. All inclusive (hotel, tuition, transfers in Santorini, all three meals per day). We will paint indoors and en plein air, and we will practice several watercolor and watermedia techniques and also watercolour sketching/journal. Great food and also tours discovering the beauties of a majestic island! All levels of painting and journaling experience are welcome. This workshop aims to boost the creativity by new inspirational ideas, winning techniques for an once-in-a-lifetime experience.
August 19-26 2024
Santorini, Greece 
Plein Air Watercolor Painting Workshop on a Luxury River Cruise
hosted by Paint By Destination
Paint By Destination hosts destination watercolor workshops on luxury river cruises around the world.
Join professional watercolor artist and President of the Watercolor Society of South Texas, Al Kline, for an 8-day watercolor workshop on the Danube River, where the scenic beauty and culture of the Danube have inspired generations of artists, poets, and musicians.
Plein air paint with like-minded watercolor artists on the Danube River as we cruise Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and more.
Book now and save $1,000 on our one of the last spots available!
August 19-26, 2024
Danube River: Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany (Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen)
Vivid Oils
Painting Workshop with Manon Sander
Learn Manon's secrets about how to make a vibrant, light-filled painting by implementing techniques that will replace random decision making with intentional, informed choices in regards to the most important pillars of creating a painting. Manon will break down and demonstrate her process step-by-step in order to give you the confidence to use your new skills on your own. You will dive deeply into color mixing, how to use color and value to infuse your paintings with luminosity in easy-to-understand terms, and how to avoid muddy or chalky paintings, while getting plenty of help you at your easel with your own painting. Although you will paint contemporary still lifes in this class, you can use the learned techniques for all subject matter.
August 23-25, 2024
Award Winning Artist Workshops
5110 Piper Station Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28277
Passage: The Future of Contemporary Realism
hosted by Willow Vermont Retreat
We invite you to attend our new exhibit of over 100 works by 20 artists from the renowned Grand Central Atelier in Brooklyn, NY. Meet the artists, see the portraits, figures, landscapes, and florals they’ve created from life. Go home with a museum-quality work of art.
Saturday, August 24, 2024 - Sunday, September 1, 2024
Willow Vermont
South Newfane VT
Under the Tuscan Sky Art Retreat
hosted by Workshops in France
This retreat is an artist’s paradise with fabulous gardens, great views and a studio. Stay in a hilltop estate surrounded by vineyards and 360-degree views of Tuscany. Farm-to-table dinners, transportation and accommodations are included.
This retreat is perfectly located between Florence and Siena. Within an hour, we can be in the Renaissance capital, Florence, where we will find all the art you could dream about. Non-painting partners are welcome!
August 29 - September 6, 2024
Tuscany, Italy

