The Art Studio, Charakopio

– Art Inspired By Greece

The Art Studio is the studio, gallery, shop, and workshop of English artist Gill Tomlinson, whose art is inspired by her everyday life in Greece as well as her distant memories of travels around the Greek islands.

Her slightly naive village scenes are variously captured in acrylic, collage or watercolour and the drawn line features strongly in her work.

With a background in textile design, Gill is particularly fond of print, colour, pattern and techniques. She also loves ‘making things’ – such as paper jewellery, handmade books and cards, as well as hand-painted, recycled feta tins and lids.

A year-round resident of Charakopio since 2007, Gill previously exhibited in Koroni and Methoni, before opening her own art studio-shop-teaching space in Charakopio in 2019.

the shop

Just 4 km north of Koroni, in the village of Charakopio, The Art Studio is a surprising find in this very un-touristy village. It’s open all year round as a gallery and gift shop, and the studio also hosts tailored workshops for individuals and small private groups or families – as mentioned separately.

Hidden in plain sight, right on the main Koroni-Kalamata road, The Art Studio makes a refreshing change from the standard souvenir shop. All of the artwork is Gill’s own work, and most of the smaller items here are handmade by Gill or are created from her original artwork in collaboration with her graphic-designer husband Mick together with various professional printers.

inspiredbygreece.com

Take a look at our website, inspiredbygreece.com to read more of Gill’s story and to see lots more of her Greece-inspired artwork and products.

Most of Gill’s original paintings also come as giclée prints on watercolour paper or on stretched cotton canvas. We post original paintings out ourselves from Koroni, whilst prints and canvas reproductions are shipped direct from our professional printing partners in Europe, America and UK.

Our mail-order product range, featuring Gill’s paintings includes tote bags, cushion covers, greetings cards, postcards and our popular annual art calendar.

What a jewel of place! If you’re in this area of Greece, this Art Studio is a ‘must visit’! Gill’s original and beautiful artwork fills the space and is the epitome of the character, style and pure essence of Greece! She has such a smorgasbord and range of stunning handmade pieces, from paintings, bags, painted pebbles and jewellery, all for sale! All of which make perfect gifts and mememtos of the area and Greece in general! She also runs art workshops, so if you’re in the area for a few days, it’s worth finding out if she has spaces to join.

Linda Jones, Tripadvisor review

Love Gill’s work and it was so easy to order prints from the UK. It’s fabulous having a little bit of Greece hung on our wall.

Tracey Howard, Google review

The Art Studio and gallery is a jewel in a traditional Greek village just outside Koroni. It’s packed with beautiful paintings, prints and other goodies, all inspired by Gill’s love of Greece. It’s most definitely worth a visit.

Jackie Sherwood, Google review

Pop in for something different
We have visited this region for several years and always take the opportunity to pop into The Art Studio. We have several pieces of Gill’s art bringing a reminder of Greece to a UK winter. As we’ve run out of walls, we’ve bought notebooks, coasters and hand painted pebbles, which also make ideal gifts to pop into a suitcase. Glad to see earrings will soon be available as a girl can never have enough! I would recommend popping into the Art Studio for unique reminder of your Greek holiday (there is a car park nearby).

Janice M, Tripadvisor review

Delightful shop. I love the style, colors, and variety of items. My friend bought the pillow covers but I loved the calendars, refrigerator magnets, postcards, and journal. So many options for gifts to take home. Gill and her husband were very warm and gracious and she explained several artistic details I had been struggling with in my own art. Many thanks and hope to come back that way again.

Kelly Klein, Google review

What a lovely studio! We visited Gill’s studio a couple of times and simply cannot leave empty handed. Her collection is so typical for the region and brings back good memories every time I look at her work here in my home. Next time we’re in Charakopio, we’ll definitely pop in!

Sarah van der Wilden, Google review

(Translated by Google) A special artistic presence in a small village of Messinia. The artist Gill exhibits her works that are obviously inspired by the blue color of the sea, the clear Greek sky and the unique picturesqueness of the Messinian villages. Acquiring one of her creations, you took with you a small piece of the place that made it her second home and that renders so aptly to her canvases.

Gogo Greece, Google review

Whenever I visit the shop of Gill I get very greedy. I like her paintings and she puts them on such nice ‘things to have’. Calenders, postcards, tins, cushions and now even jewelry! So, whenever you’re in the area of Charakopio, it’s a ‘must-do’ visit!

Will K, Tripadvisor review

(Original Greek) Μία ξεχωριστή καλλιτεχνική παρουσία σε ένα μικρό χωριό της Μεσσηνίας. Η καλλιτέχνης Gill εκθέτει τα έργα της που είναι εμφανώς εμπνευσμένα από το μπλε χρώμα της θάλασσας, του καθαρού ελληνικού ουρανού και τη μοναδική γραφικότητα των μεσσηνιακών χωριών. Αποκτώντας μία από τις δημιουργίες της, παίρνατε μαζί σας ένα μικρό κομμάτι του τόπου που έκανε δεύτερη πατρίδα της και που αποδίδει τόσο εύστοχα στους καμβάδες της.

