capturing shadow play on courtyard steps in Olhao Portugal – watercolour. Disappearing steps symbolise for me – the unknown….
If ever there is a place that is conducive to exploring the creative process….it has been the school in Olhao, Portugal where I have been fortunate enough to teach for quite a few years. A place I have come to think of as a second home….
Situated in the middle of the old fishing town of Olhao, and just a few minutes walk from the waterfront, market, shops, cafes, restaurant, etc. this school has allowed those who have visited to completely immerse themselves into the creative process.
After being met by Nuno at Faro airport, 20 minutes later we enter the School house. It is in this inviting space that so many freshly cooked meals have been served and enjoyed ….all overseen by the beautiful Margarida and Joanna. It has also been a place of many interesting conversations and much laughter:)
Margarida looking up from one of the lower courtyards.
What is it that makes a place conducive to the creative process?
I believe there needs to be a sense of harmony and cohesiveness. I find that when people are running all over the place, never settling…there is fragmentation….which in itself can destroy the flow of creative thought and production.
The School has given us this, a sense of harmony and cohesiveness.
When a new doorway between the School and Pool houses was introduced several years ago there was an immediate sense of further flow and harmony. Almost like taking a huge gasp of fresh air….
The doorway became a metaphor for opening up creative expression.
When teaching I often talk about how changing one tiny part of a painting, changes everything, and so it is true for the doorways of life – we simply have to find and open them.
It is now time to open the doorways of our minds. Time to allow new thinking and creative expression to flow through previously blocked areas.
Flowers for sale at the Saturday Market. 
And of course wonderful fresh fish………..
Visits to Armona Island, a fifteen minute boat ride from Olhao, were always very special. I would like to spend more time on Armona Island. 
150 year old olive tree in main courtyard……a tree synonymous with he School. 
Through the school I have met some wonderful people..and made lasting friendships. I will always be grateful for the day that David Clark contacted me to see if I would be interested in being one of his tutors.
Mostly I thank him for his vision which I believe will live on in ways that none of us is creative enough to know about at this time.
I know that David’s legacy will continue through conversations, paintings, friendships and so much more.
Thank you David, Camilla, Margarida, Joanna, Nuno (1) and Nuno (2) and I must not forget Carlos who opened up the doorway between the two buildings:)
I hope to see you all soon in beautiful Olhao.
Janet. :)X
My Life as an Artist (2) 
These are such beautiful photographs. The bright light is so welcoming on a dreary winter morning.
Indeed:)
There is something very inviting about Olhao and your painting of the stairway. Thank you Janet for the wise insight about needing to open doorways to new ways so we can adapt to our changing world. Hugs…
Thank you dear Brad for your lovely response. Stay well and have a lovely day. Janet :)X
You’re most welcome dear Janet. I would love to visit you and Olhao!
What a beautiful setting. Always love your use of colours
It is such a beautiful place:)
On my bucket list, if I ever get to pick that bucket up again, lol.
🙂
So much beauty in one post. Thank you for sharing all this, Janet. Hugs on the wing!
Thank you dear Teagan – sending hummingbird hugs:)X
What a beautiful place! I can see how it opens the door to be more creative.
Thank you Michelle – 🙂
This always seems like a wonderful experience to me, such a colourful and vibrant place.xxx
Thank you dear Dina:)
I think we often see the open doorway right in front of us and we need the courage to make the step through.
This Corona time is like a game changer. The cards are being reshuffled, and new perspectives are opening up. I am so happy to read your blog, you are a game changer too.
I keep my fingers crossed that you can very soon be in this magic wonderland Portugal.
Hugs and love to my dear sister in art ❤
Thank you my dear sister-in-art Vera for this wonderful comment. You are so right – this Corona time is a game changer – which can be both frightening and very positive. Courage is always key to walking through a new and unknown door:) X
I am so ready to go back to Olhão! Perhaps next year it will be possible.
We were all so ready to return there George. All three of my classes were filled, however, getting there and back is virtually impossible these days and so very sadly the School has gone into liquidation. However, as I pointed out in my blog, things could change and happen in ways that we are not creative enough to work out right now. Watch this space:). Meanwhile do hope you and your family are all well. Janet ….
Reblogged this on Hutts Ultra Blogging World.
Thank you for the reblog – always appreciated:)
Great post -wonderful images.
Thank you Peter:)X
Oh I am like a starving person looking at photos of food! It all seems extra lovely and beautiful in the midst of a covid winter. Thank you Janet.
I completely agree with you. I was just thinking this morning that when the first mild, beautiful spring days appear…we will all be so happy:). This too shall pass……..
This post is saturated in beauty! May we all walk through that door of creativity into the places that no one knows yet what will be created! 🌸💖🙌🏻
Thank you Ka for your beautiful comment. Janet :)XX
These colors are lovely – what a wonderful place!
It is very beautiful :). have a lovely weekend. Janet
The old olive tree must hold too many stories since back then. After 150 years, it still stands and provides the shade to its visitor. It’s amazing! Thanks for sharing this beautiful post,
Thank you Jenny for this comment and yes, the olive tree will have heard so many stories over the years and brought. great comfort to those of us who visit regularly. When I arrive at the school the first thing I do is to go into the central courtyard and say hello to the tree:)
It does look like a place that would very much stimulate creativity Janet.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures
Thank you for your lovely comment – Janet 🙂
I love the heavenly aspects!
:)X
Thank you:)
Wonderful description of what looks like an amazing place. It’s true sometimes a very small change in our live can alter the whole big picture. I love the light and colour in your paintings.
Thank you very much – Janet 🙂