September 2024
Elements of Landscape
hosted by Etruscan Places
In “Elements” we study the individual parts of the landscape as advocated by 18th century artist PH Valenciennes in his seminal treatise on plein air painting. “Elements” is organized around morning slide shows focusing on one element of landscape: fields, trees, clouds and skies, water, time and nocturnes. 2 painting session per day. 2 instructors will work with students. Daily reviews of work. Fees include most materials, surfaces, easels & equipment, most meals, accommodation, field trips, local transportation. 
Call 212-780-3216 
WhatsApp 39-347-143-40-36
September 5-14, 2024
Tuscany, ITALY
Painting the Bucolic Vermont Landscape
hosted by Willow Vermont Retreat
Join George Van Hook, a nationally recognized artist, for a three-day plein air workshop. George stresses allaprima painting and using a loose and fast approach to capture the landscape in the first try.
Willow is located in the foothills of the Green Mountains. The property abuts several hundred acres of conservation land. The property has a large pond, hillside garden, fire pit, and a large south-facing porch for lounging and gathering.
We provide comfortable overnight accommodations and meals throughout the workshop. Commuter options are available.
September 6-9, 2024
Willow Vermont
South Newfane, VT
Workshop in Northern Italy
with Susan Kuznitsky
The Viva Veneto 2024 Experience is a personally curated immersive adventure by our friend and local Caterina Zanardo.
The Itinerary will include six days of art instruction (oil painters welcome!), an Italian cooking class, winery visit, UNESCO sites and so much more.
We will be staying at the charming Hotel Calvi in Vittorio Veneto, about 40 miles north of Venice.
September 8-17, 2024
Italy
Watercolor Workshop in New Orleans, LA with Alvaro Castagnet
hosted by David Art Center
Capture the magic of watercolors in 2 days with Alvaro Castagnet, AWS (American Watercolor Society), AWI (Australian Watercolor Institute). 
Learn to make quick decisions, simplify your subject, discuss: color relationships, tonal range, forms.
Day 1: Introduction, material explanation, demonstration. Participants paint until lunch. Alvaro demonstrates after lunch, participants start second painting.
Day 2: Alvaro will demonstrate twice, explaining successful watercolor. Participants show their work to receive feedback.
Alvaro is an inspirational, expressive painter who travels the world exhibiting, judging, teaching.
Session 1: Monday & Tuesday, September 9th & 10th
Session 2: Wednesday & Thursday, September 11th & 12th
David Art Center
3020 N. Arnoult Road
Metairie, LA 7002
A Classical Approach to the Portrait
hosted by Willow Vermont Retreat
In this three-night retreat, students will study and practice centuries-old portraiture with internationally celebrated instructors. Tyler Berry and Chelsea Bard will guide students by offering presentations, demonstration, discussions, and individual critiques. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to join. Model time is included in the fee.
Willow provides luxurious overnight accommodations and all meals throughout the retreat. Commuter options are available.
Willow is located in the foothills of the Green Mountains abutting several hundred acres of conservation land. The property has a large pond, hillside garden, fire pit, and a large south-facing porch for lounging and gathering.
September 13-16, 2024
Willow Vermont
South Newfane, VT
​2024 Painting & Drawing Holidays in Greece
with Daphne Katos
hosted by Must Sea Greece
Join one of our memorable and affordable 7 day painting holidays on the magical islands of Crete and Rhodes. 
Our highly talented and experienced Greek born instructor can cater for all levels and abilities. 
All tutoring, materials, equipment and accommodation are included. 
We provide the right balance of learning, creating, relaxation, sightseeing and socialising. 
Cooking class, wine tasting and stunning excursions are included in fees. 
Small groups (up 10). 
Spots are limited. Book early.
September 15-22 2024 (Crete)
September 22-29 2024 (Crete)
Greece
​The Ins and Outs of Observational Painting: Studio and Plein Air with Hector Acuna
hosted by Pacific NorthWest Art School
Observational painting centers on the notion that we must paint what we see, not what we know. Learning to see the ways that light describes form and space is as important as learning to mix the right color or compose with dynamic principles of design.
In this 4-day workshop, students will be led through an in-depth series of slideshow presentations, live demonstrations, recommended homework assignments, and group critiques on various observational painting methods to evolve their ability to see their subjects as a mark, color, shape, etc. We will begin our study with non-objective still life arrangements to simplify the fundamentals and prepare our compositional lens for outdoor painting.
Over the next four days, students will have ample time to paint en plein air following live demonstrations from the instructor. We will have opportunities to paint together near PNWAS before meeting for group critiques. This workshop is designed to provide supportive resources and habits to sustain an inspired approach for both the beginner and experienced painter.
September 16-19, 2024 
Pacific NorthWest Art School
Whidbey Island
15 N W Birch St
Coupeville, WA 98239
Drawing From Your Heart - Online
hosted by Ned Mueller - Master Artist AISM OPAM NWPA
We will concentrate on learning how to draw and construct a fine expressive portrait. You will learn the simple basic proportions of the head and to develop and sharpen your eye to see the placement of the major features. You will learn some fairly easy steps in getting the proportions and structure of the head using photos of strong character models that show off the structure and planal changes of the head along with a strong light and shadow pattern to work from. We will work on how to break the head down into simple value patterns and with the use of lost and found edges make a compelling portrait. You will learn how to see and interpret the forms and values to get a strong likeness.
September 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2024
Online from my studio in Renton, Washington
Watercolor Workshop - Painting the Fall Landscape with Tony Conner 
hosted by Monument Art & Cultural Center
Join Vermont artist Tony Conner for a three-day watercolor landscape workshop. Above all, you'll experience a workshop that is both fun and informative. It is Tony's earnest desire to help every student to grow and learn quickly. Fundamental skills are important, particularly for a tricky medium like watercolor, so there'll always be a focus on the fundamentals, presented in a way that makes them simple and understandable.
September 27, 28, 29, 2024
9 am - 4 pm
Monument Art & Cultural Center
44 Gypsy Lane
Bennington, VT 05201
Capturing Light and Atmosphere with Watercolor in Sicily
hosted by Salinara Sicily
Keiko Tanabe is a Japanese contemporary artist who has won multiple awards.
We are so proud that she’s coming to SALINARA for the fourth time.
Come to enjoy a masterful tuition by Keiko Tanabe. Subject matters will be landscape, Mediterranean seascape, old historic city scape, and indoor locations in the authentic 18th century farmhouse where the participants will stay.
Sicily is like a dream, colorful sunset, olive groves, lined vineyards, picturesque villages with narrow streets, churches, a never ending range of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, jovial, kind and friendly people, traditional foods and great local wine. Art, mixture of history and culture, nature create a unique atmosphere and stimulate your creativity. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
September 28 – October 5, 2024
Marsala, Sicily, Italy

