Painting on the Greek Island of Hydra with Hazel Soan
03.05.2020 - 08.05.2020
Paros
| 
Hazel Soan
painting,
watercolour,
landscape,
seascapes,
urban
2175 GBP
Hydra is a perfect place for a short painting break and particularly appeals to artists because there are no cars, no scooters, no airport and it is only 90 minutes from Athens. Everyone arrives by sea and as you sail in to Hydra you are greeted with a beautifully preserved stone village that fills a natural cove and is surrounded by mountains.
Hydra is full of old world charm and with donkeys and mules as the only form of transport it has preserved its rustic aspects of life. Hydra’s mellow white and cream architecture shimmers in the sunlight. The marbled quayside is a hive of port activity with caïques, water taxis, ferries and yachts, and is lined with fine 18th and 19th century archontika (formerly wealthy merchants’ mansions) and a ubiquitous clock tower.
Stroll a few feet back from the harbour and you find yourself in another world. Tiny marble-cobbled lanes peter out in to dirt tracks that lead up to monasteries and windmills perched on hill tops. There is an air of tranquillity as you wander through the old town, which is full of simple Hydriot houses and tiny churches, beautiful vine-clad squares and stone walls draped with bougainvillea. Cats sun themselves on doorsteps, people quietly chat on street corners and donkeys rest in the shade of olive trees.
Walk along the coastal path for a short distance and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across the deep blue Saronic Gulf towards The Peloponnese, glorious coastal panoramas and the tiny fishing port and hamlet of Kamini.
Hydra’s hotels are small and discreetly hidden in the lanes behind the harbour. Accommodation is provided in a traditional three-story Hydriot guesthouse with 17 ensuite bedrooms. It is very homely and has a lovely courtyard, which will be ideal for tutorial workshops and a roof terrace that you can paint from.
The Painting Programme
This painting holiday is suitable for all students and especially those who like to have an element of practical instruction. There is no transport on Hydra so students must be able to carry their own equipment and be able to walk on the marble-cobbled streets. A travel escort will accompany you throughout and will be taking care of the arrangements.
