Chan Dissanayake is a multi-award winning watercolour artist living in Canberra, Australia. He is a highly regarded tutor and a well-respected judge of local and regional art awards. Over the last 15 years, his passion has turned to watercolour. A medium that thrives in spontaneous response and free expression. His mastery in watercolour is manifested by the vast varying subject matter that he tackles from rural landscapes, urban cityscapes to coastal seascapes. His bold and loose style is a result of years of devotion and dedication to this elusive medium. Known for his innovative approach to teaching and generosity in sharing his knowledge, Chan has gained considerable reputation as an outstanding tutor. He conducts workshops throughout the country, which are generally booked out in advance. He has contributed many articles to leading art publications. His quick and direct approach to watercolour has earned him much success and respects both nationally and internationally.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Tuesday 25 February 2025
Port Fairy, Victoria
This morning, our tour members will commence
their journey from Melbourne airport at 12:00
midday, setting forth to the picturesque coastal
haven of Port Fairy. Nestled at the conclusion of
the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy exudes a quaint
charm, characterized by its wide streets adorned
with nineteenth-century cottages, majestic Norfolk
pines, and historic stone churches. As the final jewel
on Victoria’s renowned Shipwreck Coast, Port Fairy
promises a unique blend of maritime history and
architectural beauty. As the day unfolds, the group
will gather for welcome drinks, and an included
dinner. This serves as the perfect opportunity for
tour members to bond and immerse themselves in
the captivating ambiance of Port Fairy.
DAY 2 Wednesday 26 February 2025
Port Fairy, Victoria
Today, Chan will discover captivating subjects within
the charming backdrop of Port Fairy. As the day
unfolds, he will skilfully bring his vision to life during
the first painting demonstration. Chan will dedicate
his expertise to assisting workshop members on an
individual basis. This personalized guidance ensures
that each participant receives valuable insights and
support tailored to their artistic journey.
DAY 3 Thursday 27 February 2025
Port Fairy, Victoria
Today’s artistic expedition takes us to The Crags,
just a short distance from Port Fairy, where a day of
painting awaits. This remarkable location unfolds
with awe-inspiring views of rocky calcarenite cliffs,
providing a captivating subject for our day of
painting.
DAY 4 Friday 28 February 2025
Port Fairy, Victoria
Today we travel to the charming town of
Warrnambool for a full day of painting. As we
explore the town’s unique charm and natural
beauty, artists will find inspiration in its coastal
vistas, historic architecture, and the vibrant energy
of the community.
DAY 5 Saturday 1 March 2025
Port Fairy, Victoria
Today we will enjoy a full day’s painting in the
Fisherman’s Wharf area, where the riverbanks are
adorned with an array of boats and fishing craft. The
Fisherman’s Wharf area, with its maritime charm
and bustling activity, provides an ideal subject for
capturing the essence of Port Fairy’s coastal life.
DAY 6 Sunday 2 March 2025
Apollo Bay, Victoria
This morning we venture to the awe-inspiring
Twelve Apostles, a geological marvel shaped by
the relentless erosion of limestone cliffs over a span
of 10–20 million years. The dynamic forces of the
stormy Southern Ocean, coupled with the relentless
winds, meticulously carved caves into the cliffs. Over
time, these caves evolved into majestic arches, and
as the softer limestone eroded further, towering
rock stacks—some reaching up to 45 meters—
stood proudly isolated from the shore. Our journey
continues to the scenic Apollo Bay. In the evening,
we will come together for an included dinner.
DAY 7 Monday 3 March 2025
Apollo Bay, Victoria
A full day dedicated to painting against the
backdrop of Apollo Bay. Nestled perfectly along
the renowned Great Ocean Road and embraced by
the scenic beauty of the Otway National Park State
Forest, Apollo Bay offers an idyllic place for painting.
The landscape, with rolling acres of emerald green
farmland, provides a serene environment for artists
to translate nature’s beauty into their paintings.
DAY 8 Tuesday 4 March 2025
Apollo Bay, Victoria
Today we embark on a scenic journey as we travel
to Stephenson’s falls, a hidden gem nestled in the
Otway’s. This enchanting location sets the stage for
a full day of painting, surrounded by the inspiring
beauty of the falls, with its cascading waters and
lush surroundings; offer a truly picturesque setting
for your painting session.
DAY 9 Wednesday 5 March 2025
Torquay, Victoria
This morning we continue our journey to Lorne, a
delightful seaside town nestled along the iconic
Great Ocean Road, gracing the shores of Louttit Bay.
The jagged and winding coastline, coupled with
the exquisite waters, provides Chan with an array of
inspiring subjects to paint. Continuing our journey
along the Great Ocean Road, we reach Torquay – a coastal gem renowned as the surfing hub of
Victoria. Torquay’s beaches offer a diverse spectrum,
from long stretches of sandy calm waters to swells
vigorously colliding against majestic sandstone cliffs.
