ISCHIA, ITALY
Camilla Perkins | Pastels, Paint & Mark Making
September 23 - 30, 2024
Travel to the volcanic outcrop of Ischia in the beautiful Bay of Naples, Italy for a workshop with Illustrator Camilla Perkins. Ischia is an intriguing concoction of buried necropolises, botanical gardens and spectacular scenery, with forests, vineyards and picturesque seaside towns.
Join Camilla as we explore and experiment with oil pastel + acrylic paint illustration and mark making. We’ll discover various texture techniques and focus on creating colour palettes + creating small and larger scale artwork studies. Our drawing will be inspired by the beauty of Ischia + Procida. Static florals, landscapes + vibrant village street scenes. Travel sketchbook, mini + panoramic artworks for exemple, the results of the workshop will take various playful aspects. The workshop days will feature a mix of in-class and on-the-go sketchbook learning sessions.
This Ace Camp is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
September 23 - 30, 2024∙ 8 Days, 7 Nights
PRICE
Shared Room $3895 USD
Private Room $4695 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
This Ace Camp is currently SOLD OUT, you can register for the WAITLIST below for priority notification should a place become available
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Oil Pastel + Acrylic Paint workshops with Camilla Perkins
Boutique Hotel Accommodation
Tour of the Aragonese castle
Day trip to the island of Procida
Visit to the Botanical Gardens
Volcano Pizza Hike
Transport during included meals + activities
Return Ferry from Naples to Ischia
Travel + Learn with Camilla Perkins
b. Hastings, 1990.
Camilla Perkins is an artist and illustrator born and raised in East Sussex, UK.
Her fine art practice explores how colour can affect memory, imagining her pieces as windows that transport the viewer back to their favourite summer holiday, feeling the salt on their skin, or into an emerald green garden bursting with life just after the rain.
Using vibrant oil pastels and paint combined with gestural mark-making, Perkins creates a dream-like word using a surreal colour palette and filled with texture. She has recently branched into homeware, creating hand-made and painted furniture pieces in collaboration with her husband, Jack.
Since graduating from the University of Westminster in 2012, Perkins has worked as an illustrator on commercial projects for clients including Coca Cola, Apple, Google, Samsung and many more. Lending her signature energetic colour combinations and lively characters to advertising, editorial, branding, and publishing projects worldwide. Perkins has also taught workshops for Charleston Trust, Jo Malone, and The V&A.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Naples, Italy. Make your own way to our hotel. Have a rest, walk the city, head for a beverage or explore the neighbourhood. Please plan to arrive at our Naples hotel no later that 5pm so you have time to settle in before dinner.
This evening we have a casual meet + greet welcome dinner with Camilla and your group.
Day 2
This morning we travel by ferry from Naples to Ischia. We will arrive on the island and transfer to our hotel in Ischia Ponte.
After lunch you’ll have your first workshop with Camilla. In this session you will get to grips with using oil pastels; mark-making, creating different textures with your pastels and Camilla will show you the techniques of how to incorporate pattern and utilizing the negative space within your drawings.
Camilla will talk you through how she selects a limited colour palette for each piece, showing you some examples of her own drawings and the atmosphere you can create by using different coloured backgrounds. We can then move on to a small floral still life in order to practice before our next full day of drawing.
Early evening we’ll have a sunset tour of the the fascinating and incredibly photogenic Aragonese castle that sits high above town on a volcanic outcrop. Learn about it’s secrets and history.
Dinner with the group
Day 3
Begin the day by walking around the beautiful hotel grounds and gardens where Camilla will talk you through how to choose the best compositions to work from, she will do a drawing to demonstrate how she works for anyone who would like to watch and then we can spend the rest of the morning drawing in the garden.
After lunch continue to draw in the gardens, scaling up to larger paper in order to fit more detail within our drawings, this is also a good opportunity to start to introduce a figure within the piece. Camilla will be coming over to each person individually to help with any questions you might have. We will end the day by showing each other what we’ve worked on and talking through techniques that can inform how we go forward over the coming days.
Dinner this evening is on your own to explore the local flavours of Ischia.
Day 4
Begin your day with a guided tour of La Mortella Gardens. After the tour, Camilla will challenge you to try to create some sketches using a very limited colour palette in surreal colours, creating a dream-like effect. You can also explore different techniques in how to draw water using gestural mark-making to give our pieces the feeling of movement.
This afternoon we will visit a picturesque fishing village on the other side of the island called Sant’Angelo. A pedestrian only village good for wandering and exploring with fisherman activities by the small port. You’ll have free time to wander and sketch at your leisure. An excellent spot for people watching and sketching ‘movement’ studies.
Dinner this evening is on your own to explore the local flavours of Ischia.
Day 5
This morning we embark on a hike up the side of a mountain. The group will be guided on a hike among endemic ferns and the remnants of an ancient volcano before we reach a small lodge where an expert Pizzaiolo will be waiting for us. Under their guidance we learn to prepare ‘real’ pizza and enjoy it as a picnic lunch.
This afternoon, back in the classroom, we will choose our favourite sketches from the previous days to translate them into a painting using acrylic and flashe. Camilla will show you how to start with a ground layer of flashe in the colour of your choice and then using hog hair brushes we will add our acrylic paint in expressionist strokes. She’ll show you her favourite techniques in how to apply the colours in layers, using the back of the paintbrush to create a scratching texture, and how to incorporate mark-making into the image.
Dinner this evening is on your own to explore the local flavours of Ischia.
Day 6
Today we take the ferry to Procida island a short distance away. Its narrow, sun-bleached streets are the domain of the locals. This is the Bay of Naples’ smallest island and considered its best-kept secret. The island is small and we will spend the day exploring on foot, searching for interesting angles and viewpoints to draw along the way during an on-the-go sketchbook session.
