Upcoming Events
Art Classes, Workshops, Retreats & Exhibitions
A Day in Venice
SOFT PASTEL WORKSHOP
Sunday, January 19, 2025
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Experience the luxurious colours of a trip down a canal in Venice! Working from photos David took during his stay in Venice last summer, learn how to capture an on-the-spot feel with your pastels of two beautiful scenes. Use simplified figures for an effortless feel. Starting with a foundational drawing and building layers of colour and texture, your gondola awaits!
Pet Portraits
SOFT PASTELS WORKSHOP
Sunday, February 23, 2025
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
In this fun weekend workshop learn the process of creating a stunning, realistic portrait of your cat and/or dog in soft pastel!
Beginning with a well-constructed sketch, build up layers of colour to capture the light and textures of your pet. Following step-by-step instructions you will gain a great understanding of the key techniques you can take with you in the future.
Please email the instructor before the class with your photo to ensure it has the right ingredients for a good portrait (photos will also be provided if you don’t have one).
Explore An Expressionist Style In Portugal
ART RETREAT WITH KAREN BISHOP AND DAVID SHKOLNY
September 18 - 22, 2025
September 22 - 25, 2025 (Seville Add on)
Karen Bishop and David Shkolny are professional artists based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Their shared goal for your 5 days of painting is for you to experience the culture of Portugal and absorb it through painting.
You will be inspired by beautiful Monsaraz and the surrounding countryside and learn how to capture the essence of the scene before us.
Cobblestones to Countryside in Gorgeous Italy
ART RETREAT
May 22 - 29, 2026
Join artist David Shkolny for an amazing painting journey through the cobblestones and countryside of beautiful Italy!
How does this sound for a typical day?
Wake up to the sounds of birds singing in the cloud comfort of your bed, wander down to the smells of a delicious breakfast waiting for you with a cappuccino soon in your hand amidst the smiling staff of Hotel Leone.
After eating get revved up with some invaluable painting insights into the day ahead from David, followed by a short journey by bus to a gorgeous town.
David will then guide through demonstrations and one on one how to capture the quintessential painting.
After your hard work saunter over to a charming restaurant for your well earned feast of local fare.
Finally return to the comfort of Hotel Leone for a siesta, swim in the pool, or leisurely work in the painting studio!
Did I forget to mention the aperitifs and the 4 course meal to follow, fit for a gourmand?
Now imagine a week of this, with unexpected delights around the corner, and little masterpieces and you have a small glimpse into the wonder that awaits at the Hotel Leone Boutique Retreat Centre!
EACH DAY IS AN ADVENTURE...
It was an unforgettable journey that
ignited my artistic spirit!
I had a wonderful experience at my first all inclusive art retreat hosted by the talented artist David Shkolny in the picturesque boutique Hotel Leone in the town of Montelparo, Italy!
David’s passion for art and his daily demonstrations in the on-site studio were invaluable in helping me refine my focus and further develop my style. He challenged and inspired my skills while maintaining a positive upbeat approach.
Each day was an adventure, painting en plein air in the breathtaking scenery of Montelparo and surrounding daily excursions. It was an unforgettable journey that ignited my artistic spirit!
Deb Atkins
I had such a great experience at David’s Italy retreat that I went back for a second year!
At his retreats, David coaches everyone from novice to experienced artists and wherever you are in your journey, he will help you grow as an artist and elevate your work. He is a very encouraging instructor who provides much positive reinforcement and guidance regardless of a student’s subject matter, style, or medium.
David is a pastel specialist but can provide instruction and advice in a variety of mediums, including watercolour, acrylic, and oil. He is also very knowledgeable about artists and will often provide examples of works, both historical and contemporary, which might appeal to the student based on their artwork or what they are interested in exploring.
I had such a great experience at David’s Italy retreat that I went back for a second year!
Tania Sarkar
