A unique plein air retreat in the heart of Greece on the picturesque peninsula of Halkidiki with the artist Ksenia Yarovaya

Welcome to my paradise!

My name is Ksenia Yarovaya, I am an artist and I live in Greece. I paint the landscapes of Halkidiki with great love, finding inspiration in its natural harmony, where every corner breathes legends and beauty. My team and I have decided that it is time to open this paradise to artists from all over the world!
Halkidiki is a magical place, washed by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, where golden beaches border olive groves and rocky mountains preserve ancient myths. According to legend, this is where the Titans once fought, and every curve of the peninsula tells of their power and majesty.
Our plein air retreat invites you to discover this paradise with your own eyes and brushes. We will spend this time sharing our knowledge and love of art. We will create together in secluded bays, be inspired by sunrises over sacred Mount Athos, walk through traditional villages drenched in flowers, and breathe the fresh air of olive groves.
This plein air is not only an opportunity to paint, but also a time for rethinking, inspiration and creativity in the company of like-minded people from all over the world. Here, in this corner of paradise, you will feel connected to nature, history and art, raise your skills as an artist to a new level, and make new friends.
Most importantly, this retreat will be not just a trip, but a unique experience that can inspire artists to new ideas and achievements!

Apply to participate

Destination

  • Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” SKG

    International airport with taxi services to the destination Sithonia Kalamitsi Beach

  • Peninsula Sithonia. Kalamitsi Beach

    Halkidiki, a peninsula in Greece, is a two-hour drive from Thessaloniki airport (SKG), boasting unique natural beauty with pristine forests and crystal-clear waters and cute hotels

  • Accommodation

    Only 250 m. from the golden, sandy beach of Kalamitsi, Hotel offers rooms with Aegean Sea views from their private balcony. It is surrounded by a well-tended garden with a bar serving drinks, coffee and snacks.
    Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, all air-conditioned rooms are bright. 300 metres from local taverns, bars and restaurants.

Plein air programm

So, Welcome to Greece!
Your trip will begin with your arrival at Thessaloniki International Airport. You can comfortably get to our hotel by taxi. Duration of the trip: 2 hours 15 minutes (not included in the price of the retreat). The cozy hotel is located just a three minute walk from the sea. Comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere will create the perfect conditions for relaxation and creativity.

Meetings and first impressions
After all participants have settled in, we will gather for a welcome evening. Over a glass of local wine, we will get to know each other, discuss the program and share our expectations for the coming days of creativity and inspiration.

Transportation and locations
We will provide a minibus for comfortable travel between the plein air locations. Two new inspiring locations await you each day - morning and evening painting sessions. These will be azure coastlines, olive groves, cozy streets of traditional villages, sun-drenched meadows and many other picturesque locations.

Meals and rest
Lunch and dinner are served in traditional Greek taverns located right on the beach. You will taste the best of Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying the unique views. In between plenary sessions, you will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear Aegean Sea or just relax and be inspired by the nature of Chalkidiki.

Master class and painting secrets
At the beginning of our plein air, I, Ksenia Yarovaya, will give you a two hour master class. I will share my secrets accumulated over the years and help each participant to reach their potential.

Special moments and entertainment
Our program goes beyond painting! We will visit the farm of our Greek friends, where delicious local cuisine will be prepared for us. A sunset cruise, tasting of the best wines at the winery and unforgettable moments full of inspiration and joy await us.

Final Exhibition and Celebration
At the end of the retreat, we will organize a group exhibition in the lobby of the hotel. Each participant will present their work and receive a diploma and memorable awards. After the exhibition we will have a fun farewell party with BBQ, wine and music - a perfect end to a busy creative week.

Join us to discover Greece through the eyes of an artist and create paintings that will become part of your soul!

Plein air locations

Paradise bays

We will travel to the hidden corners of Halkidiki where nature seems untouched by time: shores of white sand and crystal clear waters that reflect the sky. The soft lines of the waves and the play of light will create the perfect subjects for paintings, saturated with an atmosphere of peace.

Traditional villages

We will stroll through charming villages with narrow stone streets decorated with colorful bougainvillea and wisteria. Traditional houses with tiled roofs and cozy courtyards will tell you the story of Greek life. You will feel the spirit of the times and the unity with the Greek culture in every detail.

Sunrises over Mount Athos

Our inspiration will be one of the most majestic spectacles of Greece - the dawn over the holy mountain of Mount Athos. The golden rays of the sun slowly appear over the horizon, illuminating the ancient slopes with a mystical light. Every moment here seems to have been created for an artist's brush to capture this eternal silence and majesty.

Olive groves

Our plein-airs will take place in the midst of vast olive groves, where the silvery foliage of the trees whispers the stories of millennia in the wind. The trunks of the ancient olive trees are full of character and their shadows create mysterious patterns on the ground. Here the air is full of the freshness and fragrance of nature, and the light shines through the leaves, playing with shades of green and gold.

Traditional barques and yachts

We will visit picturesque Greek harbors where traditional barks bob on the waves alongside modern yachts. The bright colors of the boats reflected in the water and the details of maritime life create unique compositions for painting. Here you will feel the romance of sea life and capture the spirit of travel captured by time.

Forests and meadows

We will immerse ourselves in the pastoral landscapes of Halkidiki, where green meadows are replaced by shady forests. These areas are quiet and the peaceful life of grazing sheep and horses creates a peaceful atmosphere. The soft lines of nature, the sunlight shining through the foliage and the harmony of the natural rhythm of life will inspire you to create sincere and lively paintings.

  • Entertainment:

    • Traditional dinner on the farm "Visiting Greek Friends"
    • Yacht cruise "Towards the sunset
    • Greek wine tasting
    • A farewell party with BBQ and wine

  • Greek cuisine:

    • Lunch and dinner every day at a traditional Greek tavern on the seashore
    • Outdoor picnics

  • Masterclass with Ksenia Yarovaya:

    • The two-hour masterclass will help each participant, regardless of level of experience, to realize their potential and better understand how to work with color, light and form in a Mediterranean setting.

  • Group exhibition

    • Final exhibition of our paintings at the hotel
    • Presentation of diplomas and awards: recognize the contribution of each participant.
    • Plein air participants' album with paintings and photos
Apply to participate

Apply to participate

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation today – 12/31/24 = 100% Refund
Cancellation 1/1/25- 4/14/25 = 50% Refund,
Cancellation on or after 4/15/25= No Refund

Extra art supplies

If you need art materials for plein air or don’t want to bring your own, we offer handmade arttools for artists from PapaPavloArtTools.
PapaPavloArtTools understands the importance of having reliable tools that allow your creativity to flow freely, whether you're capturing the beauty of nature en plein air or working in the comfort of your studio. Explore our selection and elevate your artistic journey with tools that are as unique and inspiring as your creations.

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