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.

Having had a disastrous christmas this year thanks to the great white god, (with me snowed into my mum’s house in England and Andrea and the kids stuck in Camerino, unable to join me as planned), – snow has lost all it’s charm for me.

But from this distance though, with just the mountains snowcapped and with some sun on our backs the whole place is looking fresh and lovely.  It reminds me of an american guest who came last year and said on arrival “Tell me you don’t ever take it for granted”.   I sometimes feel the same way when I see people trotting around Camerino, about their business, paying no notice to the wealth of renaissance architecture around them.  They may think I’m abit odd as they happen across me stroking ancient stones and gazing at worn chestnut doors.

On the other hand it is virtually impossible to buy anything of any real use in Camerino.  I like to go to Fallimenti, which is a local bankrupt stock shop.  It is similar to Poundwise – suddenly it’s almost like Bethnal Green.

With the retreat of the glaciers the debis is revealed.  The bits of ugly plastic which all toys naturally become as soon as they are out of the box must be harvested. As with all harvests timing is crucial.  It must be done early in the morning when the kids have just gone to school so that there is plenty of time to get all the naked barbies into opaque (that’s crucial)  bags and hopefully off to the tip without them being any the wiser.

It is time to patch up the trampoline, think about the garden – nah – nice cup of tea first.

This week’s painting tip:  When painting in snow don’t stay out too long (see picture)

The post Glacial retreat – Barbies, collateral damage first appeared on Painting Holidays Italy.