I just clobbered together this article from bits and pieces that I have written for several web pages, i.e. a collage.

Picture perfect painting with pizzazz on our Paros paradise--It is easy to get carried away with the joy of living on a Greek isle.

The air and light of Greece has attracted artists for a longer time than any other place known to mankind. It is a European country like no other. You can not turn a corner without seeing remnants of the ancient civilization.

"The feature which most distinguishes the Greek from any other Mediterranean landscape is its clear spirituality.”
Some Aspects of Modern Greek Art by Manolis Hadjidakis

The history of the Cyclades predates even that of Athens with the added attraction to artists of crisp air and brilliant colors. Included in this group are dramatic Santorini and posh Mykonos. Paros is the hospitable island with just the right proportions of culture, people, shops and other activities and an over generous supply of fine beaches with warm water and charming tavernas.

The incomparable beauty of this enchanting island offers painters a symphony of blues and golds to inspire their work. Today there is a strong and vibrant artist’s community on the island. Many are Greeks but even more are of other nationalities. Some are world renown, most are content to live and work in such a conducive environment that they care not for the lure of marketing to a larger population. Many tutors from the US and the UK bring their classes here to stretch their students to a new level of expression.


The potential painting locations are endless. Here are but a few examples.
Lefkes is a village favored by the artistic minded (right brain). It is physically impossible to contort yourself to not see a painting, photo or pleasant view.
Piso Livadi equals beach = boats = active fishing pier = mountain with monastery -- oh yes, and the sea. Aliki is a small, very calm and peaceful village yet full of Cycladic architecture. Naoussa, the in place with a colorful touristy façade, is both quaint and active. Painters find it difficult to choose from the incredible variety of images.

Everywhere and anywhere through out the island workshop students are encouraged to find their own creative voice and develop their personal visual language to both communicate and be fed by the beauty that they see. Generally there is a specific agenda filling each day but structured to facilitate and enhance each participant’s individual experience. Days are a combination of painting and leisure time; evenings provide a mix of socialising with fellow artists and free time.

Paros hoteliers are well experienced in providing trouble-free accommodations that automatically induce relaxation. Accommodations have the plain Cycladic architecture that you see everywhere and offer the same clean private bathrooms and balconies that you find elsewhere. The difference is provided by hosts who have traveled through-out the world and have now settled on Paros to specialise in creating an environment that allows artists to enhance their own art.

In summary our Greek isle life style is a work of art in which you are invited to share.


Michael Shepherd
http://www.parosparadise.com/
Qualified instructors have teamed with the experienced hospitality of Michael & Karin Shepherd to create low cost workshops on Paros, Greece. The island with something for everyone.