ART TREKS: Europe Workshops
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ArtTreks – Paris, France
Plein-Air Painting / Photography Workshop
Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams
May 10-18, 2012
Whether you call it “The City of Lights” or “The City of Love” Paris conjures up a vivid impression in your mind. From its iconic landmarks, to its gastronomic pleasures, to its amazing art and culture, Paris is almost certainly a state of mind that everyone has to experience at least once in their life.
Once again, if you are a painter or photographer, we have designed this workshop to expand your creativity and further your artistic voice. Choosing which aspect interest you, we will help guide you to capture on canvas or film, the spectacular architecture and rich tapestry, that is Paris.
So take our hand as we guide you along the path where giants have trod. Stand where Monet did before the gothic masterpiece of Notre Dame, whose gargoyles watch over the city and whose flying buttresses changed architecture. Venture into the cafes to envision 1800’s Paris from a table with Toulouse Lautrec or go backstage of the ballet with Degas. These are but a few of the things that await you on your Parisian adventure.
Marvel in the modern iron lattice work that many called a folly, but has come to signify a city if not an entire nation, the Eiffel Tower. Take time out to reflect on his genius as you see the city spread out before you from its observation platforms. Or experience the flow of the city from the deck of a guided boat tour as we journey down the Seine. Finally, stop off for a pastry as you stroll through the gardens on your way to the Louvre.
Paris is as much a pilgrimage for the senses, as it is for the soul. Savor in its gastronomic explosion of flavors as you dine in a city where food is a way of life and wine is the river that carries it. Revel in the birthplace of Impressionism while you wander the halls of the Musee d’ Orsay or visit the grandeur of the Louvre. Paris is an adventure around every corner, that is just waiting for you to discover.
Finally, take a side trip to a palace so grand that it bankrupted a country and split a nation, Versailles. Spend the day among the gardens and fountains imagining what it must have been like to be the king. Although nothing quite compares to the view or experience as you stand along the waters edge gazing out at the bridge in the private garden that Monet created for himself and fueled his passion.
Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.
Scott will take the photographers on a daily walking tour along the Seine and to the iconic landmarks that make Paris one of the truly wondrous spots in Europe. You will have the opportunity to experience France through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision. As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own.
There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop as time allows. This will give everyone an opportunity to discuss the day’s events, compare notes, ask questions and get a chance to know each other. It also presents a unique option to get views and perspectives from both painters and photographers.
So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Paris and its surroundings with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style.
Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.
Work Shop includes:
* Roundtrip air fare, all transfers.
* Hotel for 7 nights. (Double occupancy) (Accommodations are in shared
rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee)
* 5 Day Metro Pass.
* Boat Tour of the Seine.
* Eiffel Tower Admission.
* Palace of Versailles Admission.
* Monet’s Garden Admission.
* Emergency Medical Insurance.
* Instruction, guidance, experience and fun.
Your cost for all of this is $$4,495 and to reserve a spot, simply send a completed application form along with your deposit of $750 per person. Application forms will be provided upon request. If registering after 11/18/11, rates will be based upon current airfare prices. For those wanting a single occupancy room, there will be an additional cost of $750.
First payment of one half of remainder after deposit is due by Dec. 16th, with final payment due by Feb. 3rd. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3% fee. There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop.
In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties. We suggest travel insurance for those situations. Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way. We hope that you will be able to join us!
- Niki Gulley
214-803-5812
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information and to register for this amazing trip.
Scott Williams
214-289-8512
Photoguy@Blind-Squirrel.org
To see more of Scott’s Work, visit his website at blind-squirrel.org.
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ArtTreks – Tuscany, Italy
Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshop
Aug. 31 – Sept. 8, 2012
Led by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams
Join us once more as our path takes us to the medieval towns, cypress tree-lined roads and glorious sun drenched splendor of the rolling hills that are Tuscany in the fall. Whether you are a painter or photographer, this unique workshop has been designed to allow you to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice. Choosing which aspect interests you, we will help guide you to capture the architecture and breathtaking vistas flooded with their extraordinary quality of light, on either canvas or film.
