PAINTING HOLIDAYS

I try to help you develop your own style, rather than just have you copy what I do but it is important that you like the way I paint so have a look at my gallery. If you like what you see then I am sure you will enjoy the workshops. All levels of experience are very welcome but complete beginners may feel a little overwhelmed and so you are advised to have at least some basic knowledge and experience, gained from other classes, books or videos. Holiday workshops are organised by the companies and venues listed and all bookings must be made with them. Questions about accommodation, meals and transport can only be answered by the course organisers. As I will be reducing my teaching committments each year you may find that my workshops will fill faster and so I recommend booking as soon as possible. Read the information for each workshop carefully. All workshops include accommodation and some or all meals and workshops outside the UK and Ireland may include materials and/or equipment (although I would always suggest that you bring your own if possible). Click the links to the workshop organisers to see full details on each workshop. Price ranges refer to shared or single occupancy for painters as well as the size of accommodation in some cases. Non-painting partners receive a substantial discount on these prices. If the workshop is full ask to go on the waiting list. Cancellations do happen! Workshop teaching times and details vary a little depending on the organisers but each day will usually begin with a demonstration lasting up to 90 minutes. After this you are free to choose your own subject for painting or if you prefer you can use the subject demonstrated. I spend the rest of the day helping and advising each participant. Occasionally there may be a second demonstration. If it rains we have an indoor studio to let us continue our painting. Some of the workshops will have painting locations that require a few minutes walk, possibly on slopes and uneven ground whereas others take place in or beside a studio which may be better suited to those with limited mobility. The organisers will be happy to help with any mobility questions.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOP CALENDAR 2026

MARCH - Connemara APRIL - Portugal MAY -

Peak District

JUNE - Kinvara - Norfolk - Lake District OCTOBER

- Tuscany

WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOPS

AND HOLIDAYS

NORFOLK, ENGLAND

21-26 June 2026, £TBC

(21st and 26th are arrival/departure days)

organised by BIG SKY ART

The course is in North Norfolk, an area beloved of artists for hundreds of years - a unique and unspoiled landsape of beaches, harbours and villages. Based in the White House, an exceptionally comfortable Country House set in rolling farmland a couple of miles from the coast and adjacent to Burnham Market, BIG SKY ART offers laid-back luxury, a relaxed atmosphere, fabulous food, new onsite studio and a warm welcome to painters of all abilities.

BUXTON AND THE PEAK DISTRICT

10-14 May 2026, from £825pps

(Arrive on 10th. 11th-14th are full painting days)

organised by ALPHA PAINTING HOLIDAYS

We will be staying in the Palace Hotel and Spa, a beautiful Victorian hotel in the heart of Buxton and a perfect base from which to visit the villages and moorland areas of the Peak district. There is a huge variety of subjects from small village scenes to panoramic landscapes.

LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND

29 June-3 July 2026, from £925pps

(Arrive on 29th. 30th-3rd are full painting days)

organised by ALPHA PAINTING HOLIDAYS

Based close to Lake Windermere in the Lyth Valley at the Damson Dene Hotel, we are perfectly situated to visit some of the most breathtaking scenery in England. With villages, lakes, rivers and mountains, you will be spoiled for choice.

THE WATERMILL, TUSCANY

3-10 October 2026 from £2320

(3rd and 10th are arrival/departure days)

£75 early bird discount if booked before 31 December

organised by THE WATERMILL AT POSARA

The Watermill is a complex of elegant and historic Tuscan buildings, surrounding a sunny courtyard with an adjoining vine verandah, rose pergola and sun-filled walled garden. We usually spend Sunday painting in the Watermill gardens or beside the river, or in the light and airy Watermill studio, overlooking the gardens and mountains on one side and the river on the other. We take you on painting trips to an ancient castle and village, to market day in a nearby walled Medieval town, to a secluded cloistered convent and to a thousand-year old hilltop village with craggy mountain views. There is a whole day (non-painting) excursion by train to the walled city of Lucca or to the villages of the Cinque Terre. The cost includes everything except flights to Pisa airport.

OLHAO, THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

22-29 April 2026 from £1395 single

(22nd and 29th are arrival/departure days)

organised by FRIENDSHIP TRAVEL

We will be based in the Casa Rosa Hotel, situated close to the old town where we will do most of our painting, with subjects including the market, boats, coastal scenes and cafes. We will also spend a day at the nearby island of Armona. The train station is close to the hotel giving us easy access to the nearby towns of Faro and Tavira. The cost includes flights from the UK to Faro airport, 5 days tuition, accommodation and most meals. Adjustments to the cost can be made if you are travelling from elsewhere.

CONNEMARA, IRELAND

22-26 March 2026 €749

(Course introduction on evening of 22 March. 26 March morning

departure)

organised by RENVYLE HOUSE HOTEL

Connemara is one of the most magical places in Ireland and Renvyle House Hotel is perfectly situated right on the coast with spectacular scenery all around. There are three full teaching days and we will be taking full advantage of the wonderful painting subjects that are all around. We also have a cosy indoor studio if the weather is not suitable for plein air painting. Email Renvyle if you are interested