Take a painting holiday to Italy!

Italy is the fifth most populated country in Europe and enjoys a warm climate throughout the year. The country is known for its beauty, culture, fashion and art. Artists choose the country as a place to work because of its beautiful views and creative climates. Italy is also known for its high standard of living and is ranked as being the 25th most developed country in the world. For these reasons it is a popular destination and will suit those that are travelling and want to experience an artistic getaway. In this article we will take a look at several locations that are perfect for those that wish to experience a creative painting holiday.

Venice

Venice is another area in Italy that is known for its rich influence on the artistic world. The city is based in North East Italy and is made up of 118 small islands. These are all connected and are accessed via boats that run through canals. The art of Venice also helped to develop the renaissance of painting. Several famous artists emerged from this region, including Giovanni Bellini, a painter who developed the Venetian style and introduced more color and depth into his work. He was inspired by the wonderful landscapes that Venice has to offer and inspired many followers at the Venetian painting school, where he taught other famous painters such as titian. 

  
Tuscany

Tuscany is a region in Italy that is known for its influence on art throughout the world. This is thanks to the renaissance art period that evolved there. The area is also known for its wonderful natural spaces and landscapes that will appeal to artists who enjoy painting in natural environments. Tuscany is also home to a large selection of famous architecture, one such being the famous cathedral of Pisa. A beautiful set of buildings that were constructed in 1064. This is also the home of the well-known leaning tower of Pisa, which is well recognized throughout historical culture and sits at a constant slant. Artists that enjoy painting complex architecture will love the cathedral and the beautiful complexities that surround the walls of the buildings. 

Sicily

Sicily is a region of Italy but sits as a separate island in the Mediterranean Sea, which it is also the largest. People have been living on the island since 8000 BC. Greeks began to inhabit the Island from around 700 BC. Sicily is an area that boasts a wide amount of color and beauty in its rich landscapes and old villages that flow with culture and artistic possibilities. Bars are a great place to people watch and the Sicilian lifestyle is to eat and drink well trough out the day. Artists may want to capture some interesting scenes of street life in their pictures and would do so perfectly here. 

Umbria

Umbria is a region of central Italy covered with a peninsular region. It was formed during ancient times. This region is covered with rich in beauty with landscapes. Artists feel and experience the beauty of Umbria. They capture many scenes from the beauty. This is just a selection of places that are based in Italy and will be great for artists who wish to travel somewhere creative and beautiful. The food is also wonderful and the locals are generous and kind.

Written by Leo Josh. He is an expert traveler. He provides many suggestions to travellers who plan their trips. In his free time, He writes articles related to travel. Presently, he is focusing on ESTA which defines Visa Waiver Scheme (ESTA) which is now mandatory for all travellers to the USA who plan to enter the country by air or sea.

Would you book an art holiday for singles? Solo traveller, Debbie, tells us her thoughts.

Flavours was interested to know just how singles holidays are for those who decide to book. It’s one thing reading all the blurbs and publicity, but what do real people think about their experiences? So with heart in mouth we called Debbie W and asked her if she would mind talking about the art holiday for singles she experienced a couple of weeks back. Flavours would like to thank Debbie for taking the time to be spill the Borlotti (or should that be Boticelli?) beans about her art holiday. We now hand over the Flavours blog.

I found answering Flavours questions about taking a single holiday really thought-provoking and I include both the question and the answer.

What made you take a single holiday?

That was easy to answer. I had recently been made redundant after 20 years in the same publishing firm. I was devastated to be honest. I had given my working life thus far to this job so decided it was time to treat myself to a holiday as a transition. The irony is I am not single but my partner couldn’t think of anything worse than spending a week on an art holiday. He understood the need for a break so I booked the package. In fact it was my first vacation alone in twenty five years of marriage so it was quite a step.

 

What attracted you to book an art holiday for singles specifically?

