Painting on vacation
The "Atelier am Berg" in Warth am Arlberg
"Relaxed" – that's how artist Melanie Geis describes her painting courses at the Ski and Hiking Hotel Jägeralpe. When asked, she explains how uncomplicated everything actually is – from her open painting style to her relationship with Jasmin Jäger, the hotel's owner, to the details of the courses when guests paint while on vacation.
Melanie Geis comes from near Würzburg. On her website, her works shine in bold colors and immediately captivate the viewer. She cannot imagine a world without colors. She works in large formats with acrylics, oils, and other techniques—from drawing to palette knife painting to free painting. "Anything goes," says Melanie. "Some course participants paint delicately and in pastels, others literally soak the canvas in paint. It's always exciting to see how individual works come into being."
Participants in her courses, which take place in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, are encouraged to try new things. Melanie describes her painting style as "open" – that's exactly how she wants her students to learn to approach a painting. "Some are painting for the first time with me, others have been creative for a long time. I am particularly happy when a student breaks through a barrier and creates something that has been dormant for a long time," she says. Materials and techniques encourage students to find their own ways. "There is no one who cannot paint," is her experience after many years as a painting instructor.
There is no one who cannot paint.
Artist
The "Atelier am Berg" is a professional studio—not a converted hotel room. Numerous courses are held there throughout the year with various artists. Anyone who would like to paint or learn calligraphy while on vacation at the Jägeralpe ski and hiking hotel can view the current program of the Atelier am Berg here.
"At the Jägeralpe, participants can either bring their own materials or buy them on site. This is convenient for spontaneous ideas or locals who take part in the course. The prices for canvases and paints are fair," says Melanie. During the conversation, she is just as colorful as her paintings.
How did she and Jasmin Jäger meet? "Jasmin was a student in one of my painting classes in Dornbirn. At the time, I didn't know she was a hotelier. Later, she contacted me and told me about the Jägeralpe ski and hiking hotel and the studio. Since she was enthusiastic about my course, she wanted me to give courses in the studio on the mountain for her guests. That's how I came to the Jägeralpe. And as my experience has shown, painting is very popular on vacation."
© Ski- und Wanderhotel Jägeralpe
© Melanie Geis
© Melanie Geis
© Melanie Geis
© Melanie Geis
© Melanie Geis
The hotel's location at 1,600 meters in Warth am Arlberg, surrounded by nature, makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities. Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">ßen activities with the swing of a paintbrush. Melanie has now been a guest course instructor several times. She raves about the atmosphere in the house. The courses last two to three days, six hours per day. Here again, the term "relaxed" comes into play: course times are coordinated with a maximum of eight participants, leaving enough time for nature, wellness, or other activities.
"The people are a mixed bunch," says Melanie about the course participants who paint while on vacation. From siblings to seniors to parents with children, there is a bit of everything. Often, only one family member paints while the others go skiing, winter hiking, or use the childcare services. Melanie herself has also been to the Jägeralpe ski and hiking hotel with her husband and daughter – and found it relaxing too. During meals, course participants either sit together or with their families. Each group develops its own dynamic. On the last evening, the course concludes at Oskar's cocktail bar. There, the participants' work is exhibited, they talk shop about drink creations, and maybe even sell a picture.
© Stefan Herbke
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