Rushop Hall Art Retreat May 25th has come and gone. A lot of fun was had. Artists learnt new techniques and were given on site opportunities to practise them. Spots of rain chased some away whilst 'die hards' stayed and saved the day. We painted and drew, buildings, landscapes, trees, rivers and alpacas.Rushop Hall was a good venue to hold a painting retreat. Located in the Peak District seemingly miles from anywhere. Neil and Jan worked tirelessly producing breakfasts. Jan's 3 course dinners were varied and well received. An evening at Coco Chapel brought us tastes of Italy which has lead to ideas of an Art Retreat in the Italian Lakes. Non painters who became known as 'the walkers' were greeted with cloudless skies to trample the ridges and dales of the Hope Valley.Day three and the artists were starting to unwind. We got to know new people and made new friends. Thursday came round all too soon. An art trail in Castleton, a swop of sketch books to remind us of the retreat and it was time to say goodbye.An Art Retreat would not happen without the people who attend it

Painting Holiday in Wales - Ceiriog Valley - June 24

Our base for this years painting holiday was The Mulberry Inn. I came across the Ceiriog valley by accident during one of my 'lets go up here' moments.  One of many little valleys running below and between the hills and mountains of Wales I was impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of the people who live here.  It is only 4 miles from Llangolen a town in Wales I have been to many times, yet I had never heard of the Ceiriog Valley.

Following a winter and spring of rain, we were praying for some dry weather.  Drawing or sketching is a part of the painting experience.  Being in the outdoors in England with the sun shining is so liberating.  The more I draw from life, the more I realize how much easier it is compared to using photos.  Until you get out and start doing this, you cannot appreciate the difference.  Drawing from a photo makes everything so flat - your paintings will have more depth if you draw from life.

I like to think of myself as an animal and portrait artist, yet I have a longing to be in the great outdoors drawing and like to encourage others to do the same.

We were in the Ceiriog Valley for 4 days,  - follow our journey as 14 of us go on a creative mission.  

Our first day was spent at Pontfadog in glorious English sunshine on the banks of the Ceiriog River.  

The Swan Inn provided drinks and a toilet, the countryside the inspiration.  Some great extremes were gone to to obtain the perfect composition.  We concentrated on thumbnails to get our eye in.  One location and so many possibilities.  

 

The Mulberry Inn provided a home from home together with excellent food, comfy beds, attentive staff - overseen by Alan who runs a tight ship.  Many of us have already decided that we would like to return to this lovely hotel in the middle of the Welsh countryside.

We had a painting room that we could retire to at night and on rainy days.  Luckily this was not needed.  On the only rainy afternoon, most of us opted to visit the studio of Rosie Davies.  We were not disappointed by her openness and willingness to pass on hints and tips and talk about her art.  Her studio was a source of great inspiration - thank you Rosie.

A hi-light of the trip was a visit to the farm of Bronwyn and Don Roberts.  What lovely people who opened up their farm to us so that we could draw the farm buildings.  They gave us insight into the history of the farm, the grade 2 listed buildings and kept us entertained with tales on the life of a Welsh farmer.  Bronwyn unexpectedly brought out cakes and coffee which just made the morning perfect.

Our last day was spent in Chirk where you have the aqueduct and via duct running next to each other.  One higher than the other providing a very interesting structure spanning the valley.  This was not an easy draw with all the arches and shadows, it took all our time to keep track of which arch we were busy with.  Some of us walked over the aqueduct that carries the canal over the valley to the Caffi Wylfa, a lovely cafe where the painting break ended over a lovely lunch.