May 13-17, 2024

Meet Hazel Soan

Hazel trained at the Camberwell College of Arts and the Leicester College of Art. She has exhibited worldwide and is remembered well as an Art expert on Channel 4’s popular daytime television programme Watercolour Challenge and for her two series’ of Splash of Colour, made by Anglia TV. Hazel is a bestselling author of numerous highly regarded art tutorial books. Hazel resides in London and is currently exhibiting at the M1 Fine Art Gallery in London. Check out Hazel Soan on Wikipedia.

About Santorini

Santorini is part of a small volcanic island group (made up of 5 islands) in the Aegean archipelago. The main city is called Thera (sometimes spelled Thira or Fira). Due to little rainfall and an abundance of sunshine, there are no trees growing naturally on the island. However the conditions are perfect for growing figs, olives, tomatoes, split peas (fava), capers and, of course, grapes. The cities down the western coast are all built along the edge of a high cliff that drops down to the water resulting in spectacular western vistas that we are excited to paint. The island is only 10 miles long and 3 miles wide at its narrowest point. The view to the east is the rest of the island sloping gently toward the Mediterranean Sea.

Warm Up Sketch + Welcome Reception

Sunday May 12, 2024

Workshop participants who arrive early are invited to meet in the hotel lobby at 2:00 for a warm up sketch (optional). Hazel will not be teaching. This is just your chance to do a warm up painting before the first art class. All workshop participants and nonSketcher Companions are invited to a welcome reception at 6pm. Below is our proposed itinerary. 

Day 1--The Three Bells of Thira + a Museum visit

Monday May 13, 2024

In the morning we will walk to the location of Workshop #1. With this breathtaking panoramic view of the caldera in the background, we will set up for our workshop today.

 In the afternon we will visit a museum, cathedral or art gallery.

Day 2--Painting the Blue Domes 

Tuesday May 14, 2024

Today we will spend the day exploring a nearby town where we will paint Santorini's famous blue domes from the perfect vantage point. The blue domes of Santorini will be the subject of Workshop #2. 

Day 3--Painting an Iconic Windmill

Wednesday May 15, 2024

Santorini is known not only for its iconic blue domes but also for its abundance of windmills. As many as 70 windmills (most in ruins) have been located on the island. Locals harnessed the wind to grind flour and most are out of use now, transformed into restaurants and Airbnbs. A windmill will be the subject of Workshop #3.

 In the afternoon we will visit a museum, cathedral or art gallery. 

Day 4--A Tour of the Island by Private Coach + Painting a Sunset

Thursday May 16, 2024

In the morning we will tour the entire island by private coach exploring its beaches, castles, archeological digs and vistas returning in time for a late lunch. Then, after a rest, Hazel will teach Workshop #4 in the early evening and our subject will be the glorious sunset of Santorini.  

Day 5--Sunset Sailing Tour + Farewell Dinner

Friday May 17, 2024

On our last day we will paint an iconic view of Santorini for Workshop #5. Then, in the early afternoon, we will enjoy a sunset sailing tour of the caldera including a delicious Greek buffet dinner on the boat.

Departure

Saturday May 18, 2024

It's time to say goodbye but you will never forget the friends you made or the skills you learned during this great week! Or extend your stay for a long relaxing holiday!  

PLEASE NOTE: THE ORDER OF EVENTS AND SUBJECTS PROPOSED IN THIS ITINERARY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Recommended Workshop Supply List

Click HERE.

FAQs

Click HERE for answers to frequently asked questions.

For more information about this vacation package contact Brenda Murray Studio56Boutique@gmail.com.

Tour Includes

• A welcome reception
• All art classes
• Admission to the museums and sites mentioned
• a 5-hour coach excursion around the island
• 5-hour boat cruise including dinner 

Tour Excludes

• Flights to/from the area
• Hotel
• airport pick-up and drop-off
• Meals (except those listed above)
• Painting supplies
• City taxes payable by guest at check out
• Tips and gratuities
• Porterage/luggage handling
• Travel insurance
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Items not explicitly specified in the inclusion list

Early Bird Prices in USD

Book now before December 15, 2023 and save $200USD!