This afternoon, you will continue to incorporate all the techniques you have learnt for our on the go drawing session, we can use our larger paper and spend longer creating a more detailed piece. We will discuss the power of colour and how it affects mood, conjures forgotten memories, and the best way to translate this into your own work.
The group will meet in the late afternoon to take a boat back to Ischia. Group dinner this evening.
Day 7
This morning you’ll have your final session with Camilla where you will go through all of the work you have created together and Camilla will answer any questions you might have to help you to continue your artistic journey.
The rest of the day is a free time to explore the island of Ischia on your own or with others. You may want to return to the castle to do more drawings or visit the Negombo Thermal Gardens + Baths, a beautiful place to spend some time.
Dinner this evening is on your own, but we tend to gather and enjoy our last evening together.
Day 8
This morning we pack our bags, say our farewells and take the ferry back to Naples for your onward journey.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible and often unexpected journey to the island of Ischia, Italy!
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Please note that should the weather prove challenging, some activities may be altered from the posted itinerary.
Where We’re Staying
Impressively imposing, Ischia's Castello Aragonese is as much part of the history of the island as it's thermal waters and the surrounding sea. It is within the walls of this magnificent 15th century stronghold, in what was once a monastery, that Albergo Il Monastero is located. Like the former monastery, today's Hotel Il Monastero is a fascinating labyrinth of corridors, passageways and stairs, all of which sooner or later lead to the hotel's pretty internal courtyards, splendid public rooms and sweeping sea view terraces. The hotel offers breathtaking views across to the Italian mainland in one direction, Capri in another and Ischia itself in the other.
ROOMING OPTIONS
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests and maximum 12 guests. All Prices are in USD.
This Ace Camp is currently SOLD OUT, you can register for the WAITLIST below for priority notification should a place become available
OPTION 1 - TWIN SHARED ROOM
The fee for this trip is $3895 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1895
Final Payment due May 26, 2024: $2000
About your room: Shared rooms have two Twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. The two individual beds may be situated very close together. You will share a room with one other guest for the duration of the trip.
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
The fee for this trip is $4695 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1895
Final Payment due May 26, 2024: $2800
Room Notes: You will have a private room and ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Important Trip Notes + Details
CULINARY NOTES + RESTRICTIONS
As an Italian Island, Ischia has a very seafood + gluten focused culinary culture. We cannot guarantee to accommodate vegan, gluten free or dairy/egg free, and some allergies.
We cannot accommodate any specific dietary allergies if you do not advise us when you register. Please contact us in advance of registering if you have any dietary questions.
THIS ACE CAMP INCLUDES
Seven nights at unique, boutique accommodations in Ischia and Naples (1 night in Naples, 6 nights in Ischia); transport during included activities; ferry transport to and from Ischia from Naples, private tours with local guides; exclusive hands-on workshop led by Camilla Perkins; ; seven breakfasts, five lunches and three dinners.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International roundtrip airfare; Personal Travel Insurance: We require all participants to have personal travel insurance that at minimum covers medical emergencies and cancellations; Alcoholic Drinks; transportation to the trip’s starting point hotel; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, expenses during free time; laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; some Workshop Supplies.
ACE CAMPS TOUR MANAGER
An Ace Camps Tour Manager is a part of your group and is there to look out for your safety, to help resolve issues, and to make sure you get what you want from your trip. Your Tour Manager is not a local guide but will work with all local vendors and partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration.
WHERE DOES THIS TRIP START + FINISH?
This trip starts and finishes in Naples, Italy. Naples International Airport, is located 7 km northeast from the city centre of Naples. The airport is the main international gateway to Southern Italy and an excellent starting point for journeys to Pompei, Sorrento + Capri.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
This trip is for the open minded traveler who is eager to learn and engage in working hands-on with various projects.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please note this tour includes several walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, trails and hills, stairs, getting on and off boats and ramps, you may be on your feet for several of hours at a time and should be comfortable walking 2 - 5kms.
Our hotel and workshop space have several sets of stairs to get to rooms (no elevator).
Our Volcano Pizza trek is a moderately challenging hike and optional activity.
COVID DISCLAIMER
While we strive to deliver all aspects of the included itinerary and specific accommodation, due to challenges some vendors may be facing, certain aspects of your Ace Camp may be changed according to the situation beyond our control. In the small chance this does occur, we will work to offer comparable accommodations and/or activities when possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Ace Camps Inc. will not be responsible for refunding any lost trip funds if you have to miss your scheduled trip as you cannot meet the requirements determined by Ace Camps Inc. and the country you are visiting.
Please read our full COVID-19 Policies + FAQ’s HEREd by Ace Camps Inc. and the country you are visiting.
SUPPLIES
All main supplies for your workshop will be supplied but you will need to bring a couple of things of your own. A small workshop supply list will be sent to you prior to your departure. All items will be easy to travel with.
WEATHER
September is a nice time of year to visit Ischia. Days are usually warm with balmy evenings. Daytimes temperatures usually range from 67°F to 77°F, which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket + umbrella to prepare for the chance of showers.
* Please note that should the weather prove challenging, some activities may be altered from the posted itinerary.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Ace Camps will email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent 90 days or more before your trip departs unless you book within 90 prior to the camp. We will also be sending you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more.
BOOKING TERMS + CANCELLATION POLICY
You may cancel on or before May 25, 2024 and receive a full refund minus a $1000 USD per-person cancellation fee. If you cancel on or after May 26, 2024 there is a 100% cancellation fee and no refunds.
Please ensure you read through our full Booking Terms + Cancellation Policy.
QUESTIONS + FAQ’S
If you have any further questions about this Ace Camp please feel free to contact us.
You can also read more FAQ’s here.