‘Creativity can be described as letting go of certainties’. Gail Sheehy
This watercolour was painted by Ginny, one of the group in Olhao Portugal last week. 
Throughout my years of painting and teaching, I have heard so often the frustration of those who would like to explore their creativity, but who always seem to find that life gets in the way!
The School in Portugal is a place where we can immerse ourselves into the creative process. Water colour warm up exercises at the beginning of each session, along with sketch books enable us to let go of all the stuff we carry around in our day to day lives. We are able to explore possibilities and take risks, not worrying about outcomes.
We were a harmonious group of twelve with two additions. Geoff Levitus, an Australian artist http://www.geofflevitus.com, who is tutoring a group this week joined us for meals and conversation, and during the final two days Keith, Ginny’s husband joined us. Both brought a great deal to the week. 
We had lovely sunshine and warm temps for most of the week, plus one night of storms which made for interesting and very paintable skies, and one day of rain…..but did we let it deter us???….not at all! I love this photograph of us on our way to the Saturday market:) 
We spent a perfect day on Armona Island and as always was treated to a delicious lunch of fresh grilled fish and vegetables at Armona 4 restaurant. sketchbooks were in full use.
Armona Island – 15 minute boat ride from Olhao. 
After a delicious breakfast, thanks to Joanna, each day begins with demonstrations. The group can then choose to paint in the School or around the town. Some prefer to paint alone and others in a group. Lunch is served at 1 p.m. and then we have a two hour free period. We meet again at 4 p.m. when I give more demonstrations and the group continues to work until approx. 6.30.
Those who have followed my blog will know that I often refer to the School as having a touch of Faulty Towers. One of our group Deborah had just returned from India and said she thought the School reminded her a little of The Marigold Hotel…..and she is right. It is a perfect place to explore creativity, to let go and to laugh a lot.
From the top level of the School with pool overlooking the rooftops of old Olhao. There is another pool in one of the downstairs courtyards. 
I find the School to be one of the best places to explore the creative process. Set on many levels with all sorts of areas for private or group work – it is perfect. Added to that is the wonderful family atmosphere provided by the team…….I love seeing Joanna and Margarida’s children growing year by year…..
Joanna, Margarida and Camilla…..A fantastic team
Watercolour, painted by Jayanthi showing a lovely sunny day in the park. 
We had some lovely and unexpected surprises. Dora Keogh, another of the School’s tutors had an exhibition in the town. http://www.dorakeogh.com Dora’s work is excellent and we all enjoyed the evening. 
All Dora’s paintings were based on Olhao. 
We were also introduced to the Republic Community Centre – A beautiful old building with superb gallery space plus a bar and terrace and a really lovely large courtyard. The paintings on display were of a high calibre….and it was much fun to meet more local artists who like many who attend the School come from around the world.
I like the shadow play of these trees against the yellow ochre/sienna walls in the courtyard at the Republic. Definitely a place to paint next time. 
Minutes from the school is 4Elementos Ceramics & Azulejo – a shop and studio owned by artists Celia and Oswald. They very kindly allow members of the group to paint in the charming patio behind the studio and over the years have become friends.
Celia in her studio….at 4Elementos Ceramics & Azulejo
The patio behind the studio at 4Elementos Ceramics and Azulejo
Given the techno charged fast pace of our lives today, it often seems that our collective senses are being deadened.
As we constantly try to fill the ever widening holes within us with more and more frenetic activity, frustration levels grow.
When we take time to feed our senses through the creative process, in all its many forms, miraculous changes can and do occur, leading to a sense of well being and fulfilment.
Looking down into one of the courtyards from my room 
watercolour by Olga
Our final day coincided with the Carnation Revolution celebrations….Here are some of the group celebrating the occasion. 
I can’t write a blog without mentioning the Magical Hummingbirds. They were clearly with us all the way on this trip. I enjoyed a really meaningful conversation on my way to the airport with, Peter, one of the visiting Australians and (this is a bit of an inside joke for those attending this week) I had a beautiful little eleven month old girl sitting next to me on the plane.:)
Also, as a lovely blob of icing on the cake, I got to see my friend Vicki Snaddon who runs the lodge in Belize http://www.pookshilllodge.com A magical place filled with hummingbirds. I will be seeing Vicki again in September.
There are many more photographs of the groups work…which can be found on the facebook page of Art in the Algarve.
I am off to Boston on Thursday morning and will be gone from here until June, at which point I will catch up with the blogs of all my friends.
OBSERVATON OBSERVATION OBSERVATION – and remember to carry a sketch book at all times.
A bientot
Janet http://www.janetweightreed.co.uk
I have written several blogs about the School and how conducive it is to the creative process. David Clarke, founder of the School clearly understood what was needed. He was a man of vision, and I for one will always be grateful for his gift to artists.
Somewhat like the Tardis the outside doesn’t give away its many different levels, rooms, studio, and courtyards.
Given that the School sits in the middle of the old town of Olhao, which is a working fishing town – it is not necessary to get into a car during the entire week. Everything one could need is within minute’s walking distance…..and for many sketching and painting around the town is an endless source of interest and inspiration
Olhao history is long and fascinating…..Dating back to Roman times, with a clear influence from the Moors and Northern Africa, (400 miles away) Much of the town is in need of restoration…however, this gives it a special kind of charm. It is not the usual golf course, commercial touristy Algarve that we tend to see on advertisements….it is quite unique and very ‘earthy’.
Two of the many old doors that can be seen throughout the town…..along with decorative tiles 
Marry the character of the town with the fish markets, busy fishing port and the beautiful Barrier Islands which are just fifteen minutes away, part of the Ria Formosa National Park, and it soon becomes apparent that there is much to explore, observe and paint.
My Life as an Artist (2) 