PAINTING HOLIDAY TOURS
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- Embark on a journey of artistic exploration with Painting Holiday Tours. Immerse yourself in a world where art and travel collide, unveiling the beauty of our planet’s most mesmerizing destinations through the eyes of creativity. Our handcrafted tours seamlessly weave cultural discovery with artistic expression, catering to both seasoned painters and novices alike. Whether you’re strolling through quaint European villages or gazing upon the breathtaking landscapes of Asia, each adventure promises a canvas for self-discovery and inspiration.
- Guided by seasoned experts, our tours offer personalized workshops, fostering connections with fellow art enthusiasts and enabling you to capture the essence of diverse locales with your brush strokes. Painting Holiday Tours is more than just a travel experience; it’s a gateway to personal and artistic growth, forging profound connections between creativity and the enchanting corners of our world. Join us and unleash your inner artist amidst the splendor of our global canvas.
Watercolour & Travel Sketching Retreat with Cheryl Bruce – Orange, Millthorpe & Carcoar
- Orange · Millthorpe · Carcoar (NSW)
- 8 – 14 November 2026
- 6 Nights · 7 Days
Spend a restorative week immersed in watercolour and travel sketching with acclaimed artist Cheryl Bruce, based in the vibrant regional centre of Orange and painting in the storybook villages of Millthorpe and Carcoar. This 7-day retreat offers personalised instruction and plenty of time on location, capturing tree-lined streets, historic architecture, peaceful lake views, vineyard landscapes and atmospheric country towns in your sketchbook and watercolour works.
💰 Pricing Options
AU$3459 for couple
Noosa & Sunshine Coast Oil Painting Workshop
- Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach, Coolum & Peregian Beach
- 26 July – 1 August 2026
- 6 Nights | 7 Days
Join us for a relaxed and inspiring 7-day coastal oil painting workshop based in beautiful Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Enjoy five full days of plein-air painting across iconic beaches, rocky headlands, turquoise bays and expansive ocean views.
This workshop is guided by artist Natasha Ruschka and is suitable for all levels. You’ll receive daily demonstrations, personalised feedback and practical guidance to strengthen composition, colour harmony and confidence while painting on location.
Workshop format: Day 1 welcome dinner & orientation, Days 2–6 full painting days (Day 6 includes farewell dinner), Day 7 departure.
- Little Cove Beach – Iconic Noosa bay with turquoise water, headlands and shaded pockets.
- Tea Tree Bay – Beautiful coastal walk setting with dramatic rocks and ocean movement.
- Main Beach Noosa – Classic beach scenes with surf, sky, figures and distant headlands.
- Laguna Lookout – Elevated views across Noosa, river and hinterland (location confirmed on the day).
- Sunshine Beach – Expressive surf, strong shapes and beautiful sunset possibilities.
- Coolum & Peregian Beach – Expansive coastline, great compositions, with easy access to shops/toilets nearby.
💰 Pricing Options
🧍 AU$ 3,499 (Single Room) 🧑🤝🧑 AU$ 2,899 (Twin Share Per Person) 🎨 AU$ 1,999 (Painting Only)
Painting Only includes all workshop sessions and tuition (accommodation & meals not included).
AU$3459 for couple
10-Day Murray River Watercolour Workshop with Jacky Pearson
- Echuca, Barmah NP, Bendigo, Rutherglen, Beechworth, Yackandandah & Albury
- 17 Sep 2026 – 26 Sep 2026
- 9 Nights
Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Victoria’s river towns while refining your watercolour painting skills under the expert guidance of acclaimed artist Jacky Pearson. Over ten days, capture historic landscapes, heritage architecture, and vibrant village scenes across:
- PS Emmylou Cruise – Painting from the deck of a classic paddle steamer
- Echuca – Historic wharves & river reflections
- Barmah NP – Majestic red‑gum forests & billabongs
- Bendigo – Grand gold‑rush streetscapes & botanical gardens
- Rutherglen – Sunlit vineyards & cellar‑door charm
- Beechworth – Heritage buildings & autumn hues
- Yackandandah – Colourful artisan village scenes
- Albury – Serene riverbanks & leafy parks
💰 Pricing Options
AU$3459 for couple
Provence Watercolour Workshop with Chan
- Arles • Aix-en-Provence • Nice, France
- 1 Apr 2027
- 10 Days / 9 Nights • 4★ Hotels (Arles 3N • Aix 3N • Nice 3N)
Paint the southern light that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne with award-winning watercolourist Chan Dissanayake. This relaxed 10-day itinerary balances daily plein-air sessions, clear demos, and one-to-one guidance with gentle sightseeing across Provence and the Riviera.
