So here we are the group of October 2019. I knew four of the group – however the rest were completely new to me, which is part of the joy of it all. I never know what delightful surprises will turn up…..
The group in front of a small section of a mural depicting the history of fishing in Olhao. 
We were a group of seventeen. Thirteen stayed in the School and four of us were billeted in ‘David’s house’ just two minutes away. (David, a man of vision, was the founder of the school.
Two of the group, Joe and Allan, were non painters however they both contributed greatly to the success of the week. A new expression has been coined….‘Everyone needs an Alan:)’
Of course, none of what we do at the School could be achieved without the beautiful Joanna, Margarita and Camilla…..Thank you so. much. 
After breakfast the day always begins with a demonstration….and then we paint until 1 p.m.ish when we have lunch, either at the School or at a local restaurant.
One of my demonstrations. watercolour 
The emphasis of the course is all about observation, imagination and of course loosening up. Use of sketch books is vital.
After lunch there is a two hour free period when people can continue painting, enjoy a siesta, sit by the water…or in a local bar and sketch…
At four we meet up for another demonstration and a sketching spree…..this time in some of the surrounding streets. 
Part of the goal was to take our sketch books back to the studio and make paintings from the sketches (these watercolours will be shown in next blog)…..Here we enjoyed a beautiful day at the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. It was my first visit there, and I would definitely go back again. 
Having walked through beautiful pine trees, we were confronted with this lovely view of the old Mill. Needless to say we concentrated on reflections….
Friday was spent on beautiful Armona Island – a fifteen minute boat ride away…when lots of sketching was done and another delicious lunch enjoyed at a Beach cafe. 
Giving a little demo on Armona Beach…..a lovely moment. 
On Sunday before dinner we enjoyed live jazz and cocktails at the water front. My photograph doesn’t show it, but the sky was simply beautiful….full of pink and red…and the live music and general atmosphere wonderful. 
Moira and Dora enjoying the jazz……
Enjoying a delicious tapas meal at ‘David’s Bar’. a fun evening. 
And in another local restaurant
After another day of sketching and painting I did a couple of portrait demonstrations.
This one is of dear Dora Keogh – a fellow tutor and artist. It is such a delight when she is part of the group. watercolour/gouache
My view as I reclined on the chaise in the Pool House courtyard….for my daily siesta:). The healing nature of naps…..I love them. 
Quick watercolour/pen sketch taken from the Saturday market. 
Angela hanging around the ice cream shop……I was there to, but you can’t see me:)
Saturday market sketch/demo – watercolour/gouache
Because everyone produced so much good work, plus filled sketch books, I am putting the work of participants on a second blog……
The view from my bedroom door at David’s house……
Early morning walk through Olhao when the town is still relatively quiet and cool. 
The lovely 150 year old olive tree that meanders from one of the internal courtyards up to the top level of the School. 
I am already looking forward to April……..
A bientot
Janet
How lovely Janet. It was such a nice group and held together by you and your beautiful energy. XxxDora
Good morning Dora….Thank you so very much. Your being part of the group helped enormously on so many levels. Happy painting my friend – and when I get my act together I will send a photograph of me in my special frock and cowboy boots:) XX
Super
Thank you for visiting. Janet
It was nice to visit you 😊👍🏻
It was a great week painting with Janet in Olhau, so much energy, ideas and support. Lovely company and a beautiful place. Janet’s blog reflects our enjoyment of the course.
Thank you so much Coryn….It was really wonderful to meet you and as I said before, we would make a great comedy team:) X. Happy painting….
It looks like a wonderful setting for sketching, bonding, and creating. Thanks for sharing your art adventure Janet.
Thank you dear Brad…it was a very special week. Janet X
🙂
Amazing blues in those skies! Delightful. (K)
Indeed..it was glorious…In London at the moment the skies are very grey – and so to have been in such beautiful weather was a great way to begin the autumn/winter. X
Would so want to be part of that. Love the way you drop in your wonderful colours
You should come and join us some time:)
Alas, I am too old and too poor…but thank you
Never too old Maureen:), and as for money…it is a pain in the back side….Hope you enjoy a beautiful weekend. Janet 🙂
I will thanks. Not too old for that 🙂
Seems to me a very lovely meditative place. very lovely group, and very lovely program too. A joy to see and read about. Thank you.
Good morning Dear David…..This session was particularly special for me. It’s been three months since I had my medical blip, and I can honestly say I feel better now than I have done in ages. Even though I enjoyed the course in April…I wasn’t feeling myself…and so it felt very good to be firing on all cylinders this time around:). Thank you so. much David for commenting. Janet 🙂
It all looks very beautiful and you are a very happy bunch of people.
Thank you Emma…Yes we were a very happy bunch..:)
Oh my! What an amazing week!!! How jealous am I. Loved it all, especially the artwork and that fantastic olive tree.xxx
You would love this place…..Happy autumn :)XXX
Such an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing it with us, Janet. Hugs on the wing.
Hi Dear Teagan….I have been thinking about you so much. So glad to see you hear. I was out of commission for a few months, but am now back again. I do hope you are enjoying life in the south West and that all is well. JanetXXX
Oh no! I didn’t realize. I hope all is well with you now. Even more hugs.
HI dear Teagan….I am fully recovered and am receiving wonderful aftercare…..In fact I am feeling better than I have in years… I believe the fifteen years of stress that I lived with culminated in my medical ‘blip’ – as I like to call it:). Now that the stress has been removed, it is as if my body decided to let go and rip……As I said in a previous post, I feel as if I have been re-booted.
Hope all is well with you in the south west. I am busy painting and writing at the moment, but am gradually catching up with poeple’s posts. Janet XX
Thanks for letting me know. Yes, stress is the great destroyer… It seems there is no escaping it in one form or another. But I’m trying. ❤
Reblogged this on Campbells World and commented:
Lovely!
Thank you over. much for the re-blog Patty. :)X