Painting the Landscape in Turkey

Painting Weeks

Our painting weeks in Kas are designed to combine the experience of working with the exciting features of a foreign and very ancient landcape, covered with archeological treasures, with a marvellous holiday in the sun.
In the morning when the air is still cool and clear we will meet on a carefully pre-selected site that will provide us with plenty of ‘paintable’ aspects of the Anatolian landscape, and also some creature comforts (food, drink, toilet facilities etc.).

I will be with you on site at all times to help you develop your ‘en plein air’ sketching and painting skills, whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist. As all courses will be limited to 8 places individual tuition and attention will be guaranteed.
In the afternoons you have long hours of time to follow your own pursuits: a long, leisurely lunch, a walk, a swim, a nap, some hard work on your tan, a spot of retail therapy, a pampering session at the Turkish Bath …..whatever you fancy – it is all there!

On one of our six days I will arrange a trip to the sunken city of Kekova or the Greek island of Meis on one of the working boats. On this trip we will sketch ancient tombs, engravings, mosaic floors, the local wildlife, or whatever else takes your fancy.

For those very rare rainy days our studio will be available.

At lunchtime and in the evenings whoever would like to do so is welcome to join me for lunch, dinner and/or a drink in the most interesting bars and restaurants in Kas.

  • Six-day courses for all levels including beginners
  • all styles of landscape painting accommodated
  • all courses limited to 8 places
  • experienced tutor present at all course sessions
  • materials provided
  • non-painting partners welcome

Tue 20 April to Sun 25April 2010
Tue 5 Oct to Sun 10 Oct 2010


Prices from £562* (including flights, taxi transfers, B&B en-suite in ***star hotel and course fee)

Courses Only: £ 195, second week £ 175

*price correct on 8th December 09 for April 2010;
one person sharing, one week, departing from any British International Airport.
(Please note: Prices can vary considerably depending on time of the year, departure airport, choice of hotel, etc...)

“The quality of the light and the glorious colours of the ‘Turquoise Coast’, combined with the challenge of finding marks made by human hands thousands of years ago, will make your painting holiday an experience you will never forget.”

The Town of Kas

Kas is a small harbour town on the Turquoise Coast in the south west of Turkey, a living, working Turkish town, not a resort. Surrounded by the most beautiful shoreline, full of attractive small shops, bars and restaurants, traditional boats in the harbour, and the most friendly and helpful people imaginable, it makes a delightful base for a painting holiday.

The pace is relaxed. You will have time for swimming and sunbathing, wandering the ancient cobbled streets with an abundance of flowers, orange and almond trees, checking out the local produce in the market, or exploring the area on boat trips. There are also some ancient sites to visit, and the most southerly Greek island is less than a mile off shore.

Food in Turkey is scrumptious and inexpensive. There are plenty of restaurants in Kas, all informal and providing al fresco dining at its best. Kas nightlife is low key. There are one or two night clubs, apart from that it’s enjoying a local drink or a cocktail in the streets outside the bars, watching life go by...

“Kas is a superb location for a painting holiday and Doris knows all the best spots - not only within the town itself but also along the coast and in the surrounding countryside. We explored everything from ancient tombs, sunken cities, mountains and olive groves, marinas and harbours, street traders and colourful markets. . . We were also introduced to the friendly proprietors of some of the best bars cafes and restaurants in Kas and enjoyed our leisure time sampling the delights of Turkish cuisine.” G.Phillips

Our Studio

Our studio is in a residential street just a ten minute stroll from the town centre and the harbour.

It has two balconies, perfect for outside painting, one facing East for morning sun and shade the rest of the day, the other one facing South. There are sea views from both of them.

Course Format

Morning Painting Sessions:

We will usually meet on a pre-arranged site at 9am. All sites will be in easy walking distance to your hotel and have toilet facilities, somewhere to buy a drink and some shade. Non-painting partners are welcome to come along – bring a book!

I will stay on site until mid-afternoon. You stay and work as long as you like. We usually have lunch where we are when we get hungry. Whenever you feel like a swimming break you are welcome to have one as we are always close to the sea.

At sun-down-time we will arrange for a regular meeting place so whoever wishes to do so can join the others for a drink and dinner.

Boat Trip

On one of our six days I will arrange a trip to the sunken city of Kekova or the Greek island of Meis on one of the working boats. On this trip we will sketch ancient tombs, engravings, mosaic floors, the local wildlife, or whatever else takes your fancy.
There will also be swimming breaks, and lunch will be provided by the crew.
This trip is part of your course and the cost is included in your course fee. If the group would like a second trip during the week this can be arranged and would incur extra cost of £20 -£30.
Non-painting partners are welcome to come along and pay for their own ticket.

Course Materials

Due to climate and baggage restrictions we will work with simple, easy-to-use-in-the-sun materials: pads, pencils, watercolours, oil pastels on site, other water based paints and some light texture materials in the studio.
All these materials will be provided and are included in your course fee. All you need to bring are sunscreen, a sun hat and your sketchbook, and maybe your camera.

Course Fee

This will include all tuition, materials, and the boat trip incl. lunch). A 40% deposit will be charged with booking. Balance to be paid 4 weeks prior to departure.
Second week participants who wish to stay for two weeks will be offered a £20 reduction on their course fees for the second week.

How to get there

Included in our Full Travel Package are flight (economy class) to Dalaman or Antalia from any International Airport in Britain, return taxi transfer between the airport and your hotel, and B&B in a hotel of your choice (rooms en-suite, usually with balcony).
All bookings of flights and accommodation by Travel Counsellors ( Atol protected, IATA).
Prices from £562* for one week. Please call or e-mail for an up-to-date quote.

Should you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, we will be happy to provide travel details, hotel websites etc..
Course Only price £195, second week £175.

*Price correct on 8th December 09 for April 2010 for one person sharing for one week.
Please note: Prices can vary considerably depending on time of the year, departure airport, choice of hotel etc..