Join artist Jennifer Keeler-Milne for an 11-day/10-night Drawing Workshop on the Beautiful Greek Islands of Skiathos & Skopelos

A 10-DAY DRAWING WORKSHOP ON THE ISLAND OF SKIATHOS & SKOPELOS

We will be visiting the beautiful Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos; enchanting, small Greek islands in the northwest Aegean Sea with lush pine forests and crystal-clear azure waters. Both have rich histories and are blessed with some of the Aegean’s most exquisite sandy white beaches. Both Skiathos town and Skopelos are framed by sparkling harbours, yachts, restaurants and charming labyrinthine cobblestone streets with cute white houses and and red tiled roofs which are delightful to explore. Skiathos is also famous as one of the locations for the film Mama Mia, which together with neighbouring island, Skopolos, put them on the map.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jennifer Keeler-Milne is a significant mid-career Sydney artist whose oil paintings and drawings in charcoal and pastel have brought her to prominence over the past 15 years. Her works have been included in the Dobell Prize for Drawing exhibition eight times, including in 2000 when the AGNSW purchased her stunning charcoal drawing of clouds, Visibility/Invisibility, for the collection. Since then she has drawn a range of natural objects that have been exhibited and collected in State and regional galleries.

 A former museum educator with the Art Gallery of New South Wales and lecturer at Sydney University, UTS and the National Art School, Jennifer also runs her own drawing school, Dare to Draw, teaching the principles and techniques of drawing.

Jennifer has had several solo exhibitions in Sydney, as well as group shows in Hong Kong and Paris. Her work is held in the collection of the AGNSW, Artbank and the Victorian College of the Arts, as well as private collections in London, New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco, Paris, Hong Kong, Sydney and Melbourne. Jennifer is represented by Australian Galleries in Sydney and Melbourne. http://jenniferkeelermilne.com.au/portfolio

YOUR HOST KERRI AINSWORTH
Kerri Ainsworth (set designer, installation artist and traveller), was inspired by her passion for art and travel to design creative adventures for people, like herself, looking for a more authentic and immersive travel experience. Her background is in film, television and events as a Production Designer, Artist and Creative Director. The scope of her practice included designing and project managing the fabrication and installation of large-scale artworks and environments for Special Events and Public Spaces. Kerri has a Masters Degree in Design from the University of NSW, specialising in Public Art Installation, Event Design and Sustainable Practice

DRAWING ON NATURE | ART WORKSHOP

Jennifer will share and demonstrate a range of strategies for drawing natural objects and the built environment, using different drawing materials for working on paper or in sketchbooks. Jennifer is a highly experienced and enthusiastic drawing teacher. Her workshops are often fully booked. This is ideal for the beginner or those with more experience who wish to extend their drawing skills. Learn a new skill or develop new ones in a beautiful and relaxed environment, in a small group of like-minded people. All levels of experience welcome.

4 STAR ACCOMMODATION - THE ALKYON HOTEL

This elegant waterfront hotel is set in an idyllic position, with views out across the harbour, dotted with islands and within walking distance to the town, restaurants and most of our drawing locations. It features a lovely pool with sun terrace surrounded by lush greenery, spacious lounge and bar, as well as the choice of dining indoors or out for breakfast on the rooftop terrace. The stylishly furnished rooms include air-conditioning, a refrigerator, ensuite bathroom with bathtub and a private balcony and some with views to the Aegean Sea. Note that we have booked a variety of rooms, some with sea views and others without and this is reflected in the price.

ITINERARY - DRAWING WORKSHOP SKIATHOS, GREECE (MAY 20 - 30, 2025)

DAY 1 – TUESDAY MAY 20 – SKIATHOS (6 NIGHTS)

Welcome to Skiathos. The flight from Athens arrives on Skiathos 11am. On arrival, you will be met by your host Kerri Ainsworth in the lobby of the Alkyon Hotel. We will enjoy lunch on the waterfront, followed by a meeting with Jennifer to discuss the workshop itinerary and an orientation walk around Skiathos town and harbour. This evening we will meet for a drink, followed by a Welcome Dinner. (D).

DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY MAY 21

After a leisurely breakfast, Jennifer will give a talk and drawing demonstration using a variety of techniques and processes. We will then walk to the beautiful headland, Boutzi where we will spend the morning drawing and having lunch, looking out across the harbour to the islands. The afternoon will be spent drawing down by the harbour, with its picturesque views and quaint boats. (B)

DAY 3 – THURSDAY MAY 22

Breakfast today will be followed by another demonstration and talk. We then walk, through the old part of Skiathos Town, along the coast to a beautiful promontory called Plakes, where we will spend the morning drawing. After lunch we will find suitable drawing spots in old Skiathos Town and the port or you can wander up to the church at the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the town. (B)

DAY 4 – FRIDAY MAY 23

Today you’ll experience some fabulous views, of which there are many on Skiathos. In the morning we will be going on a tour to a very remote part of the island to draw. Agios Alexandros, is a beautiful church, high on a cliff, with a view of the spectacular Kastro (or castle), a natural fortress, perched on a precipitous cliff, that was used by the inhabitants of the island in the 14th century as a refuge against pirate raids. At its peak it held 20 churches and 500 homes. It is difficult to believe that people actually lived in this wild, rugged and lonely place.

We will have lunch at the Panorama Restaurant, with its delicious traditional cuisine and spectacular views of the island. The afternoon will be spent on the Hotel Terrace capturing the beautiful view of the seafront. (B,L)

DAY 5 – SATURDAY MAY 24

Today we will be going on a tour to another part of the island, where we will spend the day drawing at the Evangelistrias Monastery. This is as fascinating place, a working monastery, with plenty to draw. Built in 1794, the monastery is beautifully located among pine and cyprus trees in a dramatic setting with views over Skiathos. Centred on a triple-domed church, this historic 18th-century monastery was a hilltop refuge for freedom fighters during the War of Independence, and the Greek flag was first raised here in 1807. Lunch will be at a hilltop café in front of the monastery. (B)

DAY 6 – SUNDAY MAY 25

Today is at your leisure. You are free to jump on a bus and visit one of the many beaches, meander around Old Skiathos town checking out the colourful boutiques, take a boat cruise to Lalaria Beach to see the spectacular rock arch or continue working on your drawings.(B)

DAY 7 – MONDAY MAY 26

After breakfast, we will catch the ferry to the beautiful island of Skopelos, made famous by the movie “Mama Mia.” Our host George will pick us up at the port and take us to his family-owned hotel, after which we will walk down the steep, narrow, labyrinthine streets to the harbour for lunch. At sunset we will have drinks on the hotel terrace followed by a home-style Greek dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 – TUESDAY MAY 27

After a sumptuous homemade breakfast, we will explore the town; heading to the Kastro to draw the church, the port and the stunning sea beyond. In the afternoon we will explore the tangle of alleyways, drawing the quaint and colourful houses. At the end of the day we will meet for drinks and dinner at a tapas bar of your choice. (B)

DAY 9 – WEDNESDAY MAY 28

We will spend the morning drawing the spectacular view from the hotel terrace with Jennifer’s guidance, then we will head down to the town for lunch and continue drawing at a waterfront taverna. (B,L)

DAY 10 – THURSDAY MAY 29

Today is a day of leisure where we will be exploring Skopelos and the neighbouring island of Alonnisos by sailing boat. Lunch is included. You can bring your drawing materials and work on board or just relax, soak up the sun and enjoy swimming in the Aegean Sea. We will have a Farewell Dinner, homecooked and traditional on the terrace at the Thea Home Hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 – FRIDAY MAY 30

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the ferry for your onward journey to Skiathos, bidding the island and our friends a fond farewell. Unless of course you’ve decided to stay a little longer or spend time on one of the other islands. (B)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This trip involves quite a lot of walking, often up steps and on uneven surfaces, so is unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues. As there isn’t always seating at the locations, guests will need to bring a collapsible stool and lightweight foamcore board, which can be packed at the bottom of your suitcase and a day pack to carry your art materials and water. You will need sturdy walking shoes and/or sandals.

A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT  OF $500 IS REQUIRED TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING

Art Travel Adventures Pty Ltd

Phone: +61 (0) 417 033233
info@arttraveladventures.com.au