Dear Friend,

Having enjoyed 13 consecutive weeks of Watermill creative courses and endured a few weeks of hot weather (thanks to the three-headed Cerberus weather phenomenon and thank goodness for our extensive solar powered air-conditioning system) we are taking a break for a few weeks now before launching into the last eight courses of our 2023 season.

Thanks to our wonderful staff and our enthusiastic guests, we have had one of the most successful seasons ever, so our heartfelt thanks to all involved.

As a departure from our normal newsletters, we thought we would just show you some of the short videos we made during first part of the season , which we hope capture something of the atmosphere of a Watermill creative course. Come and join us next year and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

We call it ‘convivial creativity’ or perhaps ‘creative conviviality,’ whichever you prefer, and it’s a wonderful way to spend time in the safe haven of the Watermill with expert tuition, warm hospitality, stunning locations and delicious food and wine, all part of La Bella Vita Italiana.

Above you can see highlights from the informal exhibition at the end of Belinda Biggs’ painting week, as we sipped something fizzy in the air-conditioned cool of the studio. We particularly like the small square paper ‘concertinas’ that Belinda asked each of her students to make and to fill in the daily with vignettes during their stay - a wonderful idea for preserving memories of their week.

And here (Right) are the first impressions of Watermill guest Cristina Fontana:

If you would like to enjoy the convivial creativity of a Watermill course this year, we might just be able to squeeze you in, but we are pretty full up for the rest of the year: in fact, currently, there is only one place left on Mary Padgett’s pastel course (26 August to 2 September, see below), and one or two places left on Brienne Brown's watercolour week (16 to 23 September, see below).

All the 2023 painting courses are currently fully booked, (Mike Willdridge, 9 to 16 September, Charles Sluga, 23 - 30 September, Tim Wilmot, 30 September to 7 October, Grahame Booth, 7 - to14 October), but if you particularly fancy one of those weeks, there are often cancellations and if you get in touch via the Watermill's Contact Form, we will put you on a waiting list.

Among the other delights of Watermill creative week is quiet contemplation and concentration during our visit to the calm and tranquil nearby Convento del Carmine, an ancient monastery but now a romantic wedding venue, which is reserved for our exclusive use on Thursdays, and which includes a gourmet picnic prepared by Karsten and the Watermill team.

Of course, it’s not only our artistic guests who blossom at the Watermill. The walled garden is looking particularly splendid this year, thanks to the ministrations of Lois and our gardener, Flavio Terenzoni. Nothing looked more splendid than our Albizia tree in full bloom. Annabel Casey took this picture (left).

Moving forward, we already have more than 130 bookings for our 2024 creative courses and there are details of them below, too. And don’t forget, there is a bonus: if you book one of next year’s courses NOW, you will be able to enjoy it at 2023 prices. This offer will end on the 1st of September.

Bring a partner: there's plenty for them to do

They don’t have to participate in the course, but they will be able to enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the mill and, whenever they want, to come out with you to our beautiful locations.

We also offer a range of Alternative activities for partners on all our courses, as well as a generous £GBP 250 discount if they share a room with you.

We don’t call them hangers on! They’re NPPs (And VIPs)...

Exploring the Stunning Scenery

Last month we had another outstanding Tripadvisor review from a man who describes himself as ‘a hanger on’. He came with his sister to one of our painting courses. We know what he means, but we call the increasing number of spouses and partners who accompany their loved ones on Watermill creative courses non-participating partners, or NPPs. They are VIPs to us, too.

And there is plenty for them to do. Even though they do not have to participate in the course, they enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the mill and, whenever they want, come out with their partner to our beautiful locations.

There are plenty of other things for them to do, too: We offer a wide range of Alternative Activities for partners on all our courses, as well as a generous £GBP 250 discount if they share a room with the participant. Here’s what the Tripadvisor ‘hanger on’ had to say: “... the Watermill surpassed my expectations in every aspect. the accommodation is definitely 5 star, the staff are all friendly and welcoming and the food was outstanding. On top of it all was the planned excursions to some of the local villages and sites that just were stupendous. I thoroughly recommend staying here.”

Why don’t YOU join your partner on one of the Watermill’s world-famous creative courses, in painting, writing, knitting and Italian language. A mere a hanger on you will not be!

(Left) Enjoying convivial conversation at aperitivi time on the vine verandah
(Right)There is also the important task for NPPs of keeping the sun lounger cushions firmly in place!

Still a few places left on our 2023 creative courses

We still have a few places left on our 2023 creative courses and we would love you to join us. The latest availability is shown below. (Don't worry if a week you particularly fancy is currently fully booked: there are often cancellations and if you get in touch via the Watermill's Contact Form, we will put you on a waiting list.)

Here's our current availability for 2023:

• Painting with Mary Padgett, pastels (and other portable media), 26 August to 2 September 2023
• Painting with Brienne Brown, watercolours, 16 to 23 September 2023

If you would prefer to come NEXT year, we are already taking bookings for our 2024 creative courses (and more than 130 people have already reserved a place). You can see a preview of all our 2024 courses here.

Although 2024 may still be a long way off, to be really sure of your space, it might be sensible to book now. And just think how much warm anticipation you can enjoy, looking forward to the convivial symbiosis between fellow students, inspiring tutors and the Watermill's caring team.

Many of the 21 international tutors next year are old friends, who love returning to the Watermill, plus a handful of exciting new tutors, whose courses, we are sure, will be a great success… and don’t forget: if you book one of next year’s courses NOW, you will be able to enjoy it at 2023 prices. This offer will end at the end of August..

Time to reserve YOUR place on a 2024 Watermill creative course