Private Groups

Tom Coates

MOROCCO is an exotic country that evokes rich colours, aromatic incense, and a sense of mystique and magic. Nowhere is this more concentrated than in the picturesque blue and white walled town of Essaouira on the wild Atlantic coast and in the ancient rose red medina of Marrakech. This painting holiday includes 9 nights in Essaouira and 3 nights in in Marrakech's medina.

Essaouira, formerly Portuguese Mogador, offers an intoxicating mix of exotic Arabian architecture and Mediterranean-style white-washed houses with blue shutters. The old town is compact, relaxed and very easy to walk around. There is plenty of painting material and masses of variety to suit everyone's taste - sun-drenched open squares, shady inner courtyards, wide avenues, narrow alleyways, colourful souks, elegant minarets and mosques, elaborate mosaics, dramatic seascapes, defensive ramparts and bastions, a harbour teaming with fishing boats and a wild Atlantic coastline. In October the skies are normally sunny, calm and clear, making it one of the best times for painting in Essaouira. You'll be staying in a luxurious modern hotel, which is within walking distance of all these sights in Essaouira.

Marrakech is exotic and very colourful. The ancient medina is a maze of alleys lined with rose red and amber walls, beautiful carved doors and archways. Just outside the medina is the famous Jemaa el Fna Square, which comes to life with the setting sun. The changing light and shadows and everyday life scenes in the medina and square provide endless opportunities for sketching. You'll be staying in a riad-style hotel in the medina itself.

TOM COATES is a highly respected leading figurative painter of international acclaim and has been President of the NEAC. He regularly exhibits at the RA Summer Exhibition, Mall Galleries and New Grafton Gallery. This is a 'masterclass' style-painting holiday most suitable for experienced students wishing to achieve a good exhibition standard. Tom will be working on his own paintings and will encourage students to learn by example and to work alongside him. He is happy for students to work in any medium and independently. Tom Coates will be accompanied by his wife, Mary Jackson, who is also an accomplished painter and will provide additional guidance and support. Essaouira is one of Tom's most favoured painting locations.

Just 10-16 artists will be joining Tom Coates.
£2,595 per person, all-inclusive except for lunches