October 2024
Studio Italia - Art Workshop in Tuscany (offered since 1997)
hosted by Walk the Arts
"The jewel in the crown of art workshops", said one of our former participants of Studio Italia. 
A top art retreat in Italy open to artists of all levels and media that combines plein air painting, art history/art theory lectures, touring, and gastronomy in the most beautiful area of Tuscany.
The cost of CAD 3975 (around US$ 3000) per person in single or double rooms includes everything except flights, two lunches and easy-to-carry art material list. 
The perfect painting vacation!
October 1-10, 2024
Lucignano, Italy 
Seerey-Lester Wilderness Workshop at Triple D
Opportunity of lifetime to see and paint incredible animals in wilderness settings. We will have Mountain Lion, Wolves, Wolf Packs, Grizzly Bear, Snow Leopard, Fox, bobcats and Lynx, just to name a few. No bars, no cages, you are just feet away from the animals.
October 2-5, 2024
Triple D in Kalispel, MT
​2024 Painting & Drawing Holidays in Greece
with Daphne Katos
hosted by Must Sea Greece
Join one of our memorable and affordable 7 day painting holidays on the magical islands of Crete and Rhodes. 
Our highly talented and experienced Greek born instructor can cater for all levels and abilities. 
All tutoring, materials, equipment and accommodation are included. 
We provide the right balance of learning, creating, relaxation, sightseeing and socialising. 
Cooking class, wine tasting and stunning excursions are included in fees. 
Small groups (up 10). 
Spots are limited. Book early.
October 6-13 2024 (Rhodes)
October 13-20 2024 (Rhodes)
Greece
Homage to Fayum: Painting Figuratively in Encaustic
with Francisco Benitez
Come to Ireland to study encaustic with Francisco Benitez, a highly-respected specialist of historical figurative encaustic techniques. Long fascinated by the funerary portrait paintings from Fayum, he has taught workshops at Harvard University, R&F Paints, and numerous other places internationally. The workshop will last 5 days, and will be a thorough exploration of ancient techniques and materials, using the live model. There will also be trips organized to visit beautiful sites in this stunning part of Ireland.
October 10-17, 2024
Essence of Mulranny Retreat Center
Mulranny (Cork), Ireland
Watercolor Plein Air Painting Retreat in Sicily
hosted by Salinara Sicily
​Join us to a plein air watercolour painting retreat in delightful and peaceful West-Sicily with Polish watercolorist Michal Jasiewicz, we are so proud that he’s coming to SALINARA for the second time. Michal will be your tutor during your stay at the stunning Salinara Art Farm, in the Trapani region. Daily painting excursions to surrounding salt pans, local markets, vineyards, villages such as the medieval town Erice, Archeological Park of Selinunte, one of the most flourishing classical civilizations of the Mediterranean area. The workshop will take you through selecting a dramatic composition and simplifying it, tone, light, color theory, effects and how to build up a watercolour painting in a structured, demonstration-led setting. We will explore lots of different subject matter alongside both traditional and modern techniques. Michal’s personal attention will be given to each student according to their skill level and artistic goals. This art workshop will focus on painting the Sicilian landscape from life, every day you will have a picturesque destination to sketch and paint, explore and meet the locals.
October 12-19, 2024
Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Farms, Flowers, and Figures - Fine Art Painting Holiday in the Rural Wisconsin
with Mary Aslin
​I welcome you, during the height of Autumn in beautiful southwest Wisconsin for an all-inclusive multi-sensory, painting holiday and retreat over the course of four and a half days. The abundance of beauty around every glorious corner is a painter’s delight! We will focus on painting one farm, a floral still life, and a figure in the landscape. Demonstrations will be in soft pastel but you may work in the medium of your choice and receive guidance accordingly. I will meet you at your level and according to your goals, beginner to advanced.