Imagine the inspiration derived from strolling the narrow cobble streets of the hill towns or taking in the panoramic views from their outer walls as the sun sweeps across the landscape spread out before you. Start your own renaissance by standing in the shadows where the masters once painted, all while experiencing the grandeur of Tuscany first hand. Capture the rich fall colors offset against cobalt blue skies, the rows of earth-hued vines, ripe with their succulent grape harvest, all while being warmed, literally, under a Tuscan sun.
Tuscany’s warmth is in more than the countryside, it’s within its people as you will discover while sampling the region’s abundant wines, savory fruit and amazing varieties of cheese. There is nothing like getting to know a culture and experiencing a sense of place. It is a journey for the senses, not only visually and intellectually, but for the palate as well.
Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.
Scott will take the photographers on a daily walking tour through the winding streets of the hills town and into the countryside surrounding them. You will have the opportunity to experience Tuscany through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision. As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own.
This unique Workshop affords you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography or both. Thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your Tuscan experience.
There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop. This will give everyone an opportunity to discuss the day’s events, compare notes, ask questions and get a chance to know each other. It also presents a unique option to get views and perspectives from both painters and photographers.
Niki has been painting for more than 20 years, and is a nationally acclaimed artist whose work is much sought after and collected, as well as being an accomplished painting instructor with over 10 years of experience.
Scott has taught college photography, has led workshops in the US and Italy, is a guest lecturer and is a working commercial photographer. Both Niki and Scott are passionate about art and love helping others refine their skills while guiding them to find their own muse in life.
So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Tuscany with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style – or just ride along to enjoy Italian countryside in fall, as artists and non-artists alike are welcome.
Space is limited to 10 participants on a first-come basis, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.
Work Shop includes:
- Roundtrip air fare and private van transportation to various Tuscan hill towns, including
- Side trips to Siena and Florence, as well as to the wine town of Montepulciano.
- Lodging for 7 nights amid the picturesque rolling Tuscan landscape. (Pricing is for shared rooms)
- Guided wine tour
- Continental Breakfast
- Emergency Medical insurance
- Instruction, guidance, experience and fun
Your cost for all of this is $3,995 if a non-refundable $750 deposit. If additions are made after that date, rates will be based upon current airfare prices.
To reserve a spot, simply send a completed application form along with your deposit of $750 per person. Forms will be provided upon request. There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop. There will also be optional wine & spa tours and food & cooking classes available at an additional cost for participants not interested in the painting/photography sessions.
A second payment of one half of the remainder after deposit is due the next month, with a final payment due by July 1. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3% fee.
In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits, etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties. We suggest travel insurance for those situations.
Please let us if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way. We hope that you will be able to join us!
–
Niki Gulley
214-803-5812
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information and to register for this amazing trip.
—
Scott Williams
214-289-8512
Photoguy@Blind-Squirrel.org
To see more of Scott’s Work, visit his website at blind-squirrel.org.
To see more information on the trip and additional photos from previous Tuscany workshops, visit blind-squirrel.org/workshop.htm.
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ArtTreks – Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
Plein-Air Painting & Photo Workshop
Led by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams
Sept. 7 – 16, 2012
Expanding the scope of our travel this year, we have combined a couple of new stunning destinations into one exciting workshop, Cinque Terre & Lake Como.
Brightly colored homes stacked one on top of the other, looking like they were carved into the hillside with the ocean lapping at their doorstep, is what awaits you in Cinque Terre. Translating into the “5 Lands”, you get to experience the beauty that each city has to offer. From the southern most stop of Riomaggiore with its vertical ascent of pastel hued homes, to Vernazza with it’s medieval fort protecting the harbor and finishing along the beach at our home base of Monterosso in the north.
This trip literally has almost every form of transportation to heighten your traveling adventure. You can ride the rails from city to city, take a boat tour if water is more to your liking or to truly experience the Cinque Terre in all of it’s glory, you can hike cliff side with the landscape spread out before you. These are your many options as you expand your creativity through paint and film capturing this amazing setting.
