Have you ever tried a painting holiday before? More to the point have you ever painted before? Before last week I would have answered ‘no’ to the above, but always thought it was something I would like to try. Having gone through the extreme nightmare of treatment for breast cancer I decided to give this tired mummy of two young children a break. The competition on JoeDaisy studio website caught my eye & two months later I was ecstatic to discover I was the winner.
For me Marbella suggested tat & greasy breakfast bars with large flatscreens. I clearly wasn’t up to date with ‘ The only way is Essex’. The beach front is stunning, with rows of statuesque palm trees disappearing down the promenade. Restaurants and cafes cram the pavements, with tempting spanish tapas, gazpacho and marinaded achovies. The old town is a maze of tiny streets, each one shaded by white washed building whose balconies are an abundance of dazzling bougainvillea. The backdrop to the town, the dramatic Sierra de las Nieves, a mountainous biosphere reserve.
Has this whetted your appetite? It just gets better. Airport transfers courtesy of Alex were smooth, the charming hotel in the Old Town polite and friendly and the meals all included in our package were tasty and healthy. Not to have to think about what to cook and prepare it a treat in itself!
As a nervous beginner, I was anxious about painting outdoors, reluctant to share whatever creation came out of my paint brush with random passersby. However the first morning was a joy. Caroline took us to the beach and we all took a sun lounger each, shading under the raffia sunshades. My anxiety was put to the back of my mind as i listened to the seagulls, the crashing waves, the Spanish children playing and laughing. Sketching what we saw was liberating, it didn’t matter if it was just a few lines here and there, just playing with the paper and pencil and having fun was important. I was particularly amused by an elderly man with his crucifix bling, his mobile phone and his expensive shades, I hope he didn’t notice me jotting it all down.
Sally's brilliantly composed painting from the1st day (complete with well observed 'bling'!!!
The afternoon, back in the studio, was spent putting onto canvas our sketched beach memories. We learnt about such critical matters as the golden ratio, ie. where you should put stuff on your canvas, the preparation of your canvas and how to use the paint. Caroline managed to balance teaching with the freedom to express ourselves (even if we weren’t sure what that was!). Exhilarating and frustrating in equal measures, as what evolves on the canvas isn’t always what you imagine in your head. Nevertheless by the end of the day I had painted a picture. Who’d of thought it.
As the week progressed, we painted in-situ, hugely structural botanical plants in Parque a la Alameda, sketched in the delightful mountain village of Monda, we tackled perspective in the old town and we made abstract observations of objects in the wonderful Parque de la Constitucion. Everyday I finished a painting, some with more success than others. Whether sitting or walking, sketching or painting, each activity held its own level of fascination and absorption. I lost myself and found a new way of looking.
Sally's sensational painting - painted 'plein air' in oils - in situ in Parque Alameda
I left Marbella with many special memories, the feeling that perhaps I might be able to paint after all, the blue skies, the heat and the laid back lifestyle, but best of all the memories of the special people you meet and share these new experiences with, Caroline, Alex and my fellow students, Esther (my sister-in -law), Mary from Dublin and Terese from Madrid. Thank you for making this a week to treasure.
Sally can certainly paint! Look at this gem - brilliant concept, well painted and totally exciting!! (After our 'Abstract' session).
