EMAIL[email protected]
John has been painting professionally for over 40 years. His work possesses an emotive power and vitality that is enhanced by his use of light, colour and a strong sense of design. John’s passion for his work and his open, very informative approach to teaching make him a much sought after tutor. John’s knowledge and enthusiasm will inspire you to produce better paintings in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
DAY 1 Tuesday 1 September 2026 Lecce, Italy
Workshop members will be welcomed at our hotel in Lecce at 6.00pm by your Tour Manager when we gather for welcome drinks, followed by a delicious, included dinner. This will be a great opportunity to get to know your fellow artists.
DAY 2 Wednesday 2 September 2026 Lecce
This morning, we will enjoy a guided walking tour of Lecce. We will see the city's Baroque architecture and learn about the history and underground treasures on our walking tour of the historic centre. In the afternoon, John will conduct his first painting session with a demonstration followed by individual assistance for each tour member.
DAY 3 Thursday 3 September 2026 Lecce
Today, we will discover the artistic charm of Gallipoli. As we wander through the sunlit streets of the old town, you will take in the ornate Baroque facades and watch vibrant fishing boats sway gently in the harbour's calm waters. John will select a beautiful and inspiring spot for today's painting session, where you can capture the essence of this coastal gem.
DAY 4 Friday 4 September 2026 Lecce
Under the guidance of John, we will head to a fantastic painting location in Lecce. John will carry out a demonstration to show you how to get started on your own painting. He will provide tips on techniques, colour mixing, and composition to help you achieve the best possible result. Throughout the session, John will be on hand to help individual workshop members with their work. He will offer guidance on any challenges you might be facing and provide valuable feedback to help you improve your skills. This evening there will be an included dinner.
DAY 5 Saturday 5 September 2026 Matera
Today, we journey towards the stunning city of Matera, with a scenic stop in the elegant hilltop town of Martina Franca. Known for its whitewashed buildings, ornate balconies, and charming piazzas, Martina Franca offers a picturesque setting perfect for a relaxed sketching session. Enjoy capturing the town's unique Baroque architecture and alleyways before we continue our drive to Matera, where more breathtaking inspiration awaits. This evening there will be an included dinner.
DAY 6 Sunday 6 September 2026 Matera
Matera, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, is famed for its extraordinary Sassi cave dwellings and rock-hewn churches. This morning, we meet our local guide for an in-depth exploration of the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano districts. As you wander the steep, winding lanes and discover ancient rupestrian structures, you will uncover the remarkable story of Matera's transformation. In the afternoon, there will be a painting session.
DAY 7 Monday 7 September 2026 Matera
A full day of painting in the breathtaking setting of Matera, where history and landscape blend into a dreamlike scene. Surrounded by the ancient Sassi cave dwellings, weathered stone facades, and winding alleyways, you will have the perfect backdrop to explore light, texture, and shadow. Under John's guidance, capture the soft, earthy tones of this UNESCO-listed city. This evening there will be an included dinner.
DAY 8 Tuesday 8 September 2026 Polignano a Mare
Today we travel to the charming coastal town of Monopoli, where whitewashed buildings, colourful boats, and a sparkling harbour provide the perfect setting for a morning painting session. After a relaxed lunch and time to finish your painting, we will travel up the coast to the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare. This evening there will be an included dinner.
DAY 9 Wednesday 9 September 2026 Polignano a Mare
This morning, we discover the charm of Polignano a Mare on our guided walking tour through one of Italy's most picturesque coastal towns. In the afternoon there will be a painting session. This evening, there will be an included dinner.
DAY 10 Thursday 10 September 2026 Polignano a Mare
This morning we step into a fairy tale landscape with a painting session in Alberobello, famed for its iconic Trulli-whitewashed stone houses topped with conical roofs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a truly unique setting, where winding lanes and whimsical architecture provide endless inspiration. We continue our journey with a vineyard dinner near Alberobello, nestled in the heart of the Itria Valley. As the sun sets over the rolling vineyards, let yourself be swept away by the magical atmosphere and enjoy an exclusive dining experience featuring the finest Apulian specialties.
