M
ost of the island’s inhabitants
live in the pretty port town of
Gialós. Its pastel-coloured neo-
classical villas and mansions cling to
the hillsides above the perfect semi-
circled natural harbour where the water is
as deep a blue as the skies. The harbour and
quayside bustle with activity and there is
always something to paint. There is a constant
toing and froing of fishing boats, ferries and
yachts, and the quayside is lined with shops,
tavernas and a clock tower. Above the hustle
and bustle of Gialós is Chorió (the old town),
which is a maze of steps and alleyways lined
with old houses, churches, family tavernas
and crumbling buildings.
An air of calm and tradition pervades. Life
here has changed little over the centuries;
children play in the alleyways; old ladies,
dressed in black, sit crocheting on doorsteps;
men gather and chat under trees or play
backgammon; and cats sun themselves around
flower pots. There are no motorised vehicles
in the old town, but there is a shuttle bus up
the hill.You’ll stay in a former sea
captain’s home, which is on the
water’s edge and in the older part
of the harbour. The hotel has
retained all the traditions of its
former era and has the welcoming
atmosphere of a private house. Its roof-top
terrace is an ideal place from which to paint
the wonderful views across the harbour and to
capture the sun setting over Chorió. Rick Stein
filmed his European series from the hotel’s
restaurant, which has al frescodining on the
harbour wall. There is a pretty swimming beach
just around the headland from the hotel and at
the nearby fishing village of Pedi.
June is a delightful time to be in Greece. It is
warm enough to paint en plein air, the light is
excellent and the colours are still fresh. Symi
can only be reached by ferry from Rhodes, has
limited accommodation and very few beaches
and so does not attract the masses.
Your first night will be spent in the old town
of the Knights St John, Rhodes, and the following
morning there will be time to do some painting
here before taking the ferry to Symi.Haidee-Jo Summers ROI, ARSMAis an
accomplished plein-airfigurative artist. She
is a very approachable host artist who makes
every student feel very welcome and
comfortable. Haidee-Jo will provide
demonstrations, individual guidance and
tuition as and when appropriate. She will be
working on her own paintings and is happy for
you to work alongside her or independently.
This semi free-style painting holiday is most
suitable for intermediate and advanced
students.- Number of students8 to 12
- MediaOils, but all media welcome
- Price per person£3,
- Price includesflights, ferry, hotels,
breakfasts and dinners, guest artist
and travel escort.
Leisure Paintermagazine has been offering overseas painting holidays since 1990 led by professional artists. These holidays are organised by fully licensed operator Spencer Scott Travel Services CAA ATOL 3471FOR FULL DETAILS CONTACT 01825 714310 [email protected] http://www.spencerscotttravel.com
PAINTING HOLIDAY
Other well-known artists leading our painting holidays in 2019 include Lucy Willisto The Holy Land, Lachlan Goudie ROIto Petra,
Peter Brown HON PNEAC, ROI, RBA, PS, RP to Istanbul, Richard Pikesley RWS NEAC to Iceland, and Hazel Soanto Venice and The Serengeti1–
June 2019Polperro Harbour, oil by Haidee-Jo SummersSymi is a painter’s dream.It is one of the most
quintessential sun-drenched islands in Greece.
The natural harbour and amphitheatre of pastel-
coloured neo-classical villas have long appealed to
artists. Haidee-Jo Summers will be working in oils.
Haidee-Jo SummersPaint on the Greek Island of Symi
with Haidee-Jo Summers ROI, ARSMA
LP Dec Symi Holiday_News 1st 15/10/2018 11:13 Page 6