Spencer Scott Archive

Paint on the Islands of Malta & Gozo with Lucy Willis

20th - 30th May 2011

For an inspirational painting holiday join one of our most popular guest artists on the delightful rural island of Gozo & the architectural gem of Malta


MaltaThe locations. The clarity of light, the reflective nature of the Mediterranean, the mellow sun-baked stone buildings and a rich architectural history make the islands of Gozo and Malta fine painting locations.  They nicely compliment each other providing different subject matter and experiences.  On the smaller and quieter island of Gozo time has stood still. There are ancient villages dating from the Phoenician, Roman and Arab periods, remote farmhouses, dramatic seascapes and the attractive harbour at Mgarr. In contrast Valletta and its Grand Harbour, on Malta, is richly endowed with architectural gems providing a visible history lesson – with massive fortifications from the time of the Knights of St John, beautiful baroque churches, verdant gardens and narrow Mediterranean streets that have a strong Italian influence.

Lucy WillisThe artist and painting arrangements Artist. Lucy Willis is renowned for her ability to capture light and atmosphere, as portrayed in her latest book Travels in Watercolour (Harper Collins & Batsford).  The Island of Gozo has an added appeal for Lucy as this is where her grandfather, the well-known cartoonist H.M. Bateman lived and painted. Everyday will be spent painting with Lucy giving impromptu demonstrations and group critique sessions as well as individual guidance when appropriate.  Lucy will be working on her own paintings and you may choose to work alongside her or independently.  This free-style painting holiday (no formal structured format) is suitable for intermediate and experienced students who wish to broaden their scope and learn by example. Watercolour is the most convenient medium to use when travelling, but all mediums are welcome. To learn more about Lucy Willis click here .

The holiday arrangements.  Everything is included (except lunches) and organised for you by an accompanying programme co-ordinator from Spencer Scott, providing you with peace of mind and enabling you and Lucy to concentrate solely on painting.   You will be staying in charming and very comfortable 4 & 5 star hotels with gardens and swimming pools. Transport is included most days to enable you to paint in different locations on both islands. Scheduled flights are included.

This holiday is on behalf of the The Artist Magazine

 

Summary Itinerary

 

20 May 0900 hours meet Lucy Willis and your Spencer Scott Travel co-host at London Heathrow. 1050 hours depart London. 1500 hours arrive Malta.  Transfer to the smaller and more rural island of Gozo.  Introductory talk by Lucy Willis.  Dinner in the hotel.
21-24 May Breakfast and dinner in the hotel.  Four full days painting on Gozo.  The island is only 7km by 14km but has much to offer painters.  Gozo is famous for the clarity of light, the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the rolling hills and many farmhouses and tiny villages dominated by bold examples of Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Norman architecture.
25 May After breakfast board a traditional Luzza for a private cruise from Mgarr to the magnificent Grand Harbour on the larger island of Malta.  It is this natural harbour that has made Malta one of the most important strategic bases throughout the history of the Mediterranean.  Spend the rest of the afternoon painting in Valletta, the attractive capital city of Malta.  Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th and 17th centuries, Valletta has retained much of its aristocratic elegance and is a World Heritage site.  The range of subject matter to choose from is extensive. Fine houses, palaces and churches with intricate wrought iron balconies and carved doorways line the narrow steep streets. There are attractive gardens squares and commanding views of the fortified Grand Harbour and the creeks and dockyards of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea – known collectively as the Three Cities. The clarity of light combined with the reflective nature of the water and the mellow sun-baked stone buildings is glorious. It is these areas and qualities that make the island of Malta a truly fine painting destination; one that is greatly under-valued and largely avoided by the summer sun-seeking visitors!  Dinner in the hotel.
26-29 May Breakfast and dinner in the hotel.  Four full days painting in Valletta, Vittoriosa, Senglea and in the walled citadel of Mdina, which dates from the 9th century and Arab period.
30 May Breakfast in the hotel.  Spend your last morning painting in Valletta.  1655 hours depart Malta.  1925 hours arrive London Heathrow.

 

Number of students: 10-14
Price per person :        £2,295.00
Single room supplement: £345.00

Price includes: Scheduled flights on Air Malta, transfers including Gozo ferry and private luzzu, 5 nights Hotel Phoenicia , Malta (5 star), 5 nights Hotel Cornucopia, Gozo (4 star), breakfast and dinner daily,  private transport on 6 days, professional guest artist, Spencer Scott Travel escort.


Paint on the Islands of Malta & Gozo with Lucy Willis

To make an enquiry please call or
complete our contact form

Other Trips

Past Trips