Registration opening soon!
Colors of Puducherry
Dec 06 - 13, 2025
A unique watercolor art workshop organised in Pondicherry, India with Michael Solovyev, an internationally renowned watercolor instructor. This immersive experience blends art, culture, and exploration, making it a unique creative escape in one of India’s most picturesque destination!
Plein air holiday tour
06 - 13 Dec 2025
Pondicherry, India
English
Limited seats!
Pondicherry or Puducherry is a coastal gem on India’s southeastern coast, known for its French colonial heritage, spiritual significance, and serene beaches. Once a key French trading post, its White Town still reflects European charm with pastel-hued villas and bougainvillea-lined streets. Home to Auroville and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, it attracts seekers of peace, art, and culture. With its unique blend of Tamil and French influences, vibrant cafés, and scenic promenades along the Bay of Bengal, Pondicherry offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking history, relaxation, and a touch of the exotic.
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Discover the magic of Puducherry with our watercolor tour where you will join artists from around the world, and explore, learn and paint with Micheal Solovyev, a very sought after art instructor. Paint vibrant colonial streets, serene beaches, and Franco-Tamil architechture, while soaking in the town’s rich heritage and an amazing vibe. The workshop will include both plein air as well as indoor studio sessions.
Meet Michael Solovyev
Signature Member of CSPWC, SCA, NWS, NEWS, IWS, PWCS
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Michael is often called a “sunny watercolorist” – his airy, transparent artworks look as though they emit the sunlight.
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His traditional academic art education, extensive experience as a head theater stage designer, and oil painter career now inform his priority as a watercolor artist – light.
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Michael’s prolific watercolor artistry translates into 16 personal and over 70 group exhibitions around the world, where he won multiple awards and recognitions.
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He has become a sought-after workshop instructor who paints and teaches internationally.
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He is also the Brand Ambassador of Daniel Smith, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of art and watercolor materials. He also represents other brands like Escoda and Baohong.
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WHAT IS INCLUDED
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7 Nights accomodation in a luxury boutique hotel on twin sharing basis.
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Breakfast buffet for all days, Lunch for 5 days (some will be packed working lunch and some in Hotel/local restaurant)
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Welcome and Farewell dinner with glass of wine
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A day trip to Auroville with half day free time to explore this unique township
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A day trip to Mahabalipuram, a historical town with stunning famous Shore Temples, about 95km from Pondicherry
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All ground transport from 07 Dec till 12 Dec
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Workshop fee includes course fee for 6 full days with both plein-air and indoor instruction sessions with Michael, daily feedback and critique sessions
YES! Please bring along a partner or a friend. They are welcome to join us at all the spots or take more excursions that we can help them plan.
Can Non-Artists join?
OUR LEARNING PLAN
We start our workshop in Pondicherry on Day 1 after check-in with a Meet and Greet session, and dinner with wine.
After a good rest that night, we dive into a full day studio session on Day 2 and learn Michael's approach and his techniques for watercolor.
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Day 3-4 have exciting excursions and plein-air sessions at some lovely sites in Pondicherry including beaches, the French colonial architecture, the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram, notable Churches amongst others.
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Day 5 will have us travel to nearby Auroville, an experimental township founded on the principles of unity, sustainability, and spiritual evolution, centered around the iconic Matrimandir. After a bit of plein air all participants will have some free time to explore Auroville and its quaint offerings.
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Day 6 will be a day trip to the town of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its ancient rock-cut temples, intricate stone carvings, and cultural heritage, including the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna's Penance
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On Day 7 after a morning of plein-air we will reconvene in the second half for a session of Q & A with Michael, display all the paintings and get personal critique. This will be followed by a Farewell Dinner and we will enjoy our last evening together over a glass of wine and good food. Time to celebrate new friendships that can last a lifetime!
On day 8 after a leisurly breakfast we will check out and get ready to travel onto our individual onward journeys.
PRICE & ENROLLMENT DETAILS
Cost of the workshop on TWIN SHARING is $2800 ($2950) - EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT for the month of April.
(The cost includes 18% GST, a goods and services tax by Govt. of India)
We have limited financial support available for India-based artists, kindly contact us if interested.
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Pay $500 to reserve your seat and pay balance later
Single room supplement is additional $500
Cost for NON-PAINTING partner on room sharing basis is $2150 (inclusive of all except workshop)​
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NOTE:
* All prices are in USD. Rate in Indian Rupees will be based on exchange value for the day & can be shared on request
* Artist accompanied by non-painting partner will be sharing room with the same partner
* Artists on twin sharing can be assigned any other participating artists unless specified
* Single rooms will be subject to availability and on first come first basis
Not Included in the price:
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Art material for workshop need to be carried by participants. We will be sharing a preferred list of art materials for the workshop once you register. If you need help with buying art material in India please contact organizers in advance and we will help arrange as needed
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High quality easels can be hired for you for the duration of the workshop, in case you don't want to carry them. Cost will be $20 only but they must be returned in reasonably good condition. Any missing or broken parts are chargeable.
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Travel Insurance. It is strongly recommended for International participants to buy travel insurance
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Alcoholic drinks must be paid for by participants themselves unless specified in inclusions
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Personal expenditure like shopping or on the spot purchases
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Airfare or travel to India or to Pondicherry
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Note that workshop begins and ends in Pondicherry and travel to the city/hotel from Airport is not included. However, we can help you plan your travel to Pondicherry from the airport you land in (we recommend Chennai International Airport).
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We are not responsible for alternate travel plans beyond workshop dates. But we can help you connect with local travel agents if you wish to stay longer and travel in India
HOW TO ENROLL
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Please fill THIS GOOGLE FORM to register
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We will email you payment details - you can then pay $500 to reserve your seat
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Once payment is done we will send you an acknowledgement and further details
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Full payment will need to be made latest by 30th September 2025 to keep your seat in the workshop
CANCELLATION
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Anyone who cancels their registration by 30th September 2025 will receive a refund of $450 (after deduction of $50 as processing fee)
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Anyone who cancels their registration between 1st October 2025 and 1st November 2025, will receive a refund of the amount paid minus $500 as cancellation charges
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​If you cancel after 1st November 2025 we can offer you the remaining (after cancellation charges of $500) as a credit note for a future holiday tour with us within the next calendar year. The credit note can be used by you or transferred to a friend.
Zoom session before the trip
We will arrange a zoom session with Michael and all participants before the workshop to help answer any questions you might have & to say hello to your fellow artists!
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You will be able to ask us any information that will help you prepare for your trip. We want you to be comfortable and confident before you embark on this adventure with us.
