BOTANICAL PAINTING HOLIDAY Mediterranean plants from the hills and shores of South Pelion, Greece

Transcription

1 May September 2016 BOTANICAL PAINTING HOLIDAY Mediterranean plants from the hills and shores of South Pelion, Greece COURSE TUTOR MAGGIE NIAGASSAS DipAD DipSBA The plant world with all its splendid diversity has always been an inspiration for me. Having been brought up in Africa, I was exposed to the many vivid colours and forms which would have a lasting impression and influence on my artistic career. My diploma in Art and Design - General illustration was a natural consequence of these experiences which I completed in the UK. This encounter with mediterranean nature motivated me to study botanical illustration, and in 2007 I acquired my diploma from the Society of Botanical Illustration. Since then, I have exhibited several times with the SBA at their annual exhibition which is held in Westminster, London. I have held watercolour painting lessons in Athens and in Limassol, Cyprus. Currently I am living in London, England. MAGGIE IS A MEMBER OF THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN SOCIETY

2 Mediterranean plants from the hills and shores of South Pelion PROGRAMMES May or September 2016 All Sessions at Lagou Raxi Country Hotel unless otherwise stated Friday 13/05 Friday 09/09 Arrival of participants 16:00-18:00 Meet & Greet Dinner at the hotel Saturday 14/05 09:00-13:00 Introduction to botanical painting,short history Saturday 10/09 and what is contemporary botanical art A short description of materials, both painting and plants Explanation of the painting project Practice some painting techniques 16:00-18:00 Afternoon walk on the kalderimia to collect painting specimens Evening Join in the village 'panygyri' festival Sunday 15/05 09:00-13:00 Pencil work, continuous tone of chosen plant Sunday 11/09 (leaf, stalk, bud) Starting a watercolour study 16:00-18:00 Continue with watercolour work Monday16/05 09:00-16:00 Visit AGIOS ATHANASSIOS (a monastery hidden in Monday 12/09 a green valley, opens only once a year, but we get the key to go to paint there!) The hotel will prepare for a picnic on the spot Pencil work on material found Tuesday 17/05 09:00-13:00 More watercolour painting - flowers Tuesday 13/09 16:00 18:00 Continue watercolour painting Wednesday 18/05 09:00-16:00 Inspiration from the sea shore (Beach Wednesday 14/09 taverna) Pencil studies Thursday 19/05 09:00-13:00 Finishing off work Thursday 15/09 16:00 18:00 Prepare for exhibition in seminar room of the hotel Exhibition and Farewell Dinner Friday 20/05 Departure of participants, or a rest over the weekend Friday 16/09 *please ask if you would like to stay for extra nights

3 LAGOU RAXI COUNTRY HOTEL *** Lagou Raxi Country Hotel is situated at the edge of the village Lafkos. It opened in 2014 and was built according to the local traditional architecture. It has a breathtaking view of the Gulf and it's close to the sea (5 km). The British/French owners Sue & Christian, are putting, apart from the Greek, their own cultural and culinary accents, which results in a very attractive mix. PRICES PAINTING HOLIDAY + ACCOMMODATION Room rates per person including half-board and cooked breakfasts AND Single room Twin double occupancy Triple double occupancy 7 nights accommodation 6 days painting course * If you would like to bring family member(s) or friend(s), NOT participating in the painting course please contact the hotel for the prices of different combinations including Double rooms and Suites via mail@lagouraxi.com or call * Coffee machine and kettle available in the painting atelier throughout the day * Transportation to two outside locations included Flights are NOT included. There are a few lowcost/charter (flight only) companies flying directly to Volos Airport. (see Alternatives are to fly to Athens, Thessaloniki or Skiathos. Transfer airport/hotel can be arranged.

4 THE VILLAGE OF LAFKOS Lafkos is one of the 24 officially 'listed' villages in the region of Pelion, about 45 km from the city of Volos. Medieval paths (Kalderimia) stretch around this car-free village and further afield to neighbouring villages and the sea. At the central square several tavernas serve fresh home-made local dishes. You will find a thirst-quenching frappé (ice coffee) at Manolis' cafe, where the village elders gather to discuss politics and change the world. Next to the church, sculptures of Thanasis Fampas are exhibited, they are made of white marble from the Pelion region. His paintings can be admired at the small museum. The smell of freshly baked bread in a wood-fired oven draws you to the bakery shop. The village has three small 'mini-markets', a craftsman jeweller, home made soaps and a small gift shop. There is also a fascinating museum of old radios. A lovely 10-minute walk brings you from the hotel to the centre of the village. Pelion is the Greece you thought no longer existed: relaxing and countrified (Travel Telegraph) Dangling in the Aegean, north of Athens and East of Volos, Pelion has idyllic landscapes, enchanting beaches and an artistic heritage as delightful as it is unique (Sunday Times) The hook-like peninsula of Pelion lies in the warm waters of the Pagasitic Gulf, in north-eastern Greece and is perhaps one of the most unexploited, unspoilt and naturally beautiful areas of the country (The Independent) There is no other blend of culture and beauty anywhere else in the country quite like this mountainous peninsula (Pelion) in central Greece (The Guardian)

5 13 20 May or September 2016 BOTANICAL PAINTING HOLIDAY Mediterranean plants from the hills and shores of South Pelion, Greece PRACTICAL INFORMATION * Lessons are provided by an experienced art teacher * Suitable for beginners and intermediate * The technique used is aquarelle/watercolour and pencil work * We will focus on detailed pencil and watercolour work most suited to botanical art * All materials will be provided, but you may bring your own watercolours * A sketchbook would be useful to bring with you PLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO sue@lagouraxi.com or for more information call Paintings courtesy of Maggie Niagassas and Sabrina (from the first course in May 2015) LAGOU RAXI A.E. Lafkos South Pelion, Magnesia, Greece ΛΑΓΟΥ ΡΑΧΗ A.E. Λαύκος Δήμος Ν. Πηλίου, Μαγνησία Τηλ: +(30) Εmail: mail@lagouraxi.com