Painting Holiday in Sicily
07.04.2021 - 17.04.2021
Sicily
| 
Bettina Schroeder
basics,
culture,
excursion,
landscape,
life,
nature,
painting,
watercolor,
watercolour
925 GBP
Since time immemorial, Italy has inspired artists with its genial climate, beautiful landscapes, sophisticated culture and diverse heritage. This one week painting holiday at the Fattoria Mosé continues this tradition with many wonders, from ancient civilisation to the spectacle and delight of the natural world.
Situated near the sea and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valley of theTemples, the Fattoria Mosé is an ancestral country estate, home for generations to the Agnello family. Liberally splashed with the yellow, violet and scarlet of wild orchids, mimosa, poppies and wisteria, the Fattoria’s formal and informal gardens are also rich in succulents and palms. The 19th-century manor house, with its pine-tree shaded swimming pool, complex of quadrangles, quaint old relics and impromptu patios, has its own chapel attached. A perfect painting subject in itself. Amongst other painting subjects are landscapes and animals, and the 500 year-old gnarled and knotted olive trees make a fascinating study. Moreover, with many other places of interest nearby, including fine examples of classical, baroque architecture and arabic arts and crafts, the Fattoria Mosé is an attractive destination both for painters and non-painters.
Something to whet your appetite! A cookery series for Italian TV ‘Il pranzo di Mosé,’ presented by our hostess Chiara and her sister Simonetta, was recently filmed at the Fattoria and can be seen here:
http://it.dplay.com/il-pranzo-...
The heartland of Sicily is also the setting for the well-known television series Inspector Montalbano, based on the detective novels by Andrea Camilleri; excellent reading over a cup of tea after the days painting.
Non-painting partners are welcome at a discount and will also be invited to have
a go with pencil or brush.
Itinerary and Excursions
On the first day we settle in and paint the Fattoria’s fascinating surroundings. Later come painting excursions to the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples, and then to the Mediterranean coastline of St Leone. Other painting days are spent in the gardens, olive and orange groves and courtyards of the Fattoria Mosé.
On Wednesday there is no formal tuition. There are two optional excursions (at areasonable additional cost) one to the centre of old Agrigento, where you can enjoy the leisurely pace of this historic town. There are picturesque squares, alleys, ancient churches and historic buildings to attract the painter or sightseer. And a little light shopping or sketching is not out of the question.
The other option is a day trip to the world famous mosaics of the Imperial Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina, together with the historic centre for pottery and ceramics at Caltagirone - a splendid day out. Both were featured in the BBC TV
series ‘Sicily Unpacked,’ a couple of years ago.
The Painting Course
Bettina’s painting courses are suitable for all, from absolute beginners to accomplished painters. They are designed to help you to make the most of your abilities and to find a personal approach. The emphasis is on how to capture the initial excitement on first spotting a subject, without getting too bogged down in technicalities. Tuition will be in watercolour mainly but also in other media as
required. Daily demonstrations (in- or outdoors) are tailored to the particular needs of the students and to help you to get started. The tuition will also deal with general painting problems such as basic perspective, choice of colour, composition, shadows and many other tricks of the trade. Above all, Bettina’s courses aim to enhance the pleasure of painting whilst improving your skills.
Particular attention is given to wet-in-wet technique as well as some of the ground rules for beginners. Groups are kept small so you can visibly advance within the course duration irrespective of your ability. For complete beginners Bettina teaches a simple, easy to follow ‘step by step’ approach. Tuition is normally arranged in day sessions lasting from 10am until 4pm, so there is time for you to relax before dinner and explore the locality. If you are keen to continue painting, you are welcome to make use of the studio, gardens and courtyards around the Fattoria Mose. Plans might vary a little depending on the needs for the day. Students should bring their own painting materials and easels if wanted. You can also contact Bettina for further advice on what to bring.
Accommodation and Meals
Individual rooms within apartments or in the manor house have various terraces and modern bathrooms (with hair dryer and towels). The apartments also have kitchens - although, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided you will have no need to cook for yourself. Some apartments face onto a pleasing central courtyard with barbecue and sheltered areas for al fresco eating and painting.
Meals are all home-cooked with seasonal, organically grown ingredients from the Fattoria itself. Most will be taken in the manor’s
handsome dining room or on the main terrace, and its hospitable lounge is at our disposal for before- and after-dinner gatherings.
On painting excursions, lunch will be in the form of a cold buffet picnic. Vegetarians and food intolerances arising from serious medical conditions can usually be catered for.
No supplement is charged for a single room, as this would discriminate against people on their own. It would therefore be appreciated if painting friends could share a twin-bedded room if possible. WIFI is now available
