Greece is well known for its wonderful conditions for artists, from the quality of its light to the wide variety of subject matter, and such vibrant colours! So we are very pleased to offer painting holidays on three contrasting but equally beautiful islands – Alonissos, Ikaria and Samos.

These are not necessarily group holidays and no minimum number is required. The price of £150-£170 per week is an add-on to the brochure holiday cost which means you have a free choice of where to stay, as long as you can get to the meeting point each day. And, if you can take advantage of our off-peak Early Booking Offers, you will find these holidays fantastic value.

The painting holidays are suitable for painters of all abilities, especially beginners who will receive excellent one-on-one guidance and tuition. They are also good for those with non-painting partners as they comprise five sessions during the week of 3-3½ hours each (typically 10am-1.30pm although one late afternoon session should be expected), thus allowing plenty of ‘normal’ (i.e. non-painting) holiday time! On Alonissos, walks led by Chris’s wife Jane can be arranged during the painting sessions for partners, with everyone meeting up for lunch – there is no additional charge for this service.

Both Chris and Paul know the islands well and will show you the best painting spots, which you may not otherwise find. Please note: Any transportation costs (shared taxi, bus) are paid locally but should not total more than 30-35 euro per week (£20-£24). Materials are not included and a list of what you should bring will be sent. These holidays are mainly aimed at watercolour painters.

Alonissos
Painting holidays will be led by well known British artist Christopher Hughes. Chris fell in love with Alonissos some 20 years ago and now has a house and a studio on the island. Of Alonissos he says: “The island is almost a perfect location for a painting holiday. There is tremendous variety, from mountainous wooden slopes, a hilltop village and unspoiled ancient houses to wonderful seascape vistas, traditional working harbours and wildflowers and fauna.” As Chris is resident from May to October holidays will operate on all departure dates and the cost is £170 per week, which includes lunch and wine on Day 1. The meeting point will be Patitiri.

Ikaria
Painting holidays will be led by Paul Lewis, who has a long association with Sunvil (he led our ‘Painting in Parga’ holidays for much of the 1990’s!). Paul finds Ikaria inspirational, and says: “An island of elemental beauty: the sea of so many blues, the mountains so vertiginous, the rocks so contorted – an extraordinary place on many levels. Expect immersion in fabulous colour and light – an artistic odyssey awaits!” Paul will be leading holidays from Armenistis weeks beginning 29/5, 05/6, 12/6, 19/6, 4/9, 11/9 and 18/9 and the cost is £150 per week.

Samos
Paul will also lead the painting holidays in Samos, of which he says: “Colourful boats and watery reflections from harbourside tavernas, charming village squares, spring water gushing amongst ancient planes: compared to the wildness of Ikaria, Samos is a softer place where nature mixes with cosmopolitan charm – pack a good bright palette.” Paul will be based in the very pretty fishing village of Kokkari for painting weeks beginning 15/5, 22/5, 25/9 and 2/10 and the cost is £150 per week.

For further information on these painting holidays, the artists and what to expect please see http://www.paintingalonissos.com/

or, for Samos and Ikaria http://www.paullewisart.co.uk/