Our one-week sketchbook holiday in Spain takes place in the historic Andalusian city of Cádiz.  Cádiz exudes a certain mystic quality – attractive, fascinating and almost magical. This city is deemed the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Established over 3,000 years ago, it stands on a peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean, on the southwestern tip of Spain. This port city is almost entirely surrounded by water.  Hence, the Phoenicians called it “Gadir”, meaning “enclosure”. The old town's picturesque skyline features 126 18th century watchtowers built to monitor the coming and going of ships trading with "The New World".

This plein air workshop is open to all levels of skill, from beginners to the most experienced artists. Instructor Paul Madonna will cover the fundamentals of plein air drawing, from perspective, point of view, and reading light and shadow, to materials and visual theory. During daily excursions around the city, Paul will be drawing alongside you, offering demonstrations as well as in the moment personal instruction. Paul will also lead a daily group discussion and review of your work. Paul will provide a detailed list of suggested materials prior to arrival, and drawing times on site will vary, taking place in either the mornings or afternoons, based on the light, while also leaving you plenty of free time to explore the city.

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Holy Week, or Semana Santa, in Cadiz, is a famous Easter celebration known for its unique processions dating back to the 16th century. Over seven days, the city is transformed as the local people go out to celebrate Holy Week. Witness the spectacle of the ornately designed and incredibly heavy "pasos" (floats) featuring figures of The Passion being paraded on the backs of penitents through the streets under the warm light of candles.  The color of the Nazarene's tunics and conical hoods, the mixture of incense and orange blossom aroma, and the music of marching bands with drums and trumpets will inspire you to capture these spectacular scenes in your drawings.

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We will be walking on old, cobbled streets, and at the beach, with your drawing supplies -- participants should be comfortable with carrying their gear on uneven surfaces and should be fit enough to walk unassisted for at least two hours and manage uneven stairs and occasionally steep footpaths, as we visit historic towns and villages. Not recommended for people with limited mobility.