Working with both recycled and handmade papers, we will consider the histories embedded within paper itself—from its cultural origins and methods of production to its role as a carrier of stories, knowledge, and memory. Participants will learn how discarded paper can be transformed into new forms, discovering the creative potential that exists within materials often overlooked or thrown away.
MEET THE ARTIST
Alex Soukas
Alexander Soukas is a classically trained painter and draftsman working and teaching in Denver Colorado.
His education spans across several institutions including UPenn, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and Studio Incamminati where he apprenticed under world renowned painter Nelson Shanks.
His work explores the human figure and psyche, theology, and myth.
An instructor at the Art Students League of Denver for nearly a decade, he is also the founder of Studio Metaxú, a painting studio collective dedicated to studies in contemporary realist art.
PROVISIONAL ITINERARY
Day 1:
2pm welcome to the Chateau through the grand gate an gardens
3pm welcome in the Salon, introduction to the retreat instructors, Rosé on the Terrace
6pm Dinner at the Villa
Day 2:
Art Studio Session:
Morning session, Intro to materials, demonstration of gestural painting, short pose in open grisaille. Afternoon session, long pose grisaille, structure, anatomy
8:30am optional chateau seafront arcade walk, yoga
9:30am breakfast
10:30 - 1:00 Art Studio Session
1-2pm Lunch in the Villa by Chateau Chef
2-5pm Art Studio Session
5:30pm Private LNAF Museum Tour
7:00pm self led dinner
Day 3:
Art studio session focus: Introduction to color mixing, color study demonstration, painting the model as color abstraction. Optional attendance to portrait painting demonstration in the gardens at 5 pm
8:30am Yoga
9:30am Breakfast
10:30-1:30 Art Studio Session
1:30pm Lunch at the Villa Chez Ray
3:30-5:00 free afternoon
5:00pm optional portrait painting demo
7:00pm Dinner in Theoule
Day 4:
8:30 am Sound healing session in the tomb tower
9:30am breakfast
10:30 leave for excursion
2:00pm Lunch in St Paul de Venice
3:30pm museum visit at the Maeght Foundation and time to explore the town
7:00pm Self led dinner
Day 5:
Art studio session focus: long pose with the model integrating all the skills learned over the week into one painting fusing color with drawing and form.
9-10am breakfast
10-1 morning art studio session
1-2 lunch Chez Ray
2-5pm afternoon art studio session
5-7pm optional water sports and beach lounging
7 pm Farewell dinner in the Gothic Dining Room
9:30 Digestive at the Villa Chez Ray