Watercolor with Michael Solovyev

Michael Solovyev Signature Member – CSPWC (Canadian Society of Painters in Water Color) SCA (Society of Canadian Artists, Canada) NWS (National Watercolor Society, USA) NEWS (North East Watercolor Society, USA) IWS (International Watercolor Society) PWCS (Philadelphia Water Color Society) ​ Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador Escoda International Brand Ambassador Baohong Master Brand Ambassador Fabriano in Acquarello Canada Country Leader Michael is often called a “sunny watercolorist” – his airy, transparent artworks look as though they emit the sunlight. His traditional academic art education, extensive experience as a head theater stage designer, and oil painter career now inform his priority as a watercolor artist – light. His main belief is that sometimes even a pile of rubbish with beautiful lighting can become an artwork. Michael is a watercolor artist of great renown, with exhibitions and workshops all over the world, from Bolivia to France to Australia. Michael sees his work as an artist as exploration and observation of the world and its presentation in such way the others can see the things he saw. He considers being an artist as one of the most interesting jobs in the world. Since theater is his background, it is all done through the prism of theatrical art. First and foremost, Michael is a head theater stage designer, where he started his career and made more than 50 plays before his move to Canada. The idea of theater art is still with him – that is where his understanding of visual arts originates from. In theater, everything is different – the main part is the light and how subjects present in it, and not the subjects in themselves. He was responsible for light, sets, furniture, costumes, props, and makeup – all the visual aspects, from A to Z, that the audience can see when they go to the theater. The main subject Michael depicts is the light. Turn off the lights, and you won’t see anything. People can see only because lighting exists. Any subject can become a piece of art or a piece of trash, depending on whether you present it right, like any culinary dish. Watercolor is the most interesting medium to Michael because it is the only material on the whole planet where he is not solely responsible for the creative process. The water does most of the work. Rather than working alone, he forms a partnership with it. Watercolor is exactly like theater – a collective co-creation of actors, directors, composers, lighting techs, artists working in unison. With oil, one is solely responsible for everything – what one did will stay this way. Watercolor, on the other hand, flows, it exists in time, it is an alive being. It does not always produce resu lts Michael necessarily wants, but since it is his partner, he must accept it, use it, and work together. It makes the process of co-creation truly interesting. In all other branches of visual arts, this element is missing. Watercolor is the only medium that exists in time, where materials permeate one another, and it makes the process feel alive. That is what attracts Michael in watercolor. That is why, after receiving a traditional academic art education with oil painting in its core he ended up switching to watercolor, since it is the only medium allowing co-creation and bringing an element of adrenaline and life to the process of the artwork creation. Michael considers adrenaline, novelty, and experimentation the necessities of the creative process. He is always challenging himself with new techniques, ideas, stories, and materials. With watercolor, quality and versatility of art materials is paramount. Willingness to experiment and create led Michael to design his own line of watercolor materials and release a series of watercolor video lessons, available on his website, WatercolorOnline.com Michael’s prolific watercolor artistry translates into 16 personal and over 70 group exhibitions around the world, where he won multiple awards and recognitions. In recent years, he represented Canada at many renowned watercolor festivals in Hong Kong, Slovenia, India, Italy, France, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, Bolivia, Hungary, and Portugal among other countries. He is a signature member of four prestigious art societies – National Watercolor Society, USA (NWS), Society of Canadian Artists, Canada (SCA), North East Watercolor Society, USA (NEWS), and International Watercolor Society (IWS). He is also the Brand Ambassador of Daniel Smith, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of art and watercolor materials.

Terms

Workshop Trip 8 days / 7 nights all inclusive:

This price includes:

– More than 20 hours of lessons spread over 8 days for a maximum group of 15 people

– Airport / Hotel transfers

– (air-conditioning) 17-seater vehicle with driver

– official licend tourist guides

– Full board accommodation, double room or Twin for couples (all rooms have a private bathroom)

Accompanying Person Trip 8 days / 7 nights all inclusive:

– Full board accommodation,  double room or Twin for couples (all rooms have a private bathroom)

– Airport / Hotel transfers

– (Air-conditioning) 17-seater vhicle with driver

– Official licend tourist guides

– Tourist taxes to be paid on site

Not Included

– Roundtrip flights to Marrakech

– Painting equipment

– On-site purchases.

– Cocktails / henna party

-Traditional hamam

– Entrance fees to monuments

Traditional Dishes

One of the most notable aspects of Moroccan cuisine is the emphasis on the quality and freshness of ingredients. The produce is sourced from a land free of pesticides, chemicals, hormones, or preservatives. Animals are typically slaughtered just hours before they are used, with mutton being the prevalent meat offered, rather than lamb. Market vegetables are freshly gathered each morning. The use of spices, herbs, fresh fruits, nuts, and dried fruits imparts an invigorating vitality that stands in stark contrast to the packaged and imported products commonly found in much of Europe and North America.
To further acquaint you with the culinary delights, here are explanations of some of the most common and popular traditional Moroccan dishes:

Harira: A thick soup made of chickpeas, lentils, and haricot beans, often flavored with mutton or chicken, lemon, and tarragon.

