Introduction.
The dramatic history, scenery and light of Catalonia have inspired a huge variety of artistic expressions, seen everywhere in rural architecture, pottery and the versatile use of wood. Dali, Gaudi and Picasso are all Catalonian Artists of international standing. While not aspiring to the latter, we are able to offer a series of courses utilizing the unique landscapes of two National Parks, a rich, traditional rural area, distinct villages and historic buildings and of course - the Mediterranean.
I have purposely designed each one of the courses to offer a slightly more interactive approach................
Course 1. Seascape.
Fishing ports,rocky coves and the delta of the Ebro offer widely contrasting scenery on the Costa Duarada.Expect a sunrise breakfast on the beach and plenty of time in and around the picturesque fishing harbour of L'ampolla.The artistic emphasis will be on composition and depth of colour as well as a variety of form using acrilics and water colours
Course 2. Landscape in texture
This is an exciting multimedia course especially in acrylics which uses,as a starting point,a visit to the world heritage cave paintings of Ulldecona and to the ancient 2000 year old olive groves on the Via Augusta. A passage of time is written in stone terraces,Islamic settlements,medieval churches and monasteries.
Other than 1 or 2 finished pieces,students will be able to take home large quantities of material for future developement,as well as some very memorable experiences.
Course 3. Form and colour in traditional buildings
Local materials and the effects of time as well as the historic variety of form offer many challenges when representing traditional buildings.Using pastels,acrylics and watercolours students will have the opportunity to work in medieval Tortosa with its Arab influence and in the village of Miravet,a knights Templar stronghold ,Miravet castle,set up to guard and monitor the river Ebro and its ancient cargoes of olives.More important than detail,for some people,will be the portrail of the sense of timelessness and continuity in human settlement.
Course 4. A Rural landscape.
Working in charcoal,pastels and water colours,the stunning hilltop village of Horta de St Joan is the starting point of this course.A visit to the Picasso museum to view his early drawings.
" Here I learnt all I needed to know of Spain ".
Enjoy freetime to sketch in the narrow cobbled streets or the many plazas in the village or the surronding vineyards and olive groves.We also experience the sense of continuous tradition and allow painting time at a rural working wine museum.Work will then continue back on the farm.
All of the courses are suitable for beginners upward
....................................................................................................................................................................................
Non painting partners are more than welcome, please come along, get involved in the excursions and field trips if you wish. Fancy something different, the Ebro valley offers a range of water related pastimes, river trips, shore fishing and guided cat fishing adventures to name a few. www.catfishingadventures.co.uk
The Delta itself comprises of miles of near deserted beaches, ideal for bird spotting and photography or just watching the fishing boats returning to port in the early evening with their catches.
The Via Verde or green route is a series of walks covering most of Spain. The local Via verde is a converted railway line and a fairly easy stroll taking you from Tortosa, along the river, through and over many gorges leading into the mountains.
A varied selection of guided walking trips into the Els Port Natural park can be easily arranged during your stay with us,just click on the following link for more details www.ebrotours.com.
If all this seems to energetic there is always a good selection of books and a glass of wine by the pool.
Course Dates 2009
For full groups of 6 booking as a single party we can pre arrange courses and course dates to suit,dependant upon guest prefered flight times.Please contact us in advance for details and availability.
After a friendly chat,introduction and refreshments upon your arrival with Lorna..... The courses are run over 5 days and start in the morning,finishing when possible by mid afternoon,giving plenty of time for sightseeing,enjoying a glass of local wine on the pool terrace,reading notes or whatever takes your fancy whilst taking in the views down the valley.
Light refreshments and tapas lunches are provided for during the day at the farm and on the field trips, however guests wishing to try something a little more substantial at one of the many bars and restaurants during the field trips may feel free do so at cost to themselves.
Because of size, weight and more recent security regulations guests are advised to bring along their own brushes,spatulas, palettes,sketch pads and a selection of paints in their main hold luggage.Solvents and thinners will not be allowed on the plane so we have these available,otherwise consumables are available from Lorna.
Easels, tables and chairs are provided. A digital camera is a bonus.Together with internet access at the farm and a 1 hour digital process shop in Tortosa, photos can be stored quickly to disk or on line. The town of Tortosa is home to 2 very reputable art accessory shop together with many fine galleries.