The Studio in Paradise combines professional art instruction and naturalist-led exploration in an extraordinary destination.

It is a blend of focused art study, intimate cultural and ecological immersion and fabulous tropical trip. You decide the mix.

Arriving at the Studio in Paradise, you’ll already be prepared with a personal artistic roadmap, a sense of what you want to accomplish. From this departure point you'll be equipped to absorb and process the inspiration that washes over you daily.

Tahitians are famously gracious and welcoming. The doors of private studios and galleries open to us, inviting personal engagement with the contemporary art scene – as well as the traditional. Top local ecologists guide us through this incredible ecosystem above and below the surface. Fun and friendship suffuse each day and night.

In this highly personalized and flexible program focused on – but not limited to – painting and drawing, a balance is sought between refining specific techniques and spontaneous response to this incredibly stimulating visual environment.

Each day is divided between resort-based sessions at the easel and visits to galleries, studio and places of interest not seen by most visitors.

Daily group and individual instruction form the core, but direct interaction with Tahiti’s flourishing contemporary art scene is a major emphasis.

Drawing is our anchor. Representation and abstraction are equally addressed. Alla prima painting opportunities abound. This technique will be featured where appropriate.

Goals, materials and level of experience are established through important pre-departure consultation.

Call for detailed curricula and a 2-way questionnaire to make sure your expectations are fulfilled.

With small group size, ample working space and access to the local artistic community, Studio in Paradise is structured to challenge and reward the educated artist as well as the beginner. Materials may be furnished by the artist or provided by the studio for a fee, according to prior discussion. Use of indigenous materials – from traditional to digital – is encouraged.

Follow-up after your return home consolidates artistic growth.

Group size is normally limited to eight. Additional non-artists are enthusiastically welcomed and well entertained. Please contact us to customize a Studio in Paradise that fits your expectations.

Independent programs for professional and advanced artists can be arranged.

We can assist you in designing your own workshop

Nature and Culture are inextricably interwoven in Polynesia. While the scenic beauty will entrance you, understanding it as an ecosystem will deepen your appreciation. Our theme of genuine interaction with people and place is made vivid not only by local artists, but by experts in biodiversity, marine biology, ethnobotany and other fascinating fields.

On the “big isle” Tahitians immerse us in their past and present culture – and share their vision of the future as well.

On Moorea we get up close and personal with nature on both land and sea – a collaboration between the Studio in Paradise and an oceanographic Laboratory in Paradise.

The view through a microscope or a snorkeling mask may be as inspiring as the scenery.

Individually priced packages typically include:

• Round-trip coach airfare from Los Angeles (upgrades or air credit available).
  
• All transportation in conjunction with the program, including ferry and airport transfers.
  
• Accommodations priced per person based on double occupancy in standard rooms;
  
• single and upgraded rooms at attractive rates.
  
• Multiple sessions of daily group and individual art instruction; some materials.
• Outstanding excursions and entertainment designed especially to enhance our program by Tahiti Expeditions, leaders in ecological and cultural tourism.
  
• Dedicated personal concierge service, gratuities, taxes and fees.
  
• Breakfast each day.
  
• Refreshments always available during excursions.
  
• Daily additional “dining events” such as picnics, studio buffets, Tahitian-style salons – and surprises.
  
• Pre-departure consultation on materials, level of expertise and artistic intent. Follow-up session on return.
  

*Designed to free you for self-expression, discovery and relaxation this suggested “half-board” combines outstanding value with opportunity to experience variety. Since every participant is booked individually there is complete flexibility. Please inquire about trip extensions and modifications. Our combined experience allows us to offer unsurpassed quality and value in one-of-a-kind travel at mass-market rates.

Located within Le Meridien Tahiti, “L’Atelier” is an airy and well-equipped dedicated art facility with incredible light and ambiance. Innovative hands-on programs in French Polynesian horticulture, cuisine and wine complement the Studio in Paradise.

Intercontinental Resort and Spa Moorea is so integrated with Moorea’s blue lagoon and lush terrain, the distinction fades between working in our studio and en plein air. The on-site turtle sanctuary, resident dolphins and Te Mana O Te Moana Foundation make this an ideal site for collaboration between art, oceanography and conservation.

Legends Resort Moorea is a spectacular hillside villa option for Studio In Paradise accommodations and a truly thrilling studio space.  The views are literally over the top, as are the gracious island style hospitality.

There is no conflict between luxury and authenticity is such a prosperous, safe and clean place as Tahiti. Luxuriating in nature is part of the appeal that has lured artists since the time of discovery

Flexible Sample Itinerary:

Day 1:
4:00 pm departure from Los Angeles,
9:30 pm arrival in Papeete, Tahiti.

Welcome and studio orientation. First night under the Southern Cross.

Three days and four nights at Le Meridien Tahiti Resort or Tahiti Intercontinental Resort.

Days 2-4:
Several daily studio sessions are interspersed with excursions designed especially for our workshop. A balance between art-making and cultural exploration – with plenty of time just to contemplate the magnificent sky and sea. Evening activities are included.

Days 5-7:
Scenic half-hour ferry to Moorea.

Three days and three nights at the Intercontinental Resort and Spa or Legends Villa resort on Moorea.

Continuing the rhythmic flow between daily art and eye-opening excursions into this lush natural ecology laboratory. Biodiversity on land and sea inspires us daily. Evening review sessions in the studio and lots of one-on-one time consolidate new artistic directions.

Day 8:
Return ferry to Tahiti for the last day including a memorable final excursion and farewell salon. Resort dayrooms provide a base for enjoyment, final review, pack-up and last-minute shopping.

11pm departure from Tahiti arrives in Los Angeles at 9:30 am Sunday morning.

Itinerary subject to change as per terms of tour operator contract.

Non-artists are welcome to experience the depth and dimension of island life revealed by our excursions, both above and below the surface. While you focus on self-expression, programs of exploration will keep everyone entertained and engaged.

Activities include*:

• Full-service resorts with superb spas.
  
• New golf course by Nicklaus Design on Moorea.
  
• World-class water sports – diving, kayaking, sailing,
  fishing and more.
  
• Immersion in warm and welcoming French Polynesian culture.
  
• Plus shopping, museums, tours and islands full of natural discovery

Like a handful of gems scattered across the sea, the 118 isles of French Polynesia cover an area the size of Western Europe with the total landmass of Delaware.

Barely halfway to Australia and only two hours farther than Honolulu, Tahiti is a comfortable seven-and-a-half-hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles.

Sufficiently south of Hawaii for warm, clear water all year round, set your clock for West Coast time minus only two hours. Less stressful than a flight to Europe for most of the United States.

Crista specializes in collaboration with other artists and across disciplines. Self-expression and ecology blend naturally to enhance any area of inquiry. Your own workshop or affinity group can be artfully made an unforgettable reality.

What to wear/How to pack:

Tahiti is the ultimate “pack light” destination. You can have a fulfilling and productive trip bringing nothing more than carry-on and an open mind. Think casual and comfortable, cool and breathable. Swimwear, shorts, pareos, sandals, sunhats, What not to bring: sportcoats, ties, hairdryers, anything lined.

We will help you pack your art for shipment home.