Painting on the Greek Island of Santorini

Led by professional artist and instructor Becky Haletky

Imagine spending a week on the spectacular island of Santorini,
painting on location in the picturesque cliff top villages, hill towns and black sand beaches.  Becky has explored Santorini for painting locations that are an artist or photographer's dream. 

Instruction is loosely based, one on one as needed and all levels can enjoy this relaxing trip.  You will paint on location, as well as learn how to take better reference photographs. Photographers are welcome.

Santorini is the crescent shaped caldera of an ancient volcano, which some historians believe to be the lost city of Atlantis. The villages of Fira, Oia and Imerovigli hang on the top of the 1,000 foot cliffs. The group will stay in the Hotel Ira http://www.ira-hotel.com,  centrally located in Firostefani, featuring spectacular views of the caldera, and within close walking distance to Fira and Imerovigli. We will travel by coach to the hill towns and harbor towns to paint and photograph. Good walking ability is recommended.

Watercolor Tour of Western Ireland

Led by professional artist and instructor Becky Haletky

Your itinerary is set in the unspoiled villages, ancient forests, ruined abbeys and rugged coastline of County Mayo. The natural landscapes, along with the friendly people, make Western Ireland a place of inspirational beauty. You will visit places you would never find on your own – hidden beaches, tiny villages and ancient ruins.

Award winning painter and photographer, Becky Haletky, will introduce painters to her favorite out of the way locations, and instill in them a love for the beautiful color and light of County Mayo. You will drive along the dramatic coast of Achill Island to the deserted famine village at Slievemore.  From the enchanted forest of Sheeffrey Wood you will travel along the beautiful Killary Harbor to the quaint village of Leenaun for lunch at the noted Field Pub. Murrisk Abbey at the foot of Croagh Patrick is a fabulous painting location.

Participants will learn to capture and interpret what they see in their own style, with one on one instruction and guidance.  There will be ample opportunity to paint and sketch on location, as well as learn how to take better reference photographs. Artists of all levels are welcome.

Your guide will be legendary Irish musician, Olcan Masterson, who is a walking authority on the history and culture of his beloved land.  Optional evening outings to hear traditional Irish music in the pubs will round out your experience.

NEW IN 2009 - THREE DAYS IN COUNTY DONEGAL

The group will spend three days exploring County Donegal, where we will stay at The Mill Park Hotel, on sweeping Donegal Bay, where quaint fishing villages are a painter's delight.

When in Westport, the group will stay at Hillcrest House.  The relaxed atmosphere makes for a comfortable base. You will enjoy traditional Irish breakfasts and dinners. Lunch will be at local pubs or picnics in the field. Transportation is provided in a roomy van with plenty of storage space for materials and equipment.

Watercolor Tour of Venice Italy

Led by professional artist and instructor Becky Haletky

Venice, legendary city of art, capital of the Veneto, encompasses about 180 square miles, 100 of which are water. The city is built on an archipelago of more than one hundred small islands, separated by a dense network of 177 canals, and joined by 400 picturesque and romantic small bridges.

Artists and photographers, alike, marvel at the quality of the light in Venice, where the faded pastels of the thirteenth century facades glow. As you explore Venice and sense its romantic past, Becky will help you maximize the painting and photographic possibilities all around you. Laura your Venetian guide has led tours for years and is sensitive to the needs of artists. She will show us the real Venice, the off the beaten path locations where we can set up and paint in less frequented squares and along the canals.

Imagine exploring the city's quiet neighborhoods, where narrow cobbled alleyways open up to sunny plazas.  The group will take boat trips to the island of Burano, where the picturesque storybook village is a painter's dream, and Torcello, which is virtually deserted.

Accommodations are at the Hotel Villa Igea on the Campo San Zaccaria, one of Venice's loveliest squares, and moments away from Piazza San Marco, home of the Ducal Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.