DAY 11 Friday 11 September 2026 Polignano a Mare
Spend a full day painting in Bari, a captivating coastal city where history and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Known for its ancient old town, bustling harbour, and iconic whitewashed buildings, Bari offers a stunning backdrop of dramatic cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters. Guided by John, you will depict the shimmering light on the Adriatic Sea, the rugged textures of stone walls, and the rich, sun-drenched colours unique to Bari. This evening there will be an included dinner.
DAY 12 Saturday 12 September 2026 Polignano a Mare
This morning, we will have our final painting session. After your painting session, you will have free time to refine your work and add the finishing touches. In the evening, gather for a final critique session with John. The workshop concludes with farewell drinks and a delicious dinner, celebrating the art, beauty, and memories of our time in Italy.
DAY 13 Sunday 13 September 2026 Departure
This morning you will be transferred to Bari airport by private coach at 9.30am for our flights home departing after 12:00 pm.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $6,695 | $7,690 |
| NON PAINTER DISCOUNT | $250 |
1. Payment Conditions:
A reservation deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 95 days prior to the date of departure. A 1.5% administration charge will be added to payments by Visa, Mastercard and Amex.
2. Alteration to Workshop Vacation Price:
The Painting Workshop Vacation price is subject to change in the event of unforeseen circumstances and changes in the cost of travel and accommodation services. Should any increase in the Workshop Vacation price be unacceptable to the registered member, a full refund of monies paid will be made.
3. Cancellation and Amendments:
Cancellations received in writing 95 or more days from the date of departure will result in a cancellation fee of $500 per person. Cancellations received 95 or fewer days before departure will result in a loss of all monies paid. There are no refunds for services not utilized while on a Workshop Vacation. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover Workshop members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the Workshop Vacation and for cancellation fees that could result from illness, accident, death or other contingencies. Once a booking has been confirmed, one amendment to travel arrangements will be made free of charge. Subsequent changes to travel arrangements will incur an amendment fee of $25 per change in addition to supplier charges.
4. Minimum Workshop Vacation Numbers:
Each Painting Workshop Vacation has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of members travelling. In the event that fewer than the minimum number of members have confirmed their booking 95 days from the date of commencement, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the Workshop Vacation, giving a full refund of monies paid, or to offer arrangements to proceed with the Workshop Vacation at a modified price.
5. General:
In the unlikely event that the Workshop tutor is unable to perform his or her duties due to unforeseen contingencies, Travelrite International reserves the right to substitute another artist as tutor or to continue with the Workshop Vacation as planned or to provide a cash refund to Workshop members equivalent to the value of the Workshop leadership. International Artist Painting Workshops can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing in the regions visited and it is important that all members have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in these activities without the need of assistance from others.
6. Tax Considerations:
If you regularly sell your own paintings, you may fall into the semi-professional or professional category for taxation purposes and the tour cost may be tax-deductible. We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified tax adviser.
7. Responsibilities:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd., their agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these Workshop Vacations shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or of default of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, company or person rendering any services included in the Workshops, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism, or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expenses, omissions, delays, rerouting or acts of any government or authority. Baggage remains at owner's risk throughout the Workshop Vacation. The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these Painting Workshop Vacations and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any Painting Workshop Vacation and/or to make such changes in the Painting Workshop Vacation as may be found desirable for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying-out of the Painting Workshop Vacation. Registration for any Painting Workshop Vacation constitutes a contract which shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be taken in the State of Victoria.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing the online booking form or sending it with a deposit to: Travelrite International Pty Ltd 423 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, VIC 3103 Australia
Toll Free: 1800 630 343 Phone: 03 9836 2522 Email: [email protected] www.paintingworkshops.net
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 30 years and operating in Victoria for more than 35 years. It has two offices at Balwyn and Heathmont which are also accredited with IATA and ATAS No.A10538. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, cruise, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing the online booking form or sending it with a deposit to:
Melbourne, Australia
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
Address: 423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, VIC, 3103, Australia
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Phone: 03 9836 2522
Email: www.paintingworkshops.net
“It was so well organized. We got to see all the best places, but without feeling we were being herded around like cattle, like you do on some tours. There was plenty of time to paint, and the instructor told me more about how to improve my painting style in weeks than I have learned all year back home. I really did get individual attention.”
“I particularly enjoyed meeting people with similar interests and having a working reason for being in a location.”
