On the final day of our week….we visited the beautiful island of Armona, which is accessible by water taxi from Olhao.
Leaving Olhao. It takes approximately fifteen minutes.
We arrived at the dock in Olhao to see the welcome site of Nuno and his lovely dog Boli.
Nuno is a marine biologist, and his family have lived for many generations on the Algarve. The perfect person to tell us about this unique coastal lagoon, – which is a paradise for bird watchers and a rich source of shell fish and leading contributor to the local economy.
Two of the group enjoying the ride along with Boli.
Armona is part of the Ria Formosa National Park – an area which is a very important stop over point in the migration routes between Europe and Africa – and so much more.
The largest population of sea horses in the world are found here, although because of new fishing methods their numbers are sadly dwindling.
Nuno showed us this beauty. It is the male sea horse that becomes pregnant.
Arriving at Armona.
The Island is approx 9 Kilometres (6 miles) in length by 1 Km (0.6 mile) wide. It has quite a large community of beach houses and several cafes/bars and a well stocked shop. There are no cars on the Island, which of course I love.
It reminds me of some of the outer islands in the Bahamas. A perfect place to rent a cottage for a month (out of season) to paint, write and think.
Once again, we had sketch books and cameras at the ready and a lot of beautiful work was produced that day.
I just happened to see this cat against the white wall and loved the drama. Managed to take about four images before the cat spied me and disappeared.
I encourage people to go off on their own to find places where they can sit, focus, observe and sketch.
One of the group enjoying a lovely moment with nature and sketch book.
Bougainvillea everywhere……
Many interesting nooks, crannies and jumping off points for paintings, in between the cottages….
And the beaches are lovely.
We had a fantastic lunch experience on the roof of Armona 4 – a restaurant situated by the arrival dock. Lots of grilled fresh fish and vegetables – along with conversation and laughter.
This is John, who looked after us so well, taking a much deserved rest after lunch.
Before we left the Island, John made us his specialty cocktail…..and my oh my was it special:)
Then back to The School for our final evening meal together. This is the walk form the water taxi towards the school.
I now look forward to returning to Olhao during the last week in June, in the autumn/winter for some long painting weekends and again next April.
Meanwhile, the Hummingbirds continue to weave their magic.
I hope everyone enjoys a lovely weekend. I plan to paint:)
A Bientôt
What a wonderful island. A very good weekend to you too, with great joy in painting!
Great post and wonderful images Janet. A place of peace to do your work.
Indeed, Peter…can’t wait to go back.x
How fortunate, your work is beautiful!
Thank you so much. Have a lovely weekend. Janet:)
What a splendid place. And no cars? I’m still trying to imagine that… It’s no wonder you’re going back. Huge hugs!
I love places where there are no cars…..:)x
What a wonderful tour of this lovely island, Janet. A most inspiring place for artists, and oh what a joy it must be for birders. 🙂
Beautiful post about a lovely place. ❤
Thank you:)x
yes, thanks Janet. a thrill to see others love the island as much as I do!
Hi Jude, – definitely a place I want to spend more time on…maybe we can go together in June. Janet.
Reblogged this on People and Places and commented:
Thanks again 🙂
Wonderful tour of the island and island life Janet – really enjoyed seeing the place through your eyes.
It’s really lovely and I will now look forward to returning….definitely a place for a long stay, off season to paint an write….happy weekend. 🙂
Wonderful post about Armona.
Thank you so much. It’s a place where I definitely want to spend more time….as I said, maybe a month off season to paint and write….
Hope you have a lovely weekend. Janet:)
Lovely post – can almost smell the sea and flowers in the air….
Thank you:) Have a lovely week.
Absolutely enjoyed your Portugal posts! Thank you for sharing this experience and your colourful art!
Thank you so much:)
It looks very much hotter than Crete at the moment! Today’s hummingbird is spectacularly beautiful, Janet.
When I was there it was around 20 to 25 during the day with cool nights….which I love when painting….will be back there late June when I am sure it will be much warmer. janet
How sublime.
Your art school series is stunning. So glorious!! I can only imagine how inspiring and enriching the people, the places, the atmosphere and the time are. But then, I don’t *have* to imagine it, because it’s so wildly evident in your magical and color-soaked artwork, my sweet. What a joy! Thank you!!!
❤
K
Good morning dear Kathryn….oh yes, it is such a wonderfully inspiring place. Will be back there end of June and hopefully for some long weekend during the autumn/winter and again next Spring. Being there lifts and inspires me and I have returned re energised:) Have a wonderful Monday and week ahead my creative friend. Janet. xxx
Janet. You say in the blog that the male seahorse becomes pregnant. I’m very interested in marine life as I used to dive (only now snorkel), but I thought the male seahorse CARRIED the babies in a pouch – not became pregnant.
Good morning Kathy, and thank you so much for this comment and for reading the blog. You are absolutely right…the female deposits her eggs into the male..who then carries the babies in a pouch. Janet