- Arles & Camargue – Roman stones, Van Gogh trail, manade (white horses/black bulls), flamingos, Aigues-Mortes salt pans
- Aix-en-Provence – Cézanne’s haunts, elegant squares, Château La Coste Art & Architecture stroll, Sainte-Victoire viewpoints
- Villefranche-sur-Mer & Cap-Ferrat – pastel harbour, Citadel exteriors, coastal studies on the sentier du littoral
- Accommodation – Quality 4★ stays in walkable areas, ideal for painters and partners
💰 Pricing
AU$3459 for couple
Central Australia Watercolour Workshop with Chan
- Alice Springs, West & East MacDonnell Ranges
- 7 – 13 July 2026
- 6 Nights
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day painting retreat with acclaimed watercolorist Chan Dissanayake in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Explore the breathtaking outback landscapes of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges while learning to capture their unique colours, textures, and vastness with watercolour.
- Alice Springs – The gateway to Central Australia and your creative base.
- Simpsons Gap – Iconic outback gorge with dramatic red cliffs.
- Olive Pink Botanic Garden – Study desert flora in a tranquil setting.
- Ormiston Gorge – Full-day exploration of one of the region’s most spectacular landscapes.
- Jessie Gap or Corroboree Rock – Eastern ranges bursting with colour and contrast.
💰 Pricing Options
🎨 AU$ 2,749 (Twin Share Per Person) 🏡 AU$ 3,399 (Single Fare) 🖌️ AU$ 1,949 (Painting & Tutor Only)
🌟 Non-Painting Partner Discount: AU$ 200 Off!
AU$3459 for couple
Watercolor Workshop in Sri Lanka with Chan Dissanayake
- Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Nuwara Eliya
- 22 Feb 2027
- 12 Nights
Join acclaimed artist Chan Dissanayake for an unforgettable 13-day watercolor workshop tour through Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes. This exclusive tour is designed for all levels of artists, offering personalized guidance in picturesque locations including:
- Colombo – The vibrant capital city and coastal charm.
- Kandy – Historical beauty and sacred temples.
- Galle – The UNESCO World Heritage town with colonial architecture.
- Nuwara Eliya – The picturesque hill town with lush tea gardens.
- Coastal Sunset Paintings – Experience Sri Lanka's magical sunsets by the sea.
💰 Pricing Options
AU$3459 for couple
🎨 Vietnam Watercolour Workshop with Jacky Pearson
- Vietnam
- 6 March 2027
- 12 Nights
- 🗺️ HCMC → Cu Chi Tunnels → Mekong Delta → Da Nang → Hoi An → Ninh Binh → Hanoi
⭐ Journey through Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes—paint bustling markets in Ho Chi Minh City, serene waterways of the Mekong Delta, lantern‑lit streets of Hoi An, emerald karsts at Ninh Binh, and the historic charm of Hanoi. Each day features en plein air workshops, live demonstrations and evening critiques with Jacky Pearson, plus cultural experiences for non‑painting partners.
