Painting in Spain
Let Spain seduce you! Costa Brava, where the mountains meet the sea, is the setting of this exciting painting tour
in the province of Gerona. Craggy cliffs, sandy coves, pristine beaches and inland, the fascinating, ancient history all await
to be painted and experienced. This region was also the home and setting for the surreal world of Salvadore Dali.
Day 1: Arrival at the Costa Brava
We will pick you up at the Barcelona airport and drive you to
our hotel located in one of the most exclusive beaches
on the Costa Brava, Calella de Palafrugel. Upon your
arrival at our hotel by the sea, take time to settle in or start
enjoying the wonderful white-washed and preserved fisherman village
on the beach.
Enjoy the beach in front of the hotel, walk along the pristine
seashore, take in the sun from the terrace or have a drink in
the Mediterranean breeze.
Before dinner, we will take an easy walk along the shore that
offers breathtaking vistas along the way.
In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed
by a delicious dinner. |
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Days 2-3: Painting one of the most Beautiful Villages on the Costa
Brava
This "little fishing village" is an hidden gem amongst
all other villages along the Northern Costa Brava. The village of
Calella de Palafrugell is made up of endless rocks, cliffs and extremely
beautiful beaches.
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................Village
of Calella de Palagrugell: view from our hotel
The parish church lies in the center of the village and is surrounded
by numerous small, windy alleys, which lead down to the beach and
give Calella de Palafrugell its picturesque charm.
Calella de Palafrugell consists of a series of pretty coves strung out
like pearls behind a fishing village with whitewashed arches on the
promenade.
Day 4: Flowers, Coves and Sea Views at the Botanical Garden
Ten minutes up the road, lies The Jardi Botanic de Cap Roig. It is considered
one of the most important botanical gardens in the
Mediterranean.
The most characteristic plant species in the Mediterranean region mix
with trees and plants from other continents are a must see and a must
paint...
High above the bay, the garden offers stunning views towards
the ocean.
In 1927, a Russian Colonel and his English wife began building a
castle and a magnificent park. The works continued for 50 years.
The garden runs down in terraces from the castle to the sea. These ornamental
and extremely beautiful gardens contain species from all over the world.
Front door of the castle in the botanical garden
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Afternoon: Pals, an unique Preserved Medieval Village
As you walk through the narrow village streets, next to the
city walls, towers and churches, you will feel as though you
have walked into a new time altogether.
The stone archways, cobblestone streets and wrought balconies
adorned with flowers create a welcoming feel in this Romanesque
village.
Day 5: The Surrealistic World of Salvator Dali
For those interested we will go to see the largest surrealistic
object in the world created by Dali, the Dalí Theatre-Museu
in the town of Figueres, his birthplace.
We will step inside the surreal world of Salvador Dalí and
find a museum like none other. Dalí wanted visitors to see
his massive collection as a ‘whole’ work and therefore
refused to have his works placed in chronological or subject order.
Inside is a world of fantasy mixed with architecture, paintings
and sculptures. It's a complete surrealistic experience.
Dali museum in Figueres |
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Some Dali'work at his museum in Figueres |
Day 6: Magical Barcelona: Market, Gaudi's Architecture and Tapas
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Fruit stall at the Boqueria
Casa Batlló, Gaudi
Sagrada Familia-Gaudi
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Leaving the countryside for a more urban atmosphere, we will drive to Barcelona and settle into our new
hotel in the center of town.
Lunch: We will go to the Market of la
Boqueria with its incredible contrast between colours
and activity, an ideal place to discover why Mediterranean cuisine
is internationally known due to its ingredients.
All of the best products from Catalonia in one place: fruit,
vegetables, fish, seafood and the world famous ham de
Belota, the "pata negra".
Afternoon: Gaudi's amazing architecture:
On this guided tour, we will get up close to some of the best
Gaudí's grand designs: Palau of Guell, Casa Batlló,
Casa Milla and of course la Sagrada Familia.
Casa Batlló is Gaudi's most emblematic work of
with a facade that is original, fantastical and full of imagination.
Gaudi redesigned the original facade to give it a wavy shape
and covered it with a mosaic of coloured glass
and ceramic discs. Just amazing!
The giant Basilica, the Sagrada Familia,
is one of the most original and ambitious modern buildings.
You can't fail to be humbled by such an imposing and ambitious
project, being under construction since 1882! The detail on
the exterior walls is just staggering.