Gogo Gr, Google review

Exciting to find such an unusual shop. We stayed in Koroni and one day visited sleepy Charakopio and discovered this hidden gem of a shop. More of an art gallery than a shop. Very friendly artist/owner let us spend as long as we liked in the shop and I bought a lovely bag, some greeting cards and a print of a boat called ‘Felina’. If you leave your email address you can go on Gill’s mailing list. I think I am hooked! If you are in the area don’t miss a visit to the Art Studio!

Francesca R, Tripadvisor review

I have lived in the Mani for 6 years now and have many visitors from America. A favorite day trip is Koroni and Gill’s studio where my guests find beautiful memories of their trip to Greece. 🇬🇷❤️ I recommend it to everyone.

Chuck Bartlett, Google review

Wonderful work by Gill, a real step into grec art. Paintings, canvas, calendar and all types of supports, very inspiring. Love it !!

Margaux Lnr, Google review

Such a lovely light, airy space to show all Gill’s paintings, mixed media work, calendars, cushion covers and bags. Always a warm, friendly welcome. Definitely an assets to the village, and well worth a visit.

Penny Gower, Google review

Brilliant art work and gifts sold by a talented artist from her own studio. A real gem in a very surprising location in the little town of Charakopio. I have been going there for a few years to buy original high quality gifts and decorative items produced by this amazingly talented artist.

OliveoilYorkshire, Tripadvisor review

A place to get happy!🤗 Lovely for everyone that loves Greece and nature. This is a really great place to get inspired and happy from all the great views and happy colours. Love to buy presents here. You always leave this shop wits a smile 😊. Love to come back!

Annika B, Tripadvisor review

It is great to see the different styles that jill works with, my favourite are her paintings like the fat woman on the beach, and the stairways of houses with plants.

Zev Tabacznik, Google review

What is there to say? You have to be there and feel all the beauty, take it all in and be in awe for the days to come:) 💕

Cris Elada, Google review

I love the colours and motives of the paintings. They seem to catch the Greek summer atmosphere and transfer happy vibes.

Heike Kuehne, Google review

I had the opportunity to visit the studio in the middle of winter, and yet I found it warm, welcoming, and filled with light and color. The paintings were lovely and nicely depicted the artist’s appreciation for the beauty in her adopted home. In addition to her paintings, Gill offered a variety of tasteful items (notebooks, cards, throw pillows, etc) for a reasonable price that made great gifts.

Claudia Bergsohn, Google review

Gill is a supremely talented artist, her work is sublime and her products probably underpriced for the quality and effort Gill puts in. Always a pleasure to visit

Graham Porter, Google review

You really need to find this exceptional little place, you won’t regret the time spent.
A really lovely shop/studio and the lovely Gill is up for a chat about her work, life in Greece, the area or probably anything else, well worth a visit.

Helena S, Tripadvisor review

Gill Tomlinson’s Art Store is a destination in itself. We don’t just talk of going to ‘the other point and stopping by Gill’s’ we say, “We need to go over to Gill’s and then spend the night somewhere’. A one-of-a-kind store that will tempt you to fill a suitcase with souvenirs! 💞

Jackie Smith, Google review

The colours of Greece 🇬🇷 Something for everyone. You can either just browse or there are plenty of items to buy at all price levels, from calendars to works of art. The lady who owns the studio, Gill is very friendly and helpful. The studio itself is beautifully laid out, bright and very colourful. Well worth a visit.

Pretty21, Tripadvisor review

Unique Paintings & Souvenirs. If you are visiting the Peloponnese and you travel to Koroni…don’t miss a visit to Gills art studio in the nearby village of Charakopio. Fabulous unique paintings, prints, useful souvenirs, cushion covers and plenty of other colourful reminders of your visit to Greece – perfect gifts to take home with you.

Jessica D, Tripadvisor review

Wonderful studio full of beautiful art in gorgeous relaxing blues and greens.

Lesley Coleman, Google review

Gill’s studio is marvelous! Gill is a fantastic artist, and I love her art. She really captures the soul of this beautiful part of Greece, with the lovely colors of sea, sand, green landscape, flowers, white houses and blue sky. And the mandatory electric box, of course! I also recommend her for special commissions. She painted for us the view from the beach house we stay in when in Finikounda, and it hangs proudly in our living-room, allowing us to dream of the Peloponnese during long Norwegian winters! If you are in the area, and haven’t been there yet, what are you waiting for?

Anne Kristin Sivertsen, Google review

The Art Studio is well worth a visit, Gill is very talented and inspiring. Gill’s art captures the very essence of Greek life and she makes wonderful items to treat yourself or gift to friends. I purchased a beautiful “Cut Flowers” cushion as a present and painted pebbles and postcards featuring Greek scenes for myself to remind me of my holiday.

Cathie Smart, Google review

Terrific online store as well! Gill takes the time to send a personal note and keep you up to date on your order’s progress. You can order a little piece of “Greek village near the ocean” from anywhere.

L S, Google reviews

Exceptional talent! I am thrilled that Gill Tomlinson has opened a Studio in Harakopio. Her artwork is exceptional and I have it not only at home, but it is the centrepiece of my company’s Reception and Training Rooms. Gill has used the strap-line’ Inspired by Greece’ and that couldn’t be more apt. Her work is reflective of the unique atmosphere, colours and textures of Greece – her work makes it all come alive. Gill is also whimsical and I love that she now has cushions tote bags, notebooks, etc. that are perfect accessories.

Jo Ellen Grzyb, Google review
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