‘A gem of a place’ ‘Amazing luxury’ ‘Soulful food‘ Come and paint at the Watermill with passionate pastellist Mary Padgett and discover its delights for yourself

We had a tremendous feedback from pastellist* Mary Padgett’s first painting course here last year and we are looking forward to welcoming her again next Autumn.

 Here’s what some of the participants on last year’s course had to say: “I was so pleased with my experience at the Watermill. The attention to detail was impressive–well cared for property, clean rooms (all with own bathrooms) with amenities and regular housekeeping, delicious meals, logistics for each day’s activity well-planned and precise; I did not have to worry about anything except focusing on my painting which is what I went there to do! …This is a gem of a place!”

Another guest said: “ I feel so lucky to have spent a week at the watermill and I give it my most enthusiastic recommendation. 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 1000 photographs.

“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.”

Tutor Mary herself says: “It was an absolute pleasure to teach at the Watermill. You have created an ideal environment for artist guests. My husband, Buzz, and I, and all in my group, felt welcomed and well-cared for throughout the week. I’ve taught workshops in Spain, France, and at another location in Italy and The Watermill gets my vote as the best.”

*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.

Mary Padgett is a passionate pastellist from Syracuse, New York, USA. She 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.”

Remember that you will be Cool and Green at the Watermill: all our public rooms (including the studio) and all our bedrooms are air-conditioned, powered by our hidden array of photovoltaic panels which make us self-sufficient in electricity.

We have already saved more than 35 tonnes of carbon dioxide by using the sun instead of conventional power stations and in an extraordinary new deal we are making sure that all our guests are ‘plastic neutral ‘during their stay with us. We will more than offset all our plastic use by removing the equivalent of 40,000 plastic bottles polluting the oceans this year. You can find out how the Watermill is Cooler and Greener than ever before by clicking here.

Mary Padgett
26 August – 2 September 2023
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.