# Figurative and Portrait Painting Retreat with Artist Nick Alm in Greece Immerse yourself in a transformative art retreat on the sun-kissed island of Zakynthos, "The Flower of the East.", led by renowned artist Nick Alm. This weeklong retreat is a unique chance to learn from a master of our times. Through daily classes, group feedback sessions, tailored advice, and several art trips, you'll cover advanced portraiture, figure painting, and landscape techniques.The art retreat is open to all levels, offering something for everyone. Nick will demonstrate in oil, but you may bring any medium you're comfortable with.Throughout the retreat, draw inspiration from trips to some of Zakynthos’ most iconic places. Visit the spectacular Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, where you will glide across the frothy waves by boat. Discover the lively town of Zante, the island’s capital, and capture its radiant shoreline on your canvas. You will also explore an award-winning olive oil farm that began its story in 1890. Ancient olive trees over fifteen centuries old rise around you as you walk through the groves, and you will enjoy a guided tasting of their exceptional oils, each one rich with the island’s history.Stay at a charming Greek villa, soak in the sun at the nearby beach, enjoy authentic Greek cuisine bursting with flavor, and make unforgettable memories with a like-minded group of artists. ## Details - **Dates:** September 26 - October 3, 2026 - **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece - **Starting Price:** $4,700 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Portrait and Figure Painting Retreat Experience an insightful art retreat with acclaimed artist Nick Alm on the sunny island of Zakynthos. Tailored to artists with prior experience in acrylics, oils, or watercolor, this retreat is designed to develop your portraiture, figure painting, and plein air skills. Learn from a classical painting master and delve into a variety of techniques with daily demonstrations, personalized feedback, and unforgettable art trips. You'll paint from a live model each day, either within a controlled studio environment or among the stunning landscapes of Greece.The classes are designed to give you an insight into Nick's method and to take your portraiture and figure painting skills to the next level. You'll follow along with Nick's demonstrations each day, practice alongside your fellow artists, and benefit from your instructor's expert, tailored advice. Nick will be painting in oil, but you're welcome to bring any medium you wish.Throughout the retreat, you'll have plenty of classes at the venue, in addition to three art trips. Draw inspiration from the Venetian and Byzantine influences of Zante (the island’s capital city) or from the timeless Shipwreck Beach, reached by a scenic boat ride to where the rusting hull of a wrecked vessel has remained frozen in time. Stop by an olive oil farm that has won numerous awards since its founding in 1890. As you stroll through the olive groves, you'll see trees that are more than 150 years old; as you learn about the history of the island through a guided tasting of their famous oils, you'll also get to taste some of their other, equally delicious products.The art retreat is open to artists of all experience levels, offering something for everyone, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with Nick Alm's work and style of teaching. Nick will help you refine a wide array of techniques, such as:PortraitureFigure paintingLight and shadow playPainting alla primaThe specifics of plein air paintingCohesive compositionColor mixing and pickingControl of your chosen mediumTransposing the spirit of a scene into a paintingExtracting the essentials from visual clutter...and many more.The venue, a stunning Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, will be your creative haven. The villa offers exclusive access to a sea-facing studio, welcoming common areas, and a refreshing infinity pool, providing plenty of space to work in and relax. Savor authentic Greek cuisine prepared by a private chef, and bond with an intimate group of fellow artists over a glass of local wine.Please note: the retreat venue is located on terraced grounds, with access to the studio, common areas, and accommodations requiring the use of stairways. Getting to the nearby beach also requires descending a steep stairway of approximately 50 meters (164 feet), and there will be plenty of walking during the trips. Therefore, this retreat is not suitable for individuals with low or 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 unwind before joining a guided tour of the venue grounds. Discover the inviting pool, the Shala art studio, and the inviting common areas. Meet your instructor for the retreat, Nick Alm, as well as your fellow artists. As the evening winds down, savor a delightful three-course welcome dinner in a warm and lively atmosphere. Enjoy a glass of wine with Nick and the group and make plans for the week ahead. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Wake up to a delicious breakfast, served with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. After a brief check-in with the venue hosts, join Nick in the studio for your first classes of the retreat.The morning class will take place in the venue's studio, focusing on portraiture. Nick will unveil the intricacies of capturing the human form and adding depth to your portraits, starting with a live demonstration. You'll have a model available for your classes throughout the day. With Nick's guidance, set up your materials and practice some essential techniques. You may dive right in by painting alongside Nick or simply observing.Take a well-deserved lunch break, then continue your classes in the afternoon. This more hands-on session is your chance to practice the techniques you saw during the morning class. You'll be painting alla prima, with the purpose of trying to finish your portrait by the time the class ends. Nick will offer individual feedback to each participant and give pointers for your next steps.As the day comes to an end, enjoy some leisure time before dinner. Take a quick dip in the pool, wander the estate grounds, or socialize with your fellow creatives on one of the sea-facing terraces. Indulge in a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with a glass of fragrant, local wine. ### Day 3: Art classes at the venue After a nutritious breakfast and a brief check-in over coffee, reconvene with your art group for another creative session.Weather permitting, you may paint outdoors within the lovely surroundings of your historic venue. Find a scenic spot and set up your materials. Your model will once again pose for the entire day. You may focus either on portraiture or figure painting; Nick will explain the intricacies of painting en plein air. Observe his techniques, then begin a new artwork to practice on your own. Painting outdoors is an excellent exercise in learning to handle different light conditions.Refuel with a light lunch, then continue your studies in the afternoon. You may either set up outdoors once again or return to the Shala studio to try out an entirely new pose. Nick will offer personalized feedback as you work.Spend the rest of the evening as you wish. Wander the venue grounds, take a swim in the pool, catch the sunset on the nearby beach, or take a moment to reflect on your experience on the retreat so far. Enjoy a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, complemented by aromatic wine. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue and olive oil tasting Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast and a hot cup of coffee before heading into a day full of creativity.In the morning, you are welcome to take your easel outside and work within the charm of the estate. Choose a view that inspires you and settle into the landscape. Your model will once again pose for the entire day, giving you the freedom to explore portrait or figure work while Nick talks through the principles of painting outdoors.A relaxed lunch gives everyone a chance to recharge before the afternoon session. You may continue painting under the open sky or step back into the studio for an entirely different pose. Nick will move between artists and offer guidance tailored to your individual approach as you develop your work.Whenever the group decides, venture out for an on-location sketching session at an award-winning olive oil farm established in 1890. The property is home to ancient olive trees that have grown for more than fifteen centuries. You may sketch the monumental trunks, girls in traditional clothing, the farmer who leads you through the groves, the animals that wander the land, and even fellow travelers as the Silver Medal Global Elite Olive Oils tasting takes place.Unwind with some spare time in the afternoon, then gather for a freshly made dinner, enjoying the company of Nick and your fellow artists. ### Day 5: Boat trip to Navagio Beach After a refreshing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, prepare for the first trip of the retreat and welcome the spirit of adventure as you head towards the sea. Spend the morning exploring the Zakynthian coast aboard a boat taxi. Depart from Porto Vromi and ride across crystalline waters, passing silent caves and jagged cliffs that echo with ancient stillness. Let the rhythm of the boat, the salt in the air, and the colors of the sea awaken your senses. You'll soon arrive at Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, where the bones of an old shipwreck rest in the sand, rusted and storied. Take reference photos from your boat as you hear more about the vessel's past as a (rumored) smuggling ship for the Italian mafia back in the 1980s.After returning by boat to Porto Vromi, enjoy a nourishing lunch at the venue and some time to rest and reset before returning to the studio.Return to the venue just in time for lunch, then gear up for another session in the studio alongside Nick. You'll start a new portrait or figure painting, now becoming even more confident in your choices. Whenever you need a little extra help, ask Nick for some tailored advice.Take some time to recharge after a day filled with exploration and creativity. Relax by the pool, bathe in the sun, or go for a short walk on the nearby beach. Gather with Nick and the group for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, accompanied by a glass of wine. ### Day 6: Art classes at the venue Following a refreshing breakfast, return to the studio for a class focused on figure painting.Your model will once again be available for the whole day. You'll have two back-to-back classes dedicated to a new painting; plenty of time to put all the techniques you've learned to the test. Incorporate inspiration from your reference photos from the trips to Arezzo and the oil mill if you wish; there'll be plenty of natural elements to enhance your painting. Otherwise, challenge yourself with another insightful session of alla prima painting, guided by Nick.There'll be a lunch break between the morning and the afternoon classes. Return to your studies, asking Nick for feedback whenever needed, in order to measure your progress so far.After the class, enjoy a spirited chat with your fellow artists or relax by the pool. The day ends with a chef-made dinner, thoughtfully paired with a glass of wine. Reflect on your creative achievements of the day and enjoy quality company. ### Day 7: Art trip to Zante Town Fuel up with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then jump into your next adventure: a trip to the town of Zante, the lively capital of Zakynthos. Wander the streets lined with Venetian arches, sunlit balconies, and shifting shadows. Collect inspiration in the form of quick sketches or reference photos for your later studies. Capture the tranquil turquoise sea, the colorful traditional Greek houses, and the sun-drenched beaches. Scribble, gather color inspiration, or simply shop for a souvenir as you explore Zante. Return to the venue for a filling lunch, then prepare for a special event. You'll participate in a mini-exhibition and group feedback session of everyone's paintings, sharing insights and feedback in a supportive setting. While participation is not compulsory, the exhibition is a wonderful way to get feedback from your peers and celebrate your progress.As the evening approaches, enjoy some spare time to reset before dinner. Come together one more time for a generous farewell dinner, accompanied by a Greek dance show and band. Soak in the pleasant atmosphere, surrounded by delicious food, Greek music, and lively conversations. Raise a glass to the art you have brought to life, the friendships you have forged, and the unforgettable memories you have made! ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy one last breakfast with Nick and your art group, and exchange any last contact details before getting 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 - **Nick Alm** - Painter ## Accommodation ### Stunning Greek Estate ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite room (female only) ### Shared penthouse ### Single standard ensuite room ### Single superior ensuite room ### Single ensuite room - shared villa ### Single deluxe suite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/figurative-portrait-painting-retreat-artist-nick-alm-greece](https://uptrek.com/retreat/figurative-portrait-painting-retreat-artist-nick-alm-greece) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*