Artists, photographers, and friends are invited to join Jan on these trips

Painting Workshop-Tour to GUATEMALA Jan. 18 - 27, 2010
(with an optional Tikal Mayan ruins add-on Jan. 17 - 18)

And

Painting Workshop-Tour to ECUADOR
(with an optional Galapagos add-on) Nov. 2010 


TESTIMONIALS

"A good teacher inspires, leads and provides a rich learning enronment. A great teacher lets you find your voice and then applauds you when you sing. This is Jan."
Suzi W.

"Words cannot express how thankful my husband and I are for such an amazing trip. Your generosity, kindess, and incredible gift made for the ultimate vacation. Thank you for letting us be part of such an unforgettable journey. It was truly a once in a lifetime affair."
Kate S.

"I would like to say that this was the best workshop that I have taken, best teacher, best organized, best group of artists with the most interesting places to paint. I felt so lucky to be able to join this workshop and I can't wait to do more paintings.... and, yes, paint from your heart. I truly believe that is the most important."
Wen-shu W

"Thank you for your inspiring workshop and compliments.  Not only did I have an exciting experience, but I have the artistic juices flowing again.  I learned many painting techniques that I would like to try or revisit.  My nearly 500 photos bring back the memories and the hauntingly beautiful faces and scenery of Guatemala."
Polly N.

"We can't stop thinking about the high beauty and enchantment of every aspect of our expedition to Guatemala with you, as well as the incredible group who chose to be a part of this stunning opportunity! Life will never be the same for any of us, and we really have the art and travel bug now ... a truly spectacular, once in a lifetime experience of the culture, colors, textures, and stunning faces of those who belong to Guatemala. Although we have another big trip next year, we hope to make Ecuador and the Galapagos too."
Lisa S.


GUATEMALA WORKSHOP JANUARY 18 - 27, 2010

Jan invites you to Explore Guatemala! Pack your bags and bring an open mind to this creative, interactive experience. Prepare to unearth surprising discoveries ... your own artistic talent! Novice or professional, you will be escorted beyond your current level of expertise into a higher level of artistry, content, and technique. A renowned watermedia artist, Jan is acknowledged for her exceptional teaching approach, emboldening you to develop your own style and reinforcing basic principles of composition and design. The workshop is open to watercolor, gouache, and acrylic painters, as well as photographers, travelers, and friends. There will be plenty of activities for non-painters.

Classes begin with a demonstration of the day's lesson teaching drawing and painting in easy steps. Delight in your creative process and learn in a setting without pressure, rich in subject matter: Maya models in colorful clothing, charming coutyards, and gardens, and scenic landscapes. One-on-one sessions and helpful critiques are offered with specific suggestions for your improvement.


WORKSHOP SETTINGS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Mon. 18th ... FLy into Guatemala City where you will be met at the airport and taken to the beautiful Hotel Vista Real (www.vistareal.com) overlooking the city and facing the colossal Fuego and Agua volcanoes. It feels and looks as a resplendent blend of Guatemala and Mexican art and architecture.

Tues. 19th ... Take a scenic drive to Comalapa, where it is market day. Enjoy the color, the people, and let your senses run free. In the midst of this most colorful of Maya markets, Jan will discuss tips and techniques for on-location painting. After her demo of painting Maya models, artists will select their own subject matter and paint their own compositions. Travel through the most beautiful scenery in Gautemala to beautiful Lake Atitlan. At Hotel Atitlan, (www.hotelatitlan.com) you will be surrounded by botanical gardens, towering volcanoes, terraced mountainsides, and Maya villages. (BLD)....... (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

Wed. 20th ... After breakfast, artists will meet at the Ranchito where Jan will discuss and demonstrate how to paint plein air using pen and ink with watercolor washes. (B,L,D)

Thurs. 21st ... Travel to the world famous Chichicastenango market, the largest Maya market in Guatemala, where you will find colorful and exciting commerce and the best place in the country to buy textiles and handicrafts. Record your impressions with sketchbook and camera. (B,L,D)

