Inspiring Watercolour Holidays in Beautiful Locations
Paint, relax, and explore with Eunice J Friend
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Tuscan Painting Adventure at the Watermill Posara
25th April - 2nd May 2026 Fully Booked for 2026 bookings being taken for 2027
A week of colour, creativity, and La Dolce Vita 🎨🍷🌿
Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday at The Watermill at Posara, set in the heart of the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. This week-long retreat (Saturday to Saturday) is the perfect blend of art, inspiration, and Italian charm.
We begin our creative journey on Sunday, painting in the serene Watermill gardens, beside the gently flowing river, or in the spacious, light-filled studio. With views of rolling hills on one side and the river Rosaro on the other, you’ll find inspiration at every turn.
Throughout the week, we’ll venture out with our sketchbooks and brushes to some truly magical locations:
🏰 An ancient castle and village steeped in history
🏛️ A peaceful, cloistered convent tucked away in the hills
🛍️ A bustling market day in a nearby walled Medieval town
🌄 A thousand-year-old hilltop village with sweeping views of the craggy mountains
And because no Tuscan experience would be complete without a touch of adventure, we also include a full-day (non-painting) excursion by train—either to the elegant, walled city of Lucca or the colourful cliffside fishing villages of the Cinque Terre.
Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced painter, you’ll be warmly welcomed and supported throughout. Expect joyful days filled with painting, delicious food, local wine, and wonderful company—all set against the golden glow of Tuscany.
Spaces are limited, and this popular retreat fills quickly—so why not treat yourself to a week of creativity and relaxation?
What It Costs
The Watermill offer nine beautiful en suite bedrooms and two self-contained apartment suites—perfect for individuals or couples seeking a creative escape.
they’re proud to keep pricing fair: no hefty single supplements. If you're travelling solo, you’ll always have your own private room.
Sharing with a friend? There’s a saving for that! And if your partner would like to join the holiday but not take part in the painting course, they’ll receive a £250 discount. Prices start from £2,220.00 all inclusive based on 2 sharing. A small £250 deposit secures your booking. take a look at your options https://watermill.net/our-holidays/painting-holidays/
Click the buttons below to visit the Watermill Website.
I’m beyond excited to finally share some lovely news…
In Spring 2027, I’ll be hosting a painting holiday in the heart of rural France, and it’s something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time.
We’ll be staying in the gentle, rolling countryside of Gascony at the beautiful La Salle – a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and really see the world through a painter’s eyes.
Teaching sessions take place in the large studio, or on the covered terrace which doubles as an outdoor studio depending on the weather. The spacious studio is well equipped with easels, boards, tables, chairs, jars, rags and thinners. Students should bring their own supports, brushes, pencils and the painting medium of their choice.
La Salle Painting Retreat Gascony SW France
Tuesday 25th May - Tuesday June 1st 2027
There will be opportunity to work ‘en plein air’ either in the gardens at La Salle, in the lanes nearby local village, St Puy with its beautiful old stone buildings, Chateau, Church and open views out towards the mountain range of the Pyrenees, In addition there will be Panting excursions to places of interest including beautiful villages and a UNESCO world heritage site. Including the beautiful gardens of Latour-Marliac. This is where Claude Monet purchased the Water Lilies from which he developed his water gardens at Giverny and which inspired him to paint ‘Les Nymphaes’
This holiday is all about creative escape without pressure. Think relaxed mornings with a coffee and your sketchbook, guided painting sessions that gently stretch your skills, and afternoons soaking up the atmosphere of timeless French villages, gardens, and landscapes. We’ll paint together, laugh together, and share that wonderful feeling of being completely absorbed in art.
You don’t need to be an expert painter – just someone who loves watercolour and wants time, space, and encouragement to explore it more deeply. I’ll be there every step of the way, guiding you with the same supportive, friendly teaching style many of you already know.
7 nights accommodation with breakfast
6 lunches including 2 picnics
6 evening meals
Approximately 25 hours of painting tuition
Group transfer on arrival meeting at mid-day or between 16.00hr and 18.00hr at Toulouse Blagnac airport and on departure aiming to be back at the airport by 09.30hr. Transfer time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Panting excursions to places of interest including beautiful villages and a UNESCO world heritage site
Easels, fold-up chairs, boards provided
What It Costs
Accommodation is based at La Salle which offers 6 double or twin en suite facilities and the cottage in Rue du Chateau which offers a further 2 en suite rooms.
If you're travelling solo, you’ll always have your own private room.
Sharing with a friend? There’s a saving for that!
Prices start from £1,395.00 all inclusive based on 2 sharing. A small £200 deposit secures your booking.