26 May – 2 June 2024

2 – 9 June 2024

If you have always wanted to draw or paint, you can do so under the tutelage of Loreto Reilly, a fully qualified art and design teacher, with over 20 years of professional experience, including 15 years running this course. Loreto is an adept and accomplished teacher as well as a successful Irish artist who exhibits regularly at home and abroad.

Loreto will host this year’s painting courses in the beautiful coastal town of Taormina in Sicily. The location is set in the family-run residence, Terra Rossa, surrounded by lush mature Tropical gardens, filled with sunshine but also with many areas shaded by olive trees overlooking beautiful Isola Bella and the Mediterranean Sea.

​The residence is located between the center of Taormina and the sea. The center of Taormina is uphill and can be reached by foot in about 20 minutes, or by car, and also by taxi.

The nearest beaches (called “Isola Bella” and “Mazzarò”) are 500 meters downhill. At the same distance, you will find the “Taormina Mazzarò” cable car, which connects the sea area to the city centre.

The pool with its panoramic views is always a cool option to swim or simply sit back and enjoy the warmth. For more information, please contact Loreto by email or phone.

Classes

The course is all about painting your own original landscape. Beginning with selecting a subject, learning how to make a preparatory sketch, and then working that to a finished painting. Each step is demonstrated to the group and then developed through one-to-one tuition. Students are encouraged to work at their own level of art experience.

During the course of the week, you will sketch a number of subjects, often completing several paintings by the end. Following this course, whenever you encounter a striking subject, at home or while traveling, you will have the skills to sketch and paint it.

The group is kept to a maximum of ten, to ensure that every student receives the maximum assistance and encouragement from the tutor at all times. The synergy of working together with like-minded people brings its own rewards, and many of our students have become close friends. Many people also return from year to year.

Among the painting and drawing media used during this course are graphite pencils, acrylics, and watercolours if requested. Most materials for painting and drawing are included.  For a list of things to bring click here.

For more information, please contact Loreto by email or phone.

Accommodation

All care is taken that your stay is an enjoyable experience while attending the course and this includes the accommodation. 

The house, gardens, pool, and terraces of the house are open to all students and wifi is available throughout. All apartments have a full kitchen, dining area, bathroom and terrace.

Afternoon Time to Yourself

• Walk into the centre of Taormina and visit one of its cafe terraces or restaurants. The centre, through the ancient arched entrances, leads to historic winding streets with exquisite shops and boutiques. The sacred ritual of the passeggiata for southern Italians each evening is an experience in itself. Order an Aperol and listen to the hum of the locals as they stroll arm in arm and seem to chatter incessantly. It is also an opportunity to admire the style with which they dress, seemingly effortlessly.
• Walk to the beach and enjoy a swim or a cool glass of prosecco.
• Try one of the many picturesque walking routes in the local area or explore scenery further afield by bus or with a car rental.
• Take an organised tour of Mt. Etna and sample some wines for which its slopes are famous.
• Take some time for personal painting development.
• Or simply relax in these beautiful surroundings and take a siesta by the pool
  
  

Car rental, shared or otherwise, is the ideal way to explore this fascinating area and is recommended. Information on alternative private transport can be provided.

Accommodation Cost: Week 26 May – 2 June 2024

• Double Bedroom: €800
• Double Bedroom en suite, with kitchen corner, single-use: €900
• Studio Apartment shared: €550 / single-use: €1,100 (Sea view + €50)
• Two-bedroom apartment shared: €650 per person / single-use: €1,300 (Sea view +€50)
• Non-painting partners: €150 plus above prices.
• Early booking, 90 days before check-in date: 10% discount
• 2-week stay: 10% discount
• Both offers combined: 18% discount

Accommodation Cost: Week 2 – 9 June 2024

• Double Bedroom: €890
• Double Bedroom en suite, with kitchen corner, single-use: €1,000
• Studio Apartment shared: €600 / single-use: €1,200 (Sea view + €50)
• Two-bedroom apartment shared: €700 per person / single-use: €1,400 (Sea view +€50)
• Non-painting partners: €150 plus above prices.
• Early booking, 90 days before check-in date:10% discount
• 2-week stay: 10% discount
• Both offers combined: 18% discount

Cost of course:

• €500 for course attendees

What is Included:

• Three hours of painting with tuition each morning.
• Painting materials and equipment.
• A welcome aperitif shared on arrival.
• Transport arrangement.
• Organization.

Not Included in the Price:

• Flights
• Obligatory travel insurance
• Cost of transport 
• Cost of chosen accommodation

Lunch/dinner can be enjoyed in one of the many excellent local restaurants/pizzerias in Taormina.  Or you may wish to use the facilities to cook at your own apartment. Food from local restaurants can also be ordered and delivered to your own terrace. To book today or for more information please contact Loreto by email or phone.

Cancellation Policy

• Please read the Cancellation Policy here before booking.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Catania. Aer Lingus flies direct from Dublin. The cost of flights booked early is reasonable and tends to rise closer to the travel dates. So early booking is highly recommended.

Ryanair fly direct from Stansted to Catania on Sundays. Low fares at present in January.

British Airways direct from Gatwick.

The UK has many direct flights to all three airports

Transfers can be arranged from the airport to Terra Rossa. This service will be arranged by the hotel and when a group arrives at a similar time the cost is shared and so making this a convenient and affordable choice.

There is also a train service to Taormina Giardini and a bus service right to the town centre. For more information, please contact Loreto by email or phone.

Map

Gloss Magazine January 2020

Read the article here.

Gloss Magazine July 2017

Read the article here.