With a backdrop of turquoise water that breaks on the powder-white beaches lined with lush vegetation, Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives offers the ideal setting for creative inspiration.  Following the success of the resort's first artist in residence programme last December, Gregory Burns returns to the resort this Easter to offer both budding artists and experts customised art classes underwater, in the jungle or by the beach.  From 17 April until 7 May 2011, Couples and families alike will enjoy developing their artistic talent as they learn how to sketch from nature.

Seated on the beach or in the midst of the jungle, guests will enjoy learning the secrets of creative sketching under the guidance of an expert as they draw their inspiration from the idyllic surroundings.   For the underwater sketching programme, snorkellers and scuba divers, equipped with waterproof pencils and tablets, will choose subjects from a sea of colourful marine life while Gregory imparts fundamental underwater drawing skills.

On 27 April 2011, guests will get a chance to get up close and personal with Gregory and discover his interpretation of Villingili's natural beauty at the resort's cocktail reception.  During this ephemeral art exhibition, Gregory's art will also be available for purchase.

 American born artist and athlete, Gregory began painting at the age of six and his work has found universal recognition with exhibitions in some of the most revered galleries including the JK Kennedy Centre Gallery in Washington DC and The Singapore Art Museum, among others.  He has a Master of Fine Arts from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Melbourne, Australia, and also studied Chinese painting, calligraphy and history in Chung Da University Taipei, Taiwan under well-known artist Liang Da Fong.  As an athlete, Gregory won nine Paralympics medals including one silver and one bronze at Barcelona in 1992, and two golds and one silver at Atlanta in 1996. In doing so, he broke four world records. In addition, he is also a published writer of Painted Journey and a motivational speaker.