Linda Richichi Color & Energy Painting Holiday

June 27th- July 6th, 2022

9 Nights | 10 Days in the ,

A land of legends, literature and, rugged beauty. CLICK TO JUMP TO A SECTION

4 COLOR & ENERGY HOLIDAY INFORMATION

5,13 DESTINATION ACCOMMODATIONS

14, 18 PAINTING DESTINATIONS

19 WHAT'S INCLUDED

20 CHOOSE YOUR ROOM

28,29 MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR MEET YOUR HOSTS

[email protected] RICHICHIART.COM +1.845.527.1146

BLUESEASVILLA.COM Have you dreamt of traveling to Greece to paint in oil, acrylic, pastel or casein? How would you like to spend your days applying energetic color to your paintings while visiting and photographing mountains, Blue Flag award-winning beaches, historic castles, vineyards, olive groves, and Homer’s wine dark, azure seas? Do you love authentic travel and “secret” destinations? Then join me at Blue Seas Villa, a private, Greek family home on the legendary Peloponnese Peninsula, at the seaside village of Plytra, also known as Ancient . “Best Place to Visit in Europe.” Get ready to enjoy life at a Grecian pace and paint away with me June 27th -July 6th, 2022. — Lonely Planet Paint the Colors & Energy of Greece With Linda Richichi

Oil, acrylic, casein or pastel.

Making time for your art helps you grow as artist.

And when you give yourself an adventure, a pleasurable experience, you add value to your life.

Wouldn’t it be great to do both and rediscover your love of life doing what you enjoy - traveling and creating art, in the heart of the place where classical art began?

So you don't get lost when seeing new colors and atmosphere, Linda will teach you a six-step process to help ease your struggle. You'll see how to capture the colors, textures and feelings when working en plein air, in a series of online sessions, before you arrive in Greece!

In the first online session, you will meet one of our hosts, George Panagakos, winner of the American Society of Media Photographers “Best of” Awards. We will travel to Greece with George virtually, as he shares his knowledge about composition when capturing a scene with the camera.

From these photos, you will prepare sketches to be ready for our arrival.

Our goal is to give you more time in Greece to paint, relax and have fun. Are you ready to paint in plein air in “Europe’s Best Place to Visit”?

I’m ready! Let’s paint the Peloponnese

Imagine painting where Olympian gods played, where Spartans battled, and where the epic poet Homer found the inspiration for his tales, The Odyssey and The Iliad. The romance of country life comes alive in the Peloponnese. Kalamata olive groves line the mountainsides and citrus groves add colour and energy to the landscape. From the quaint villages with immense character to the food that is grown and made with love, there is no doubt your heart will be wide open here. Add award-winning beaches, historic churches and castles, sun-filled days, warm and hospitable people, diverse topography, and you have the perfect place for an artistic and soul-fulfilling retreat.

Molais , lower town Our home in Greece

Blue Seas Villa in Plytra, , is a historical family home owned by the Panagakos family for over 100 years. With 5,600 sq. ft. (520 m²), custom artisan details, cooling marble floors, and indoor and outdoor space to paint, our Greek country retreat has 6 spacious bedrooms and 3 shared full bathrooms. Each bedroom has direct outdoor access. Upper-floor rooms enjoy their own spacious verandas with sea and mountain views, while the Xenones wing has access to the main floor veranda with panoramic views of the lapis lazuli blue bay. You’ll be swept away by the open, airy living spaces and scenes of the Aegean Sea, Xili Bay, and the ruins of Ancient Asopos from every room in the house. And it’s all within 5 minutes walking distance from several top- rated beaches and historical sites.

© Linda Richichi

Blue Seas Villa Entrance About the village

Plytra is a charming sea-side village, and one of Greece’s best-kept destination secrets. With its accessibility from Athens (just 3.5 hours by car), inspiring scenery, peaceful ambiance and proximity to some of the Peloponnese’s top attractions, it’s easy to see why Greeks choose Plytra as their summer home.

Authentically Greek restaurants and taverns, a mini-mart with ample necessities, several crystal clear beaches and that ever-inspiring scenery are all within a few minutes walking distance.

