Learn. Improve. Try a new skill. Whether you're still stuck on stick men and onedimensional dogs or an accomplished amateur, our range of painting and drawing breaks has something for most levels of art. Led by an extraordinary group of talented artists and tutors, we'll help you learn new skills, advance your technique, and develop your eye.

Important Facts

• You need to be fit enough to walk short distances to painting sites outdoors, and to be able to carry your own equipment.
• The transport on all Outdoor Painting holidays stays with you all day (except Rambles with a Sketchbook, which drops the group off and returns to collect it later in the day).
• If the weather turns inclement on Outdoor holidays, we may return to work indoors, or we may take in another site related to the holiday theme such as a local art gallery we know to be interesting. The cost of this is included in your holiday price.
• You need to provide your own equipment, including an easel and lightweight folding chair or stool if working outdoors. We can provide information on saving weight in your choice of equipment for travelling purposes.
• A suggested list of art materials and equipment you need to bring is sent to you three weeks before departure, but is usually available on request in advance.
• If your chosen medium is oil, please ask us for advice as we are not always able to accommodate this.
• There will be a maximum group size of 15 on Outdoor holidays. This may be less on Indoor breaks where the size of the facility dictates group size.

	Painting Outdoors
	Painting Indoors
	Drawing and Calligraphy

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Painting Outdoors

Mixing indoor sessions with hands-on tuition and outdoor practicals to develop your art in some of the most picturesque countryside in Britain and Italy.

Painting in Italy NEW

San Quirico (Tuscany, Italy)

TImprove your skills and technique in the company of a local guide in this beautiful Tuscan valley. To help you capture the spirit of this golden landscape on canvas, we’ll take you to the best sites for light and composition. Vineyards, villages, castles and perhaps Siena’s mighty cathedral are just a few of the challenges we might attempt. Relax in the sun or a shady corner to enjoy Tuscany’s wonderful landscape and cuisine. Any transport costs payable locally.

Nago (Lake Garda, Italy)

In the company of our expert guide, learn how to capture the drama and light of this dramatic corner of Italy on canvas. Develop your skills and technique whilst enjoying a relaxing break on the shores of one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes. As well as the striking mountain backdrop to the lake itself, subjects might draw on the local architecture and agricultural produce. Any transport costs payable locally.

Click here for flight details to San Quirico

Click here for flight details to Nago

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Landscape Painting at its Best

There's a lifetime of picture making within easy reach from HF Holidays country houses. Wide-open vistas, attractive towns and villages, fishing boats, and forests - the scope is truly inspirational. In the company of an accomplished artist, we'll explore the local area and discover the finest sites for our art.

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Seascapes and Waterscapes

Learn how to capture still water reflections or brooding seascapes, fishing boats, harbours, and vast skies. With an expert tutor we'll show you how to match the depth and colour of any scene with water, capturing the light and perspective of subjects and background.

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Painting 'Found Objects' from the shore NEW

On a short walk along a wild Northumberland shore in the company of an established artist, we'll collect whatever takes our fancy from the flotsam and jetsam. Returning to Nether Grange, we'll explore ways of reproducing its image, context, or inspiration.

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Rambles with a Sketchbook

Discover artistic inspiration off the beaten track. We'll walk for 3 to 4 miles each day, usually on footpaths, though these might be rough and steep for short stretches. Your sketching might be an end in itself, or be used as a source for later painting. If the weather's bad we'll sketch indoors.

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Pastel Landscapes

Soft pastel is one of the oldest of all painting media. For many it is also the most exciting - it doesn't require an understanding of colour mixes and gives you instant, vibrant colour. Inspired by the impressive local scenery we cover application techniques as well as composition, tonal values, and the importance of the colour wheel.

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Painting Harrington House and its Surroundings NEW

Harrington House has been described as the jewel in the crown of Bourton-on-the-Water, a superb Palladian mansion at the heart of the lovely Cotswold village's Conservation Area. Your leader will help you capture both the house itself and its gardens and setting, with your final work being honed in the dedicated garden studio.

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Painting Indoors

We're building up an enviable range of art facilities at our Country Houses, including dedicated studios at some. These holidays are great for learning new skills or honing your artistic gifts in the company of like-minded people.

Learn to Paint

A fantastic introduction to the world of art. Watch our expert leaders and then have a go yourself. Learn about colour mixing, basic washes, complementary colours, composition, and the starter kit you need for a rewarding and absorbing hobby. Not strictly indoors only: we'll make full use of the country house and its grounds.

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Pastel Impressions

Try out the freedom of pastels or improve your technique. We'll paint from photos, observation, memory, and your imagination. There'll be advice on materials to suit you and your style, whether you're a beginner or have some experience already.

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Flower Painting

Whether you're new to painting or just looking for a fresh challenge, flowers are a great subject for artistic endeavour. We'll introduce you to some of the skills and techniques needed to create really interesting pieces, using pictures and real specimens.

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Animal Portraits in Pastel

Don't you wish you could draw animals? Maybe your family pets or perhaps those of your friends? Working from photographs and pictures, your expert leader will show you how to capture the appeal of animals through the use of pastels. They're an excellent medium for creating fur textures and realistic effects.

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Chinese Brush Painting

Chinese brush painting is all about nature, with beautiful mountains, colourful flowers, delightful animals, and figures in action. We'll show you the techniques so you can do it at home and you'll also learn about using painting as a form of meditation, through concentration.

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Learn to Draw and Paint Portraits NEW

Learn how to draw the human face with tuition and guidance at every stage. Start from photographs and pictures using pencil or pastels then when your confidence grows take the opportunity to work from a live model!

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Vibrant Water-based Inks NEW

Fruit, vegetables, colourful still life, foliage shapes, garden flowers and/or shop flowers are all good subjects. Learn to produce bright vibrant paintings, with expert tuition to guide you through the process. Please note all materials are provided at a cost of £10 pp, payable at the House.

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Drawing and Calligraphy

Learn to Draw

Anyone can draw - you just have to be shown how. Our expert leader will start you off with the basics of making lines on paper and then, through a series of light-hearted exercises, develop your confidence to put down on paper what you see with your eyes. You don't need a lot of special equipment either - Picasso often used a biro and the back of an envelope!

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Celtic Lettering

Try your hand at the rich and swirly styles of lettering you'll find in early medieval manuscripts. Uncial is a wonderful Celtic writing style that lends itself to colour decoration. We use it to explore the design process from initial ideas, layout, colour, and composition for you to complete a finished piece of work of your choice.

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Italic Calligraphy

Italic is the mainstay of calligraphy, and here we'll introduce the tools and techniques, the colours, layout, and design. Step by step guidance encourages you to produce your own original calligraphic piece. Enjoy an optional guided walk in the afternoons.

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Writing for Pleasure

Come and work through creative blocks and get expert advice on how to progress your writing. Try new areas of creative writing or build on articles you have already started. Let your imagination run wild.

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