In Slovenia you will discover a wealth of painting subjects, from dramatic gorges with thundering waterfalls flowing into sparkling rivers, to the most delicate of alpine flowers in meadows full of tiny butterflies.

Karen Pearson is joined by one of the top wildlife guides of Slovenia (highly sought after!) to unveil the natural wonders of this charming country.

Slovenia is a haven for wildlife, living secretly and comfortably alongside traditional farms, complete with delightful barns in naturally wild meadows.

We look out for storks on chimney stacks, red squirrels, hawfinch, alpine swifts, snow bunting, chamois, marmots, badgers, deer, wolves and European brown bears in the forests. We paint these multi-textured landscapes, sketch beside peaceful lakes, visit villages with carefully tended vegetable gardens and chat to local people.

Art Safari has led wonderful trips to Slovenia in 2017 and in 2023.  We are delighted to be returning.

Karen Pearson leads the group, offering demonstrations and one-to-one tuition. We tend to find that watercolour works well for this tour, though use another medium if you prefer! You can keep your work in a sketchbook, full of ideas for future paintings, or bring loose paper to work on creating more completed pieces.

Your expert naturalist guide will open our eyes to Slovenia – and show you a unique alpine environment. 

The trip is based in a fascinating part of the alps, where deciduous and evergreen forests support rare species including the elusive lynx, wildcat, wolves, ibex and the capercaillie in the mountains. We are based near Bovec for 3 nights, followed by 3 nights in Postojna, which is near to the bear hides by the Croatian border. These two locations allow us to paint and sketch the rich and diverse landscapes that Slovenia offers. From remarkable forests and meadows beneath the peaks of the Julian Alps, close to the fast-flowing brilliant emerald water of the Soča River. 

We have included a special visit to safe areas for observing the European brown bears.  Although we cannot guarantee sightings, arriving at dusk will provide the best opportunity to observe and sketch from comfortable hides.  Generally bears avoid human contact, but when left undisturbed may be seen feeding for up to 30 minutes at a time.  This is a thrilling highlight of the trip.

Our accommodation is in simple but spacious en suite rooms and provides delicious meals.  You can have a room of your own, or can ask us if you would like to share with another guest.

The Slovenian roads are good, so we hope to drive close to our painting locations as the walking terrain will be uneven at times.  The highest peak is Mt Mangart at 2300m – but not to worry, we don’t go right to the top!  Below it we have the most fabulous views over northern Italy.

Please ring us to ask more about this lovely tour that gives you a precious view into a European life that you might think had disappeared.