Modern-day Plytra is also the site of Ancient Asopos, a prosperous port city until 365 AD when a strong earthquake sank the town into Xili Bay. Today, you can walk amongst its ruins on land, or discover them by snorkeling in the sea.

Are you ready to let Dionysos and Poseidon, the official Greek gods of the village, inspire you and help you find your muse?

Asopitan Beach in Plytra © George Panagakos Type to enter textAbout Plytra Beaches WITHin Walking Distance

Asopitan Plaz - A spectacular, Blue Flag award-winning, shallow, sand beach with picture-book turquoise water. It features a cosmopolitan beach club, clean bathroom facilities, and plush sun loungers with bamboo umbrellas for rent. - 10 minutes walk from the villa.

Paralia Plytra - This is the smaller, sugar sand beach central to the village. It is next to a tavern, which serves up delicious food and where you can see many of the local characters having lunch or enjoying a frappé. 5-7 minute walk from the villa.

Kokkines - Kokkines means “red clay.” The water is a little deeper and a little cooler here. The real cool factor is that you are literally swimming above the sunken city of Ancient Asopos. 5 minute walk from the villa.

Amouli - Follow the path from Kokkines, and up the road a little further you find this practically empty cove and pebble beach. At the right time of day, you’ll also meet the horses that live there. 20 minutes walk from the villa, with some slopes. Painting and photography sites

The Venetsanaki House — This picturesque structure on the edge of the bay was the first “modern” house built in Plytra. It is a favourite site among visitors and local legend says Theodoros Kolokotronis, the pre-eminent leader of the Greek War of Independence, was often a guest.

The Dock — In the early morning, the local fishermen come in with their daily catch. These old wooden boats lined up along the dock and the colourful nets spread out drying in the sun make for a fascinating subject.

Ancient Asopos — The ruins contain tombs, at least two bathhouses, reservoirs and mosaic floors made from locally excavated marble. The view of the Aegean Sea with mountains in the distance is spectacular.

The Olive Groves — The magic and unique character of olive trees has inspired works by Sargent, Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Dali. How will they inspire you?

Plytra Dock at Sunset Olive Tree in Plytra Seasonal Notes

During our visit, you will find summer weather with rugged, lunar landscapes that will challenge you to master your neutrals, contrasting against deep, ultramarine blue seas. Late rains extend the life of fauna and exotic flora. Average temperatures ranges from low 80’s to mid 90’s F (30-34C) during the day and mid 60’s to low 70’s (17-22C) at night. The olive trees will have fruit, the bougainvillea will be vibrant with richly hued blooms, and we will enjoy 14 hours of warm and cool light. Click here for more details on weather.

For more photos of the villa, visit blueseasvilla.com. © George Panagakos Villa Entrance & Dining Room Cistern and marble floors detail. LibraryLibrary Accommodations

In traditional Greek style, room appointments are bright, airy and spacious. Each features sustainable, high thread count sheets, full climate control, WiFi, and, veranda access.

The 3 bathrooms in the home are shared. Two are located on the main floor, and the upper floor has a large bathroom with a tub and shower combination.

Main Floor | The Green or The Blue Room | Twin beds Double Occupancy Located on the main floor of the Villa, with direct main terrace access.

Main Floor | Yellow Room | Queen Bed Single Occupancy Located on the main floor of the Villa, with direct main terrace access.

Upper Floor | The White Room Shared Seaview Veranda | Queen Bed Single Occupancy Enjoy extra space to recharge.

Upper Floor | Aqua or Red Room Private Seaview Veranda | Queen Bed Single Occupancy Enjoy elevated views and sip your morning coffee on the veranda lounge area overlooking the mountains and the Aegean Sea.

Monemvasia, Central Square Explore

Monemvasia - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 minutes from Blue Seas Villa. A painters paradise that’s so nice, we’ll be visiting twice! After you walk through the archway of carved stone, you enter a magical, pedestrian-only medieval town best characterized by cobblestone streets, Venetian style mansions, multiple Byzantine era churches, and the famed, 12th century Agia Sophia Church. Dramatic lighting at Golden Hour washes the buildings in a soft, warm glow, turning the stones lavender, earning this fairy tale fortress the nickname “Violet City.” Click here to see a video, courtesy of Visit Greece.

