why go on a painting holiday? the benefits of immersive art travel
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| Our sketches from painting the lavender field at Perigord Retreats in 2025 |
I've just returned from another magical 10-day retreat at Perigord Retreats in France—and I’m still smiling. My sketchbook came home with pages of sketches in it, but my heart feels even fuller: with new friendships, creative energy, and memories of shared laughter I’ll be living off for months. (More about what we got up to in my next blog post).
Somewhere on the train ride home, I found myself reflecting on what makes these painting holidays so special—not just for me as a tutor, but for everyone who comes along. It’s hard to put into words what these retreats truly feel like unless you’ve experienced one. But I’ll try, because if you’ve ever longed to take your sketchbook somewhere beautiful and let the scenery guide your brush, this might be just what you need.
There’s something transformative about stepping away from daily routines and immersing yourself in art, nature, and the joy of making something with your own hands, and sharing it with other enthusiastic creatives. So why go on a painting holiday? Let me share a few thoughts.
1. Full immersion in your art practice
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| It's not all about painting outside, there's studio time too. |
A painting holiday gives you the gift of time—days devoted entirely to creating. No chores, no errands, no juggling your sketchbook between other obligations. You're not squeezing painting into your week; you're building your week around it.
This kind of full immersion often leads to surprising growth. You can explore techniques more deeply, develop confidence painting outdoors, and finally get around to using that new palette or sketchbook you've been saving.
I believe learning should be joyful, and I bring that spirit to every retreat. There's no pressure to be perfect—just a warm, relaxed environment where you can grow, laugh, and paint as much (or as little) as you like.
2. Paint with a tutor, in person
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| Sketching in La Roque Gageac in 2022 |
Online tutorials are great—but nothing beats the immediacy of in-person guidance. On a painting retreat, you can ask questions in the moment, watch techniques unfold live, and get personalised feedback as you work. If you’ve ever struggled with perspective, colour mixing, or how to simplify a scene on location, having an experienced tutor right there can make all the difference.
Groups are small and mixed ability. You don’t need to be “good enough” to join. Whether you’re new to sketching or more experienced, there is a space where everyone can learn at their own pace—and where no one ever feels left behind.
3. Paint the world instead of just photographing it
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| Sketchbook pages of our trip to Rocamadour, 2025 |
When you sketch or paint a place, you truly see it. You slow down. You notice details others might miss—the way light hits a doorway, the curve of a hill, the colours of a market stall. My retreats are all about helping you capture those small, beautiful moments with your own hand.
When you return home, your sketchbooks hold not just images, but memories and stories.
A painting holiday helps you see a place more clearly. You leave with more than snapshots—you leave with visual journals full of personal impressions.
4. Connect with fellow creatives
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| Chats over glasses of wine at golden hour, 2024 |
There’s something special about painting alongside others. On a retreat, you're surrounded by people who also love sketching, who get excited about watercolour paper, paints, pens, inks, and who understand the joy (and challenge) of trying to capture the light before it changes. Many artists make lasting friendships on painting holidays—it's a shared adventure that brings people together.
I keep the atmosphere light and flexible—no rigid schedules, no competitive vibe. Just a group of people coming together to enjoy painting in a beautiful place.
We don't just share painting time, there's shared meals, explorations to beautiful places, laughter and stories with glasses of good wine. And incredible food, of course.
These connections often become one of the highlights of the trip. Many of my guests stay in touch long after the retreat ends—and many return again and again.
5. A creative reset you didn’t know you needed
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| Sketching an old watermill, 2024 |
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your art is to take it somewhere new. A change of scenery, a fresh breeze, the inspiration of being outdoors with a brush in hand—it can rekindle your creativity in ways you didn’t expect. My retreats are about nurturing that spark, not forcing it.
Even if you arrive feeling stuck or unsure, you’ll leave re-energised, with new ideas, fresh confidence, and a sketchbook full of stories that are yours.
6. Because you deserve it
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| At Chateau des Milandes, 2025 |
Let’s not forget—this is a holiday. Yes, it’s about learning and growth, but it’s also about joy. You get to travel, explore, taste new foods, wander new streets... and you get to do it all with your sketchbook in hand and in like-minded company. It’s a wonderful blend of exploration and creation.
Ready to Join Me?
If this sounds like the kind of experience you’re craving, I’d love to welcome you on one of my upcoming painting holidays. Each retreat is designed to inspire your creativity, build your confidence, and remind you that painting can be one of the great pleasures of life.
