HARSH AGRAWAL: PLEIN AIR WATERCOLOR PAINTING IN SICILY

Harsh Agrawal is a plein-air landscape artist based in London, originally from Rairangpur, India. His artistic journey began in his youth, where he developed a passion for painting amidst the natural beauty of his surroundings. This passion led him to pursue formal education in the arts & technology.

Before dedicating himself fully to painting, Harsh had a distinguished career in the entertainment industry. He contributed to several Oscar-winning films, including Coco, Toy Story 4, Avengers: Endgame, and Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, blending his artistic talents with technical expertise.

In 2022, Harsh made a significant career shift, moving to London to focus entirely on plein-air watercolor painting. Harsh’s watercolor practice is rooted in plein‑air observation. He works on location with transparent, luminous washes and a fluid economy of mark to register shifting light and atmosphere. Edge variety, natural granulation, and calibrated values carry structure more than line, giving his paintings clarity without over‑statement. Many works have a quiet, “long‑exposure” feel—multiple moments compressed into a single image—so you sense time as well as place. Subjects range from harbors and working waterfronts to stone streets and urban vistas gathered on his extensive travels; the throughline is a disciplined focus on light, color temperature, and mood.

Painting in Sicily with Harsh Agrawal 

Harsh will lead a small group of artists to Sicily to paint with him. Participants can expect a week of focused studio mornings—clear demonstrations, process notes, and preparation—followed by on‑location afternoons painting the Stagnone Lagoon with its windmills and flamingo-dotted saltflats, to the soft glow of autumn light on ancient greek temples. In the plein‑air approach that underpins Harsh's practice, you’ll work with transparent washes, calibrated values, edge control, and disciplined simplification to capture shifting light and atmosphere, using Sicily’s rich palette of ochres, siennas, and cobalt blues. Instruction is individualized and critique‑driven, with clear daily goals. Evenings are low‑key for relaxing or reference gathering—sunset aperitifs at the salt flats overlooking the Egadi Islands or short walks in town. By week’s end, you’ll leave with resolved studies, a repeatable field‑to‑studio process, and a more rigorous understanding of watercolor’s structure and mood.

What to Expect From Your Week with Harsh

Itinerary: A detailed schedule with dates, times, and site visits will be sent as we near the event.

• Arrival day: Late‑afternoon orientation followed by a welcome dinner.

• Daily painting pairs morning studio instruction with afternoon on‑site work across Sicily’s Mediterranean landscapes and archaeological sites.

• Farewell: Closing “thank you” gathering at a local winery on the final day.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included daily except dinner Wednesdays (hotel restaurant closed).

• Airport transfers: Group transportation to/from Palermo (PMO). See our pickup policy.

• Provided in studio (no extra cost): Studio easels, support boards, sandpaper, pencil sharpener, kneaded eraser, chalk, palette knives, and water/medium jars.

• Rentals available:

  • Paint Pass — unlimited use of paint for a flat fee.

  • Plein‑Air Kits — field easel and on‑location equipment.

  • You’re welcome to bring your own materials instead.

• On‑site purchases: Painting surfaces (e.g., watercolor paper) available for purchase.

• Optional: Car rental isn’t necessary; consider it if you’d like to explore the area after class.

Included in the Workshop

Hotel Baglio Custera, a boutique hotel in the heart of Marsala's countryside, renowned for its gardens, incredible views, and luxurious atmosphere. All rooms are private with en-suite bathrooms.

Cuisine

Sicily's culinary scene is a feast for the senses! Our cooks source the freshest, locally grown produce to create mouth-watering dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in the rich flavors of the region, and savor the taste of true Sicilian cuisine.

Transportation

Shuttle service to and from the airport and to plein air painting sites and hidden-gem painting spots are included as well.

How to Register

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS EXTENDED!

The cost of this workshop os $3800.