BACK TO ALL RETREATS.
Gary Tucker
Immersive watercolor workshop in Sicily.
September 21 – 28, 2024
Sicily – Its on everyones bucket list, with colorful sunsets, olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque villages with narrow streets, a never ending range of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, it’s a painters paradise…
And it will be our home for 7 days.
The workshop is hosted by the retreat center Salinara
Being in a central location with meals and transportation being provided is such a treat for the traveling artist. This allows time for the mind to wander and meditate on the beautiful nature…without the distractions and interruptions that travel can present. Traditional meals are included and presented with Sicilian hospitality. Other activities such as cooking classes, are also available for you or your traveling partner.
Our daily watercolor routine will include daily demonstrations by Gary, along with time for individual instruction. Afternoons will vary between painting time, exploring the region on your own, or possible one of the many activities offered through Salinara – on designated days Gary will conduct group critique over cocktails before the evening meal
Salinara is a 10 minute walk from the Mediterranean. Close by are windmills, fishing boats and Phoenician ruins. Possible day trips may include a Greek temple, the Norman hilltown of Erice, Grotto Mangiapane, windmills, fisherman’s wharfs, and beaches where we can swim in the calm, blue- green water of the Mediterranean.
DIFFICULTY:
Amateur, enthusiast, semi-pro and pro.
Price
Single:
$ 2560
Sharing per person:
$ 2300
Sharing NON painter:
$ 1550
How to Book
Deposit to save your spot $500.
The balance is due to 8 weeks before your arrival.
Apply NOW, spots are limited.
Min participants 12
Max participants 15
About Gary Tucker
“Through the media of watercolor and my process of painting I find power through brushwork, and subtlety through transparency.”
“Watercolor differs from other media in that there is a performance aspect to it. The fine pieces come out in one sitting and very often like a classic performance, something happens, a fusion of mind and subject, an improvisation that cannot be duplicated”.
Gary Tucker
– Painting instruction and individual assistance
– Accommodation in double room
– Accommodation in single room with supplement
– All Sicilian Breakfasts, 4 lunches and all dinners
– Non alcoholic drinks and wines during dinner
– Wine tasting at the villa
– Visit & shopping at pottery and terracotta artisan
– All local excursion
– The use of portable folding chairs and folding easels – Pick-up at Palermo airport on the first day at 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm
– Transfer to Palermo airport on the last day after breakfast
– 2 lunches
– Any personal expenses
– Art supplies
– Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
– Airfare
– Tips for drivers and guides
– Transfers to and from other airports than Palermo
– Transfers to the villa from Palermo airport later than 4:00 pm are extra cost.
If you arrive later than 4:00 pm, we can arrange personal transfer accordingly.
You will stay in our 18th century typical Sicilian villa, surrounded by vineyards and the blu mediterranean sea. The area is known for its olive groves, salt pans and local producers of DOC Marsala wine and many other amazing red and white wines.
Sicilian breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be freshly prepared and served at the villa by our selected local chef. Enjoy the exotic flavors of traditional cuisine accompanied by exquisite local wines.
* Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.
Travel, Landscape, Seascape, Architecture, Food and People.
Everything is carefully planned yet relaxed, giving you the freedom to open up and be creative, all while enjoying Sicily in the company of like-minded people.
The course is conducted in English, with translation into Italian, French, Spanish on demand.
8 DAYS PROGRAM (7 NIGHTS)
– Spectacular subject matter at the Villa and within walking distance such as Windmills and Salt Pans in a Natural Preserve.
– Paint coastal scenes at San Teodoro Tower and its surroundings.
– Historic Center of Marsala and Fish Market.
– Erice Mountain and the medieval village: An utterly panoramic ride with stops for beautiful sea views will take us to the medieval village.
– Shopping trip to Marsala plus a visit to a local artisan ceramist.
– Wine tasting, a passionate sommelier will introduce the history of Marsala wines, accompanied by delicious local aperitif.
– Taste authentic Sicilian cuisine prepared by our local chef at the villa and in our favorite local restaurant.
– Taste local ice cream in a classic gelateria.
Please note the itinerary is an example. Visits will depend on location and are subject to change depending on the weather.
PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME!
We welcome non-painting companions. There are many amenities and activities happening at the Farmhouse, your companions will never get bored! Of course, they will enjoy all of our local excursions, wine tasting and fantastic meals.
Start your adventure in Western Sicily:
– Typical Sicilian cooking class (min.4 pax).
– Visit local wine producers, with wine tasting.
– Walking and visit the surrounding, sea coast with antique salt marshes, windmills and vineyards.
– Visit the beautiful seaside city of Marsala, home of the homonymous wine DOC.
– Visit the unforgettable old city of Trapani where you can stroll, shop and eat in a relaxed setting.
– Bicycling and enjoy splendid views over vineyards, with the magical colours of the Mediterranean Sea.
– Visit the unspoiled Egadi Islands, such as Favignana and Levanzo.
– Experience yoga or kitesurf with professional trainer.
Arrival and Departure Airport: Palermo, Sicily (PMO) – Transfer time to villa is about 1h 20min.
Travel by car and minibus to painting spots.
For those who prefer to arrive earlier or leave later, we offer an optional extended stay.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality.
SUGGESTED PACKING:
Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.
— Bathing suit and beach towel
— Sun protection hat
— Raincoat
— Comfortable shoes for walking
— Plug adaptors / converters
If Gary Cancels the workshop participants receive a full refund
If you cancel before March 15 2024 there is a cancellation fee of $200.
between March 15 and July 29 2024 there is a cancellation fee is $300
After July 29 no refund is offered
Information
For any questions, please contact:
info@salinara.com
or
Gary Tucker Fine Artist
gary@garytuckerartist.com