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
Given the fast pace of our lives today, and the fact that so many of us are plugged into technology of one kind or another, our collective senses are being deadened.
When we first enter this world, we are naturally full of curiosity and wonder.
When we think of an apple we might visualise the iconic Apple Max symbol, or the shiny red apple that children take for their favourite teacher.
I like to begin my day with a warming up exercise. This awakens my senses and connects me to my materials and environment. With regard to subject matter – it can be anything. It is helpful to have a ‘jumping off point’. In this instance, I used a picture of an Iris. In itself very attractive as a photograph but lacking in vibrancy and energy.
Our minds tend to be conditioned by what we have been taught, rather than what we actually see or feel. When I look at this photograph, in my mind’s eye I immediately see a field of Iris infused with energy, light and shade.
It is important to note that even if your end goal is to paint a detailed, realistic image, warming up and exploring a subject in this manner will help enormously. 
If we were able to time travel back to our earliest formative years, (1 to 3) when the world appeared as a kaleidoscope of colour and shapes. When our young minds were full of wonder, we could regain our natural curiosity and love for colour and form. 
As pointed out in previous blogs…any fear of messing up a good piece of paper, can be removed by using newspaper or brown wrapping paper to start with. Simply allow yourself to put strong marks onto the paper. See all the wonderful things that your paintbrush can do….and have fun. 
A bientot 
This year I will be spending the first week in Portugal painting and writing on my own, and then the group arrives for a week of creative adventure at the school in Alhao….
I always take time out from my on line activities when I go on my trips so that I can fully focus on observing, sketching and writing…..
Which means I wont be back here until the beginning of May…..
I wish one and all a beautiful April…..filled of course, with magical hummingbirds.
A Bientôt
My Life as an Artist (2) 