We are so pleased that we are beginning our second painting course of the year, in watercolours, with our old friend and inspiring painting tutor Mike Willdridge. It is a small, but very select group of people who have battled their way from the United States, Sweden and Portugal to be with us this week. Our thanks to them for the travel tenacity and for their support as we make our way through the bureaucracy surrounding travel during Covid. (Actually, it is much, much easier than the bureaucrats and politicians often make out, and form-filling document-showing are usually very straightforward. Nonetheless, we admire the courage of our guests and their determination to reach us.) Now we are looking forward to the convivial, relaxing and inspiring week with Mike.
Today we’ll be painting around the Watermill; tomorrow we go to a new location, the ‘small but perfectly formed’ town of Pontremoli, with its mediaeval castle museum of prehistoric statues. On Tuesday it’s back to the market in Fivizzano, for sketching the purchase of local products, like pecorino cheese and porcini mushrooms.
Throw in an excursion to Lucca or the Cinque Terre, a visit to paint a tranquil monastery and a thousand-year-old village with magnificent views of the mountains and the week is complete.
Mike has also ‘scouted’ a lovely scene very near the Watermill, which we pass every day. Here is a pen and ink study:
We are so pleased that our creative courses are at last underway. We have another five to come this year, one of them our Italian language course, the others, painting. and we would love you to join us for inspiring tuition, warm hospitality, stunning scenery, delicious food and the convivial company of like-minded people. Reserve yourself a space now. You know you deserve it!
Below is the up-to-date list of our internationally renowned creative courses. And remember, you will be Cool and Green at the Watermill: all our rooms are fully air-conditioned part by our hidden photovoltaic cells which make us self-sufficient in electricity.
Brienne M Brown
18 – 25 September 2021
Watercolours
To learn more about Brienne and her course at the mill, please visit her 2021 Profile Page.
Tim Wilmot
2 – 9 October 2021
Watercolours
To learn more about Tim and his course at the mill, please visit his 2021 Profile Page.
Ali Hargreaves
9 – 16 October 2021
Watercolours
To learn more about Ali and her course at the mill, please visit her 2021 Profile Page.
Francesca La Sala
16-23 October 2021
A novel approach to learning Italian
To learn more about Francesca and her course at the Watermill, please click here.
Grahame Booth
23 – 30 October 2021
Watercolours
To learn more about Grahame and his course at the mill, please visit his 2021 Profile Pag