painting workshop
Spring Painting Week In the Aegean
Auriol Innes
Auriol Innes
THE MEDITERRANEAN LIGHT
“When it became clear to me that I would see this light every morning, I could not believe my bliss.” Henri Matisse, on seeing the Mediterranean for the first time in 1898.
Artists since the Renaissance have turned to the study of nature for inspiration. Following in this tradition, and with the help of tutors Auriol Innes and Susannah Fiennes, the aim of this week is to discover the excitement of looking with an artist’s eye.
Susannah Fiennes
Auriol Innes
Susannah Fiennes
ALL WELCOME
The tutors will help each participant individually, according to their areas of
need. Whether you are a beginner, seeking to enhance your existing practice, or wish to begin drawing and painting again; we aim to inspire and invigorate you. Painters working in acrylics or watercolours, as well as those who wish only to draw are all welcome.
daily sessions
The Mediterranean Lens: Painting in the Aegean Spring.
Morning
Masterclass & Guided Creation
A 30-minute introduction to the day, to include a colour mixing demonstration, or a talk on aspects of composition. This will be followed by a tutored painting and drawing session, either at Villa Komito or elsewhere on Syros.
Afternoon
Relax & Create
Time for relaxation, followed by a tutored painting and drawing session in the late afternoon light.
Evening Soirée
Cocktails & Reflection
Gather for an exchange of ideas, and to reflect on the day’s discoveries.
tutors
Masterclass with Susannah Fiennes and Auriol Innes.
Susannah Fiennes
Artist
Since graduating from the Slade School of Fine Art in 1983, Susannah has exhibited at Cadogan Contemporary, Raphael Vals, Thomas Williams Fine Art and is now represented by the Redfern Gallery, Pall Mall.
In 1995, ‘97 and ‘99 she travelled as the official tour artist with HRH (the then) Prince of Wales, to Oman, Hong Kong and South America.
Since 2008 she has taught a life drawing class in Notting Hill with Auriol Innes and Guy Mortimer. She works from London or her studio in Oxfordshire.
Auriol Innes
Artist | Tutor
Auriol graduated from Durham University in 1982, worked in publishing then trained as a textile designer. She made the transition to painting with the support of the artists Sargy Mann and Susannah Fiennes.
Auriol has been represented by the Cadogan Contemporary Gallery and is currently with Piers Feetham Gallery in London and Aldeburgh. Group shows include the RA Summer Exhibition, Cley and Open East.
Auriol ran an art residency on the Isle of Colonsay, and has extensive teaching experience, tutoring life drawing class in London and landscape painting groups in the Gers, France.
our week
Seeing
The island offers unique Spring light, turquoise waters, deep blue Aegean Sea under cobalt skys. The clarity of the Cycladic sun, light and shade, every edge sharp, every colour intense.
Landscape
Syros in spring; everywhere sea, stone and space, stunning landscapes, colourful harbours, roadsides bloom in carpets of wild yellow Phlomis and passing migrating birds fill the quiet olive groves with birdsong.
Sea & Spring
Komito air is thick with the scent of wild thyme, sage, and blossom that colours the surounding hills. The sea is often calm for early-season swimmers, with clear distances, an island on every horizon.
When Vincent van Gogh first encountered the Mediterranean Sea in June 1888, he wrote about its elusive, shifting colours in a now famous letter:
“The Mediterranean has the colour of mackerel, changeable I mean.
You don’t always know if it is green or violet, you can’t even say it’s blue,
because the next moment the changing reflection has taken on a tint of rose or gray.”
Susannah Fiennes
PRICING
Painting Workshop
SIX DAY RETREAT | SEVEN NIGHTS
Prices start from €1300-€1800 per person.
Included in your payment:
- – Transfers to/from Komito between Syros airport/port
- – Board and lodging at Villa Komito
- – All sessions with our experts
- – ‘Five Great Greek Dishes’ cooking class with Nella
- – All scheduled excursions and light folding chairs
- – Afternoon activities in the villa and around the island
- – (hiking, pétanque, backgammon, padel)
What’s not included:
- – Flights and ferries to Syros
- – Excursions to other islands (transport and meals)
- – Paint materials inluding a small foldable easel (if needed)*
- – Tips for our attentive Komito staff
- – Yoga with local expert Anna (€20 per person)
* We will provide a list of suggested materials ahead of time
Programme
painting
WORKSHOP
DAILY SCHEDULE
A day in the life at Komito
Painting Workshop
painting in
the aegean
WORKSHOP
april 25 – may 2
2027
Syros
getting here
Getting to Syros is easy.
Fly to Athens or Mykonos,
and connect to Syros by air or sea.
Upon arrival at Syros port or airport,
a member of the Villa Komito team will
welcome you and escort you to Komito,
where your creative journey begins.
Artists in residence
Susannah Fiennes
Join Us
painting workshop
Complete the form to request your place in this unique experience.
We will provide a list of suggested materials ahead of time.
Contact tutors Auriol or Susannah directly with any questions:
auriol_innes@btinternet.com | susannahfiennes@aol.com
waiting for you
Auriol Innes
Susannah Fiennes
Auriol Innes