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 had 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, Margarida, Joanna, Nuno (1) and Nuno (2) and I must not forget Carlos who opened up the doorway between the two buildings:)
Sadly the School was yet another victim of Covid!. It is dearly missed, but having said that many of us are still very much in touch and getting together in different places. It’s legacy lives on.
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.:)
People who sign up for courses at the School in Olhao – 
At this point it doesn’t matter what the subject is, the key is to open one’s eyes and begin to see so that we ready ourselves for the day’s sketching and painting.
After the morning warm up, each person then decides where they would like to sketch. Some choose to stay within the School with its endless supply of inspiration….or to go out into the surrounding alleyways and town…..all within a minute’s walk of the School.
After plein air work some members of the group bring their sketches back to the studio setting where they continue to develop their work.
Those who have followed my blog will know that I believe the creative process in its many forms is the key to mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, and so the week in Olhao is not only learning about new tools and techniques, but also experiencing those moments of deep contentment and wellbeing that the creative process can bring.
I believe that by loosening up we advance our observational skills. Regardless of what kind of work we would like to develop,….the loosening up process will help you to reach your goal. 
After a morning of sketching – we then join together for lunch at 1 p.m.
We then work from 4 p.m. til 6 ish.
And….lovely Joanna, who does the housekeeping and makes our breakfast every day, brought the twins to see us….who have grown so much.
I couldn’t possibly finish this post without sharing the beautiful portrait of me drawn by six year old Beatrice….(sister to Charlotte)….I will always cherish this.
For more images of the group’s work you can go to Art in the Algarve on Facebook 
A Bientôt
I can’t believe that it’s almost that time of the year again when courses start up at the School in Olhao Portugal – 
Those who follow my blog will know that I take a break from all social media including my blog when I go away to paint.
I will be back here at the beginning of May…..
My Life as an Artist (2) 