We explore the main benefits as well as key questions to ask before you commit to a painting holiday.

Painting holidays can be a truly magical experience. You can relax, learn new skills and paint in beautiful surroundings in the company of like-minded people. By painting regularly over several days, there’s a real opportunity to develop your work.

You’ll soon discover the rewards of being away from everyday routines and distractions. You will also benefit from the support and guidance of a confident, experienced tutor.

Painting holiday benefits

Established holiday providers deliver great painting experiences alongside experienced tutors. These tutors know how to inspire the best from their students. They will have a good knowledge of the local area and what it offers. They will also know all the spots that offer the best painting opportunities. 

If you’re holidaying on your own, a painting holiday offers a truly enjoyable experience. You can enjoy time on your own, absorbed in your work. You can also socialise, discuss progress and the events of the day over meals or in the evenings with your fellow travellers. 

An important aspect of a painting holiday is to enjoy the journey and make sure you learn along the way. You might come away with your next masterpiece, but this is not the key goal. You’ll have spent your time well if you finish the holiday with a clutch of sketches and studies. You will also come away with a deeper understanding of painting, which you can build on in the future.

Looking for more painting holiday advice? Check out our collection of handy guides with top tips from artist tutors

Key questions to ask before you commit to a painting holiday

Location

Holidays may involve different locations. These could be mostly indoors, a mixture of indoor and plein-air or perhaps even fully based out of doors.

Meals

Often some meals are included in the overall price but it’s always best to check. If you have any specific dietary requirements, ensure the organisers have plenty of notice.

Amenities

Check whether the general location is secluded or are there plenty of local amenities you can utilise. Consider this particularly if you do not have your own transport. If the meals are not all included in your holiday, you may have to ‘pop into town’ for dinner. 

Facilities

If a location has limited facilities they will generally allocate on a first come, first served basis. As an example, are all the rooms en-suite or will you need to share these facilities with your fellow painters? 

Materials

If you are taking your own materials, it is generally best to stick with what you know best. A painting holiday is not necessarily the right time to be trying a new medium. If you are providing your own materials, check the suggested list. Make sure your happy with the materials you are taking as it might be difficult to replace/purchase on the holiday. 

Some holiday providers supply all the paints and equipment you’ll need for your trip. Others will loan you the bulkier items such as easels, boards and chairs. 

Looking for more guidance on what materials to take on your art painting holiday? Check out this super handy guide with tips focussing on travelling with watercolour, oils, acrylics and pastels.

Changes of location

Some holidays might require travel to different painting locations. Are the costs of this covered in your overall package? If not, how much will the this activity cost you? If you’re travelling abroad do you need to pay the transfer costs, and what might these be?

Travel

The overall price does not generally cover travel to and from the holiday destination. You are likely to have to organise this past of the holiday yourself. If your travel costs are covered, the company will probably require you to depart from a specific airport or station.

Travel cover

You will always be expected to provide your own health and travel insurance. If you’re travelling abroad, it is a good idea to check if you require any special visas. If this is the case take note of the length of time it may take to acquire such a thing. 

Mobility

If you have any mobility issues it is always best to check any changes of painting destination. Will these suit you – long-distance walking, multiple steps, uneven ground and so on. 

More often than not, working on location involves a certain amount of carrying equipment. You should check the details if you think this might be difficult for you. Most holiday providers will drop you off at locations but check first to find if assistance is available. A small luggage trolley or suitcase on wheels may prove a handy addition when moving equipment around. 

Partners

Non-painting guests are usually welcome. You (and they) will be responsible for ensuring they have enough to do while you are out and about painting. 

If you found this article helpful, you’ll love our full guide. Click to access the Ultimate Guide to Painting Holidays, complete with every article in this series.

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