Passionate pastellist Mary Padgett recently tutored her first painting course at the Watermill. And she’s just penned,this charming reflection on her time with us. She says in her latest newsletter: “I spent the first week of May in Tuscany, in Lunigiana, an off-the-beaten-track district in the province of Massa Carrara. I went there to teach a plein air workshop at The Watermill, a compound of beautifully renovated buildings along the river Rosaro and adjacent to the tiny village of Posara.â€
Mary adds: “The Watermill’s location is spectacular. Water still passes through the five-hundred-year-old mill where long ago wheat and chestnuts were ground for flour and olives were pressed. Posara’s church bell still rings at the hour. Iris and roses in the gardens were showing vivid color and Flavio, the gardener, was preparing the soil for tomato plants. Low, wooded hillsides surrounded us with the higher peaks of the Alpi Apuane beyond. We painted around the mill and in wonderfully diverse sites in those hills: castles, medieval towns, and a restored monastery.
“The entire week went beyond my expectations. Credit goes to owners Lois and Bill Breckon, most gracious, welcoming, and experienced hosts. Our meals were outstanding. The sites they transported us to for painting were well considered and inspiring. For all of us the painting was rewarding, and yet even more satisfying was the shared community spirit we created during our week together.
“This is a gem of a place and I encourage you to go there, it is a fabulous experience! I’m going back next year for the week of August 26- September 2. Click here for The Watermill’s 2023 program.â€
Thank you, Mary for your very kind words. There are always delighted when tutors and pupils alike are inspired by their creative weeks at the Watermill. When you hear about the delights from me, you might say ‘Well, he would say that, wouldn’t he?’ So, it is good to hear that others love the unique ambience of the Watermill as much as we.
Come and join us and find out for yourself. We still have a few places left on our 2022 painting courses and, as Mary says, you can find out about our 2023 programme by clicking here. And don’t forget, if you book now you can enjoy a 2023 Watermill painting course course at 2022 prices.