5 Night Croatia Art & Drawing Holiday with Dublin Art Classes

Day 1 – Travel to Croatia

Our art holiday begins as we fly from Dublin to Dubrovnik. On arrival, we will travel to our hotel in the charming town of Cavtat, located just south of Dubrovnik. A small and picturesque fishing village, Cavtat is known for its beautiful bay, colourful harbour and palm-fringed promenade, all set along the edge of glittering blue waters, a wonderfully inspiring setting for artists. After settling into our hotel, we will enjoy a welcome meeting with Catherine, followed by a welcome dinner together. This is a relaxed opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers, discuss the creative focus for the days ahead, and ease into the rhythm of the holiday.

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Day 2 – Dubrovnik City tour & afternoon sketching

After breakfast, we travel to the old walled city of Dubrovnik for a guided walking tour. Dubrovnik is renowned for its distinctive Old Town, encircled by massive stone walls completed in the 16th century. It is hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by its marble streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic Sea. Following our city tour, we will spend the afternoon sketching this iconic city en plein air. Capture the energy of daily life within the walls, the light glinting on marble streets, and the contrast between red-tiled rooftops and the deep blue sea. Catherine will be on hand throughout, offering guidance on detail, reflected light and perspective to help you create confident, expressive sketches. We then return to Cavtat, where the evening is at leisure. You may wish to continue sketching along the waterfront promenade or enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants.

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Day 3- Sketching and painting in Cavtat

This morning, enjoy a workshop with Catherine Lawlor in and around Cavtat. Create your own masterpiece of this Croatian jewel, its glittering waters, colourful fishing boats and gentle waves along the shore. From harbour scenes to hidden promenade corners, the choice is yours. Working en plein air, you will have time to observe the shifting light, tonal contrasts and coastal colours that make this setting so special. Catherine will provide demonstrations, guidance and individual feedback, helping you make the most of the beautiful scenery before you. Your afternoon and evening will be at leisure for you to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Croatia.

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Day 4 – At Leisure

Today you have the day at leisure to explore this beautiful coastline. You might choose to take a taxi or ferry to Dubrovnik to further explore its marble streets and dramatic sea views, or perhaps visit Lokrum Island, a peaceful island rich in natural beauty and perfect for quiet sketching spots. Or else you can spend the day on the beach or your hotel’s pool, the choice is yours!

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Day 5 – Art Picnic in the Croatian Countryside

Today we escape to the countryside, travelling to the village of Picete for a special art picnic surrounded by nature. With easels provided, we will paint rural Croatia, rolling green landscapes, distant mountains and peaceful village scenes. This is an ideal opportunity to explore broader landscapes and natural colour palettes in a relaxed, supportive setting. As you paint, enjoy local snacks and produce, truly experiencing the Croatian countryside. Later this afternoon, we return to our hotel, where you will have free time for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping, or perhaps one final swim or sketch beside the pool.

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Day 6- Return home

After breakfast, we travel to the airport and bid farewell to Croatia, taking home not just photographs, but sketchbooks filled with new skills, memories, and friendships.