Iceland 2021

Iceland

August 8 – 16 /2021

Only 6 spots left!!!

Photography / Plein-Air Painting Workshop
Taught by Scott Williams & Niki Gulley

We are at it once again, taking you on a new adventure where you will have an opportunity to experience a different culture, see some incredible new sights,  taste some unique foods and witness some unusual wildlife, Iceland!

This 8 day Trek will acquaint you with some of the best that Iceland has to offer. From the southern tip exploding with waterfalls, to interesting wildlife and one of a kind landscapes, to the amazing Golden Circle with its massive crashing waterfalls and hot water spewing geysers. Finally we will traverse the west coast exploring the Snaefellsnes peninsula with its dramatic volcanic peaks, sheer sea cliffs, and other worldly lava flows. Choose which aspect interests you, as we will help guide you to capture on canvas or film, the spectacular scenery and rich tapestry, that is Iceland or just join us for this incredible adventure.

There is no better place to get a feel for Iceland than along the southern coast. From the thundering waterfalls, to the cliffs teeming with adorable puffins and towering basalt columns set along a black sand beach.

Moving farther east we encounter hidden lagoons where icebergs float set against a glacier backdrop and where mountains seem to hover atop the reflective surface of the ocean. We will also stop off for a moment to watch the unique Icelandic ponies as they frolic beside the shore or get up early to enjoy the sunrise on Diamond beach.

Experience the amazing Golden Circle with one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, the massive Gullfoss. Next stand back and watch the stunning 100 foot explosion of the Strokkur geyser or admire the blue water of the Brurafoss waterfall.

No trip here would be complete without a visit to the Snaefellsnes peninsula where its landscape looks like a scene from a Sifi movie set on another planet with its frozen lava flows. We will also venture to Grundarfjörður’s beautiful landmark mountain where its isolated position jutting out into the sea make it one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland. As well as checking out the one of a kind Black Church.

Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to grab a leisurely lunch.

Scott will take the photographers on daily walking tours where you will have the opportunity to experience Iceland through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision.

As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own. There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop as time allows. This will give everyone an opportunity to discuss the day’s events, compare notes, ask questions and get a chance to know each other. It also presents a unique option to get views and perspectives from both painters and photographers.

So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Iceland and its surroundings with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style. Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.

Work Shop includes:

  •  Hotel for 8 nights, 2 in nights each in the south, east, Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes peninsula (Double occupancy)    (Accommodations are in shared rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee)
  • Breakfast throughout the trip and all transportation within Iceland
  •  Emergency Medical Insurance.
  •  Instruction, guidance, experience and fun.

Your cost for all of this is $4,495 and to reserve a spot, simply send a completed application (forms will be provided upon email request) along with your deposit of $1,500 per person.  A second payment of one half of the remainder after deposit is due by Nov. 14th, with a final payment due by Jan. 23rd.

For those wanting a single occupancy room, there will be an additional cost of $1,200. There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3.5% fee.

Airfare to the workshop is not included, you are responsible for your own travel arrangements. We will provide transportation from the Keflavík International Airport (KEF) airport Sunday August 8th at one appointed time, as well as all transportation within Iceland and the return to the (KEF) airport on Monday August 16th. 

Our trips, while not usually overly strenuous, this trek does require a reasonable amount of physical fitness due to the unique terrain. In order to derive the greatest experience from our destinations, we spend a fair amount of time walking within each location. Our goal being that each person should see and experience as much of the culture as possible during our excursions.

There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties. We suggest travel insurance for those situations.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way and we hope that you will be able to join us!

Squirrel-logo

Scott Williams       214-289-8512        

Niki-Logo

Niki Gulley     214-803-5812

Email Scott, photoguy@blind-squirrel.org  if you are interested in joining us.