Paint in Venice with Ian Sidaway
Join professional artist Ian Sidaway in Venice and benefit from his excellent teaching and knowledge of this inspirational and perfect painting destination.
Venice is without doubt one of the most unique cities in Europe and the World. It’s built on 117 islands and has 150 canals and 400 bridges! The fabulous architecture, its glorious light and the reflective qualities of the water never fail to inspire artists. All of Venice is a painter’s palette whether you choose to capture the grandeur of St Mark’s, the Doges Palace, the Campanile, the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge or work in the quieter areas on Dorsoduro, on the other side of the Grand Canal, where there are lesser known bridges and canals and hidden palazzos and churches, squeri di San Trovaso; the oldest still functional gondola yard and the Gallerie Dell’Accademia and Santa Maria della Salute.
Ian Sidaway is a practical and approachable artist who has been painting since 1970 and has taught at an Italian summer school for several years. In the 1980’s and 1990’s he painted commissioned portraits and began writing instructional books and illustrating books on art techniques including The Instant Artist, Collins & Brown. To learn more about Ian Sidaway click here
Every day will be spent painting. Whilst it can be daunting knowing that almost every famous artist has painted Venice it is one of the most artist-friendly destinations. Ian Sidaway regularly paints in Venice and he will help you discover the lesser-painted Venice, as well as rediscovering new ways to paint the most famous sites. Ian will be working alongside you in the mornings and will be available for individual help in the afternoons. There will also be group critique sessions. The focus will be on watercolours, working with a sketch book and returning with lots of work. This holiday is most suitable for intermediate students and confident beginners.
All the arrangements are taken care of for you by an accompanying programme co-ordinator from the UK, enabling you and Ian to concentrate solely on painting. You will be staying in a very comfortable hotel on Dorsoduro near to the Accademia, which is centrally located with everywhere within walking distance or a short vaporetto ride away. Dorsoduro is quieter and more relaxed and conducive to painting than staying on San Marco. All meals are included except lunches. Dinners will be in local restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Scheduled flights and private water taxi transfers are included.
This holiday is on behalf of the The Artist Magazine
Summary Itinerary
| 24 Sep | 1130 hours meet your Spencer Scott group leader and Ian Sidaway at London Gatwick. 1350 hours depart London. 1655 hours arrive Venice. Transfer by private water taxi to the Accademia landing stage on Dorsoduro. Walk to the hotel, which is located close to the Grand Canal and the Gallerie dell’Accademia. Welcome talk from Ian Sidaway. Dinner in a nearby trattoria. |
| 25 Sep – 1 Oct | Breakfast in the hotel and dinner in a local trattoria every day. Seven full days painting in Venice. There is no better place for painters than Venice. Its architecture is grand and the light and reflective nature of the water are exceptional. Ian Sidaway regularly paints in Venice and he will help you discover the lesser-painted Venice, as well as rediscovering new ways to paint the most famous sites including St Mark’s, the Doges Palace, the Campanile, the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge.It is only a short walk from the hotel across the Grand Canal to the most famous sites – St Mark’s Square with its Basilica, the Doges Palace, the Campanile, the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge. Early morning is the best time to paint here, before the crowds descend on the area.
Dorsoduro, where the hotel is located, is a quieter area with lesser known bridges and canals and many fine palazzos and churches to paint. Authentic Venice is on your doorstep and you will find it much more comfortable painting on Dorsoduro. Just west of the hotel is the excellent area around San Sebastiano and to the north the area around San Barnaba is ideal. Water is at the heart of Venice. It is built on 117 islands and has 150 canals and 400 bridges! The Lagoon is tidal and separated from the sea by the fashionable coastal strip called the Lido. The Arsenal was famous throughout Europe and in its heyday could build and equip a small galley in a day. Two towers guard the Arsenal’s monumental gateway and entrance. |
| 2 Oct | Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer by private water taxi to the airport. 1135 hours depart Venice. 1240 hours arrive London Gatwick. |
| NB | There will be 10-16 students joining Ian Sidaway in Venice. Ian will be working alongside you in the mornings and will be available for individual help in the afternoons. There will also be group critique sessions. The focus will be on watercolours, working with a sketchbook and returning with lots of work. Students of all abilities are welcome. |
| Number of painters: | 10-16 |
| Price per person : | £2,895.00 |
| Single room supplement: | £300.00 |
Price includes: British Airways scheduled flights to Venice, private water taxi transfers to and from Venice airport, 8 nights hotel accommodation in en-suite bedrooms, buffet breakfast daily, dinners in local trattoria each evening, professional art tutor, Spencer Scott travel escort.
Images of Ian Sidaway’s work :