The second stop on our Italian pilgrimage, is the place that Niki considers the most beautiful place on earth, Lake Como. Imagine sitting at a café’ along the water with the waves gently lapping the shore with the Alps as its backdrop, it truly is “La Dolce Vita”! From our hilltop hotel overlooking the city of Varenna, to the opulent villas surrounding the lake and to the shop lined stairs and alleys of Bellagio, every destination offers a multitude of opportunities to capture this amazing locale.
Work Shop includes:
* Roundtrip air fare, all transportation to Cinque Terre & Lake Como
* Lodging for 8 nights, 4 nights in each location. (Pricing is for shared rooms)
* Continental Breakfast
* 4 Days of train tickets in Cinque Terre
* Hiking Pass for trails in Cinque Terre
* Boat transportation in Lake Como to Bellagio
* Admission to Villa Monastero in Varenna
* Boat transportation and admission to Villa Balbianello in Lake Como
* Emergency Medical insurance
* Instruction, guidance, experience and fun
Your cost for all of this is $4,495 if a non-refundable $750 deposit is received by 3/2/12. Prices after cut off date are based on current airfare.
There is also an option of combining the two Italy Workshops into one fantastic two week Italian adventure. The cost for that would be $6,695 if a non-refundable $1,250 deposit is received.
To reserve a spot, simply send a completed application form along with your deposit of $750 per person. Forms will be provided upon request. There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop.
A second payment of one half of the remainder after deposit is due by March 9th, with a final payment due by April 20th. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3% fee.
In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties.
We suggest travel insurance for those situations.
Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way. We hope that you will be able to join us!
– Niki Gulley
214-803-5812
Email niki@nikigulley.com for more information.
To see more of Scott’s work, visit http://www.blind-squirrel.org.
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ArtTreks – Carnivale – Venice, Italy
Photography Workshop
Taught by Scott Williams
Feb. 11 – 18, 2012
Final Registration Deadline: Nov. 18
You’ve seen the images of the people with elaborate costumes and ornate masks set against the stunning backdrop of Venice. Well, now is your chance to not only be a part of this fabulous spectacle, but to also capture the festival in all of it’s glory. Imagine working on your photography skills in an environment with such visual stimulation and artistic opportunities.
Join Scott as he takes you on a photographic journey among a cast of characters that have stepped out of a long forgotten time as they stroll amid the grandeur of the Venetian canals. Like our spring workshop, you will experience the sights, sounds and passion of Venice as you are immersed in Italian culture.
There will be walking tours through the back streets and canals of Venice as we go in search of opulent costumes and dazzling masks in a setting like no other place on earth. There will also be critique sessions throughout the workshop that can provide invaluable information and feedback, as well as giving everyone an opportunity to share ideas and get to know each other. There will also be opportunities each day to see the museums, visit the churches, go shopping and enjoy all of the things that make Venice what it is.
Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.
Work Shop includes:
* Roundtrip air fare, all transfers.
* Hotel for 6 nights. (Double occupancy) (Accommodations are in shared
rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee)
* Private boat from the airport.
* Breakfast.
* Boat trip to the islands of Burano & Murano.
* Emergency Medical Insurance.
* Instruction, guidance, experience and fun.
Your cost for all of this is $3,995 and to reserve a spot, simply send a completed application form along with your deposit of $750 per person . Forms will be provided upon request. There is also a cut off deadline of 11/18 for applications.
If additions are made after that date, rates will be based upon current airfare prices.
For those wanting a single occupancy room, there will be an additional cost of $650. There has to be a minimum of 4 people for the workshop, otherwise any money paid in, will be refunded.
First payment of one half of remainder after deposit is due by Nov. 18th, with final payment due by Jan.6th. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3% fee.
There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop.
In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits etc. We suggest travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances as there are no refunds.
Email Scott Williams at PhotoGuy@Blind–Squirrel.org if you are interested in participating or need more information.
Visit Scott’s website at Blind-Squirrel.org for more details.