Brochettes: Grilled kebabs featuring mutton, liver, and fat.

Kefta: Spicy meatballs crafted from minced mutton and offal, often served in a seasoned sauce.

Pastilla/Bastilla: A pie composed of multiple layers of flaky pastry filled with chopped pigeon meat, eggs, almonds, and spices. Chicken or fish may be used as alternatives to pigeon.

Tagine: Alongside couscous, this is one of the most ubiquitous Moroccan dishes—a slowly simmered stew cooked in its own juices in an earthenware bowl with a distinctive conical lid. Variants include tagine de viande (mutton stew with vegetables or served alone with prunes), tagine de poisson (bream or sardine stew with tomatoes and herbs), tagine de lapin (rabbit stew), and tagine de poulet aux olives et citron (a delicious chicken stew with lemon and olives). The lemon imparts a delightful bitter zest to the meat.

Mechoui: Lamb roasted whole on a spit or baked in a special oven. This delicately fragrant meat, distinct from typical mutton, is often enjoyed with bread but is considered an elaborate luxury that may need to be ordered well in advance.

Couscous: Made from half-baked flour ground into semolina-like grains, perfectly prepared couscous involves a meticulous cooking process with steamings and oilings, resulting in distinct granular texture. While best enjoyed in a home or a quality restaurant, it is often served with sept légumes (seven steamed vegetables) and occasional mutton. Couscous can also be served as a dessert with sugar, cinnamon, and rich, warm goat’s milk.
Cornes de Gazelle: Croissant-like pastries filled with honey and almonds.

Good To Know
Travelers from the US only are required to have a valid US Passport – but it must NOT be due to expire within 6 months of your return flight.
Your flight destination will be to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. Royal Air Maroc is the only airline that has direct flights from the US to Morocco, from both JFK and Washington Dulles.
Immunizations are not required or necessary but check here for CDC recommendations.

What To Wear

Weather is predictably unpredictable so be sure to check on the estimated conditions the week before you travel. Even though Marrakech can be quite warm by day, it is usually quite cooler at night so pack light clothes that you can layer. We recommend cotton pants, long skirts, wraps or large scarves over tank and tee shirts, and a sweater or light jacket for chilly nights.
Your most important fashion asset: comfortable shoes for traversing the Medina on sightseeing and shopping adventures!
Morocco is a Muslim country and women generally dress more modestly than in the US or Europe. Like elsewhere, dress codes are gradually becoming more lax and there is a lot of tolerance for tourists, but wearing clothing that covers your best “assets”, and that your grandmother would approve of, shows cultural respect, good taste, and common sense.

Money Exchange

The currency here is the Moroccan Dirham, and the exchange rate usually hovers these days around 10 Dirhams/1 Dollar. You CANNOT exchange for Dirhams outside of Morocco, but there are several currency exchange booths in the airport when you exit Passport Control and also located all around the Medina. Larger stores and restaurants may take Euros, but it’s really best to have dirhams.
If you bring large bills ($100) to exchange be sure that they are newer bills with holograms. Otherwise they will slide them back to you with a shake of their head.
Another good option for padding your wallet with dirhams is to use the ATM machines which are located around the medina. The exchange rate is a little better, especially if your bank or credit card doesn’t add foreign transaction fees (some homework for you). Be sure to notify your bank of your foreign travel destination so they don’t flag you for fraud. I also recommend that you bring 2 or 3 cards-just in case you still get flagged (happens!) and find too many things you just can’t live without.

Guest House

Free Wifi access in all rooms and common areas
Bedside Mineral Water
Hair Dryers

One-time complimentary laundry service for retreat weeks
Extra items you should pack:
European Plug adapters
Electricity Converter for hair appliances (cellphones and computers generally have built-in converters)

Why visit northern Morocco?
If you’re looking to explore new horizons, northern Morocco is the place to be. This less touristy region of the country offers a unique blend of cultures, varied landscapes and fascinating historic towns that are sure to amaze.
Advantages of northern Morocco
Northern Morocco is a magnificent region. You’ll discover historic towns with long traditions, nature in the heart of the majestic Rif mountains, white sandy beaches and charming villages. What’s more, the region’s inhabitants are warm and welcoming, making your trip even more enjoyable.
It’s also much less touristy than Marrakech or Essaouira, which has two advantages. Costs are lower and the sites less crowded.