I can’t believe how much I have enjoyed your painting course. But it’s more than that, it’s a house party which lasts for 12 days…. As for Andrea’s cooking, it was second to none. Carefully thought out menus and perfectly cooked. …We have both enjoyed the mealtimes as a group and have many happy memories of the fun we had together. ….Carole and Steve, UK, 2016

Wow! 12 days has certainly flown by and I’ve enjoyed it all. After more than 25 years I have once again found my ‘art mojo’!! It feels great! … My painting technique has developed in such a short time and you have given me confidence to continue back in the UK. Thank you!… Andrea’s meals are second to none and for the first time I feel like I am eating genuine Italian food. The added bonus it that we can all get together as a group and have a laugh at the end of a hard day of painting. …Sandra, UK, 2016

This has been a unique, very successful experience for both of us. I, Marianne, had one goal: to learn as much a possible. That goal has been achieved thank to Caroline’s teaching abilities. She has really given all of herself and taught me things I always wanted to do. I couldn’t have had a better teacher! I have been floating in the air for two whole weeks. Andrea’s wonderful cooking and caretaking and the relaxing atmosphere created by the whole group has made it into a marvellous stay! … Altogether it has been great fun and far more than we expected! Thank you all. Marianne and Bjorn, Norway, 2016

These last ten days were the dog’s b******. Great fun and geat tuition and great food. Thank you. Damit Janet, UK, “2016

The post May Painting Holiday first appeared on Painting Holidays Italy.

is hard to explain – which is why I’m leaving it to someone else.

Every artist must learn through trial and error, gradually inching their way towards a system that works for them.  Pigments are more than their chromatic value and  you will find that each takes on a personality.  Here, then, is another way of looking at it:-

Imagine you’re having a party

• Cadmium yellow -The first to arrive, always in an unsustainable outfit.  Catch her early because she’s probably ordered an early cab. (She  wants to avoid crushing her frock).
  
  
• Yellow ochre – Quite dowdy and earnest, wears cornish pasty shoes.  Gets on with everyone and a really good listener. Yellow Ochre enjoys camping and communing with nature.
  
  
• Raw Umber – No personality of his own but is surprisingly well read, his input really enriches every conversation but can be a bit of a bore
  
  
  
• Sap Green – Jolly fella, can always be relied on to perk up the party.  Indispensable on picnics.
  
  
  
• Alizarin crimson – Tall, elegant, your most sophisticated friend.  She would like to chat  but people don’t approach her ‘cos she’s just too impressive.
  
  
  
  
  
• Prussian blue – Alizarin Crimson’s less handsome sidekick.  She’s interesting but she’s bitter, careful or she’ll spread her greenish hue.  Gets on surprisingly well with Burnt Sienna.
  
  
• Viridian – The tall mysterious stranger, tends to hang out in the shade, looking cool.
  
  
  
  
• Vermillion – The party joker, with a tendancy to laugh at his own jokes.  Loud but useful, has a secret thing for Cadmium yellow.
  
  
  
• Mars Black – The goth in the corner –  best left there.
  
  
  
  
• Ultramarine – A favourite friend (it’s different for everyone) although I don’t see her often I always find her profound, clever and surpisingly warm.
  
  
  
• Burnt Sienna –   She offers to solve all your problems but lands up making them ten times worse.  An inveterate and domineering meddler. What’s more she has a weak head and will soon be singing cheesy songs. You’ll have to ask her nicely to leave.  Annoyingly everyone else quite likes her.
• Titanium white – A  great organiser, someone who remembers to buy nibbles.  But beware, if you don’t keep an eye on her  she’ll turn down the music and have everyone playing demure parlour games.
  
  
• Paynes Grey – Gentle and reliable.  She quietly tidies up when everyone has gone home and you are weeping about the ruined carpet.

These are just a few of my favourites/enemies (yes, I’m thinking of you, Burnt Sienna) – everyone has their own ideas on pigment personalities.  I’d love to hear yours. 

Credits – Burnt Sienna figure:  Tracey Costescu Paynes Gray girl : Alma Stoller Sap green teapot:  Tahnee Gehm Raw umber man: Brian McNeil Viridian: Viridian two

The post The Palette – Welcome to the Pigment Party! first appeared on Painting Holidays Italy.