The Course: Elena Parashko is returning to Fiji for her third retreat. She knows and loves the views out over the bay from Daku Resort, the tide lapping at the beach under the rain tree at the end of the peninsula, the constantly changing light on the mountains in the distance. It’s a subject matter of endless joy and she will show you how to make the most of it.

Feet in the water

During this week you will learn how to paint the basic elements of any seascape and landscape in a realistic style. You will learn how to paint sky and clouds, beach scenes with sand, rocks and a foam wash, how to capture the movement of waves with ripple effects, reflections in water, adding people or boats to a scene as well as mountain landscapes with coconut trees and other vegetation. We will be using acrylic paint in Fiji but the techniques learned can also be successfully applied to oil paints when you return home.

The studio under the raintree

Each workshop is structured around a group demonstration of a particular subject while on location followed by individual tuition. We will be covering aspects of art theory such as designing balanced compositions, blending techniques, aerial perspective and linear perspective, colour mixing, creating the illusion of texture, tone, as well as the use of light and shadow. As well as these actual painting techniques, we will also be learning how to paint “en plein air”. That means painting outdoors on location and dealing with the elements. All painting locations are a short drive from Daku Resort, with shade trees to paint under and the most picturesque views. In the event of rain, painting will be done from one of the villas at Daku Resort which has gorgeous views looking out onto Savusavu Bay.

All skill levels are welcome in these workshops, from beginners through to experienced painters. Elena talks about what painting skills you can expect from the week.

Price:

AUD $1800 twin share

Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $850

Program Includes

Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
Course fees
Lectures and excursions as indicated.
Program Excludes
Flights to Savusavu. We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
Optional activities not listed on the program.
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.
Meals taken in transit at the airport.

Bookings

For enquiries please fill in our contact form or call  (02) 8094 1613 or email  susan@paradisecourses.com

To make a booking go to our booking form.

Workshop enquiries

For enquiries about the painting workshops contact Elena on 0404 032 785 or info@elenaparashko.com

Artist Biography

Return to Paradise – oil painting by Elena Parashko

Elena Parashko is an award winning artist, teacher and writer from Sydney, Australia. She has received a number of corporate and government commissions with her artwork held in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Elena has been a finalist in the ANL Maritime Art Prize in Melbourne from 2006 – 2012. In 2006 she was a finalist in Sydney Business Review’s “Business Woman of the Year”.

Elena’s artwork has been featured in Australian Artist magazine, Artist’s Palette, Australian Decorative Painting, Artist’s Back to Basics, Ocean, Fine Art and Decorative Painting, Honestly Woman, Australian Coastal Home, Finally at 40… Life Begins, Modern Home, My Home and Home Ideas magazines. Elena contributes step by step painting demonstrations to the English magazine Leisure Painter. She is also a contributing writer for the American business magazine, Professional Artist, with a monthly motivational article for artists.

Elena is a trained teacher with a Certificate in Visual Arts, Bachelor of Education and Masters in Adult Education who enjoys teaching art to children and adults. She has over 20 years teaching experience. She also acts as an art therapist to intellectually and physically disabled adults. She sees her challenge as to inspire others, no matter their circumstances, through sharing her passion for artistic creation – the process as well as the product.

View Elena’s online gallery at:  www.elenaparashko.com

The Programme

The programme is structured around morning workshops with afternoons for activities and free time to enjoy a massage, snorkelling, relaxing by the pool or continuing to paint.

Saturday 1 June
Domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
6.00 pm Welcome ceremony
7.00 pm Dinner

Sunday 2 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 1: Rain Tree location
- How to set up for “en plein air” painting

- How to use a viewfinder to select a composition
- Painting sky and clouds
- Blending techniques
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Tapa demonstration
Afternoon: Free time
7.00 pm Dinner

Monday 3 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 2: Rain tree location
- Painting the view down a beach
- Reflections in water
- Perspective lines of waves
- Colour mixing
1.00 pm Lunch
Afternoon: Trip to Savusavu Town to see local market and shops
7.00 pm Dinner

Tuesday 4 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 3: Devodara Beach location

Studio on the beach at Devodara

- Painting the view out to sea
- Ocean ripples and waves washing onto sand and rocks
- Creating the illusion of texture
1.00 pm Picnic lunch
2.00 pm Swimming at Devodara Beach
7.00 pm Dinner
Wednesday 5 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 4: Savusavu Town location (view of Nawi Island and boats)
- Painting a landscape with mountains, tropical vegetation and boats

- Tone
- Aerial perspective
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Coconut demonstration
3.00 pm Walk up hill behind Daku
7.00 pm Dinner

Thursday 6 June

9.00 am – 12.30 pm Workshop 5: Daku location
- Adding figures and / or boats
- Light and shadow

- Completing previous paintings
1.00 pm Lunch
Afternoon: Free time for optional activities
7.00 pm Dinner

Friday 7 June

9.00 am- 12.30 pm Workshop 6: Daku location
- Use a viewfinder to choose and paint your own subject using elements learned in previous workshops

1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Visit to local village
7.00 pm Final lovo dinner

Saturday 8 June

Fly from Savusavu back to Nadi
International flight home

Note: the order of workshops may vary depending upon weather conditions.