T. Fišera: Watercolor 21-27.10.24 Crete

7-day art experience in the picturesque Greek countryside on the island of Crete (also for English speakers - see below)

Do you love watercolour, the sun, the sea and preferably all of these together? Extend your summer with us and immerse yourself in the world of watercolour on an island made for painting. Discover a new spark for your work amidst olive groves and crystal clear waters. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, explore new techniques, refresh your style and share unforgettable moments with other art enthusiasts under the guidance of artist Tomáš Fišera.

When:
From 21 October to 27 October (Sundays free). Recommended arrival 20.10, departure possible 27.10. - no painting on this day, or 28.10. Tickets can be purchased e.g. from Ryanairwhich has cheap flights from Vienna (depending on your arrival/departure we will arrange transfers and possible extension of accommodation). If you want to rent a car at the airport, we recommend via rentalcars.com.

Program:
We will be painting together for a total of 5 days from Monday 21 October to Saturday 26 October, with one day off. On the first day we will get acquainted with the materials and learn how to use the brushes correctly for different techniques. We'll show you how to mix colors, plan your composition, and determine the main points of interest. Then how to capture the right light, volume, depth and how to simplify the process and still achieve an effective result. Next days we will try all the tips and tricks on selected motifs landscapes and cityscapes. Our lecturer Tomáš will focus on each individual and give specific advice on what to focus on. At the end of the course we will hold an opening of the finished paintings and celebrate our work.

Where:
We will paint in the vicinity of our accommodation, in a mountain village Zaroswhich is away from mass tourism. In its surroundings we can find lakes, mountains and in 30 minutes drive the sea. Zaros is a 40 minute drive from the main airport of Herakleion. In case you don't rent your own car, we will come to pick you up at the airport (we recommend to land at Herakleion, not Chania).

Zaros means "place with a lot of water" in Greek, we couldn't have asked for a better place for a watercolour :) Greeks all over Crete drink mineral water that comes from here.

Accommodation:
We'll live in a cozy house La Maison Bleuewhich will be reserved only for our painting group for the duration of the course. The rooms are shared by two or three people and are equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom with toilet and outdoor seating area. For the more adventurous there is the option to sleep in a tent (2-3 people), with an outdoor shower. There is a newly built large terrace next to the house, which serves us well for painting and relaxing. It is possible to cook on site or we recommend visiting the local taverns and taste the famous Greek cuisine.

Lecturer:
Tomáš Fišera, an experienced artist and lecturer who has been painting all his life and for whom watercolour has literally become a passion. Learn more about the artist at his profile or instagram. Read the feedback from the plein air workshop that took place in Lanzarote in January 2024 (see photos from the course):

"It is possible to meet your best teacher even at sixty-two....everyone else has turned into a grey figure next to Thomas" (Tamara)

"I wouldn't change anything about the course. I enjoyed the freedom, painting and relaxing in the café and then painting some more, great bunch of people....A lecturer who advises, motivates and always and to everyone, this is not a given. All this is why I will repeat the course with Tomas." (Martina)

What is included in the course price:
Included in the price is the lecturer's guidance, accommodation (7 nights) and transfers around the island. Costs for food, airfare and art materials are not included. The course can be canceled until August 31 without any cancellation fees. If canceled by September 30, 50% of the total amount will be refunded. If canceled after September 30, a 100% cancellation fee applies. If you find a substitute to take your place, no cancellation fees will be charged.

What to bring:
- plenum easel with storage shelf (ideal is this type easelu)
- paper backing board (non-absorbent, plastic)
- watercolour paper (100% cotton, CP or rough, size 28x38) - at least 20 pieces
- watercolour paints in tubes (shades of ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, cobalt turquoise, lavender, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, cadmium red, paynes grey or lunar black, cadmium yellow medium or hansa yellow) - Tomas uses the brand Daniel Smith, from the cheaper ones we can recommend the brand Rosa
- min. 4 brushes (flat 50 mm - so called. Hake, round with 8 mm tip - so called. Mop, thin 1 mm long - so called. Rigger, stronger round with 4 mm tip)
- pencil, water cup, water spray, masking tape 3cm
- pallet with large mixing surface (plastic is suitable)
- absorbent sponge

For whom the course is intended:
The course is suitable for everyone regardless of painting skills. Minimum number of participants is 7, maximum 15. There will be a possibility of translation into English (also for English speakers).

Applications:
Your place on the course will be reserved after payment of the course fee. If you have any questions, please contact the course organizer at artikon.veronika@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you and hope that we will have an unforgettable week together.