Evening: We will enjoy a tapas dinner
in a typic restaurant close to the colorful Ramblas, one of the most famous boulevards
in the world. Not less than 15 different tapas for you to try. Bon appetit!
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Day 7: Painting, Touring or Shopping in Barcelona
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Barcelona is such a rich city: art, shops, museums, food, architecture,...
You will have plenty of choices for your last day:
- If you don't mind the crowd, you can paint great architecture,
gothic buildings, flower markets, fruit markets,... all at walking distance from our hotel.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Park Guell,
one of the most famous legacies Gaudi left to this world. Park
Guell is one of the most beautiful and innovative parks
in the world. The whole park
is sprinkled with twisting pathways
and some private residences.
- Follow in the footsteps of the artistic genius Picasso by
visiting the Museu Picasso, a gallery
that records his formative years.
- Discover the Medieval Gothic Quarter with
its Romans Ruins and his Medieval Palaces, all located walking
distance from our hotel, in the center of town.
- Head to the Fundació Joan Miró,
one of the greatest museums in the world about his art.
- Do some great shopping: Style comes with
all
kinds of price tags in Barcelona. High street shoppers will
easily recognise the Spanish labels Mango and Zara, but fashionistas
should check out the colorful Desigual.
Evening: Flamenco
In the evening, we will have our farewell dinner
together followed by a wonderful and unforgettable Flamenco
show. Flamenco singers, dancers and guitar players will
be offering a powerful staging and musical event. |
View of Barcelona from Park Guell, Gaudi
Roof of Palau Guell, Gaudi
Flamenco night
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Day 8: Departure
It is time to say Hasta Luego! But don't worry - you'll be back.
We just know it!
You can choose to stay a few more days in Barcelona. For those
who can't, we will drive you to Barcelona airport after breakfast.
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Transportation
You will be taken care of from the start to finish of the trip
from and to the Barcelona airport.
Every day, we have our comfortable A/C mini van at your disposal
to drive you to different painting locations.
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Accommodations
We have chosen this friendly and peaceful hotel located in the
heart of la Costa Brava. Come and let yourself be carried away
by emotions!
The hotel sits on bluffs overlooking the coves of a hidden preserved
beach of the Costa Brava.
Besides magnificent views, the hotel grounds boast a shaded
terrace and beautifully wooded gardens.
The village's steep winding streets and picturesque fishermen's
cottages form an idyllic backdrop to the stunning Mediterranean
coast.
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View of the village from the hotel
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Many rooms (if you book early) have a balcony with sea view. Enjoy
exceptional views of the white fishing village and the blue sea in a
comfortable, intimate and relaxed atmosphere. All rooms have TV, satellite,
air conditioning, heating, hairdryer and safety deposit box.
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Bedroom with sea view |
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View from the terrace |
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Rates 2013
US $3,190 for double occupancy room (+ $550 for single suppl.)
There are only a few rooms with sea view so
make sure to sign up early.
Dates 2013
May 2-9, 2013:
Teacher:
Cherry Sweig
Multi-Media Paintbooks.
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"WHY are
the colors so enchanting in Spain?” Through multi-media
‘Paintbooks’, we will answer this question and realize
a new way of seeing another country. The unique colors, textures
and the patterns of light will be captured in provided
sketchbooks through watercolors, colored pencils and special-effect
collages.
You will return home with an inspiring collection of innovative
imagery that can be translated into larger artworks or enhance
any artistic endeavor. We will also be focusing on traveling LIGHTWEIGHT.
For all levels of artists and those who would like to learn to
“travel as an artist". Cherry is offering TWO FREE PRE-TRIP
art classes, for every participant signed up before
NOVEMBER 30, 2012. |
May 10-17,
2013:
Teacher:
Keiko Tanabe
Watercolor Painting Workshop .
SOLD OUT
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"I just came back
from my trip in Europe that included a visit to the Catalonia
region. I must tell you that what the region offers to a painter
is just not beautiful sceneries of Costa Brava or vibrant urban
scenes. Rather, it inspires our imagination and elevates
all senses beyond expectations. I am very excited to
have an opportunity to experience that with those who will join
me on a plein-air painting trip to Costa Brava and Barcelona in
May, 2013.
To put you in the mood even before you leave home, you will receive
a free copy of the book I am putting together
with my paintings, sketches and photos from my trip there in 2012.
