We have learnt now that for some reason different nationalities come in waves.  This month we had a distinctly Netherlands feel with artists from Holland, Belgium and Isreal of dutch abstraction.  Virginie (Belgium) was one of our youngest visitors at 28 and painted a great oil painting of the vespa – we have discovered that as many people are seduced by the idea of painting the vespa as the landscape – whatever, they are both so definitely Italy.    Tilly (Isreal) was our oldest visitor at 89, definitely young at heart both she and Jenni added their warmth and enthusiasm to the group, even if Jenni doesn’t want to admit that there is an oil painter struggling to get out from the watercolourist.  Margriet (Holland) was interested in abstraction and went on a particularly joyous journey moving through an olive stump, the landscape, the vespa and a particularly wonderful rendition of the hipbone – whose we do not know.

Also joining us was Rona from Northumberland, a veteran from many painting holidays she was fascinating to talk to.  She blossomed with the increased personal attention of the relatively small group of five, explaining that she had learnt more with us than on any of her other previous jaunts.  Discussing with Andrea we have decided that that will be our niche.  Small intimate and intensive groups, so that we can continue to send people away so very happy and relaxed.