I suppose art has always been my ‘closet hobby’, as it were. No one else shares my passion. I thought the idea of taking time to work solely for myself, but within a small community, would be a great compromise. I love the idea of pursuing an interest without any other responsibilities. An art holiday for singles seemed to fit the bill.

Did you have any concerns about travelling alone?

I suppose I was a little bit worried about the concept of singles holidays as they have had a reputation in the past but I had done a cooking holiday with my husband a couple of years ago and kind of knew what to expect. Is that cheating? It certainly seemed odd setting off on my own but to be honest, I was so busy and the other artists were so friendly I soon found all my thoughts were about my work. I would say to anyone who is hesitant that it’s like jumping into a cold sea, once you’re in, it’s fantastic!

What did you gain from the art holidays for singles?

I really need a whole book to explain that in detail. The mix of people contributed masses to the holiday. As we were all independent travellers we ended up eating together in the evening, chatting about our work, swapping tips and ideas and even experiences. This was so convivial and I know there were people on the holiday who were single, but ours status didn’t matter as we were all there for a common interest. There’s something magnetic about a group of people formed through a love of art.

How would you rate the holiday?

Everything from the pick up at the airport, our tutor, the food and accommodation was just perfect but then Flavours holidays always pay attention to that kind of detail. I would give it a ten. Although I wish I could have experienced a two week holiday if I am honest! That would be my only regret.

Top 10 tips for holiday romance on singles holidays

Everyone dreams of a holiday romance the sun, sea and sand makes for a perfect combination. Coupled with the excitement of meeting someone new on a single holiday, it can really lift the spirits and why not? After all, life’s for enjoying and for sharing – so with that in mind, we thought we’d come up with our top 10 tips to help things along: 

1.       Book a group holiday: joining a tour specifically for singles holidays is definitely a plus as everyone is on common ground, making it easier to start talking to people and get the conversations flowing.

2.       Choose an activity holiday: maybe you really enjoy creative pursuits like painting or cooking or you’re into Pilates or yoga. Opting for something you’re passionate about or have always wanted to try is a great way to meet new people who share your interests – and may help a holiday romance blossom too.  

3.       Take care of yourself: in the run up to your holiday give yourself a little more TLC. Start exercising at the local gym or enrol in a class, plan your holiday wardrobe and maybe treat yourself to a new haircut. Make yourself feel great.  

4.       Be responsible for your own happiness: don’t let the holiday be all about finding romance. Life should be full of fun experiences regardless of whether you’re single or not. Spend time on what makes you feel good. Happy people are more attractive to others in any case. 

5.       Make a pact with yourself: your single holiday is the perfect opportunity to set yourself some positive goals. Maybe you want to be kinder to yourself or make a conscious effort not to focus on old relationships and the baggage that comes with them. See it as a fresh start. 

6.       Be realistic: if you meet your perfect match and love really does blossom you’ll have a wonderful story to tell. On the other hand if it only lasts as long as the holiday and you’ve both enjoyed yourselves then you’ll go away with some fond memories.

7.       It’s good to talk: the art of good conversation makes you a more interesting date but remember to listen as well. Romance and friendship is two-way; people like to learn about others and their interests but they also want to feel this is reciprocated too. Besides, focusing on someone else can take the pressure off you! 

8.       Explore together: a holiday romance can be a perfect opportunity to find out more about the country that you’re visiting and all it has to offer. Having that shared experience gives you more to talk about too. 

9.       Play safe: by all means enjoy spending time with your new-found companion but don’t let the thrill of finding love lead you to take risks. A modicum of common sense is important for your own safety. If you’re on holiday with friends then let them know who you’re with, where you’re going, and when you’ll return. If you feel uncomfortable about your prospective date, then heed the warning signs and stay clear.  

10.     Romance or not, with the power of social media there’s no need to lose touch with the people you meet on holiday. Link up on Facebook for instance and keep in contact with those you feel a mutual connection with and a shared sense of purpose – these friendships might just be worth nurturing.

Author biography

Mature Hearts helps mature singles over 50 find friendship and romance online.