DAY 10 Thursday 6 March 2025
Torquay, Victoria
Today’s painting session is in the scenic coastal
township of Barwon Heads, a gem nestled on the
Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong. Positioned on the
west bank of the Barwon River’s mouth, just below
Lake Connewarre, Barwon Heads presents a rich
tapestry of painting subjects.
DAY 11 Friday 7 March 2025
Torquay, Victoria
Our journey today brings us to the town of Aireys
Inlet, a haven of stunning natural beauty along the
Great Ocean Road. This coastal gem, nestled within
the embrace of the Great Otway National Park,
boasts a unique charm. Renowned as the home of
the iconic Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet offers
Chan and fellow artists a wealth of inspiring subjects
to capture. On our return journey to Torquay, a photo
stop at Anglesea awaits, providing a moment to
capture the beauty of this coastal town.
DAY 12 Saturday 8 March 2025
Torquay, Victoria
This morning we have our final painting session in
the picturesque setting of Torquay. In the afternoon,
participants will have the opportunity to add
the finishing touches to their paintings. The day
concludes with a final critique session, offering a
chance for participants to share insights, receive
feedback, and celebrate the collective creativity that
has unfolded throughout the workshop.
This is followed by farewell, drinks and dinner, a
fitting conclusion to a journey of artistic exploration
and camaraderie along the Great Ocean Road.
DAY 13 Sunday 9 March 2025
Departure
It is time to bid farewell to the coastal charms of
Torquay. Our journey takes us to Melbourne airport,
ensuring ample time for participants to catch flights
departing after 1:00pm.
TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE | NON PAINTER DISCOUNT |
---|---|---|
AU$4,795 | AU$6,390 | AU$250 |
1. Payment Conditions:
A reservation deposit of $500 per person is required at the
time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days prior to the
date of departure. A 1.5% administration charge will be added
to payments by Visa, Mastercard and Amex.
2. Alteration to Workshop Vacation Price:
The Painting Workshop Vacation price is subject to change
in the event of unforeseen circumstances and changes in
the cost of travel and accommodation services. Should any
increase in the Workshop Vacation price be unacceptable
to the registered member, a full refund of monies paid will
be made.
3. Cancellation and Amendments:
Cancellations received in writing 60 or more days from the date of departure will result in a cancellation fee of $500 per person. Cancellations received 60 or fewer days before departure will result in a loss of all monies paid. There are no refunds for services not utilized while on a Workshop Vacation. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover Workshop members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the Workshop Vacation and for cancellation fees that could result from illness, accident, death or other contingencies. Once a booking has been confirmed, one amendment to travel arrangements will be made free-of charge. Subsequent changes to travel arrangements will incur an amendment fee of $25 per change in addition to supplier charges.
4. Minimum Workshop Vacation Numbers:
Each Painting Workshop Vacation has been priced on the
basis of a minimum number of members travelling. In the
event that fewer than the minimum number of members
have confirmed their booking 60 days from the date of
commencement, Travelrite International reserves the right to
cancel the Workshop Vacation, giving a full refund of monies
paid, or to offer arrangements to proceed with the Workshop
Vacation at a modified price.
5. General:
In the unlikely event that the Workshop tutor is unable to
perform his or her duties due to unforeseen contingencies,
Travelrite International reserves the right to substitute
another artist as tutor or to continue with the Workshop
Vacation as planned or to provide a cash refund to Workshop
members equivalent to the value of the Workshop leadership.
International Artist Painting Workshops can involve a
considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing in the
regions visited and it is important that all members have a
level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in these
activities without the need of assistance from others.
6. Tax Considerations:
If you regularly sell your own paintings, you may fall into
the semi-professional or professional category for taxation
purposes and the tour cost may be tax-deductible. We
recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified tax
adviser.
7. Responsibilities:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd., their agents, officers, affiliates,
and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with
these Workshop Vacations shall act only as agents in making
arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants, or any
other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for
any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person
or property due to an act of negligence or of default of any
hotel, carrier, restaurant, company or person rendering any
services included in the Workshops, or by act of God. Further,
no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due
to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown,
quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism,
or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is
accepted for any additional expenses, omissions, delays,
rerouting or acts of any government or authority. Baggage
remains at owner’s risk throughout the Workshop Vacation.
The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when
issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers
and the purchasers of these Painting Workshop Vacations
and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any
Painting Workshop Vacation and/or to make such changes in
the Painting Workshop Vacation as may be found desirable
for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying
out of the Painting Workshop Vacation. Registration for any
Painting Workshop Vacation constitutes a contract which
shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be taken in the
State of Victoria.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing the online booking
form or sending it with a deposit to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road,
Balwyn, VIC, 3103, Australia
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Phone: 03 9836 2522
Email: [email protected]
www.paintingworkshops.net
“It was so well organized. We got to see all the best places, but without feeling we were being herded around like cattle, like you do on some tours. There was plenty of time to paint, and the instructor told me more about how to improve my painting style in weeks than I have learned all year back home. I really did get individual attention.”
“I particularly enjoyed meeting people with similar interests and having a working reason for being in a location.”