🌟 Tour Highlights
- 🏨 Hand‑picked 4 & 5‑star hotels
- 🍽️ Daily breakfasts, welcome banquet & farewell dinner
- 🖌️ Morning & afternoon painting sessions with live demos
- 💬 Evening group critiques & personalised feedback
- ✈️🚐 All internal flights, coach transfers & daily transport
- 🗣️ Local English‑speaking guides & cultural activities
💰 Pricing Options
Tumut Region Watercolour Workshop with Chan
- Tumut, Gundagai & Brungle, NSW
- 1 – 7 March 2026
- 6 Nights
Embark on a serene 7-day painting retreat with acclaimed watercolorist Chan Dissanayake in the stunning Snowy Valleys region of New South Wales. Discover the natural charm of Tumut, the heritage streets of Gundagai, and the tranquil beauty of Brungle, all while learning to capture their essence in watercolor.
Designed for all skill levels, this immersive workshop offers personalised instruction, beautiful plein air locations, and a welcoming artistic community.
- Tumut River Walk – Serene river scenes with reflections and native flora
- Pioneer Park – Historic charm with open landscapes and mountain backdrops
- Tumut Wetlands – Tranquil birdlife and water reflections
- Blowering Dam Lookout – Panoramic views of the dam and surrounding hills
- Gundagai’s Railway Viaduct & Dog on the Tuckerbox – Iconic landmarks and sketch-worthy architecture
- Brungle Creek & Local Farmlands – Peaceful rural scenes with bushland and rustic charm
💰 Pricing Options
AU$3459 for couple
Tasmania Watercolour Workshop with Jacky Pearson
- Hobart, Tasmania
- 26 April – 2 May 2026
- 7 Days · 6 Nights
Join celebrated watercolour artist Jacky Pearson for an inspiring 7-day painting retreat in Tasmania. Experience the charm of Hobart through the eyes of a master tutor with over 30 years of artistic and teaching excellence. Explore Tasmania’s breathtaking landscapes while receiving hands-on guidance in a relaxed and supportive environment.
- Stay in Style – Enjoy 4-star accommodations in central Hobart for a luxurious and restful stay.
- Paint with a Master – Learn directly from Jacky Pearson through daily demonstrations for five days, individual feedback, and guided plein air sessions.
- Scenic Inspiration – Create artworks at iconic locations including Salamanca Place, Mt. Wellington, Richmond, and the serene Huon Valley.
- Exceptional Dining – Relish Tasmania’s gourmet delights, with welcome and farewell dinners included.
- Effortless Travel – All transfers included for painting excursions and optional airport pickup available at an additional cost for your convenience.
Jacky Pearson is a respected New Zealand watercolourist and art educator whose impressionistic style is inspired by light, mood, and atmosphere. Her warm, insightful approach makes her one of the most sought-after tutors in Australasia and beyond.
💰 Pricing Options
AU$3459 for couple
Stradbroke Island Watercolour Retreat with Chan
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- North Stradbroke Island, QLD
- 24 – 30 May 2026
- 6 Nights
- Tutor-Only Package Available
Join celebrated watercolorist Chan Dissanayake for a 7-day painting escape on the sun-drenched shores of North Stradbroke Island. Known for its pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and cultural richness, Straddie provides the perfect plein air setting for artistic exploration.
Open to all levels, this retreat offers expert tuition, a friendly creative environment, and inspiring coastal scenery.
- Dunwich Jetty & Mangroves – Coastal light, boats, and tidal reflections (45 min drive)
- North Gorge Lookout – Ocean cliffs, crashing waves, and sweeping views (10 min walk)
- Amity Point – Jetty scenes, pelicans, and sunset colours (25 min drive)
- Frenchman's Beach – Soft dunes, surf, and beach textures (10 min walk)
- Cultural Sketch Walk – Optional tour with Quandamooka guide (location & availability TBC)
💰 Pricing Options
AU$3459 for couple
New Zealand South Island Oil Painting Workshop with Natasha Ruschka
- Wanaka, Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Milford Sound & Mount Aspiring Region
- 17 – 24 March 2027
- 7 Nights
Join us for an unforgettable 8-day oil painting retreat exploring the spectacular landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Based in Wanaka and Arrowtown, you’ll paint crystal-clear alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, heritage villages and dramatic valleys while enjoying relaxed tuition and scenic travel days.