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PAST WORKSHOPS:
Venice, Italy – May 2009, Feb. 2010, May 2010
Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 2010, Sept. 2011
Santa Fe, New Mexico – Aug. 2011
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Plein-Air Painting / Photography Workshop
Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams
Venice, Italy – May 8 -15 / 2010
Get inspired from the majestic beauty of Venice as you join us for this amazing opportunity to sharpen your skills while enjoying one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Learning has never been as much fun as it is with this unique workshop that takes both painters and photographers on a tour through Venice. The best part is that you get to choose which aspects of the workshop interest you, whether it is learning how to paint quickly to achieve the mood and changing light of the scene or deriving the most out of your camera as you capture one of the most beautiful places in the world, VENICE, Italy.
This workshop will open your eyes to a new view of your art as we push you on a personal journey to expand your creativity. You will experience the sights, sounds and passion of Venice as you are immersed in Italian culture. See the city spread out from the bell tower at St. Mark’s, explore the vibrant hues of the homes on Burano, enjoy the canals from the seat of a gondola or watch the sun set along the Grand Canal. This is an opportunity to have one of those adventures that you will talk about for years, all while you improve on your artistic skills in a real world setting.
Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing, or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.
Scott will take the photographers on a daily walking tour through the back streets and canals that make Venice one of the truly wondrous spots on earth. You will have the opportunity to experience Venice through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision. As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own.
So come join us on this unique adventure, as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Venice with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own artistic style.
Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis. More details and registration deadlines are specified below.
Work Shop includes:
* Roundtrip air fare, all transfers in Venice including a side trip to the island of Burano.
*Hotel for 6 nights. (Double occupancy)
* Breakfast
* Emergency Medical insurance.
* Instruction, guidance, experience and fun
In the event of inclement weather, the schedule will be changed with arrangements for museum visits etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather.
Please let us if you have questions or if we can help you in any way.We hope that you be able to join us!
Niki Gulley – 214-803-5812
Scott Williams – 214-363-0014 – Blind-Squirrel.org
Email Niki, niki@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in joining us!
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Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshop
Athens & Santorini, Greece
May 2011
Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams
Get inspired from the ancient beauty of Greece as you join us for this amazing opportunity to sharpen your skills while enjoying one of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Learning has never been as much fun as it is with this unique workshop that takes both painters and photographers on a tour through the cradle of civilization. The best part is that you get to choose which aspects of the workshop interest you – whether it is learning how to paint quickly to achieve the mood and changing light of the scene or deriving the most out of your camera as you capture one of the most beautiful places in the world, Greece.
This workshop will open your eyes to a new view of your art as we push you on a personal journey to expand your creativity. You will experience the sights, sounds and passion of Greece as you are immersed in its culture. See Athens spread out from the Acropolis, explore the cliff side views of the blue domes and white washed buildings set against the cobalt water of the Agean or watch the sun set next to the windmills at Ioa. This is an opportunity to have one of those adventures that you will talk about for years, all while you improve on your artistic skills in a real world setting.
Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.
Scott will take the photographers on a daily walking tour along the caldera and through the back streets that make Santorini one of the truly wondrous spots on earth. You will have the opportunity to experience Greece through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision. As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own.
There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop. This will give everyone an opportunity to discuss the day’s events, compare notes, ask questions and get a chance to know each other. It also presents a unique option to get views and perspectives from both painters and photographers.
Niki has been painting for more than 20 years, and is a nationally acclaimed artist whose work is much sought after and collected, as well as being an accomplished painting instructor with years of experience. Scott’s artistic work is also gaining critical attention, he has taught 3 years of college photography, has helped guide workshops in Santa Fe, is a guest lecturer and is a working commercial photographer. Having taught several European workshops, both Niki and Scott are passionate about art and love helping others refine their skills while guiding them to find their own muse in life.
So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Greece with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style.
Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.
Work Shop includes:
* Roundtrip air fare, all transfers.
* Hotel for 7 nights. (Double occupancy) (Accommodations are in shared
rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee)
* Breakfast
* Winery Tours
* Sunset Cruise
* Emergency Medical Insurance.
* Instruction, guidance, experience and fun
There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop.
In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits, etc. We suggest travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances as there are no refunds.
Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way. We hope that you will be able to join us!
To see more information about Scott Williams, visit blind-squirrel.org.
E-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com or call 214-803-5812 if you would like to receive more information or register.
– Niki Gulley
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