This workshop includes all instruction in the medium of your choice, five nights lodging in a beautiful huge Victorian home or adjacent cabin, all with private ensuite, and includes all meals. A few fun side trips are planned too.

The number of attendees will be limited for the sake of quality instruction and comfort but large enough for the wonderful camaraderie that comes when a group of artists create together. Non-painting companions, depending on interest will be offered excursions to area churches, sightseeing, golf and fishing.

Please see my website for testimonials from prior students. I promise you growth, rest, and a lot of fun.
​
October 13-18, 2024
Westby, Wisconsin
The 2024 Venice Biennale and Istanbul Biennial Art Tour
hosted by Walk the Arts
Join the 2024 Venice Biennale and Istanbul Biennial Art Tour, a unique 9-night art history trip in Italy and Turkey led by an art historian and open to everyone interested in contemporary art and culture. 
The cost of CAD $ 4570 per person (around US$ 3420) includes 9-night double accommodation, daily breakfast, transportation to all sites on schedule, flight Venice- Istanbul, two-day entrance to the biennials in Venice and Istanbul, discovery walks, entrance to some of Istanbul’s major sites.
October 14-23, 2024
Venice, Italy and Istanbul, Turkey 
Online Painting Portrait Workshop
hosted by Ned Mueller - Master Artist AISM OPAM NWPA
This workshop is designed to help students loosen up and get more of a solid, painterly and expressive portrait that is as much of a work of Art as it is a Portrait. Therefore we ask that students have some portrait experience, as we will be focusing much more on "saying more with less". Getting the structure, the essence and color relationships. I will be doing demonstrations every day of my process and students will have plenty of time to work on their own portraits with personal critiques as you go along.
October 18th, 19th, 20th, 2024.
Online from my studio in Renton, Washington

November 2024
Oil Painting Workshop with John MacDonald 
hosted by Monument Art & Cultural Center
You will be introduced to a step-by-step painting process that will take you from choosing reference photos, composing the scene in tonal sketches, creating a simple block-in, and then finishing the painting with carefully chosen details. We'll talk about materials and techniques but the focus will be on the basics of painting: composition, value relationships, color contrasts, edge variety, and details. An emphasis will be placed on proper seeing --looking closely at existing color and tonal relationships -- and on understanding and manipulating what is seen.
November 1st and 2nd, 2024
9 am - 4 pm
Monument Art & Cultural Center
44 Gypsy Lane
Bennington, VT 05201

December 2024
Textile Workshop (Block Print on Fabric) with Mary Jane Sarvis 
hosted by Monument Art & Cultural Center
Day 1 of the course will include learning the basic process of block printing using a selection of handmade blocks from my personal studio collection. Students will bring their own textiles, paper, or objects to print on. Day 1 will also include a discussion about the different types and methods of block printing, and how to decide which method to use for personal projects. Day 2 of the course will include students creating their own rubber blocks to print with. They will be walked through the process of designing, sketching, transferring, cutting, and printing their own images.
December 7 and 8, 2024
9 am to 4 pm
Monument Art & Cultural Center
44 Gypsy Lane
Bennington, VT 05201

June 2025
Painting & Barging in France with Robert Masla
hosted by Artful Travels
Join artist Robert Masla following in the footsteps of the early plein air painters and painting in the same locations where they lived, painted and studied. Our well-appointed barge will travel along the Loing River beginning in Montargis, ending in Paris on the River Seine. Along the way, we will explore and paint in important sites such as Fontainebleau Forest, Moret-sur-Loing and Grez-sur- Loing. The barge has 10 cabins, each with 2 beds and private bath with shower.
Tour begins in Montargis on June 22 and ends in Paris on June 30, 2025
Montargis, Neronville, Nemours, Fontainebleau Forest, Moret-sur-Loing, Grez-sur-Loing, Paris
France
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