Andalucia, Spring Flowers and Painting in Rural Spain
“Andalucia is one of the most beautiful corners of Europe, where the excesses of modern life do not seem to have taken root and travellers are welcomed as honoured guests. Beloved by Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway, it is the Spain of Carmen, Figaro and Flamenco. Rich with the legacies of the Moors and Romans its charm and serenity will captivate you.” Sunday Times
Thursday 21st March to Thursday 28th, 2019, Painting Week or
In March join us for art and culture in the Axarquía. This week is a chance to explore and paint this unspoilt, spring landscape. All artists, regardless of ability, from beginner to the more experienced artist will enjoy the beautiful challenge.
The hills and orchards of Andalucía will be alive with the signs of Spring. The countryside will be covered in spring flowers and blossom, with farming villages, and the ancient cultural centre of Malaga showing signs of the change of seasons.
For an all-inclusive week fee of £1550 all meals will be catered by the house chef, drinks and snacks provided as well as transport to and from Casa Rosa, an elegant and beautifully appointed country mansion.
Kate Measham, an experienced artist and teacher, will tutor the group from the exquisite setting of Casa Rosa , (do look at the Casa Rosa website) with our host, Rosie Tatham welcoming you to her home.
Kate Measham
Kate has been teaching and running courses in Hampshire for over 10 years including regular courses on the Greek Island Zakynthos.
Having studied ‘Visual Art through Drawing’ at Winchester School of Art, Kate has since expressed her ideas through a range of media in painting, drawing, printing, wood-turning and teaching, always using her imagination and expressing those ideas figuratively or semi abstractly.
Drawing is the cornerstone of Kate’s work and she is keen to encourage her students to explore, investigate, be intuitive and imaginative through drawing.
Despite the energy, strength and colour of Kate’s artistic style, she is not interested in inculcating a house style, but in encouraging students to find their own voice and helping them to develop the necessary skills to explore it.
She has exhibited at Josie Eastwood Gallery, The Angelus Gallery, Fisherton Mill, and other spaces.
Locally Sourced Food and Wine
The week will have a house party feel with most meals being eaten together. Casa Rosa sits in the middle of its own orchards and early spring will see blossom in the orchards with wild flowers at every turn.
Local wine will be available plus copious amounts of tea, coffee and other soft drinks. Rosie tries to use local produce will be used for delicious meals with a Spanish slant (See below jamon iberico, waiting to be chosen for tapas in the evenings). She visits the local markets to ensure we have delicious, fresh food from the area.
Rosie is a talented chef. She is the daughter of a diplomat and spent many years travelling the world and discovering different gastronomic delights. For this week we have her daughter, Jessica as in house chef. Jessica trained at Ballymaloe and has her own catering business and pop-up market salad bar.
Rosie and Jessica will attempt to accommodate any nutritional requirements, but please give them good warning before you arrive.
The Artists’ Day
Breakfast will be a rolling affair from 8.30 – 9.30.
At 10.00 there will be a three-hour, taught morning session followed by a delicious and healthy lunch, a possible siesta and time to work on your own projects.
Tuition will resume at 5.00 for a further 2 hours of painting, or drawing. After the evening session, everyone will gather for drinks and supper.
There will be many opportunities for discussion and analysis – if wanted – over wine, olives and food.
What to Expect on the Course
The week will be suitable for everyone, from beginners to the experienced.
Projects will be personalised to meet all skill levels.
The course will be based at Casa Rosa using the studio there and enjoying the panoramic views of dramatic mountains, olive covered farmland and mature, colourful gardens and grounds.
You will work on both quick sketches and paintings and longer projects, looking at how to capture a feeling of place and atmosphere. Colour, palette, tone, mark making, and composition will form the basis of the week.
Risks, experimentation and new approaches will be encouraged.
A sketchbook diary of the week will help you to recall all when you return home.
There will be a rest day in the middle of the week. Various activities will be on offer such as walking, or visiting the village of Periana. You may prefer to sit by the pool, catch up on a painting project, or read a book. Participants are free to join in the lessons as much as they like, or to sit some of them out and instead enjoy the facilities offered at Casa Rosa and its surrounding area, the Axarquía.
There is a tennis court, swimming pool, delightful gardens and table tennis to divert you (if you need diverting). You can use the studio at anytime.
Partners may accompany artists and simply relax and enjoy Casa Rosa.
The group will not exceed 12 artists but non-painting partners are welcome.
The Boring Bits
Thursday 21st March to Thursday 28th March, 2019.
£1,550 includes full board, with your own room and ensuite.
There is no single supplement.
However, if two artists book together, and share a room, they will get a £200 reduction, each. For a non-participating partner sharing a room there is a fee of £1150. A deposit of £300/person secures a place on this course
Collection and return to Malaga Airport at the beginning and end of your stay are included in the price if you choose to book our suggested flights.
Transport as necessary to the sites we visit will also be included. For any further errands a taxi service is available.
If you wish to be more independent there are a number of car hire companies at Malaga airport.
Nearer departure Kate will send a list of suggested equipment. We can supply some art equipment such as solvents, paints, canvas etc (to leave more space in your suitcase), and arrange for a courier to bring back your work – please tell us what you want. There will be cartridge paper, drawing boards, and easels available free of charge.
We advise you to have travel insurance.
If you want to chat about the trip please contact:
Kate Measham on kate@artdrawpaint.com or T:+44 01980 863155
Or Rosie Tatham on rosie@tatham.biz or T:07940 833025