Ithaca Painting Holidays 2024 took place during early June on the Ionian island of Ithaca – where according to legend, Odysseus resided. With blue skies, sunshine, aquamarine seas, beautiful beaches and wonderful people, Ithaca welcomes learners of all abilities to experience painting out of doors or ‘en plein air’ as it is sometimes known.
We gathered at a waterside restaurant for a welcome dinner where participants became acquainted with each other and took part in an ‘ice breaker’ drawing game. A warm, balmy evening was complemented by good food, cheer and service from Jimmy at La Familia.
Next day we began at Perahori, overlooking Vathi (the main town on the island). We worked from a local cafe, affording shade and other comforts which Abraham Maslow would consider essential to the learning process.
Students took in distant views across mountainous terrain to the Greek mainland . Work was pooled at the end of the session so a peer review could take place.
At Frikes we worked under similar circumstances, with powerful light adding colour to the scenery. Alan Dedman demonstrated the priciples of making a painting from the landscape/seascape.
On Saturday our group gathered at a church situated above Vathi; the Western aspect of the town. Learners worked on a small scale, using strong colour and painted into an irregular format. A cafe lunch sustained everyone.
Next we studied oil painting by Skinos beach. It was rewarding to see people get to grips with this medium – then go for a swim afterwards! The streets of Vathi were our subject matter on the final day of studies where perspective was introduced, as was the figure. We met up at ‘Soulatso’ for a debriefing and feedback session in the afternoon.
Ithaca Painting Holidays 2024 was engaging, fun and challenging for all. The enthusiasm of those attending and the generosity and kindness of the citizens of Ithaca helped make it possible. We look forward to Ithaca Painting Holidays 2025 which (all being well) will take place in April/May, providing the stars, airlines, ferries and Greek Easter align.
If you are interested in joining us next year, please leave your details on the contact form below.
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