$2099.USD  $1899.USD Workshop Participant

$1399.USD NonSketcher Companion Participant (such as partner or travelling buddy)

NonSketcher Companion tickets include the same attractions and meals as the Workshop Participants with the exception of the art classes.

To reserve your spot in this workshop, a $500USD nonrefundable deposit is required for Workshop Participants and a $300USD nonrefundable deposit is required for nonSketcher Companions 150 days prior to the start of the workshop. The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the start of the workshop.

To make a deposit, please scroll to the bottom and click BOOK NOW.

PLEASE READ OUR  REFUND POLICY.

Bring a Friend and Get a Discount

Here's how it works. You and your sketching buddy register for the workshop with your deposits. Then send us an email and tell us you are registering with a sketching buddy. You will each be sent a discount code for $50 that you can apply when you pay the balance of your tickets.

The small print: This discount code cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount code and it can only be applied to 2 Workshop participant tickets if the workshop sells out with 15 participants.

Accommodation

The official hotel of this workshop is centrally located in Santorini with a pool and bright, modernly furnished rooms with air conditioning, a satellite, flat-screen TV, fridge, private bathroom, balcony or veranda, double-glazed windows and safety boxes. Airport pickup can be arranged directly with the hotel.

Information about the official hotel of this workshop will be sent to all participants after they have made their deposit.

How to Make a Hotel Reservation

Before you make a hotel reservation, click the red BOOK NOW button below to ensure you have a spot in this workshop.

After you have secured your spot in this workshop, you will be sent information about the hotel with instructions for how to book a room. Participants can stay in this hotel or book into another hotel or Airbnb if they prefer. 

Travel + Medical Insurance

Last minute cancellations for any reason are nonrefundable therefore protect your investment in this vacation by purchasing travel insurance. Click HERE for a list of US travel insurance providers. Some credit card companies may also offer travel insurance if you paid for your trip using that credit card.

Insider Tips

Tip #1--There are no trees growing naturally on Santorini therefore sunscreen, sunglasses, and a large floppy hat are absolutely critical as it will be very sunny and bright and difficult to find shade. Also, the island can be windy so large clips to hold your pages down is recommended.

Tip #2--High season begins May 16 so if you want to enjoy a few days vacation in Santorini you may wish to arrive before the start of the workshop to take advantage of low season prices. 

Pedestrian Friendly?

The gorgeous vistas in Santorini are made possible by its location along the top and down the sides of a very high cliff. Consequently there are a lot of stairs in Santorini. Participants in this workshop must be fully mobile and able to walk for 20 minutes and manage stairs. This town is really not pedestrian friendly if you are relying on a walker or have mobility issues. If you are not able to walk 20 minutes and manage stairs, we recommend you consider a different Studio 56 workshop that is less physically demanding. 

Covid-19 Vaccinations

The instructor and tour manager are fully vaccinated against covid-19. This tour will be following all locally recommended protocols. Please check the covid protocols required for Greece by clicking HERE and check back close to the date of departure as the protocols may change. 

Your Tour Manager

Participants will be accompanied by Studio 56 owner, Brenda Murray. Brenda is a Canadian artist and arts advocate, the founder of Urban Sketchers Waterloo Region and a former Urban Sketchers Board member. A seasoned traveler, Brenda has traveled to Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Cuba, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea (resident for 4 years), Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, UK, and the USA (35 states). Brenda will be on hand to assist the instructor and to ensure that everything runs smoothly. She has completed the St. John's Ambulance Emergency First Aid - CPR C - AED training. Learn more about Brenda HERE. 

For More Information

Email Studio56Boutique@gmail.com or call Brenda Murray at 519-572-1757.

How to Register for this Workshop

To guarantee your spot in this exciting vacation workshop, participants must pay a deposit by clicking the BOOK NOW button below.