Guided by acclaimed artist Natasha Ruschka, this workshop focuses on plein-air painting techniques including composition, atmospheric perspective, colour harmony and expressive oil brushwork across some of the world’s most inspiring landscapes.
- Wanaka Lakefront – Mirror-like reflections, jetty scenes and mountain backdrops.
- Lake Hawea & Lindis Pass – Expansive alpine landscapes and dramatic big-sky compositions.
- Glenorchy & Paradise Valley – Wetlands, lagoons and iconic South Island scenery.
- Arrowtown & Crown Range – Heritage streets, rivers and elevated mountain viewpoints.
- Mount Aspiring & Alpine National Park – Dramatic peaks, braided rivers and alpine valleys.
- Milford Sound / Mount Cook (weather dependent) – Epic fjord or glacial landscapes for a memorable painting day.
💰 Pricing Options
🧑🤝🧑 AU$ 3,599 (Twin Share Per Person) 🧍 AU$ 4,499 (Single Room)
🌟 Non-Painting Partner Discount: AU$ 200 Off!
AU$3459 for couple
Central Australia Watercolour Workshop with Chan
- Alice Springs, West & East MacDonnell Ranges
- 12 – 18 July 2026
- 6 Nights
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day painting retreat with acclaimed watercolorist Chan Dissanayake in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Explore the breathtaking outback landscapes of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges while learning to capture their unique colours, textures, and vastness with watercolour.
Designed for all skill levels, this immersive tour offers personalised instruction, stunning plein air locations, and a supportive artistic community.
- Alice Springs – The gateway to Central Australia and your creative base.
- Simpsons Gap – Iconic outback gorge with dramatic red cliffs.
- Olive Pink Botanic Garden – Study desert flora in a tranquil setting.
- Ormiston Gorge – Full-day exploration of one of the region’s most spectacular landscapes.
- Jessie Gap or Corroboree Rock – Eastern ranges bursting with colour and contrast.
💰 Pricing Options
AU$3459 for couple
Blue Mountains Oil Painting Workshop
- Katoomba, Leura & Blackheath – Blue Mountains NSW
- 18 – 24 October 2026
- 6 Nights | 7 Days
Join us for a relaxed and inspiring 7-day mountain oil painting workshop based in the breathtaking Blue Mountains, NSW. Enjoy five full days of plein-air painting across dramatic escarpments, iconic lookouts, waterfalls, botanical gardens and misty valley landscapes.
This workshop is guided by artist Natasha Ruschka and is suitable for all levels. You’ll receive daily demonstrations, personalised feedback and practical guidance to strengthen composition, colour harmony, atmospheric perspective and confidence while painting on location.
Workshop format: Day 1 welcome dinner & orientation, Days 2–6 full painting days (Day 6 includes farewell dinner), Day 7 departure.
- The Three Sisters – Iconic Blue Mountains landmark with dramatic cliffs and layered valley views.
- Everglades House & Gardens – Historic gardens with colourful spring blooms and sweeping mountain vistas.
- Cahill’s Lookout – Stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Megalong Valley.
- Pool of Siloam & Waterfalls – Intimate cascade scenes perfect for studying movement and reflections.
- Govetts Leap, Blackheath – Expansive valley views with dramatic escarpments and waterfalls.
- Megalong Valley & Blue Mountains Botanic Garden – Rural mountain landscapes and botanical colour studies.
💰 Pricing Options
🧍 AU$ 3,499 (Single Room) 🧑🤝🧑 AU$ 2,899 (Twin Share Per Person) 🎨 AU$ 1,999 (Painting Only)
Painting Only includes all workshop sessions and tuition (accommodation & meals not included).
AU$3459 for couple