Sketchbook India is a bespoke, 2 week Art retreat/tour program for creatives of all abilities to India.
This tour is led by professional artist, Catherine Parker www.catherineparkerartist.com who has nearly 20 years travel experience to India
We combine daily sketching, workshops and visits to weekly markets, temples, tribal communities and traditional Artisans from potters to weavers
NEXT SKETCHBOOK ART TOUR to Odisha
28 October – 10 November 2024
✍🏼 Registrations close on 28 July and payment plans are available: email Catherine on catherineparkerarttours@gmail.com
Please see below for inclusions aInclusions
Accommodation ranges from spacious, earthy cottages, all beautifully constructed and decorated with village themes relating to the surrounding tribal communities in Desia in the south, to our lush palace set in verdant gardens and acreage – once you step inside the palace gates the world drops off and yet we have easy access to markets and Artisans as planned. A good temperament is required as we accept the conditions to visit these less touristed locations
Both locations ooze charm + serenity with delicious home cooked meals, private spaces to work in your sketchbook and set in acreage with lots of birds, trees and easy walks to local villages. Vibrant markets, tribal hamlets + Artisans are only a short drive
Costs:
$3890 pp based on twin share; private room/single supplement: $850
🔹 A full time professional + knowledgeable guide will accompany us for the entire tour 🔹
🔹 5 nights in our warm, earthy adobe inspired village: each room/cottage is spacious with personal patios for sketchbook painting and drawing – immersed in lush gardens with a short walk through the forest to reach a beautiful flowing river and tribal hamlets
🔹5 nights in our lush, sprawling palace hidden amongst verdant, peaceful gardens and acreage. Each room is tastefully decorated whilst retaining its historical features
🔹 2 nights in the ancient temple city of Bhubenshwar, capital of Odisha
🔹All home cooked breakfasts, lunches + dinners; with the exception of the last 2 days in Bhubenshwar
🔹 2 professional drivers + 2 comfortable AC cars
🔹O/N train {a must in India}
🔹Art Workshops + individual tuition
🔹Gotipua Dance Performance
🔹Visits to established artisans, including IKAT textile families, painters, drum makers, pottery and Dokra, Bell metal makers
🔹 Love, joy + inspiration!
Exclusions: international + domestic flights, tipping: $140 to be paid upon arrival
Places limited to 10 for max immersion + nourishment
Flight arrival: Due to the vast geographical terrain we fly in to Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) in the south and depart from Delhi or Kolkata from the north via a short domestic flight from Bhubenswar our final destination
SKETCHBOOK INDIA to Odisha, known as the ‘Soul of India’
This is slow pace village India with a sprinkling of city visits and mostly ‘off the beaten track’ adventures {can it be slow pace and still adventurous!? – yes it can be and we feel the balance is wonderful } in 4 wheel drive vehicles for max immersion in nature and rural settings
Spend time with traditional artisans from weavers to potters in small villages, along with daily art making in your sketchbook, combined with guided tuition and plenty of time for independent making
Fully supported with local, well experienced and respected guide and long time friend on many adventures and research trips within Odisha
I look forward to hearing from you
Namaste,
Catherine X
Please email me for itinerary at: catherineparkerarttours@gmail.com
Artist website: www.catherineparkerartist.com
Testimonials
Catherine’s deep love for Indian art culture engaged and united the group. Her care and consideration for each individual and tailoring to accommodate differences made this a very special and rewarding experience for all participants whether as a first time or experienced traveller.
Kay Hann, Australia
I consider myself lucky to respond to the original email about your trip. I saw something of the ‘magic’ in you and I wanted to be part of what I thought would be a ‘carpet ride’ across some very interesting territory. Thank you Catherine. Your very deep experiences in India with both the people and the landscape enabled me to just ‘step’ onto that ‘carpet’ and blast off on one of the best experiences in my life. Tony and I both are indebted to you and Kamlesh for all you did for us. We are now set to make plans for our next trip
Betsy Forster, Australia
My experience with Catherine Parkers Art Tour of India was more than I could imagine, an adventure of a lifetime. She is so experienced and in tune with the energy that is India, that we were all able to benefit from her deep research and love of the country and people. Every day was joy filled, educational and inspiring. We stayed in beautiful heart felt lodgings where the owners knew Catherine and welcomed us in comfort and safety. I am planning to return as soon as possible, for another magical tour with Catherine.
Karen Meadows, California US
Please contact me if you would like to be placed on the waiting list
STAY TUNED!!
x Catherine x
CATHERINE PARKER ART TOURS | Sketchbook INDIA 