Painting Holiday in the Austrian Alpine Lake District
08.07.2019 - 12.07.2019
St. Gilgen
| 
Kirsty Lamont
painting,
landscape,
plein air,
excursion,
nature
450 EUR
Our painting and sketching breaks and courses are aimed at allowing complete beginners and experienced artists alike an opportunity to sketch and paint in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, among newfound friends and stunning landscapes. We paint and sketch at a variety of stunning locations from lakeside vistas, high mountain top panoramas, baroque city squares and the winding streets of old market towns.
We run 5 day courses in the Autumn and Summer months, but can arrange one off day courses to fit with your itinerary. Painting days start at 9am and end around 2.30pm. After painting you have free time to relax into full holiday mode, sunbathe, cool off from the hot summer temperatures and jump into the lake or take advantage of the many hiking, cultural or tourist activities on our doorstep.
We are based in the beautiful village of St. Gilgen, on the edge of the Wolfgangsee lake at the heart of the Sazlkammergut, Austria's Lake District, nestled at the foot hills of the Austrian Alps. This region boasts crystal clear turquoise lakes, lush dense greenery, snow capped mountains and all a stone's throw away from the historic UNESCO heritage site of Salzburg.This unique landscape was made famous through the Sound of Music film, Gustav Klimt's paintings and is the birth place of Amadeus Mozart.
Itinerary:
First day of painting, 9am - 2.30
St.Gilgen
On our first day painting together we will be based within the village of St.Gilgen with lake, mountain and village views. We will gather in the morning for coffee and cake at a local café to fuel our day and get to know each other before we begin. During our session there will be ample opportunities to stop for ice-cream in the summer or hot chocolates in the autumn months. In the afternoon after our painting session ends, you are free to relax at the lakeside beach, sunbath, swim, test out the many ice-cream stands or enjoy the hiking, biking or cultural activities in the area.
Second day of Painting, 9am -2.30
The Fürberg
We will take a light 30 minute walk from St. Gilgen following the Wolfgangsee lakeside path to Fürberg. Sketching and painting spots chosen along the path, we will return to the village via the lake's cruise ferry. You are free to stay after the painting session and return to the village via the ferry or by foot at a time of your choosing. During the summer months, there are ample opportunities to swim in the lake, sunbathe in hidden coves or spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and sipping iced coffees at the Fürberg restaurant (bring your bathers!)
Third day of painting - 9am -3.00
UNESCO world heritage site, Salzburg
We will begin our day sketching in the baroque Mirabell Gardens, surrounded by flowers and fountains with Salzburg Castle in the distance. This familiar location was made famous through its appearance in the film the Sound of Music. We will wander through the old town and pick painting spots around the cathedral square or overlooking the city rooftops from a high panoramic viewpoint (accessed by lift). You are free to remain in the city after we finish painting and explore the shops further, relax in the cafes or visit the cities many museums. You can easily return via the public coach-bus that drops off in St.Gilgen, or alternatively explore the shops in-between your brushstrokes and return with the group.
Fourth day of painting, 9am -2.30
Zwolferhorn mountain
Taking the cable car from directly from St.Gilgen, we will ascend to the top of the Zolferhorn mountain where we gain panoramic views across the Salzkammergut region, its lakes and mountains. Painting and sketching at the top, we will have the mountain hut near to hand for cake and coffee breaks. Although we are not a hiking holiday, on this day we do recommend sensible shoes that allow for steady grip on rough ground. After our painting session you are free to remain on the mountain and relax in the mountain hut deckchairs taking the cable car down at your leisure, or return to terra-firma with the group and jump into the lake to cool off.
Fifth and final day of painting, 9am -2.30
St.Wolfgang
On our last day of painting we will take the short ferry cruise ship from St.Gilgen across the lake to the picturesque market town of St.Wolfgang. Here we will explore the ancient market town, its narrow streets, church and waterside viewpoints. There will be time to explore the shops and cafes and try the local schnapps. After our session you can remain in St.Wolfgang and enjoy the traditional Austrian flair or return to St.Gilgen with the group for a final afternoon swim.
