17 – 23 October, 2010

$2280 twin share (not including international flights)

This is a fun and expressive painting retreat for those who love colour.  Suitable for beginners to intermediate, this art course will give students insight into process, techniques, materials and expression. Working from the every-day using still-life, photographs and the surrounding landscape, students are encouraged to explore a variety of styles and approaches that will aid in the development of their own art practice.  Larissa gives demonstrations and individuals can experiment with the many possibilities of working with vibrant acrylics.  Students can expect to take home a small body of work from 4-6 pieces.

Larissa Blake was born and raised in Orange.  Through her creative family Larissa was exposed to art and all its possibilities from an early age.  She went on to study communications and alternative therapies but it wasn’t long before her creative disposition surfaced and she pursued art as a serious lifestyle.

Larissa’s vibrant works are inspired by her extensive travels both at home and abroad, but it is in her every-day world and all its spontaneity that she draws most of her inspiration.

Combining her love of art with her other of alternative therapies, Larissa is an intuitive and insightful teacher who brings a new and creative energy to her students. Through years of painting and being an avid supporter of other artists Larissa has a unique eye for the technical as well as being an extremely gifted colourist.

Apart from the occasional trip back to her roots in Orange where she has recently set up a studio, Larissa bases herself in Sydney where she continues to paint and is a sought after lecturer. She exhibits regularly and her works are found in private collections throughout the world.

Programme

Sunday 17 October
Arrive Nadi and fly to Savusavu. The resort is 10 minutes from the airstrip, and you will be welcomed into it with a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.

Monday 18 October
Morning workshop:  introduction to the week. Poolside lunch and coconut cutting demonstration, followed by a walk around resort gardens. In the late afternoon there will be a tapa making demonstration

Tuesday 19 October
Morning workshop; lunch. Afternoon visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops.

Wednesday 20 October
Morning workshop; lunch. Afternoon beach / boat outing.

Thursday 21 October
Morning workshop; lunch. Free afternoon for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing.

Friday 22 October
Morning workshop; lunch. Later on we will have a beach outing and a sunset drink at Yaukolo, returning to Savusavu for drinks at the Yacht Club and dinner in town.

Saturday 23 October
Morning workshop; lunch. Later in the afternoon we will visit Vivili village to see a traditional Fijian meke (dance) and then have a final dinner at Daku.

Sunday 24 October
Leave Savusavu. Return to Nadi.