26 September - 10 October 2023 Painting Workshop with Cathy Van Ee - Paesano Tours
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26 September – 10 October 2023 Painting Workshop with Cathy Van Ee

More information about Cathy Van Ee

STATUS: OPEN TO TAKE PLACES

Dates: 26th Sept – 10th Oct 2023 (15 days)

This painting workshop will be based on pastel and is suitable for beginners and advanced painters. Cathy will offer instructions and give regular feedback on your progress in this 15 day intensive workshop.

She will show new ways to interpret the magic you are seeing when travelling. The Italian scenery provides a stimulating background, while you paint ‘Plein air’.

Cathy is keen to explore this unique country with her students. She will know the best vantage points to paint, while she guides your skill to a new level.

We will take you on a journey through the canals of Venice to the gulf of La Spezia, home of Cinque Terre and Bay of Poets. Guided by Janette Garbuio, you will visit beautiful buildings, extraordinary landscapes and experience the beauty hidden from other tourists.

Also for non-painters

While Cathy is tutoring, Janette Garbuio will be chaperoning the cultural enthusiasts. There is never a dull moment exploring the winding alleyways of Venice or the unique buildings of Cinque Terre. Janette is fluent in Italian and will show you the beautiful area. Enjoy the time and energy of immersing yourself in the Italian culture.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival at our accommodation time to rest before our MEET AND GREET at 5pm. Time for a short orientation before going for Dinner nearby at 7pm. Accommodation: Venice Dinner at the discretion of individual Painting: No workshop. Preparation talk.

Day 2: Canal of Venice

A short meander through the streets of Venice to our location to paint views canals, bridges and stately palazzo under shady arches. Afternoon to visit another quiet location close by to capture the afternoon light before having time to explore this vibrant city. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 9:30-4pm

Day 3: Murano - The Island of Glass

Ferry to paint on this lovely island filled with shops and factories, where glassmakers live away from the main land to preserve their secrets. You will have time to walk the main canal where lovely shops filled with amazing coloured glass will tempt the onlooker. If weather permits, we will arrive at St Marks Square approximately 5pm to have time to paint the sunset before returning to our accommodation. Everyone will be given a three day ferry pass for their personal use. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 9:30-4pm including 2 hour lunch break

Day 4: Center of Venice - Rialto/The Grand Canal

We ferry to the RIALTO to paint this ancient beautiful centre. Views of the Grand Canal , boats and gondolas, markets stalls and the vibrancy of Venice will embrace you while you capture it while painting. After lunch, we will travel to a new location for painters, while non-painters will have time venturing through the intricate laneways. You will have time to travel by ferry on the main canal to explore even by evening. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 9am – 4pm (includes a lunch break)

Day 5: Burano - Island of Lace

Travel again by ferry to find a delightful island where famous lace makers can be found. This island was a fishing village which still maintains its tradition of colourful houses which were used to distinguish the families who lived within. After lunch time you will have time to explore this colourful island and maybe fine a special gift to bring home. For our non painters can ferry to Torcello to explore Janette, before returning to Burano and travel back to our accommodation. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 10.30am – 4.30pm (includes a lunch break)

Day 6: Free Time Or Option Bus Trip To The Alps

This is a Free day but you also have the opportunity to travel by bus with Janette to the Alps. You will have time to explore the alpine city of Cortina, surrounded by the majestic mountains before returning to Venice in the late afternoon. Whether you are in Venice or at the Alps, it will be a fine opportunity to draw in your sketchbook during your wanderings. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast No Workshop – FREE DAY

Day 7: Venice - Jewish Quarter

Stroll to the old Ghetto area to paint. This interesting quite area which has synagones and a large square with trees and canals. Yet just a short walk and turn, you will be in the hustle and bustle of the shopping lane. After lunch a short walk to Magdalena square for views of small bridges, narrow canals and chimneys, which are unique only to Venice. This is a good place for a Gondola ride and to walk and explore the many alley ways which will lead one to exciting venues. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 9am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

