Arty Morocco

Taroudant in western Morocco is a centre for delightful gardens and exclusive riads that has also attracted world famous artists such as Claudio Bravo. The remarkable Dar al Hossoun has an unparalleled collection of cacti, succulents and other exotic plants, enclosed within adobe walls with elegant long pools and choice Moroccan decor – a haven of tranquility, perfectly suited to painting and enjoying the rich cuisine and warm weather. Our tours are led by Isik Guner, our award-winning botanical artist. The days here will be spent enjoying classes (for all abilities) or optional garden visits in the morning or exploring the local area in the afternoon. For those that would like to see more of this colourful country there is the excitement of Marrakesh. Only a few hours drive away, a swirl of colours, smells and sounds lies within a labyrinth of alleyways, a delight to explore. Tucked among all of this activity are peaceful riads, ideal places to recuperate from shopping.

This wonderful holiday combines a relaxed atmosphere with the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge of botanical art. The art classes will be held in the garden of an exquisite riad with excellent hospitality, providing an opportunity to paint exotic plants, cacti and succulents collected from around the world. The classes will demonstrate the different techniques of watercolour in botanical illustrations, using subject matter collected from the garden.

Art classes will start at 10 am and will continue till 4 pm. Each morning Işık will demonstrate the different techniques and approaches that achieve life-like paintings. You will have the opportunity to choose your own sample on which to practice and complete with Işık’s guidance. The classes will help you to combine scientific accuracy with an aesthetic vision to create beautiful botanical paintings. Since the classes will be in a beautiful garden you are free to take a break whenever you want to explore further, sample more of the delicious food or to simply relax and enjoy the delightful ambiance.

There will be an end of tour party to review and enjoy your work.

Dates

Main tour: 18-24 March 2019

Extension: 25-27 March 2019

From 1425€

Itinerary

Day 1           To Agadir – transfer to Dar al Housson
Days 2-6      Botanical art classes, painting and optional excursions*
Day 7           Flights home

*To Claudio Bravo’s estate and other local private gardens and the local souk. Prices available from Dar al Housson.

Extension to Marrakesh

Day 7 To Marrakesh
Days 8-9 Marrakesh

Day 10 Flights home

Recommended Material List

1. Drawing Pencil (2H, HB, 2B, 4B)
2.  Divider
3.  Eraser
4.  Sharpener
5.  Tracing Paper
6.  Watercolour brushes and ink brushes
(Number 4, 2, 0 Sable brushes, proper for watercolour)
7.  Palette
8.  Watercolour pigments (Winsor&Newton Artists’ Value is
recommended.)
9.  Watercolour Paper (Below is recommended)
300 g/s, Hot Pressed, Smooth Surface, 100% Cotton
10. Watercups
11. Backboard
12. Sketching paper (Smooth surface Cartridge paper or pad, 120-160 g/s, A3 or A4 size)

If you have any questions about materials please contact info@isikguner.com