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
It is my friend Tony’s eightieth birthday today.
Tony is a man of his word and completely trustworthy. When I first met Tony I was going through a difficult period and it’s fair to say that in many ways my trust of others had been tarnished. Over the years, Tony has been one of those people who has helped to restore that trust within me.
May hummingbirds surround you this and every other day…..watercolour/gouache
I am now very excited about the upcoming course at the school in Portugal (
Like most people throughout my life I have experienced some important turning points. Usually events that I could never have imagined….and often events that turn out to be blessings in disguise. When these events occur, I have found that it’s important to embrace them no matter how uncomfortable they might be. My recent blip has turned out to be such an event.
“When you are convinced that all the exits are blocked, either you take to believing in miracles or you stand still like the hummingbird. The miracle is that the honey is always there, right under your nose, only you were too busy searching elsewhere to realise it. The worst is not death but being blind, blind to the fact that everything about life is in the nature of the miraculous.” Henry Miller. 
We tend to ignore the fact that there is a vast tapestry of energy that exists beyond our five senses…..that there is an unseen order of things. For me the hummingbird symbolises this.
And finally the beautiful olive tree in the courtyard at the School in Olhao. 
Have a lovely day and week ahead.
Gail – watercolour
On Saturday we drove to Viking Bay Broadstairs to reminisce. It turned out to be a perfect day in every way including the weather.
Overlooking this part of the beach is the old band stand….a place I always enjoyed as a child. I have special memories of when my Grandmother would take me to Broadstairs for the week….just the two of us. She would allow me to do all sorts of things including enter the talent competitions held on the band stand. Such happy memories:)
Sixty three years, before when I was ten years old….close to the pier. Time is such an illusion. 
As we walked along the promenade we happened upon this lovely woman with her even lovelier cat:). Apparently the cat walked with her every day to the beach. When we came across her, I had just been saying how much I look forward to having another cat of my own. A good omen I think…..
We then walked to the pier where we had the most delicious fish and chips….watched over by this very healthy looking seagull who I am glad to report behaved him/herself. 
All the while, we talked about our childhood memories….It was such a gentle, lovely day….and again another reminder of the importance of making the most of every single moment.
It’s been a couple of months since my last post. I have spent this time relaxing, recouping, painting, writing and contemplating. 
I have been blessed in so many ways throughout my life. For the most part robust health, two fantastic children, many wonderful friends, and of course my work which always sustains me. 
These images remind me that all the planning in the world doesn’t necessarily give you what you want or expect….rather it’s about living each and every day to the full and not worrying about future or past – or that which we cannot change. 
Christeve the Cat allowing a friend to join her on the garden shed roof…..cottage garden Crickhowell Wales
In 1993 when I returned home to the UK and specifically Crickhowell (AKA The Magical Town of Crickadoon) I made the decision to stop driving. 
Sadly in 2005 I had to move to London (again totally unexpected) for work and to be closer to my Mother in Kent who was not well. 
I have met so many people because of moving to London, and have been introduced to many new people and lovely places around the UK and other parts of Europe.
And so who knows what the future will bring.?….The answer to that is – none of us! 
Wishing one and all, no matter where you are in the world, a lovely September. 
I took the EuroStar train (one of my favourite forms of travel) from London to Paris which takes two hours and twenty minutes. From Paris Nord the metro to Paris Montparnasse where I caught the TGV to Lorient. My dear friend Elisabeth was waiting to take me to the cottage at Lamor-Plage . Everything on time, and very comfortable and if you book way ahead of time, inexpensive.
I first met Elisabeth when I was living in Crickhowell (AKA The Magical Town of Crickadoon) Wales almost thirty years ago and subsequently really got to know her when I had an exhibition in Brittany in 1995. She is an amazing woman involved in many different areas always helping other people. She is a good friend.
I can’t feature Elisabeth without showing her dog dear little Nouchka. Nouchka is very special…..I love her:)
And to add icing to the cake – I arrived at the cottage to find all sorts of goodies, courtesy Elisabeth and Nicole…..a lovely welcome 
During my first week, French actress Patricia Pekmezian joined me and was kind enough to sit for several portrait studies. We had a really lovely time together and talked at great length about the arts and life in general……
Patricia in the cottage garden
Towards the end of the month Alice Johnson arrived from the States….Another good friend and artist. We go back many years. We enjoyed painting together and everything else on offer….
Meanwhile, it was so lovely to spend time by the beach and to experience the wonderful fresh air. Patricia and I spent a day on L’ile de Groix – an island I would love to spend more time on. There are miles and miles of amazing coastal walks to be enjoyed and of course so perfect for sketching and painting.
The beach at Lamor- Plage
And then there were the wonderful musical concerts. Brittany much like Wales is known for its love of music and we were not disappointed on this trip. One of the concerts featured a Welsh and Breton choir….bringing home our deep connections and similarities.
During Alice’s visit we were fortunate enough to attend a big concert in the Lorient Theatre with its one thousand seats….all filled. The concert was uplifting and moving, and again cemented the positive ties that we in the UK have with so many of our European brothers and sisters.
And the glorious patisseries that can be found in every village, town and city in France….
There is so much interesting history surrounding the area…especially involving WW2…which I will write about in my second half.