Day 8: Departure to Bay of Poets

After breakfast, a private taxi will collect us to take us to Tragetto where my bus will be waiting for us. We will bus to the Bay of Poet, stopping along the way for lunch. The views on the way across Italy are beautiful and will fill us with anticipation of our next destination. After settling in our new hotel, we will have a short orientation of our new town and have time to take La Passegata (the walk) before our delicious meal at our hotel. Bring your swimming gear if you want to go for a swim because there is a lovely beach opposite our hotel, Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Continental Breakfast and Dinner No Workshop

Day 9: San Terenzo - Venere Azzurra Bay View

Paint all day in one location under shady trees with views of the beautiful bay with its castle in the distance, boats and colourful buildings. This area became inspiration for many artists, poets and writers. Many admirable constructions still remain from the past. Non painters can walk to the ancient castle and explore the area, with time to relax with Janette. At sunset in our hotel or a nearby café will be the perfect way to close the day with a refreshing Aperitivo before enjoying our evening meal. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Workshop: 9am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

Day 10: Vernazza

A lovely morning walk to our ferry to explore the Cinque Terre by boat. Ticket is included. We will ferry all the way to Monterosso and will have time to explore before returning to get the next ferry for Vernazza for our lunch break. “Vulnetia” was its ancient Latin name. The web of “arrugi” (narrow lanes) and steep stairways converges in the main square overlooking the sea. This is the centre of the village, which opens up to a large bay. Nearby, stands the church dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch (1318), with its foundations in the sea. After lunch, we take the ferry to Riomaggiore, the jewel of Cinque Terre. The towns of the Cinque Terre are settled along a charming road down to the “Marina”, you will find the typical coloured houses which seem to cling to one another, with the boat dock in the middle. Then catching the last ferry to return to our port of Lerici where we can stroll back to our hotel with our drawings. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner NO WORKSHOP

Day 11: Tellaro

We will take the local bus up and over a mountain with breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs to TELLARO. This secret bay (Italians do not tell the tourists!), you will discover a lovely fishing village to paint located on the sea edge, with a small pebbled beach with boats and under pass ways and steps twisting around the clinging houses. The church lighthouse is on the edge of a rocky formation facing the sea. So beautiful and quiet. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Workshop: 9:30am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

Day 12: Lerici - The Harbour

Today will be market day as we stroll through the stalls to our views. It is a lovely stroll or you can use the local bus to Lerici. I will provide the bus tickets for you. Above the port is the forbidding medieval Castello di Lerici, which dominates the holiday villas below. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Workshop: 9:30am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

Day 13: Portovenere

We will take the local bus up and over a mountain with breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs to Telado. This secret bay (Italians do not tell the tourists!), you will discover a lovely village to paint located on the sea edge, with a small pebbled beach with boats and under pass ways and steps twisting around the clinging houses. The church lighthouse is on the edge of a rocky formation facing the sea. On our return by bus to Lerici , there will be time to stroll through the shops before returning to our hotel Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Workshop: 9:30am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

Day 14: Sarzana - The rebel town

There are many locations which will temp you but today we will go to the town of Sarzana. It has lovely buildings surrounded with a defence wall and a greatly fortified castle which protected the territory for Pisa. We will take time to sample the coffee house filled with beautiful petit cakes before we settle to paint. We will catch the bus and return after lunch for time to prepare for your departure the next day. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Half day workshop

Day 15: Departure

Departure by shared Taxi in the morning to LA SPECIA TRAIN STATION for departure.

Tour Inclusions

Limited Places

  • Painting workshop and critiquing as per itinerary
  • 7 nights accomodation in Venice (Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities*)
  • Continental Breakfast in Venice
  • 7 nights accommodation in Bay of Poets (Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities*)
  • Breakfast and Dinner in Bay of Poets
  • Bi-lingual speaking tour guides (Italian/English)
  • Ferry transportation on specified days
  • Train transportation on specified days
  • Wifi at all hotels
  • Maps of the area

Once we have the required minimum numbers, we will contact you so you can arrange your flights. Flights not included and is the travellers responsibility to book their own flights, although we are happy to give guidance.

Price: $6300AUD per person

First Deposit of $700 due at time of booking

*Single supplement rate available: $750 AUD