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By Tessa Hayward (Geelong Advertiser | Lifestyle,| 27 June 2025)
In a little more than two months, Geelong artist Teresa Lawrence will be soaking up the sunshine in Greece. Not only is she making the trek to the place known for its stunning islands, beautiful beaches and ancient ruins for a holiday, but she will also be the art tutor on two land tours through Rhodes and Peloponnese.
The opportunity came about after a chance meeting with the organisers of Luxe Sailing and Land Tours at a friend’s birthday party last year.
“I had been looking for an art tour to go on myself as I’ve done them before and they are so inspiring and fantastic,” Teresa explains.
“I told them they should do art tours as they are really hard to get on and everywhere is booked out. They looked at me and asked if I would be the art tutor.”
This was not a foreign concept for Teresa, an experienced art facilitator in Geelong who has illustrated many children’s books and participated in dozens of exhibitions.
Her obvious answer was “yes”.
“We then invented the whole itinerary,” she beams.
There are two “Making Art in Greece” land tours. The first, running from September 10–16 is in Rhodes and will explore the enchanting Rhodes Old Town, Mandraki, Lindo and the island of Symi.
The second, running from September 20 to October 3 is in Peloponnese and starts in Athens, before going through the island of Hydra and back to the mainland through Nafplion, Monemvasia, the Mani Peninsula and Kalamata.
Teresa says her role on the tour will be to be by the side of travellers as they capture the sights. She will run hands-on workshops and explore ways to find inspiration from art history.
“The goal for artists is a sketchbook full of memories, new creative insights and ideas, discover something inside themselves, unforgettable experiences and connection with like-minded people,” she says.
Teresa’s own experience on art tours has set her in good stead to facilitate on one.
“I did one in New South Wales on artist Wendy McDonald’s property and I came back so inspired and it injected enthusiasm into my practice,” she shares.
Teresa has a long history with art, something she always remembers doing.
“Art has always been a part of my life since I was a little girl, I was always drawing and getting a lot of encouragement for that. I used to think everyone had artistic talent because it came so naturally to me. I didn’t realise not everyone knows how to do it,” she laughs.
Teresa moved to Geelong via Birregurra from Melbourne in 2012. She has spent the past 10 years working for genU as an art facilitator for artists with a disability and has managed the James St Gallery for some seven years.
While Teresa says drawing is the basis of all of her practice, she has also ventured into oil painting, watercolour, print making, ceramics and paper mache.
“Sitting down to draw by yourself is lovely but in a communal space there is nothing better. I can do it by myself but I love being with a bunch of artists,” she smiles.
“Creating makes me so happy, sometimes I think, ‘Wow this is inside of me’. It is a surprise what comes out.”
When her daughter was born she put together a portfolio and sent it off to a publisher and they put her on their freelance list, resulting in a lot of success.
And while she doesn’t paint or draw to sell anymore, Teresa still does it for herself.
“When I go into my studio I get to sit there and relax. I still draw every day,” she smiles.
She also adds that when you draw daily, your work improves and changes ever so slightly each day.
This is something she hopes will happen for those attending the Greek tours.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all the ancient sites, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, outdoor amphitheatres, ancient ruins,” she says, the excitement clear in her eyes.
“We will be drawing everyday on tour.”
Artists, new and experienced, can immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of greece while honing their artistic skills.
The tours are ideal for those travelling solo, with a partner or a group. It is a fantastic way for artists to expand their practice or make a beginning.
On the final night of the Peloponnese tour, guests can participate in an exhibition of the artwork they have created on tour.
Follow Teresa on Instagram @teresa_lawrence_makingart
