The Rose In Me, watercolor

Painting plein-airs in the most picturesque country in Europe – Bulgaria

Life is infinite and dynamic, life is colorful and diverse. Sun, nature and art – let us dive in and have an unforgettable time together!
Rose-picking plein-air

We hold our painting holidays in the most romantic and picturesque places in Bulgaria. The selected area of landscapes and architectural influences provide a wonderful vista for the five day course.

During those unforgettable days and painting outdoors you will be able to reveal your art skills, which have remained hidden and unused till now, to reach to your soul and to express the beauty that you carry within.

These painting plein-airs are appropriate both for beginners and experienced painters. During each plein-air we shall explore a special theme by utilizing a specific painting media – oil, watercolor, acrylic, dry pastel or drawing.

We have provided all that you need so that you can devote yourself entirely to painting.

Painting outdoors will help you get rid of tension, stress, weariness and negative emotions. Through painting we shall become more aware of our inner self and reveal the creator within. Our approach is based on the fact that all people possess wisdom and creativity. Given the proper circumstances and focus we can all reach and use this understanding of everything that is meaningful.

What is a plein-air? Plein (in French: en plein air, „open-air“) in terms of art means to paint in open-air, among nature or in town.

Location: The Rose Valley, town of Kalofer, Arbanasi architectural reserve

Theme: To discover the beauty of the world through the inner beauty of ourselves!

Roses. A sip of freshness for the soul, a slow cadre of the fast moving and scheduled everyday life, a new perspective of the details of nature, perceiving, feeling, relaxing, reflecting and…drawing. And the most sweet and intoxicating flavor of roses, roses, roses… Leafs of roses, blossoms, bouquet, land of roses, valley, a painting of roses.

Skills: At this painting plein-air you will master: Composition. Construction and breathing life into form. Work with colors. Visual ordering and perspective.

Day 1: Sofia
Arrival in Sofia.

Day 2: Sofia – Kalofer
Sofia City Tour and transfer to Kalofer.

Days 3, 4 & 5: Kalofer
3 days of rose painting, ikebana with roses and rose gathering and also:
•  visit of authentic rose factory;
•  visit of the Valley of kings of Thrace;
•  visit to the old Thracian and Roman town Hisar;
•  Rose festival in town of Kazanlak (if requested);
•  You will learn also how to make Bulgarian yoghurt.

Day 6: Kalofer – Gabrovo – Bozhentsi – Arbanasi
Departure from Kalofer;
•  Visit the Shipka monument and church;
•  Visit the town of Gabrovo and open-air ethnographic museum Etara,
•  Visit one of the oldest and most picturesque Bulgarian villages Bozhentsi;
Arrival in Arbanasi.

Day 7: Arbanasi – Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanasi
•  Visit the old Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo and Tzarevetz fortress;
•  Visit the Patriarchal Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Transfiguration Monastery.

Day 8: Arbanasi – Lovech – Sofia
Departure to Sofia;
•  Visit the town of Lovech – the old town Varosha and the famous covered bridge.
Arrival in Sofia.

Day 9: Sofia
Departure to Sofia Airport

Booking	Single accommodation	Double accommodation	Accompanying person
Standart	EUR	EUR	EUR
Till 15.03.	EUR	EUR	EUR

The price includes: Full tuition program and all necessary materials for the outdoor painting, 8 nights with 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners; transfers from and to Sofia Airport for the whole group altogether, transportation for the duration of the plein-air, professional guide during the visits for days 6-8

The price does NOT include: tourist insurance, sightseeing fees, fees for additional activities, personal expenses, etc.

Painting Equipment:
Provided: Easels; drawing boards; paper/canvasses; brushes; lightweight folding chairs; water jars; paints according to plein-air painting medium; special carton box for oil paintings transportation.
Not provided: Painting material for additional art sessions; sketch book; painting case/binder/folder (for Acrylic/Watercolor/B&W paintings). These materials could be provided upon advanced request.

Number of participants: min 5 max 15

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES:
Deadline for cancellations: 45 days prior to arrival.
Tentative rooming list: 45 days prior to arrival. Final Rooming list: 30 days prior to arrival.
Deadline for changes: Additions only – 30 days prior to arrival, upon availability.
Payments: 50% of total amount 30 days prior to arrival. Full payment – 15 days prior to the arrival date.
Cancellation fee: 45-31 days prior to arrival – the 50% deposit. From the 30th day and on reservations are non-refundable.
Early booking: a written confirmation no later than appointed deadline; a proof of payment (for 50%) within 3 days of invoice issuance. Standard cancellation fees apply.

Are your typical customers couples, families, solo travelers, big groups etc.?
Our typical customers are solo travelers and couples; however we’ve had some families with children. In those cases when families are with children (at least 5 years old) we provide an option for art courses also for the children.

How do your customers currently travel to your location?
Typically you have to fly to Bulgaria. Once here, we provide full transportation services, which are included in the package – shuttle from and to airport, as well as the necessary transport during the holiday.

What do customers learn on the holiday?
Although this is not academic course in painting participants learn all necessary painting principles and techniques.
People master various painting techniques and materials depending on the selected course – oil painting, watercolour, acrylic painting, dry pastel or drawing. The participants will learn the main principles of painting if they are beginners or will be able to develop their skills and talents if they are more advanced in painting. The courses will give the understanding for: composition; visual ordering and perspective; relations and proportions; construction of forms; balance and harmony among forms in defined space; breathing life into form; working with colors; tonality; shading; types of graphic depiction; stylization; depth in the painting through work with the light.

Who teaches on the course?
As an established art academy all of our tutors have at least 5 years of professional experience in arts and arts teaching for adults and children, as we provide art education all year long through different programs and courses. Our academic year consists of 9 different fine and applied arts courses for adults and children, as well as art team buildings for one of the biggest companies in Bulgaria. The team consists of 3 tutors: Ivana Spirova, Hristina Geraskova and Lachezara Paskaleva. They all have art education in Art Colleges and Universities, a lot of successful exhibitions (including at “Forum Der Regionen”, Brussels by special invitation of the European Committee). This young trio will inspire you to explore … of your soul and bring out the beauty, perfection and creative harmony that you have always carried within.

What is your minimum number of participants to go ahead?
Minimum requirement: 5 participants.

What is you maximum capacity per course?
Maximum capacity: 7 participants per tutor