My approach to journaling workshops is rather free-form, as I tailor it to the individual concerns of each attendee. Specific areas will include sketching faces, figures, trees, buildings, and other specific objects and scenes. But more important are the many ways of capturing a wonderful experience, a moment worth remembering, a fleeting emotion, or something as simple as a spectacular gelato!
Following our first morning get-acquainted session, we’ll be mostly out and about discovering this fascinating corner of Greece, and journaling our experiences at both popular and unexpected places.
Sketching slows your pace as you observe a scene for many minutes instead of scant seconds. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills improve! And never again will you be reluctant to sketch in public. And with your working kit at the ready, never again need you be bored waiting for anything.
Since you create a journal solely for your own pleasure, you needn’t be an accomplished (or even a semi-accomplished) artist. Beginners are definitely welcome!
My teaching technique is hands-on and individualized, featuring demonstrations as well as individualized help in such areas as using color, making quick sketches and color notations for later completion, techniques for sketching people and objects -- essentially whatever creative or problem-solving assistance is called for.
Note: Accommodations may change based on availability.
Picture Yourself...
painting among the sights and sounds of beautiful Santorini: Crystal blue water, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, narrow winding streets, bold color and vibrant sunlight.
Feel Yourself...
in the warm ambiance of Santorini, overlooking an ancient volcanic caldera, claimed site of the lost city of Atlantis, originally fortified by the Minoans, claimed by the Romans, touched by the Venicians, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Greece's jewels.
Experience...
the joy of learning and gaining collage skills and confidence with the expert instruction of a professional instructor and the camaraderie of a small group of learners.
Enjoy...
great Mediterranean food, delightful wines, new friends, breath-taking vistas, history and the hospitality of the people of Santorini.
During the week we will visit the towns and villages of Fira and Oia (pronounced Eee-ah) and the local museum featuring wall paintings from the ancient city of Akrotiri. We will also take a day cruise to explore the inner islands, with optional visits to hot springs, the volcano, as well as the island of Thirasia.
And, in true Toscana Americana Workshops style, we will explore the local Greek culture, cuisine and wines while dining in local cliff-side restaurants 1000 feet above the water!
This is bound to be a wonderful week with plenty
of opportunity to create in a relaxed
and inspirational setting!
Santorini...
Santorini is one of the cycladic islands, created by the eruption of the volcano 1500 B.C. (thought by some to have brought about the end of the Minoan civilization and speculated by some as the famous island of Atlantis). Due to this, the island offers a versatile landscape with on the one hand steep darkish rock formations and on the other hand beaches and small white villages. Besides that, there are several interesting monuments and the active volcano of course. Thira offers, besides remnants from several eras, ruins of the old Roman baths, theatres and markets.
Santorini is a group of islands in a circle about 10 KM across - the rim of a large volcano that is still producing small islands in the center. Steep slopes lead to the central area and gentle slopes lead to the sea that circles the island. It's really a group of islands even though it is usually discussed as if it were one. Settlements are scattered around the island as a series of small villages.
The famous white buildings are huddled close to one another on and over the cliff of the central caldera. Hiking paths and trails lead all over the island, but a charming time can be had walking the paths that interconnect the settlements and exploring the shops. Visitors can take ferry boats to the central island(s) to visit the new land and soak in hot springs.
*All-inclusive plans are Hotel plans only. **Hotel Nissos Thira or equivalent. Based on availability ***Included with "All-inclusive" plans only Caldera cliffside Hotel Loucas at additional cost. All guests are responsible for handling their own luggage/baggage... ...we suggest to pack light.
Itinerary
(Itinerary in progress, subject to change)
Wednesday – Arrival in Fira, Santorini -Arrival and Check-in in Fira (Participants are responsible for transfers to hotel) -6:30p Welcome to Santorini wine & chocolate tasting -7:30p Dinner in Fira
NOTE: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary. All times are approximate. NOTE: Walking is required to all lunches and dinners. No transfers are provided, though guests may pay for taxis and transfers at their own expense. NOTE: Transfers from Fira airport to and from hotels is the responsibility of each guest. Arrange through the hotel front desk. NOTE: No refunds are given for any unused aspects of the itinerary or for any activities outside the above itinerary.
Floating Village
Demo & crit with Lewis
Flower Market Belgrade
Click icon at right to view Participapnt Supply List
"Thank you for being a patient, knowledgeable, and resourceful teacher on this exciting exploration of Vietnam. Your quiet support has helped me to gain confidence to forge ahead." Silvia Wright
"What a treat! What an education! What memories! Always we will be grateful for the opportunity. The dream came true." Joyce & Craig Hester
"Thank you so much for your instruction and thoughtfulness. You are a great leader and your teaching skills added to your sketchbook technique have truly taught me. I thank you for this 'jump start' desparately needed for me to begin to sketch and paint again." Laurel Prafke
