Painting workshop
PAINTING WEEK IN THE AEGEAN | APRIL 18 – 25 2027
Auriol Innes
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
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.
painting
programme
WORKSHOP
april 18 – 25
2027
daily schedule
materials
painting & drawing
Workshop participants are expected to provide all their own painting and drawing materials, including a sun hat, and lightweight travelling easel if needed.
The tutors will be happy to advise and will provide a list of suggested materials in advance.
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.
“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.”
Vincent van Gogh
Susannah Fiennes
pricing
Painting Workshop
Five-Day Retreat | Six Nights
Shared Twin Room: €1300 per person (two guests sharing)
Private Double Room: €1800 (single occupancy)
Rates will vary for shorter or longer retreats
What’s included:
- – Transfers: Syros airport/port to Komitobetween Komito and Syros airport/port
- – Lodging: Board and stay at Villa Komito
- – Workshops: Sessions with our experts
- – Outdoor sessions: Light folding chairs
- – Cooking: ‘Five Great Greek Dishes’ with Nella
- – Excursions: Scheduled Syros trips
- – Activities: Guided hiking – Komito hills/Syros
What’s not included:
- – Flights and ferries to Syros
- – Off-island excursions (transport and meals)
- – Yoga with local expert Anna (€20/person)
- – Tips for our attentive Komito staff
- – Artist materials and equipment
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 in advance.
Contact tutors Auriol or Susannah directly with any questions:
auriol_innes@btinternet.com | susannahfiennes@aol.com
Auriol Innes
Susannah Fiennes
Auriol Innes