This exclusive offer is just for my workshop participants." |
Aug 31-Sept 7, 2013:
Teacher:
Sandy Delehanty
Watercolors and
Journal Sketching.
2 spots left
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We artists see
things differently. When we travel we want to absorb all that
is going on around us and capture forever the scenes we are seeing.
But hauling art supplies, easel wet paints etc. is a pain. When
you travel with me you will bring a Watercolor Journal,
small watercolor field kit palette, ink pens, perhaps a few colored
pencils and your camera. With these tools, you will learn to create
your very own "Story Book" of your trip. (Even
beginners can do this)!
You will learn to capture the color in watercolor and
add your thoughts in writing. For those interested, we
will do a critique in the evening to give you guidance and feedback.
You will return home with a lovely Story Book filled with memories
of your trip and a new way of looking at the world. |
Dates 2014
Sept 7-14, 2014:
Teacher:
Jeannie Breeding
Painting workshop and retreat:
All media welcome
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Painting
Workshop: You’ll be given daily on-location
demos in oil. Artists may work in the medium of their
choice! Each workshop participant will be supplied with
a 6” x 8” gridded view finder & rendering marker, which
we’ll use as we learn to simplify and start with a good composition.
I’ll demonstrate the fundamentals of simple perspective,
line, value and color. Artists will learn the secrets
of using temperature to create the illusion of depth
in their paintings. Workshop participants will each be emailed
art supply suggestions and tips on traveling with paints. I
will invite participants to a free one day plein air
class in Colorado Spring.
Artist Retreat: Advanced
artists who don't desire instruction are welcome to sign up
as a "Retreat Participant" for $350
less then the workshop participants. They won't
watch the demos but will paint on same locations and enjoy the
camaraderie of other artists. We'll all get together in the
evenings to discuss art.
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Sept 15-22, 2014:
Teacher: Victoria
Brooks
Primarily Oil Painting Workshop
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This painting
trip to Barcelona and the Coasta Brava has more visual beauty
and inspiration than any artist could dream of ! There is something
for everyone and all level of painters are welcome.
Victoria teaches primarily in oil but also teaches acrylic and
watercolor. She will teach you how to paint water and
reflections, capturing white washed buildings against
cobalt skies and a turquoise sea. Learn to paint a boat or a whole
harbor as Victoria teaches you the methods of simplicity.
Because it is a small class she spends a lot of time individually
and as a group lecturing and demonstrating the how to's of painting:
composition, color, value and edges.
Victoria is also a figure painter, so she will give tips on painting
Flamenco dancers as well as old fishermen!"
Victoria will hold a FREE Travel Painting Workshop
in her Loomis, CA studio 6 months prior to departure. She will
do a painting demo using all her travel painting equipment and
give tips on how to pack for painting overseas. |
Sept 23-30,
2014:
Teacher:
Sonja Hamilton, SWA Watercolor Painting
Workshop
5 spots left
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"Light! It
is all about light! And how to interpret light to its
fullest to create the most enchanting of paintings. Imagine the
white-washed villages of Costa Brava bursting with glowing color.
How does the light hit the rugged rocks and play into reflections
in the water? Find the subtleties of light underneath arches on
land and water. With watercolor, there are ways to quickly achieve
all this and more. Working on quarter sheets or smaller papers,
you have the freedom of mixing color on paper
and see what happens. Go home with the best of souvenirs - your
paintings! "
For those who live close to Sonja (Auburn, CA), she will give
a pre-trip lesson - painting water, rocks and
reflections and offer to teach you proper matting and
framing for exhibits in her studio afterwards. |
Rates 2014
Registrations for 2014 are open
US $2,990 before Nov 30, 2013
After: US$3,190 (+ $550 for single suppl.)
On the tour with Jeannie Breeding, it is possible
for artists not to take the lessons. In that case, price is US$2,640
before Nov 30 and US$2,840 after.
Rates 2013 and 2014 include:
- Trip starts and ends at a specific hotel downtown Barcelona
- A welcome reception
- All nights (five nights at the hotel in the Costa Brava and
two at the hotel in Barcelona)
- All breakfasts
- 5 dinners (incl. drinks and wine)
- A Flamenco show
- All art classes
- Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
- Transportation in a comfortable van
- A personal chauffeur/guide throughout the week
Exclude:
- Flights to and from Barcelona
- Lunches
- 2 dinners (we will go with you for those meals).
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses and tipping
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