ArtBreaks Locations

		Locations '08 & '09.1
The Grange Clifftops		The Grange, Isle of Wight '08 Drawing and Painting from the Landscape and Seascape Friday 4th April - Sunday 6th April 2008 Blessed by Britain's best weather, and rich in visible history - Roman villas, medieval castles and historic houses - the isle possesses an extraordinary grace. Over half of it is preserved as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with lush green pastures, pristine streams and animal and bird sanctuaries. The Grange is an elegant and comfortable early nineteenth century building that nestles in the heart of Shanklin's old village and yet it is only a minute away from the village's long sandy beach. With plenty of character and warmth, it combines historic charm with modern facilities and a friendly, attentive service tailored to meet individual requirements. The Grange is situated in Shanklin, known as the 'jewel' of the isle. Although moments from the charming thatched cottages, cafés and gift shops of the Old Village, it's very secluded as its garden faces acres of woodland. The beach and Shanklin Chine, which is laced with delightful waterfalls and is home to an unusual range of flora and fauna, is just a short walk from the bottom of the garden. Weekends at The Grange begin on Friday evening with guests arriving from 4pm. Following dinner at 7.30pm, facilitators have the opportunity to introduce their courses which begin the following day. There are two sessions of courses on Saturday and they both run for a two hour period, one mid-morning and the other in the late afternoon. Courses run again mid-morning for two hours on Sunday. The Course Our land and seascape is a major source of inspiration to visual artists, especially on the beautiful Isle of Wight. Whatever your experience of drawing or painting, the way you see and relate to being visually interested and stimulated is the starting point of the creative process. Artists of all drawing and painting abilities will be encouraged to express their visual ideas through direct observation and investigation. You’ll be introduced to alternative ways of viewing and interpreting land and seascapes as well as a wide range of techniques and materials that will enable you to show your ideas in paint, pencil and other media. Throughout the study activity, Kel will provide individual and group advice, feedback and analysis on your progress. Please contact us for a brochure and further details.
Yoga, sunset at Atsitsa in Skyros Artists at Atsitsa		Hiking \| Digital Photography in Skyros, Greece '08 Plus other courses with Skyros holistic holidays 6th September - 19th September 20th September - 27th September Exotic locations on the historic and beautiful Greek island of Skyros, full of ancient memories of Achilles and Odysseus. Described as Greece's best kept secret, we are based on the coast in the beautiful, hillside-hugging main town of Skyros and also at the secuded Atsitsa Bay, where the sea meets the pine forest. It's here amongst the pine trees and on the edge of a blue Aegean that we find inspiration to paint and draw. Skyros holistic holidays have been operating for 25 years offering a safe and open environment where everyone can be themselves. In addition to the Painting and walking courses, Participants can choose from a whole range of interesting courses that include Life Changes (with Dr Dina Glouberman), Dance, Massage, Writing, Watersports, Theatre, Yoga and Singing. These holidays run for either one or two weeks. Please contact us for a brochure and further details.
Photographers in the Cotswolds		ArtBreaks Photography, Painting and Walking in the Cotswold Hills of Gloucestershire various dates throughout the year The green, rolling Cotswold Hills of Gloucestershire are the base for our creative course in Photography and Painting. They also provide the setting for our many walks, including Walking with Artists. These beautiful, rolling limestone hills are at the heart of the English countryside and offer some of the most attractive and visually inspirational scenery in the country. Our Cotswold creative workshops offer a unique opportunity to draw, paint and photograph the landscape, experience small hamlets, ancient monuments and delightful market towns. • Click here to check dates on our 'dates' page
Monks at Angkor Wat Temple of the Golden Buddha, Bangkok		Sketching \| Photography in Cambodia. '09 Temples & Jungles A Cambodian Overland Tour with Skyros 14th - 23rd January We are delighted to offer this new 10-day overland tour from Bangkok to the world-renowned ancient Khmer temples of Angkor Wat, including two nights in the jungles of Northern Thailand on the way. It incorporates many of the familiar Skyros holiday structures to ensure a great community atmosphere. The tour includes half-board, shared room, all ground transfers, entrance fees and guides. You will be accompanied by Michael Eales and Kel Portman, who will lead courses amid the ancient sites. Starting from Bangkok with a night in the 5-star Sofitel Silom, you go by air-conditioned coach to Khao Yai National Park which has a wonderful variety of wildlife, such as families of elephants, tigers, gibbons and deer. You will take a night safari and stay in a comfortable jungle lodge. The next day you go to Phimai, one of the main centres of the ancient province of Isaan to visit temples which pre-date Angkor Wat. Phimai Historical Park lies far off the beaten track. Here you will get a glimpse of Thai rural life quite different from anything you may have experienced in Bangkok or a beach resort, a simple way of life informed by Buddhist teachings. The Cambodian & Thai welcomes are very warm and very genuine. Please contct us for further details
Harrington House		HF Holidays \| Special Interest Courses '08 Due to other commitments, we will not be working with HF during 2008 but continue to have a close relationship with them and thoroughly recommend their courses and locations. Courses are run troughout the year at HF Holiday's unique country house hotels. These are situated in some of the country's most scenic areas and offer fantastic food and accommodation. Bourton-on-the-Water Harrington House, of considerable architectural interest, dates from Tudor times and was enlarged during 1730-40, and again in the 1920's. Built of Cotswold Stone it is quietly tucked away just 100 yards from the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water. This is one of the showpiece villages of the Cotswolds, with its green bisected by the clear waters of the Windrush. There are banks, shops, cafes and a model village and railway in the town.
Monk Coniston, Conistonwate		Conistonwater Monk Coniston is a romantic Gothic-style house - complete with minstrels' gallery - leased from the National Trust, which maintains a rare tree collection in the extensive landscaped grounds. Set just north of Coniston Water and east of Coniston, which has a range of shops and cafes, it enjoys glorious views of the lake and Coniston Old Man. Forests, valleys and unspoilt villages make this an area of beautiful and spectacular scenery.
Freshwater House, Isle of Wight		Freshwater Bay Freshwater Bay House, named after the semi-circular bay on which it stands, is a famous landmark within yards of some of the finest walking on the island. Steps lead down to a beach, while downland rises just behind the property. Many of the bedrooms have sea views, while others look over gardens and downland. The Isle of Wight is a world unto itself with chalk cliffs, gorse-flecked hilltops and thatched villages.
View from Derwent Bank		Derwentwater Derwent Bank, half a mile south of the village of Portinscale, is an idyllically situated Country House hotel. Its extensive grounds slope to the shores of Derwent Water, with hills rising across the lake. Speckled with isles and surrounded by diverse fells, Derwent Water lies at the heart of the northern Lake District. Within minutes you can be walking along the Cumbria Way, through woodlands populated by red squirrels.