Vistas Sketching Holidays

The far Northwest is a land few visit but none forget. Prehistoric, weathered peaks jut into the clouds above pristine beaches and rocky shorelines where gulls wheel, seals laze and otters gambol. Home to small communities of hardy crofters and fishermen, the landscape is vast and sparsely inhabited; one can be in the hills all day without meeting a single soul although if you are lucky you'll sea red deer and perhaps an eagle. For painters the area is Heaven and it's a real challenge to do it justice in a short stay. In this itinerary I have tried to cover the most iconic places around the area of Assynt. To reach the most fabulous, hidden corners a little walking is required; thus this ...Read more >

In the middle of the stony desert, accessible only by rugged sandy tracks, lies a peaceful oasis, a tranquil haven of date palms, fossil-laden crags and warm Berber hospitality. The days are warm and relaxing, the nights full of stars. This is an ideal place for artists (or indeed writers) of all abilities to immerse themselves in their own creative project with or without constructive input. The area has minimal distractions and is very conducive to exploring/developing your creativity with complete focus. A beginners' intensive 'learn to sketch and paint' course runs simultaneously so whichever option you choose, you will be assured likeminded company in the evenings. Complete novices (a ...Read more >

Basing ourselves in the Highland capital of Inverness, with its wealth culture and history and easily accessible by public transport, we will venture out in all directions to some of the most stunning parts of Scotland, all within an hour's drive of the city. Our aim is to savour the beauty of this diverse region, to seek out the quiet corners and immerse ourselves in the landscape through sketching and painting. There are almost limitless picture-perfect views to paint on this itinerary and my aim is to show you everything that is unmissable, whilst staying away from the crowds. Recording your experience in your sketchbook, we will spend time in at least two different painting locations ...Read more >

Focusing on some of the country's most beautiful sights around the south west coast, and the wonderfully atmospheric hill country inland, this painting and sketching holiday in Sri Lanka offers a delightful introduction to its landscapes, culture and history. With a welcoming and accomplished landscape artist acting as your guide and tutor, explore this beautiful region with paints and paper to hand. Small group trips operate between November and February, avoiding Sri Lanka’s monsoons, catching gloriously sunny weather with less humidity. With this itinerary you can expect a wealth of imagery to inspire you every day, so that you return home with a bulging pad evoking this most exotic ...Read more >

'Discover Morocco' is a sketching trip designed for both amateur and experienced painters who would like a varied taste of Morocco and everything this fabulous country has to offer, with the opportunity to create a full and vibrant sketchbook bursting with excitement and colour. Our journey takes in mountains, kasbahs, gorges and stony desert along with the local people and unique Berber culture.. Staying in several different locations using authentic, local accommodation you will see - and paint! - some of the best sights that the country has to offer.Read more >

Inspiration will come free and easy with this magical sketching and painting holiday in Sri Lanka. Led by an accomplished watercolour painter, you’ll stay in a lovely little hotel just outside Bentota on the teardrop-shaped island’s idyllic southwest coast, in an atmosphere of rural calm. Every day will bring fresh imagery to interest and challenge you – from temple lakes full of floating waterlillies, to a train ride over to the charming, historic streets of Galle. There may be boat trips with local fishermen, putting a little extra money into this welcoming community at the same time as providing you with superb views. There may be lazy lunches beneath the palms on white-sand beaches. ...Read more >

From cool, misty forests, twisty mountain roads and weird volcanic plugs to sparkling black beaches, the tiny Atlantic speck of La Gomera offers a unique sketching holiday experience. A world biosphere reserve, this peaceful and mostly rural island differs from its Canary neighbours in many ways yet it shares warm winter sunshine, good food and wine, a warm welcome for visitors and truly jaw-dropping scenery. Small and compact yet with a great deal of variety and a well-kept network of trails, we'll manage to cover - and paint - a good deal of the island's highlights along with some lesser-known spots, with relaxation time built into the itinerary. We'll stay in fabulously comfortable ...Read more >

Otherworldly and fascinating, Morocco’s desert landscapes offer unending inspiration for artists and painters of all abilities. This eight-day small group painting holiday, starting and finishing in Fez, will take you into the heart of the Moroccan desert, with memorable stays in traditional desert auberges. Accompanied by an expert tutor, you’ll have the chance to develop your artistic skills whether you are a complete beginner, or simply new to painting and sketching this type of landscape. This is an excellent trip if you want to maximise the time you spend painting and drawing; once you reach the sands near Erg Chebbi driving times are short each day. Sometimes the best painting spots ...Read more >