Vineyard Painting Experience
Tutored watercolour painting holidays with Nicholas Poullis

Welcome to Vineyard Painting Experience

Courses in Marseillan and Collioure

Join Nicholas Poullis, Search Press author of the best-selling book Atmospheric Buildings in Watercolour and longtime contributor to The Artist to draw and paint in watercolour. Choose from two fantastic painting holiday locations in Languedoc Roussillon, South west France, surrounded by beautiful vineyards with delicious local food and wine.

Including 5 painting sessions with expert tuition from Nicholas Poullis

Small group size to ensure attention

Paint in watercolour from life with all materials and use of equipment included

A relaxing holiday for non painting partners

'His teaching style, like his paintings, is inspirational' Dr Sally Bulgin

About Us

Established in 2019, Vineyard Painting Experience organises tutored watercolour painting holidays in southwest France with Nicholas Poullis.

Our knowledge of the area and expert tuition provided by Nicholas, enable us to provide a first-rate service. We work to create an enjoyable experience for our guests while giving the student, with any level of experience, the opportunity to improve and learn all aspects of watercolour painting in a beautiful setting.

We invite you to read the testimonials below.

At both holiday locations you will be tutored by experienced award winning watercolour artist Nicholas Poullis, Search Press author and longtime contributor to the Artist.

At the holiday in Marseillan you will be looked after by Adrian while staying at the bed and breakfast Le Prince.

All accommodation is vetted and recommended by Vineyard Painting Experience and assistance is on hand.

We work to the highest standards to ensure that you have a memorable week of watercolour painting and drawing in the south of France at these wonderful locations with great local food and wine.

The Settings

The Collioure holiday is available Spring and Autumn 2026.

Collioure is an iconic painting location with a unique artistic heritage and is situated in the Languedoc region of SW France on the Mediterranean coast not far from Spain. The picturesque port and naturally dramatic setting with medieval fortified architecture, including its church, have inspired generations of artists such as Matisse and the Fauve movement. Immerse yourself in the history and atmosphere of this incredible setting while under the guidance of Nicholas.

The Marseillan holiday is available Spring and Autumn 2026.

This painting adventure offers a great opportunity to explore and paint in and around a historic coastal southern French village. Situated in Hérault in Languedoc Roussillon, Marseillan is the perfect location for painting buildings and boats. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this extraordinary setting while learning about all aspects of watercolour painting. This stunning location will also allow you to enjoy undisturbed access to inspirational views.

This is a truly exceptional painting opportunity.

Two different holidays, explore Marseillan or Collioure
in Watercolour

All holidays include five, four hour tutored painting sessions with all materials and use of equipment included.

Marseillan

This painting holiday is specifically designed for beginners and places are limited so the student is guaranteed one on one tuition time and close guidance.

The close proximity of the subject on offer allows you to wander around this ancient port and set up and paint where you wish and explore the various views. Working outdoors is sometimes a daunting experience for the painter and so carefully chosen painting sites are used for the sessions. Private working space is also available at the accommodation.

This is a carefully structured course specifially designed for the beginner and, like all the tutoring, is adapted to the individual needs of the student. While there is a structured course, the student is free to paint as they wish.

For the non painting partner Marseillan offers a peacefull setting with cafés, restaurants and coastal walks.

Collioure

Join Nicholas in Collioure, an iconic town with a long history associated with art and painting. Explore in watercolour the fortress, harbour and the distinctive fortified church, while inspired by the unique Collioure lighting.

This holiday is suitable for students of all levels and is a paint along, semi-free style type of painting holiday. While there is a structure designed for advancement and building on the experience the student brings with them, the student can have as much guidance as they wish.

Student numbers are limited to ensure tuition and guidance.

For non painting partners Collioure offers an opportunity to explore a fascinating town and beautifull coast with a range of activities and places to visit.

Testimonials

'Painting in Collioure with Nicholas was such a delight. His instructions on the subjects, colours and techniques of watercolour-painting were excellent. It makes you want to paint everyday from now on.

Thankyou Nicholas'

Titia Rens

'Painting atmospheric buildings with Nicholas Poullis was an inspiring experience that deepened my understanding of light, mood, and architectural character ! '

Adriana Racolta

'Thanks for a brilliant memorable week and your inspirational examples. It was a privilage to work along side you in such a fantastic setting. Amicalement'

John Malaipuruman

'This course was simply a game-changer for me. Nicholas is a master watercolourist, dedicated to his art. His teaching takes you from first principles, through the timeless fundamentals of this, the most deceptive and magical of painting media, en plein air. As he works alongside you during each session, you receive such a depth of knowledge, practice, guidance and insight. You have the enormous benefit of seeing it all being applied on Nick's easel beside you as you paint the same scene. With such stunning scenes to paint, on the French Mediterranean coast, I just cannot imagine, and have certainly never experienced a better learning environment to develop my painting abilities. I would recommend this course to any watercolour painter, aspiring or experienced, without hesitation.'

Declan Ashe, Galway, Ireland.

'I spent five enjoyable days being guided by Nick Poullis through the world of watercolour painting en-plein-air. The sessions were set in the beautiful village of Puissalicon, painting the chateau and the Abbey. Nick really encouraged me to improve my technical skills such as composition, drawing and tonal evaluation.

Nick taught me about materiels required, the weight of paper, paints needed, mixing colours all of which I now apply to my watercolour painting.

I can highly recommend the course !

Thankyou so much Nick'

Deborah Coles

'It is not always the case that an excellent artist makes a good teacher. My watercolour classes en plein air with Nicholas Poullis however proved to be both an invaluable learning experience as well as a real pleasure. As a beginner I did have some concerns at the outset but I found that his individual approach easily accommodates all levels of ability in a relaxed and informative way. I learned a lot and look forward to more when we return. I would certainly recommend his classes to anyone interested in furthering their skills in drawing and/or watercolour painting.’

Lorraine Lewis

‘In October 2023, I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Puissalicon, in the beautiful Languedoc region of France, being tutored in Watercolour techniques by Nicholas. His approach is perfectly suited to the medium; he is relaxed, extremely patient and friendly. He imparted his expertise and knowledge easily and without unnecessary complication. I could not have benefited more from his guidance. My painting style has improved dramatically along with my knowledge of Watercolours as a result of the course and I cannot over emphasise my gratitude for this wonderful opportunity.’

Helen Hood

'My week painting in Puissalicon was extremely successful and totally enjoyable. Nicholas is a very gracious and patient teacher. Although there was specific structure to his methodology, there was also a lot of flexibility in what we painted. His knowledge of perspective and watercolour technique was first rate, and I felt that my painting really started to improve under his amiable guidance. Elizabeth and Christophe were wonderful hosts, and the French cooking was excellent.