Private Groups

James Willis

VENICE never fails to inspire artists with its wealth of fabulous architecture, glorious pellucid light and reflective qualities of its water.

Venice is a masterpiece itself – built on 117 islands; it has 150 canals and 400 bridges! Its traffic-free, apart from gondolas and water taxis, and its maze of narrow streets and open squares are lined with grand Renaissance palazzos and churches and a myriad of shop signs and lanterns.

Besides the famous sites of St Mark’s Square and its Basilica, the Campanile and the Doges Palace, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs there are many quieter areas with lesser-known squares, palazzos and canals to paint, as well as the wonderfully colourful fish and vegetable markets.

You will be staying in a delightful and very comfortable hotel near the Accademia, which is in the quieter area of Dorsoduro but still within walking distance of St Mark’s Square. There is an almost endless supply of subject matter within walking distance of the hotel and as each day progresses you’ll find yourselves following the light as it changes across Venice.

JAMES WILLIS is a senior tutor at the Open College of Arts and of the fine art workshops at the Sir John Soane Museum in London and is fast emerging as a leading figurative artist. He works in all mediums and has a young, fresh and dynamic approach to capturing life and colour in cityscapes. James teaches by example focusing on demonstrations and informative group critique sessions.

James will be working alongside each day providing individual guidance when appropriate. This holiday is most suitable for intermediate and advanced students. This is the only European painting holiday that James Willis is tutoring in 2010.

The holiday format has been carefully structured with an understanding of artists’ needs at the heart of the arrangements. Everything is taken care of for you in a caring and professional manner by an accompanying programme co-ordinator, enabling you and James Willis to concentrate solely on painting and - most importantly - you will be working in the warmth and supportive environment of like-minded people.

Scheduled flights, private transfers, excellent accommodation adjacent to the Accademia and dinners in local trattoria are included.

Just 10-16 students will be joining James Willis in Venice.
£2,895.00 per person / £300 single room supplement