Typical passage ways of Monemvasia © George Panagakos Gythio — We drive an hour west and head to the main port of Ancient Sparta. It is a town rich in history, and the capital of the Mani Peninsula. According to ancient Greek mythology, Heracles and Apollo were the founders of Gythio. Other legends tell of Helen of Sparta and Paris of Troy spending their first night together here. Our morning painting session is with beautiful fishing boats and sailboats lined up along the harbor, with the neoclassical architecture in the background.

When you are done painting, take a walk around this port town and do a little shopping. You’ll find Greek treats to take home, unique fashion, and some neat artisan crafts.

After Gythio, we’ll make a stop at the legendary SS Dimitrios for a refreshing swim and photo session in front of this world famous ship wreck on the beach. — Just 15 minutes from Blue Seas Villa, Molaoi (pronounced Mol-eye) is the business centre of the municipality of Monemvasia.

Amongst the hustle and bustle of the banks, offices and specialty shoppes is a respite and refreshing change of scenery.

This little oasis, the Larnarka gorge, has beautiful cobble stone paved walkways and a lush landscape that transports us to a fairytale like forrest.

Should you choose not to do this relatively easy walk, you can paint the long-abandoned neoclassical hotel in the centre of town, whose garden has been turned into a small public park, or people-watch from a cafe on the main street.

After our painting session, our host will take us on a short walking tour to visit a handful of specialty shops offering hand-made home goods, fashion accessories and locally sourced food delicacies you can bring home with you.

Learn together with peer art reviews Molai, Larnarka Gorge Elafonisos - 40 min by car and a 10-minute ferry ride.

Let’s go to the beach and take the day off! Simos Beach has been included on lists of the World’s Best Beaches with its golden sands and dazzling turquoise waters.

When you return after a long day at the beach, join us on the verandas in the evening for socializing over local wine, ouzo, mezé, and traditional Greek hospitality.

To see the beauty of Elafonisos, click here.

© George Panagakos Limeni - 1.5 hours by car This is one of the smallest and most photographed villages of Peloponnese. This ride passes through breathtaking mountain scenery. We will spend the day here painting a 50 year-old bougainvillea and delighting in a leisurely lunch overlooking the idyllic bay.

Diros Cave - 1.5 hours by car.

We might journey south towards the Entrance to Hades for a trip to the underworld. Diros is ranked in the top 3 caves in the world with its unique stalagmites and stalactites. On this 40-minute boat tour, we go through passages and galleries with glimmering formations. Bring a bathing suit and take a dip at the white pebble beach, or simply get inspired to create a painting with the scenery.

You can also see the caves by clicking here.

Painting location at Diros Caves Limeni Harbor What’s Included

TRANSPORTATION

• Transfer from Athens to Blue Seas Villa. • ALL transportation on group excursions and to painting locations. • Transfer back to Athens after our retreat. MEALS & BEVERAGES

• Healthy & energizing daily Greek breakfast. Fresh baked village bread, savory Greek “pies,” locally made yogurt, the neighbor’s honey, fresh fruit, homemade jam and the farmer’s pick of Greek cheeses and meats. Plus, fragrant and strong Greek and American style coffee, hand picked-herbal mountain tea, & locally produced juices.

• ALL lunches on painting excursions & painting days at the villa. (Lunch is on your own on “off” days and, after departure to Athens.)

• 4 “Taste of Greece” dinners & award-winning Monemvasia wine - Arrival day - A “light” Greek dinner of Mezédes. Experience a range of the tastes of Greece with stuffed grape leaves, grilled octopus and fresh calamari, authentic Greek salad and more. - Group dinner at Monemvasia’s best-rated restaurant, Mateos. - Mid-week Mezé dinner with local wine at the Villa. - Departure feast with 5 courses, including wine, local spirits and dessert. • Snacks like fruit, nuts and Greek treats throughout. • Beverages: Crisp, well-water, hand picked herbal teas & coffee are always available.

