Painting in Sicily this May!

Fountain in Noto, Sicily. Watercolour

Last weekend Caroline, Miriam (PaintMalta),  Mario (GoSicily) and I popped over to Sicily to finalise the itinerary for our three-day painting holiday May 27th - 29th. It was a whirlwind trip really, as we visited so many of the places on (and off) the original plan. Everywhere we went the people were wonderful (I think Mario knows everyone in Sicily) and the scenery was stunning. 

Caroline and I, as artists, got very itchy to stop and paint instead of zipping past the endless vistas. The only chance we had was in one of the magnificent squares in Noto.....  oh, and I caught a quick little sketch of a street musician.

The trip was invaluable though - non-painters find it hard to understand that all artists really want to do is stay in the same place for a decent amount of time, let our eyes settle and then just try to capture whatever grabs our attention. We find it tiring and overwhelming to be shown vista after panorama after view without a chance to stop and really see into it. So Caroline and I simplified the programme to our liking - there will now be plenty of time for everyone to focus and really do some good work. To see our revised programme, please click HERE

First of all, our four-star hotel is amazing. It's a converted monestary in the middle of a golf course!
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​www.imonasterigolfresort.com
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It is beautifully landscaped, surrounded by orange groves, a small lake and even a typical Sicilian dovecot in the grounds.

We will be spending the first day in the grounds of the hotel. On the second day there will be a choice - those who wish to paint in the nearby town of Noto will go there with Caroline, anyone wishing to continue painting in the grounds will be with me.

                        Noto is jam-packed with corners and cafes and wonderful architecture.

On the third and last day we will be spending the day in Marsamemi, which is a tiny fishing town with so many subjects to paint we'll be spoilt for choice. 

Caroline and I will be a good team as co-tutors; we both emphasise good drawing and basic skills, and we also love to experiment with unusual painting techniques. She loves urban scenes, architecture and cafe scenes, working mainly in acrylics. I prefer natural landscapes and more rural scenes. I find watercolours more convenient on location. We have both been teaching art for years to students of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced.  
Read Caroline's blog about our test-run trip HERE

While we are doing our thing, the non-painting group will be out and about with Mario, who is a walking talking encyclopedia of everything Sicilian. 

To join us on this adventure, do have a look at the full itinerary HERE and book soon!!!
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