The second week began with the arrival of my good friend the artist Bonnie Halsey Dutton http://www.bonniehalseydutton.com Bonnie, who had travelled from the Black Hills of South Dakota with her group, was to give the next weeks course at the School in Olhao.
Bonnie Halsey Dutton – artist – http://www.bonniehalseydutton.com 
During the thirty years I have known Bonnie we have shared many experiences and on occasion have worked together. Extremely talented and organised she always does what she says she will do – something I really appreciate. Next year she will be running a workshop in the Black Hills of S. Dakota. I will write more about this at a later date.
Bonnie’s group in Olhao. Interestingly I had met at least one of the group when I visited and worked in Spearfish, S. Dakota about 20 years ago! Small world. 
Together with Bonnie in Deadwood, S. Dakota – 1998. Just about to hold up the local bank!
After a day of rest another artist friend, Vicki Snaddon arrived at the School to take me back to her farm, about an hour and half drive north of Olhao.
Although I stopped driving 25 years ago when I returned to Europe, sometimes I enjoy being a passenger in new territory, as was the case this day. So much to see.
Being in the lovely and private setting of the farm gave us the opportunity to relax and talk….about art, life in general, and of course Pooks Hill Lodge where hummingbirds abound and where Vicki spends half her year. http://www.pookshilllodge.com
Pooks Hill Lodge – http://www.pookshilllodge.com – Belize. 
A lovely place to stay…..right in the midst of Mother Nature’s bounty. 
Vicki Snaddon – at the farm in Portugal – a place where I could spend much time painting. 
The light was so lovely. 
After a morning of sketching, the following afternoon we drove to the Marina de Lagos Art Academy for an exhibition.
When in Portugal, Vicki goes to the Academy every week for life drawing sessions, given by artist, Kasia Wrona, who I met and liked very much.
A great picture of Kasia and Vicki at the exhibition
The work on display was by photographer, Jacek Ulinski (to the right of the picture). The Marina is in the background….All in all a very smart space, a very different vibe from the the School in Olhao. 
Sunday we drove back to Olhao just in time to join Bonnie and her group for the jazz session at Cafe Cantaloupe where we enjoyed Miguelo Delgado Motu Cordis. What a great jazz venue this is. 
In my first ‘overview’ blog about the trip, I showed my group in front of a black and white mural which is on the side of the local super market. It depicts the hard working fishermen and women who inhabit Olhao – a working fishing town.
The following are better pictures of some of the panels…..Unfortunately because of the way it is set up I can’t take the whole mural in one image. I am trying to find out who the artist is. 
This picture of my group in front of one of the panels, gives a better idea of the scale.
After another day of relaxation and sketching, it was time to return to London.
Portugal, and especially Olhao, have become very special to me. It never ceases to inspire.
Somewhat different from hummingbirds, this is the kind of wildlife that abounds in the Ria Formosa National Park.…close to Olhao. – watercolour
A Bientôt
After working with a group for the first week, fellow artist and good friend Bonnie Halsey Dutton 
watercolour
I With its courtyards, communal areas and excellent studio space, plus shops, cafes, markets, Lagoon all within a few minutes walk from the school – plus of course the wonderful Margarida and Joanna who take care of all our needs….what more could an anyone wish for.
The studio. 
The 150 year old Olive Tree that meanders from one of the courtyards up through the three levels of the school. You can see the blue of the roof top pool through the tree. 
watercolour
This has been one of the best years I can remember. I have visited places, friends and family I love and along the way enjoyed wonderful conversations and much laughter. I am so grateful for this moment in time and that I have been able to focus on what is truly of value in my life.
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!
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.
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.
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…..
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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.:)
My Life as an Artist (2) 