Fri. 22nd ... Today includes a boat trip on Lake Atitlan to visit the village of Santa Caterina Palopo. Here Jan will discuss techniques for drawing and painting the figure. Artists may paint Maya models wearing traditional clothing or paint scenic views of Lake Atitlan and distant volcanoes. (B,L,D)

Sat. 23rd ... Meeting at the Ranchito in the lower gardens of Hotel Atitlan, Jan will discuss and demonstrate how to structure landscapes using different design formats. Artists will select and paint their own subject matter. After lunch travel to Finca Los Tarrales, a private reserve with a coffee plantation, exotic flower growing operation, bird watching, and scenic trails. Jan will do a group critique critique in the garden of the lodge. (B,L,D)

Sun. 24th ... After breakfast, beside a pond surrounded with towering giant bamboo, Jan will discuss and demonstrate how to strengthen paintings by designing with strong values. She will spend quality one-on-one time working with students as they paint their own compositions. Next, travel to the colonial city of Antigua and stay at the beautiful Palacio de Dona Lenor (www.palaciodeleonor.net/) former site of the home of the dauther of Pedro Alvarado, conqueror of Guatemala. One of the most exquisite boutique hotels in Antigua, it is an elegant mansion tastefully decorated to invoke 17th century luxury and just a few steps from the main plaza. (B,L,D)

Mon. 25th ... After breakfast, artists gather for plein air painting in the ruins of santa Clara. In the afternoon, visit the Jade Museum-Shop and hear of the lost mines of the Maya. (B,L)

Tues. 26th ... Colonial architecture in the colorful streets of Antigua or the Parque Central offer more plein air painting. (B)

Wed. 27th ... Departure flights home. (B)


TIKAL OPTIONAL ADD-ON, Jan. 17 - 19

Sun. 17th ... Arrive in Guatemala City. Fly to city of Flores located near Tikal. (D)

Mon. 18th ... Spend the day in awe and fascination in the Maya ruins of Tikal, the lost world once inhabited by the ancient Maya more than two thousand years ago. a legacy to one of the most refined civilizations in the history of the world. Mammoth temples attest to the skill, intelligence, and high civization of these ancient people. Return to Guatemala City. (B,L)


INCLUDED IN YOUR EXPLORE GUATEMALA WORKSHOP-TOUR

Travel and paint with renowned artist Jan Ledbetter
A superbly crafted travel experience to the most enchanting, colorful land of the Maya
10 days, 9 nights at unique, luxury  hotels with most meals inclued (per itinerary)
Deluxe motor coaches and private boats to view the most scenic and colorful venues ... an artist's and photographer's paradise
Hotel baggage handling, driver, and meal service tips, all entrance fees, and excursions included in the itinerary


EXPLORE GUATEMALA, YOUR PARTNERS IN TRAVEL

The company founders: ANITA ROGERS, fluent in Spanish, lived in Guatemala for 25 years. Her family owns the beautiful Hotel Atitlan on Lake Atitlan. JOHN KORTE has traveled throughout Guatemala for over 20 years. Our Traveler's Assistant, ROBERTO  UHLENBROCK, born in Lima, Peru, is fluent in Spanish, English and German. He was a guide for the biggest tour operation in Guatemala. His study and experience in arts gave him the background to understand and communicate the beauty of Guatemalan arts and life. Everybody at Explore Guatemala understands local customs and business practices. They stay in the hotels, eat in the restaurants, and ride the transportation, personally experiencing every aspect of their workshop/tours. They know the "hidden treasures" as well as the little bits of information only the locals know. Their experience, relationships, and knowledge of the country allow them to provide a worry-free, life enriching travel adventure, prividing a deeper understanding of the Guatemalan way of life, its culture, nature, and society: in short, we will show you the real Guatemala in a way very few travelers experience.

PRICES

$2150 plus airfare (based on double occupancy)
Single room supplement: $385
Reservation deposit: $500
Tikal add-on DBL $445, SGL $495

To print out registration form, GO TO: www.exploreguatemala.com