botanical painting holiday in greece

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13 – 20 May 2016
09 – 16 September 2016
BOTANICAL PAINTING HOLIDAY
“Mediterranean plants from the hills and shores of
South Pelion, Greece”
COURSE TUTOR
MAGGIE NIAGASSAS DipAD DipSBA
“The plant world with all its splendid diversity has always been an inspiration for me. Having been brought up in
Africa, I was exposed to the many vivid colours and forms which would have a lasting impression and influence on my
artistic career.
My diploma in Art and Design - General illustration was a natural consequence of these experiences which I
completed in the UK. This encounter with mediterranean nature motivated me to study botanical illustration, and
in 2007 I acquired my diploma from the Society of Botanical Illustration.
Since then, I have exhibited several times with the SBA at their annual exhibition which is held in Westminster,
London. I have held watercolour painting lessons in Athens and in Limassol, Cyprus. Currently I am living in London,
England.”
MAGGIE IS A MEMBER OF THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN SOCIETY
BOTANICAL PAINTING HOLIDAY IN GREECE
“Mediterranean plants from the hills and shores of South Pelion”
PROGRAMMES – 13 – 20 May or 09 – 16 September 2016
All Sessions at Lagou Raxi Country Hotel unless otherwise stated
Friday 13/05
Friday 09/09
Arrival of participants
16:00 - 18:00
Saturday 14/05
Saturday 10/09
Meet & Greet Dinner at the hotel
09:00 - 13:00 Introduction to botanical painting,short history
and what is contemporary botanical art
A short description of materials, both painting
and plants
Explanation of the painting project
Practice some painting techniques
16:00 - 18:00 Afternoon walk on the kalderimia to collect
painting specimens
Evening
Join in the village 'panygyri' festival
Sunday 15/05
Sunday 11/09
09:00 - 13:00 Pencil work, continuous tone of chosen plant
(leaf, stalk, bud)
Starting a watercolour study
16:00 - 18:00 Continue with watercolour work
Monday16/05
Monday 12/09
09:00 - 16:00 Visit AGIOS ATHANASSIOS (a monastery hidden in
a green valley, opens only once a year, but we
get the key to go to paint there!) The hotel will
prepare for a picnic on the spot
Pencil work on material found
Tuesday 17/05
Tuesday 13/09
09:00 - 13:00 More watercolour painting - flowers
16:00 – 18:00 Continue watercolour painting
Wednesday 18/05
Wednesday 14/09
09:00 - 16:00 Inspiration from the sea shore (Beach
taverna) Pencil studies
Thursday 19/05
Thursday 15/09
09:00 - 13:00 Finishing off work
Friday 20/05
Friday 16/09
Departure of participants, or a rest over the weekend
16:00 – 18:00 Prepare for exhibition in seminar room of the
hotel
18.00
Exhibition and Farewell Dinner
*please ask if you would like to stay for extra nights
BOTANICAL PAINTING HOLIDAY IN GREECE
LAGOU RAXI COUNTRY HOTEL ***
Lagou Raxi Country Hotel is situated at the edge of the village Lafkos. It opened in 2014
and was built according to the local traditional architecture. It has a breathtaking view
of the Gulf and it's close to the sea (5 km). The British/French owners Sue & Christian,
are putting, apart from the Greek, their own cultural and culinary accents, which results
in a very attractive mix. www.lagouraxi.com
PRICES PAINTING HOLIDAY + ACCOMMODATION
Room rates per person
including half-board and
cooked breakfasts AND
Single room
Twin double occupancy
Triple double occupancy
7 nights accommodation
6 days painting course
645€
525€
595€
* If you would like to bring family member(s) or friend(s), NOT participating in the
painting course please contact the hotel for the prices of different combinations
including Double rooms and Suites via mail@lagouraxi.com or call +30 24230 65144
* Coffee machine and kettle available in the painting atelier throughout the day
* Transportation to two outside locations included
Flights are NOT included. There are a few lowcost/charter (flight only)
companies flying directly to Volos Airport. (see
http://www.volosairport.gr/en/flights-en-menu.html). Alternatives are to fly
to Athens, Thessaloniki or Skiathos. Transfer airport/hotel can be arranged.
BOTANICAL PAINTING HOLIDAY IN GREECE
THE VILLAGE OF LAFKOS
Lafkos is one of the 24 officially 'listed' villages in the region of Pelion, about 45 km from
the city of Volos. Medieval paths (Kalderimia) stretch around this car-free village and
further afield to neighbouring villages and the sea. At the central square several
tavernas serve fresh home-made local dishes. You will find a thirst-quenching frappé (ice
coffee) at Manolis' cafe, where the village elders gather to discuss politics and change
the world. Next to the church, sculptures of Thanasis Fampas are exhibited, they are
made of white marble from the Pelion region. His paintings can be admired at the small
museum.
The smell of freshly baked bread in a wood-fired oven draws you to the bakery shop. The
village has three small 'mini-markets', a craftsman jeweller, home made soaps and a
small gift shop. There is also a fascinating museum of old radios. A lovely 10-minute
walk brings you from the hotel to the centre of the village.
Pelion is the Greece you thought no longer existed: relaxing and countrified
(Travel Telegraph)
Dangling in the Aegean, north of Athens and East of Volos, Pelion has idyllic landscapes,
enchanting beaches and an artistic heritage as delightful as it is unique
(Sunday Times)
The hook-like peninsula of Pelion lies in the warm waters of the Pagasitic Gulf, in
north-eastern Greece and is perhaps one of the most unexploited, unspoilt and
naturally beautiful areas of the country
(The Independent)
There is no other blend of culture and beauty anywhere else in the country quite like
this mountainous peninsula (Pelion) in central Greece
(The Guardian)
http://www.southpelion.com/index.html
13 – 20 May
or
09 – 16 September 2016
BOTANICAL PAINTING HOLIDAY
“Mediterranean plants from the hills and shores of
South Pelion, Greece”
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
* Lessons are provided by an experienced art teacher
* Suitable for beginners and intermediate
* The technique used is aquarelle/watercolour and pencil work
* We will focus on detailed pencil and watercolour work most suited to botanical art
* All materials will be provided, but you may bring your own watercolours
* A sketchbook would be useful to bring with you
PLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO
sue@lagouraxi.com or for more information call +30 2423065144
Paintings courtesy of Maggie Niagassas and Sabrina (from the first course in May 2015)
LAGOU RAXI A.E. Lafkos 37006 – South Pelion, Magnesia, Greece
ΛΑΓΟΥ ΡΑΧΗ A.E. Λαύκος 37006 – Δήμος Ν. Πηλίου, Μαγνησία
Τηλ: +(30) 24230 65144
Εmail: mail@lagouraxi.com