Mary Padgett, a passionate pastellist* from Syracuse, New York, USA, came to the Watermill for the first time last summer – and we all had an amazing time. After her return to the USA she wrote: “If you have ever wanted to come on one of my European trips, next year is the year to do it! We’ll be at the beautiful and historic Watermill where our hosts, Bill and Lois Breckon, provide generous hospitality and the perfectly planned itinerary to give us an ideal week of painting and immersion into rural Tuscany.â€
*Mary will work in soft pastel, but is also skilled in oils and acrylics and is happy to help those who would like to paint in those mediums too. She says: “My role is to create a supportive working environment, which will encourage creative exploration, and further each participant’s evolution as an artist.â€
Mary says: “There is no better way to visit Italy than as a plein air artist! We’ll focus on observation with all our senses; looking, listening, and smelling the unique character of the Tuscan landscape to create drawings and paintings from the experience.â€
One of last year’s students said of her week at the Watermill: “My list of appreciations is long, but foremost is that every detail is accounted for – there are simply NO logistical hitches! guests are totally free to both pursue what they came to do – in my case painting – and to enjoy the beautiful surroundings (of which I took at least 1,000 photographs).
“Nothing was lacking – the facilities are a wonderful blend of history, beauty, and functionality; the food is plentiful, soulful, and clearly made by hand; the house wines are lovely (not to mention the daily aperitivi and digestivi); and the espresso flows at any time of day. the hosts even lent me a mat and weights so I could continue my daily workout routine. there were absolutely no extra charges or fees.
In short, my painting tutor was able to totally focus on her students in this environment – what an amazing luxury.â€
Tutor Mary Padgett herself wrote: “It was an absolute pleasure to teach at the Watermill. You and Lois have created an ideal environment for artist guests. We all felt welcomed and well-cared for throughout the week.
“Our painting sites exceeded my expectations, each one distinct and each with a variety of options. I’ve taught workshops in Spain, France, and at another location in Italy and the Watermill gets my vote as the best.â€
She added: “This is a gem of a place and I encourage you to go there, it is a fabulous experience!
If you would like to take advantage of our Early Bird discount offer: £75 (British pounds) off Mary’s 2023 painting course, you better hurry. The offer expires on 31 December 2022, so you’ve only a day or two left.
Mary Padgett
26 August – 2 September 2023 – still plenty of places
Pastels (and other portable media) en plein air
To learn more about Mary and her course at the mill, please visit her 2023 Tutor Profile Page.