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
My workshops are all about loosening up, letting go and getting into a flow and rhythm of work and most importantly enjoying the process.
On Friday we spent the day on Armona Island. Nuno, a scientist and environmentalist takes us on his boat (approx 15 minutes). He is extremely knowledgeable about the Lagoon and the Ria Formosa National Park. From Nuno we also learn about the history of the fishing industry and folklore in and around the Algarve. 
There was much sketching on the Island and at one point in the beach Cafe at the end of the Island, we sketched and sang along to sixties music. Unfortunately I don’t seem to have pics or a sound track of that moment…….
After sketching, Joan and Dorothy take reference photographs.
Maria from Iceland, sitting in the shade at the A-3 restaurant. Maria filled her sketchbook and made many other watercolour studies…. She and her husband John were lovely additions to the group. 
Lunch at the A-3 wine bar and beach restaurant. A place I definitely look forward to returning to. 
One of the delicious dishes at the A-3 wine Bar and Restaurant. 
Saturday is market Day in Olhao. Positioned in front of the two permanent market places, it runs along the water’s edge. Filled with colour and energy, it is a place to ignite all the senses. 
I took some of these peppers back to the school. You will see in my next post that they were used creatively by members of the group.
Sunday is a studio day….where we begin to see the coming together of our observations, sketches and studies.
The pianist/singer from Bali was sublime, as was the rest of the group. There are different groups every Sunday. 
Monday we spent the day at Fuseta. Some of the group thoroughly enjoyed this and others would have preferred to stay in Olhao to work. I will be talking with Camilla and Margarida about the possibility of a Free day for Mondays. Those who wish to visit elsewhere could, others can stay in Olhao. I think many feel that the getting to a from a place disrupts the flow of work.
Along with daily demonstrations to get everyone’s juices flowing (this one focusing on shadow play) – I emphasis the need to warm up before each and every session.
Given that the School is set in the middle of the old town of Olhao…everything, including the fish/vegetable markets, water, marinas, shops, cafes, etc are within minutes walking distance. This allows for people to have a sense of independence. Should they need a break they can sketch in the surrounding alleyways or by the water….or sit in one of the numerous local cafes sketching the interesting faces of the local people.
Some of us even got to do a little dancing……my oh my what fun…….:)
And last but definitely not least…none of this could happen without the hard work and humour of dear Margarida, Joanna and Camilla…..thank you all very much. 
My next post will feature more photographs and some of the work accomplished by the group. I will post this tomorrow.
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.
I always look forward to being at the School – seeing Margarita and the rest of the team who make it feel like home, and being immersed in what I feel is one of the more conducive places to explore the creative process. This year I am looking forward to it more than ever.
One of the group sketching on Armona Island – 15 minute boat ride from the School. 
Quick sketch of fishing boats – watercolour
The studio 
Storks nesting top of one of the Olhao churches. Olhao part of the Ria Formosa National Park is a superb place for birders. 
sketching in the alley behind the School 
Playful hummingbirds to set the mood – watercolour. 
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’.
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.
Storks that nesting in Olhao. 
My Life as an Artist (2) 