Painting in Sicily with Sandra Iafrate
Discover the sun-drenched landscape of Sicily on this painting holiday that takes you on an artistic journey through the island’s vibrant culture, stunning cathedrals, and picturesque fishing villages. From the baroque architecture to the surrounding olive groves and white sandy beaches, there is no shortage of inspiration for any artist. Your stay will be at an authentic yet modern villa in the south-east of the island, surrounded by almond, olive, and pomegranate trees. Your painting supplies, sketchbook, pencils, boards, and easels are provided in a spacious studio where you’ll enjoy daily painting classes and excursions to some of the island’s most stunning destinations.
Villa Accommodation
Flavours has carefully selected one of our best Sicilian villas for this private group immersed in the countryside and surrounded by olive groves. All rooms are en-suite. Villa Aragonese is an antique fishing tower, placed in the heart of the rural region of Modica on the Byzantine plateaus of the Iblei’s. Uninhabited for over fifty years, after meticulous restoration work, the villa has finally reached its original splendor. Rich with family history and authentic character that has preserved this beloved tower from past ages, the villa is marked by characteristic “dry”stone walls (muri a siccu). Featuring views of the sea and surrounding environment, visitors can indulge in a corner of Sicily bursting with art, history, landscapes and nature.
Your Holiday Price of £1799 Includes:
- Daily tuition workshops for of a minimum of 3-hours of lessons per day. Plus the studio is available to you at all times.
- Private, en-suite accommodation in our Sicilian villa.
- Excursions as per itinerary above including lunch in Ortigia and Marzememi and dinner in Ragusa
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, including prosecco & local wine with lunch and dinners
- Private transport throughout stay.
- Return airport group land transfer based on collection/return to Catania airport
- Private minibus transfers throughout
- Private Italian cook to prepare all meals for group throughout, plus a customized cooking demonstration during the week.
- Services of our bi-lingual host to look after the group throughout
- Professional GOLDEN Artist Colors professional quality paints and mediums
The painting holiday is priced in British Pounds Sterling as our tour company is based in Edinburgh. The fee is 1799 GBP per person which is approximately $2900 Canadian Dollars or $2150 USD (no extra charge for single room!)
Please note a non-refundable deposit of 250GBP per person is required to secure your place. The remaining deposit is due 10 weeks prior to the trip.(July 30, 2023.)
We are limited to a group size of 10 guests on this tour. Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
Not included:
Flights to Italy / Personal travel insurance, cancelation insurance.
Brushes and painting panels or canvases (Please bring your favourite brushes and recommended 7 painting panels) You will be emailed a suggested material and packing list upon registration.
Painting in Sicily Itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday) - Group transfer from the airport to the villa.
Arrive in Sicily and be greeted at Catania Airport by our driver who will take you to the villa where you can rest and enjoy a welcome reception. Dinner is served at the villa, prepared by your chef.
Day 2 (Monday) - A day of painting and sketching at the villa.
After breakfast, begin your first lesson with an opportunity to explore the villa and its grounds using your art materials to study the Sicilian palette. You’ll have the chance to focus on subjects such as pomegranate and olive trees, the ancient walls of the villa, or the views from the roof terrace. After lunch, you’ll explore how to develop your initial studies into more finished pieces, with a focus on composition and drawing. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at the villa and the pool area before dinner.
Day 3 (Tuesday) - Day trip to Siracusa and Noto.
Take a day trip to Siracusa and Noto. Visit the coastal town of Siracusa where you can explore the historic old town and find the perfect vista to paint. After a morning of sketching and painting, head to our favorite local trattoria in the old part of the city, Ortigia, for lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Noto to take in the stunning valley views and walk the elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele lined with stunning baroque palazzi and churches. Don’t miss stopping by the Café Sicilia to taste their famous ice cream. Dinner tonight is prepared by your chef back at the villa
Day 4 (Wednesday) - A day trip to Marzamemi for some sketching.
Head to the local fishing village of Marzamemi after breakfast for a day of painting by the seaside. Lunch will be at our favorite local trattoria, with time after lunch to continue painting or walk the area lined with artisan shops and surrounded by the sea. Return to the villa late afternoon for aperitivi and dinner, prepared by your chef.
Day 5 (Thursday) - Spend a day at the villa painting and relaxing.
After breakfast, you’ll have some time to work on your technique with continued lessons on brush stroke technique and composition, which include a demonstration of some steps to landscape painting. Spend the rest of the day at the villa with time to continue your work or relax by the pool and in the villa grounds. Lunch and dinner will be at the villa, prepared by your chef.
Day 6 (Friday) - A morning of painting followed by a day trip to Modica and Ragusa.
Enjoy another painting lesson in the morning followed by a day trip to Modica and Ragusa. Visit the impressive town of Modica where you have the option to sketch its beautiful scenes and Sicilian life, including a visit to our favorite gelateria. From here, head to the city of Ragusa where the beautifully manicured Giardino Ibleo gardens will be more wonderful inspiration for painting flowers and foliage. Dinner is at our favorite restaurant in Ragusa.
Day 7 (Saturday) - Review of the week and Painting exhibition.
After breakfast, you will learn new and alternative mixed-media techniques followed by a review and opportunity to finish up your week’s work. You will be coached while finishing up work and planning for future work based on references and studies. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at the villa, with an exhibit of our paintings, and a final authentic meal
Day 8 (Sunday) - Our group transfer will take you back to Catania Airport.
After breakfast our transfer will take you back to Catania Airport for your onward journey. Arrivederci!
Comments from Artists
I would like to let you know how much I appreciate Sandra, her tutoring, and her artwork. I had the pleasure of having Sandra as my tutor for a painting holiday. My ability to paint with more perspective and the correct use of color increased dramatically. I learned more in that week with Sandra than I have in any art class I have taken. Sandra is engaging, easy to work with, and always positive about her student’s art. It would be my pleasure to take another painting holiday with Sandra!
Ericka L (USA)
Sandra Provides a wonderful balance of teaching the principles of design while encouraging the development of personal artist style, The classes are filled with the joy of creating at your own pace in an environment which is fun, accepting and encouraging, I have enjoyed every minute of it ! Val G (Canada)
Sandra is an excellent artist and teacher who offers a well-planned and thoughtful painting holiday. She puts you at ease with her friendly manner and sense of humor, and provides a relaxing, stress-free environment that encourages creativity. I would highly recommend her workshops! -- Maggie D (Australia)
“If you want a lifetime experience, then you must attend one of Sandra’s workshops in Italy. After attending several of her classes, I was excited for the opportunity and challenge to be immersed in the culture and art in Italy. It was a wonderful experience in the company of fellow artists lead by Sandra who encouraged and challenged us to step out of our comfort zones. I will treasure this experience! Joy P (USA)