ENTRANCE FEES, ONLINE & ON LOCATION FEES

TUITION & as a BONUS - reference photos for composition lesson before the trip.

* Meals vary. All foods, fruit and vegetables are seasonally selected. * Allergies and dietary requirements will be attended to with love. Color & Energy Painting Holiday Book Early and Save* This intimate trip is open to 8 painters.

Main Floor | Green or Blue Room Twin beds Double Occupancy EARLY BIRD €3390 per person Located on the main floor of the Villa, with direct main terrace access. Green Room Blue Room

Main Floor | Yellow Room | Queen Bed Single Occupancy EARLY BIRD €3490 per person Located on the main floor of the Villa, with direct main terrace access.

White Room | Private Room Shared Seaview Balcony | Queen Bed Single Occupancy SOLD OUT Yellow Room | Single Occupancy White Room | Sold Out Enjoy extra space on the balcony lounge to recharge.

Aqua Room or Red Room Private Seaview Balcony | Queen Bed Single Occupancy SOLD OUT Enjoy elevated views and sip your morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the mountains and the Aegean Sea.

Regular Price up to €3990 per person Aqua Room | Sold Out Promotion ends June 27, 2021 Upper Floor | Sold Out The Blue Room The Green Room The Yellow Room The White Room with shared balcony & fireplace. The White Room with shared balcony + fireplace (pictured above) The Red Room + private balcony view. The Aqua Room with a private balcony + access to the shared balcony. Experience the Energy with Linda Richichi

Since 1999, the globally collected Artist Linda Richichi has earned many Best of Show Awards at national and international Plein Air paint outs and exhibitions. One of her paintings that received a Best of Show was at the International Plein Air Painters World Wide Paint Out in Ontario, Canada. Notably, in 2012 Richichi was voted as National Best Intuitive Artist from About.com (then a NY Times company).

Soon after graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from SUNY, Richichi received a scholarship from the Pastel Society of America to attend the Art Students League in New York City.

Through her paintings, like in her workshops in Sarasota, Fl, you begin to “Experience the Energy” through the harmonized color vibrations in her art. She has been conducting workshops since 2002 and Color and Energy workshops since 2011 in the US and abroad.

Linda’s work has exhibited extensively around North America including the prestigious National Arts Club in New York City, where in 2019 she won the Richard McKinley mentorship award with the Pastel Society of America.

Linda is a Signature member of the Pastel Society of America, a current member of the Oil Painters of America and a Signature member of the CA, NY and International Plein Air Painters. In addition to her workshops in Sarasota, her gallery representation includes: 530 Burns Gallery in Sarasota, FL and Nikki Sedacca Gallery at Martha's Vineyard.

About your Hosts George Panagakos Violeta de la Serna

George grew up with summers in Plytra Violeta was bitten by the art and when the “Old House” was the only house. wanderlust bug at a young age. She Those were the days when it took eight or studied Art History and Art Critique in ten hours to drive from Athens through the Florence, Italy and has sold art in NY, Asia, mountains, with nary a paved road in sight. Europe, and Australia.

George developed a career in commercial Upon her move back to the U.S. in 2012, and Fine Art photography after minoring she had the fortunate opportunity of in Art with a concentration in Photography. working with both PleinAir Magazine and He studied under the world-renowned Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine. Arno Minkkinen at the University of Massachusetts. During that time, she had the privilege of working with, and learning from, many He is passionate about people, history, incredible artists who host workshops and food, architecture, nature, the sea, the run art schools around the world. “student's mind" approach to life, and all things Greek. She’ll be your co-host, concierge, and coordinator. In her spare time, she might George is also an award-winning join you or watch you paint, so she may photographer and your host on learn a new technique or two. excursions. He loves to drive in the mountains, make photographs, and show off the wonders of Greece.

“We look forward to sharing our passion for the region, the tradition of Greek hospitality, and the magic of the Peloponnese with you.” – George Panagakos, Founder & Owner

RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT BLUESEASVILLA.COM [email protected] WHATSAPP + 30 697 2025720

RESERVE TODAY AT BLUESEASVILLA.COM [email protected]

WHATSAPP +30 697 2025720