Why Bulgaria for a painting holiday ?

‘A Corner of Sozopol’ by Martin Stephenson

At first glance Bulgaria may seem a strange choice for a painting Holiday. In fact before I moved here eight years ago I have to admit that I had to look at an atlas to find out where it was.
Bulgaria, and Sozopol in particular has been one of the best kept secrets until recent years. Until then it was the playground for wealthy Russian tourists.
Sozopol has a very ancient History, populated by Greeks and called Apollonia. The ancient fishing port still has a Greek flavour, many of it’s residents keeping those traditions. Something you can taste in the many and varied local Restaurants.

‘Baba’s New Broom’ by Martin Stephenson

Because this EU Country is relatively poor, you will find everything here half the price of many more ‘fashionable’ painting destinations. A typical meal with wine will only cost around 25 lev per person (around ten pounds). High quality restaurants abound with International menus, including the local fresh fish. These include Bulgarian, Greek and Armenian restaurants.

Martin sketching the boats in the harbour opposite the studio

What most tourists, coming here for the first time, are struck by is the beautiful Black Sea (turquoise blue in Summer), which has miles of unspoilt beaches, nature reserves and is surrounded by the Strandhza Mountains. Situated just 45 minutes from Burgas International Airport serviced from most UK and European airports.

Your accommodation will be in a local family run 3*hotel with stunning views over the Islands of St. John and St.Peter. The hotel is located just a few minutes walk from our studio.

For artists (and non painting partners) this means that you are surrounded by interesting and breathtaking scenery. When you couple this with the Old Town, with it’s wooden houses and cobbled streets, you can see why artists from all over the World have always been drawn here. Something reflected in the many art galleries in the Town.

One of the many Art Galleries in the Old Town

 

One of the highlights of the year is the Apollonia arts festival, a ten day annual event in late August/ early September.

Overlooking the Old fishing harbour is our own fully equipped air conditioned studio, where your daily painting demonstrations and lessons will be held, and a meeting point for additional field trips and plein air painting sessions.

Our air conditioned studio on the Ground Floor

Your hostess during your holiday, Sarah is also an internationally renowned Yoga teacher and Massage Therapist, and will always be on hand offering her services to artists and their partners.

Your hostess Sarah

Our host Martin has all the materials you will need for your holiday, or you can bring your own favourites with you. He is also an author of the e-book ‘Watercolours for Beginners’ which is free with every booking. Martin also known as Stevo (his nickname at school) is an accomplished watercolour painter and inspirational teacher, he will be on hand as Studio Manager during your holiday offering his own style of encouragement and some Northern humour, ensuring your stay will be both memorable, informative and fun. Martin has taught in many exotic locations including Thailand, Bali, Malaysia and most recently in Greece. He specialises in teaching complete Beginners.

FREE E-BOOK WITH EVERY BOOKING

We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to beautiful Sozopol, Bulgaria to sum up this beautiful paradise lovely people, great food, fantastic weather and inspirational land and seascapes, and great value for money.

Happy Painting

Martin

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