Holiday Facilitators: Michael Gahagan
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
Michael is an accomplished artist who paints with various medium particularly watercolour, pastels and acrylics. His subject matter for his paintings is wide and varied including landscapes, seascapes and wildlife. Much of his artistic inspiration comes from his overseas tutoring sessions in Europe including Greece, Spain and Italy. Painting and sketching the dramatic landscapes, seascapes and village life of the beautiful Greek Island of Skyros is an artist’s dream.
In addition to his artistic background, Michael is also a qualified business and life coach and is passionate about supporting participants to explore their creativity through various approaches that encourage participants to develop artistic skills at their own pace. Above all Michael is keen that participants enjoy their holiday and that their painting experience is engaging, relaxing, enjoyable and fun!
Michael’s painting style varies according to his subject matter. He strives to obtain a vibrancy of colour in his landscape paintings using a loose expressive approach; however he is also able to turn his artistic repertoire to detail and precision in his popular wildlife, animal paintings and portraits. His animal illustrations have appeared in numerous articles and books and samples of his artwork can be seen in his website www.ionaart.com.
Michael gives participants the confidence to “have a go” or “brush up” on their existing artistic skills and his course is ideally suited to beginners as well as those with some experience. Participants can enjoy first class art tuition and demonstrations which are integral to them having a memorable and enjoyable holiday. Michael also hopes that participants return home from a great holiday with a renewed enthusiasm for painting and drawing!
What people say about Michael and his course:
Superb, patient and humorous, talented. Good teacher - he explains things.
Michael is a joy in art.
Michael was the best, he was very funny and an amazing teacher. I turned up to every one of his sketching and watercolour classes.
Amazing staff, especially Michael with his amazing teaching and jokes.
Loved Michael’s watercolour, teaching.
Michael was brilliant! My son especially loved his course and humour.
Hilarious, skilled, made it fun and was able to match our varied levels from beginner to experienced.
Loved Michael’s watercolour course, funny kind, great teacher, encouraging.
Michael is an absolutely lovely guy who made me feel so welcome. His warmth, humour, and ability to make you feel at ease was much appreciated.
Michael's art class is a delight. So glad I did it.
Watercolours with Michael very good. Excellent facilitation. 2nd time I have done his course and very informative and enjoyable.
Watercolour with Michael absolutely fantastic.
Michael was super encouraging.
Michael - gentle and encouraging for art.
Michaels passion for watercolours was infectious.
Where does Michael Gahagan facilitate?
Sat 30 Aug - Fri 12 Sep 2025 (13 nights)
At a glance
Atsitsa Bay is a holistic holiday centre set in a stunning, natural location, right on the bay and surrounded by pine forest. With a wide range of courses and activities and an outstanding team of facilitators, it's the perfect place to be inspired and try something new. Logan Murray is directing this holiday.
About
Skyros attracts mostly solo travellers from all over the world. Although all ages are represented approximately 70% are between 35-65. A huge majority - over 80 percent - report that the Skyros holiday experience had a lasting positive effect on their lives. Nearly a third of guests come back again and again - even after they have said that Skyros was the 'holiday of a lifetime'.
Accommodation
Most people choose to live simply and comfortably in twin-shared rustic huts in the gardens. Or stay in Atsitsa's main house, subject to availability. See more about accommodation in Atsitsa here >>
Inspiring Courses
Courses and activities are introduced to you at the beginning of each week. Choose your favourites from a wide range including yoga, writing, art, kayaking, windsurfing, personal development, singing, comedy and more.
Food & Drink
All meals are included and served as a buffet. Special diets are always catered for. Teas and coffees are available throughout the day. Other drinks and snacks can be purchased at Atsitsa's bar.
Guide Itinerary
07.15: Morning drop-in classes
08.30: Breakfast
09.00: Demos (news of the day)
10.30: Oekos (home groups)
11.15: Mid-morning courses
13.30: Lunch
15.00: Siesta/beach time
17.00: Afternoon courses
19.00: Sunset classes
20.00: Dinner & evening activities
Average Temperature
July and August are the hottest months in Skyros with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celcius. Light showers are possible but rare.
Location
Summary
What's included?
- More than three courses per day over four to five days each week
- An unrivalled and vibrant community atmosphere
- Fun evening activities and events
- Three delicious Mediterranean meals each day
- Twin shared rustic accommodation in Atsitsa's gardens
What's On
Travel
To travel to Skyros island you need to fly to Athens as there are no direct flights to this beautiful, unspoilt island.
Fly to Athens on the day before your holiday begins, ie Friday. Join our overland transfer to Skyros island including a night with us in Central Athens.
Return on the last day of the holiday, ie Friday. If you book our overland transfer, you can book a flight home from Athens after 8pm.
