PAINTING HOLIDAYS

As of January 2008 I have been offered the opportunity to take a group of artists to Turkey. The hotel is in Paradise Bay in a beautiful location and is used as a yoga retreat and spa. Flights to Bodrum from Gatwick are available for around £285 return per person. I need to seek numbers and give a good indication such a holiday is possible to the hotel as they will then quote corporate rates and I can establish the cost of an art holiday. Have a look at www.atamihotel.com a truly idyllic spot. Non-painting partners will be welcome, a great place to relax or have that Turkish bath near Bodrum, visit the spa, play golf or tennis, the choice is endless.

Update - week confirmed as Saturday 4th October to 11th October subject to numbers-

I have now received good initial support for this holiday and have now refined the costs after negotiations with the hotel. I am now prepared to go ahead with this holiday on the basis of the following:-

Costs are £740. This covers all art tuition, a standard room for the week at the Hotel Atami including all meals and a packed lunch. Deluxe rooms are available at extra cost. Private taxi transfer to and from Bodrum airport plus two whole day trips in a local minibus are also included.

· I receive a post dated cheque for £100 (dated 1^st August 2008) to secure a place on the art holiday. This is non-refundable except in the case of the holiday being cancelled. The balance is due by 1^st August 2008. I will need 6 deposits as a minimum for this holiday to be viable.

· Please arrange holiday insurance in case you have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. I would appreciate you forwarding details to me in due course – policy no. and contact phone numbers for emergencies.

· You will need to book your own flights to arrive at the hotel on 4^th October. I have looked online at www.travelsupermarket.com and found several return flights for about £220 per person.

· Airport transfers – please let me have your flight details in advance if you wish me to arrange this for you with the hotel. If there is any chance of sharing, then the cost can reduce.

· There will be a three course evening meal included at the hotel for 7 nights. This is cooked specifically for the art party, so if you have any dietary requirements let me know. If you wish to order from the al-la-carte menu this would be at an additional cost. Buffet breakfast and a packed lunch are also included.

· There are a variety of local painting spots which I will firm up during the week before you arrive. Please bring good walking shoes/sandals as there is a good chance of walks around the bay or into the village to paint but the terrain is a little rough.

· We shall be painting in the hotel grounds on Sunday 5^th and Friday 10^th. Monday 6^th we shall be taking a stroll around the local bay. Tuesday 7^th I am planning for a trip to Bodrum to see the castle, shops, restaurants, and the unique Fabric Bazaar. Wednesday 8^th will be a free day. Thursday 9^th a visit to the local Yalikavak bazaar.

· Also available is a boat trip around the nearby bays to/from the hotel jetty. You could also attend “Belly Dancing” classes on Sunday, have Massage sessions at the hotel (£60 per hour) or go to a Turkish Bath for 35 lire (£14) including transport.

· Please remember to bring all your own art materials, including easel. The hotel will provide chairs and painting boards. I hope to have two field easels with me - so maybe Mary Ann will not have to bring an easel from New York!

· Please note should you consider buying art materials or any other equipment for the holiday (or beforehand) I can supply these in most cases at discount costs through the Society for All Artists

· I will forward my art materials requirements on receipt of the deposit– not all of it is essential!

· My phone no. in the UK is 0(44) 1277 218688 my mobile is 07908 088121 should you wish to talk direct or have any questions. Non painting partners receive a discount of £75.

Sardinia

After teaching on this beautiful island in 2007 I shall be returning to the north west of the island again. Within easy access of Alghero, a Ryan-air destination, Palazzo Minerva and its surroundings is a superb place to paint. A quiet rural retreat where vultures and woodpeckers roam, butterflies abound, and the views are far reaching. The food and wine are plentiful and varied and hosts Maria and John make you very welcome. Easels and boards can be provided. So why not join us for another week's painting in Sardinia this Autumn 2008. see www.bellasardinia.com for details of the hotel Monte Minerva.

Costs excluding flights and insurance £695 no single supplement, discount of £50 for non-painting partners

Spain - Denia

After visiting this coastal town situated midway between Valencia and Alicante last Autumn I discussed the possibilities of teaching in this amazing location with the hotel manager and owner, David and his assistant Aled. The Hotel Chamarel is a boutique hotel situated in the old part of town. The castle, the beach and harbour, shops and ancient stucco buildings are all within walking distance. All rooms are air-conditioned and each is unique, the hotel is decorated throughout with paintings by Mila, David's wife so we are in good company. David's other assistant Lynn will be on hand to unravel any Spanish language mysteries. Easels can be provided. Web links to be inserted January 2008, sample menu available on request. see www.hotelchamarel.com

Costs excluding flights and insurance single £695, double £595 per person - discount of £50 for non painting partners

25th October to 1st November

Bawdsey Manor

A 2-day residential workshop for beginners and improvers alike in their chosen media. On the Essex - Suffolk border, this delightful 1890's manor house and its grounds and surroundings are on the estuary of the River Deben, just 9 miles from Woodbridge. A truly perfect place to paint without having to travel too far. The course begins at 16.45 on the first evening with a tour of the Manor, estate and gardens, or if you prefer you could join on Saturday at 09.30. See adult courses on www.bawdseymanor.co.uk for more details or see my links page or contact me.

Friday 17th October (16.45 hrs start time) to Sunday 19th October

Prices held over from 2007

Full board accommodation
Two sharing one room per night	£110.00
Single room per night	£85.00
Tuition fee per person	£50.00