# Plein Air by the Sea Art Retreat with Artist Sari Shryack in Greece Join artist Sari Shryack for an inspiring art retreat on the island of Zakynthos, Greece, where golden cliffs, sapphire waters, and sunlit beaches provide a breathtaking backdrop for your creative journey. Throughout the week, you’ll work primarily with acrylics, exploring plein air painting techniques that help you capture the light, color, and textures of this vibrant coastal setting. With Sari’s thoughtful guidance, you’ll gain confidence in color theory, landscape and still-life subjects, and composition, transforming your observations into bold and balanced works of art.The retreat is open to all levels of experience, but those with foundational painting or drawing skills will benefit the most from the workshops.Learn from Sari during daily classes in the bright, sea-facing studio where you’ll practice essential painting skills through demonstrations, individual feedback, and engaging discussions. These lessons come alive as you venture out to Zante Town, with its winding streets and Venetian architecture, and during a boat trip to the dramatic Navagio Beach, where an iconic shipwreck rests between sheer cliffs and turquoise seas.You’ll stay in a serene Greek villa, enjoy fresh, chef-prepared meals, and spend quiet evenings painting, reflecting, or sharing stories with a small group of like-minded artists. By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with a collection of acrylic paintings infused with the colors and spirit of Greece and the inspiration to continue your artistic growth long after you return home. ## Details - **Dates:** September 19 - 26, 2026 - **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece - **Starting Price:** $4,400 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Plein Air Painting Retreat Join an inspiring and rejuvenating art retreat with artist Sari Shryack on the breathtaking island of Zakynthos, Greece. Let the warm Mediterranean light, vivid colors, and tranquil pace of island life spark your creativity as you hone your painting skills. Under Sari’s expert guidance, you’ll explore the fundamentals of plein air painting, better understand color theory, master the use of values, develop balanced compositions, and refine your brushstroke techniques—all while surrounded by the shimmering blues and golden hues of the Ionian Sea.Sari’s encouraging teaching style will support your process every step of the way, break through creative barriers, and embrace new ways of seeing the world. Whether you’re picking up your brushes again after time away or seeking fresh inspiration to advance your skills, this retreat offers the perfect balance of structure and freedom. Artists of all levels are welcome, and those with some prior painting or drawing experience will especially benefit from the curriculum.Spend dedicated time in the villa’s sunlit studio and on its cliffside terraces as you practice plein air techniques and create work inspired by Zakynthos’s architecture, coastal flora, and textured landscapes. Two art-focused trips will fuel your imagination: wander the historic streets of Zante Town and explore its palette of cultures, and marvel at the breathtaking cliffs and turquoise waters of Shipwreck Beach—ideal locations for gathering reference material and sketching on site.During your workshops, you'll cover:Representational paintingDrawing fundamentalsColor theory and palette selectionValue and intensityWarming and cooling colors effectivelyLinear perspectiveSelecting strong compositions for landscapes and still life subjectsConnecting to your environment in plein air settingsFinding inspiration in natural and cultural surroundingsBrushstroke economy and confidence…and many more!Your venue, a stunning Greek villa perched high above the sea, offers the perfect setting to reconnect with your creativity. Paint every day in a sea-facing studio, connect with fellow artists in inviting shared spaces, and relax by a serene infinity pool. Delight in chef-prepared Greek cuisine and local wines, form lifelong friendships, and taste the wealth of Greek hospitality. As you slow down and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Zakynthos, you’ll find your artistic voice strengthened and your perspective renewed.Please note: The retreat venue is located on terraced grounds, with access to the studio, common areas, and accommodations requiring the use of stairways. The beach can be reached by descending a steep stairway of approximately 50 meters (164 feet). Additionally, the excursions involve moderate walking, so this retreat may not be ideal for those with limited mobility. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Zakynthos Airport for your 3:30 PM transfer to a breathtaking seafront venue overlooking the Mediterranean. Settle into your elegant room and take a moment to recharge before joining a guided tour of the grounds. Discover the inviting pool, the shala art studio, and thoughtfully designed communal areas. In the evening, savor a delightful three-course welcome dinner in the lively company of your fellow artists. Enjoy a glass of wine with Sari and the group and plan out the week ahead. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Start your morning with a relaxed breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee. Meet up for a quick check-in session with Sari and the venue hosts, then regroup in the shala studio for the first class of the retreat.Begin the day with an introductory class on acrylics. Sari will teach you how to set up your materials, help you get to know your tools better, and guide you through fun, simple exercises. She'll demonstrate her process of coming up with a composition and planning her painting. Try it out on your own with an initial landscape painting, inspired by the azure sea stretching below the studio.Enjoy a refreshing lunch, then return to the studio and continue your landscape painting. Sari will guide your steps, giving you tailored feedback whenever necessary. Later on, tackle the second topic of today's classes: still-life paintings using reference photos. Learn more about mapping out a still-life subject, working out proportions, and coming up with unique compositions.Wrap up the day with some quiet time before dinner, soaking in the pool, chatting with your fellow artists, or painting on your own. Enjoy a relaxed meal with the group and take in the soft evening light over the Zakynthos countryside. ### Day 3: Boat trip to Navagio Beach Enjoy a refreshing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee on the terrace. Pack some light supplies and a camera, and get ready for a seafaring adventure!Spend the morning exploring the coast of Zakynthos by boat. Depart from Porto Vromi and move across calm, clear water, passing sea-carved caves and tall cliffs that rise straight from the shoreline. Let the rhythm of the boat and the scent of salt connect you to your environment. You'll soon reach Navagio Beach, the resting place of the MV Panagiotis ship. This wreck is shrouded in mystery, said to once have been a smuggler's ship for the Sicilian mafia. You'll be able to study it from your boat. Observe the light on the limestone walls and the way the rusted shipwreck sits quietly in the cove. Make loose sketches, collect reference photos, or simply soak in the atmosphere.Return to Porto Vromi by boat, then enjoy a relaxed lunch at the venue before an afternoon class.Gather on the terraces, set out your easels, and go over the reference photos and sketches you collected during the boat trip. Use what you've learned so far about composition and proportion, and start a new painting inspired by the rocky shores of Zakynthos. Paint at your own pace and ask Sari for guidance whenever you need an extra hand.Later, take quiet time however you like. Swim, rest in the garden, or take a walk to the beach. As the sun begins to set, come together again for a filling evening meal and enjoy the ease of the day as it comes to a close. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Begin the day with a peaceful breakfast and a warm cup of coffee shared with Sari and the group. Go over the day's plans, ask any questions, and ease into the morning together.Regroup onto the terrace for a class enveloped by the refreshing sea breeze. Sari will tackle a new still-life subject using objects gathered from the venue’s grounds, sharing techniques to bring out their charm with acrylic paints. Dive into foundational skills like drawing, selecting a composition, and applying linear perspective. Sari will guide you through the nuances of color theory, including mastering values, intensity, and warming and cooling tones to evoke depth and mood. Practice brushstroke economy, making deliberate, expressive marks that bring your work to life.Pause for a light lunch to recharge before continuing your artistic journey. Develop the paintings you started in the morning or put the finishing touches on your landscape pieces inspired by the Navagio trip. Sari will provide one-on-one guidance tailored to your needs, offering helpful feedback and encouragement as you work.Use the rest of the afternoon however you like. Walk through the garden, take a swim, rest in the shade, or continue working on your own. In the evening, gather again for a filling dinner and unhurried conversation as the day draws to a close. ### Day 5: Trip to Zante Town Greet the new day with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee. Prepare your materials, grab a sketchbook, and get ready to head out for the second trip of the retreat.Take a short ride to Zante Town, the capital of Zakynthos. Walk slowly through its quiet streets, where stone buildings, sun-worn shutters, and small balconies are draped with flowers, color, and texture. Sketch whatever catches your eye or take reference photos to use later. Discover gorgeous Venetian buildings with their arched doorways and ornate balconies, marvel at the frescoes of Byzantine churches, or take in the cozy charm of traditional Greek houses. The beaches are also perfect spots to relax and enjoy quiet moments of peace and connection.Return to the venue for a nourishing lunch and take a bit of time to rest before the afternoon session begins.In the afternoon, return to the shala studio for a follow-up class. Use your sketches or photos from the morning to develop new paintings. Sari will guide you through linear perspective, brush control, selecting a composition, and playing with intensity and values. Incorporate Zante's unique scenes and eclectic mix of architectural styles into a piece that captures the essence of "The Jewel of the Mediterranean."Spend the rest of the afternoon however you like. Swim, nap, walk the garden paths, or continue working on your own. In the evening, gather for a quiet dinner, a glass of wine, and conversation as the sun sets. ### Day 6: Art at the venue Wake up to a filling breakfast and a warm cup of coffee. Meet Sari and the group for a casual morning check-in, where you can ask questions and go over the plans for the day.Apply the insights you’ve gained throughout the retreat to new acrylic paintings, exploring captivating landscapes or still-life compositions. Sari will provide demonstrations and offer personalized guidance as you continue to develop your skills. Incorporate inspiration from your trip to Zante, the sailing trip to Navagio, or any meaningful souvenirs you’ve gathered during your stay, creating artwork that reflects your adventures in Greece.Pause for a relaxed lunch and enjoy some rest before the afternoon session.Later on, continue your creative journey on the terraces, painting en plein air. Take this time to refine the pieces you began in the morning or start fresh with inspiration drawn from the tranquil surroundings of the venue. Sari will be available to give feedback, answer questions, and ensure that you feel supported and encouraged. If the weather's on your side, why not grab your easels and paint on the nearby beach, soaking in the afternoon sun?As the light begins to fade, take time to rest or keep painting at your own pace. In the evening, come together for a chef-made dinner, engaging chats, and a delicious glass of wine. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Enjoy a nourishing breakfast, followed by coffee and a relaxed check-in with Sari and the group. Talk through the day ahead and ease into the final day of the retreat.The morning welcomes you to the studio for inspiring demonstrations and expert guidance as you apply the finishing touches to the artwork you’ve spent shaping throughout the week. This is a time for thoughtful reflection and meaningful discussions as you share your progress and celebrate your artistic accomplishments with Sari and your fellow artists.After a nourishing lunch, participate in a mini-exhibition where you can present your work to the group. Appreciate the diverse styles of your peers, engage in constructive feedback, and find inspiration in the varied artistic approaches within the group. Sharing insights and perspectives in this supportive setting allows you to celebrate your artistic journey and connect with others on a deeper level.As the sun goes down, gather for a final farewell dinner. Enjoy live Greek music, good food, and the kind of dancing that feels easy and full of joy. Laugh, toast, and let the night carry you into the memory of a week well spent. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast with your art group and get ready for your transfer to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - **Sari Shryack** - Painter, Art Teacher ## Accommodation ### Stunning Greek Estate ### Shared standard ensuite room (female only) ### Shared superior ensuite room ### Shared penthouse ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single ensuite room - shared villa with private pool ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/plein-air-sea-art-retreat-artist-sari-shryack-greece](https://uptrek.com/retreat/plein-air-sea-art-retreat-artist-sari-shryack-greece) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*