ACTIVITIES at WATERCOLOURS IN SPAIN
The day you arrive for your painting holiday we will first of all book you into your apartment. Some of the apartments are not available before 4pm and so if you arrive before then we can provide coffee on our own large terrace. The first day's activities will officially begin at 5pm to give you time to unpack and freshen up. This will consist of a short welcome talk by myself and the tutor, followed by a short painting exercise, and then a buffet supper.
Most other days will begin at 9.30 am with tea, coffee, juice, croissants and fruit on our delightful terrace overlooking the sea, while your tutor outlines the day's activities. These are likely to comprise a short demonstration of technique, followed by the opportunity to create a finished product for yourself, such as the one below. Sometimes you will go out into the beach or countryside to paint, and we provide lightweight chairs to take with you should you need them.
And because we keep classes to a maximum of 8, there is ample time for individual advice and guidance.
After a light lunch there will be an opportunity to continue with your painting, or if you prefer, to explore the area further on your own or with a friend. Nigel, our tutor, will be on hand to offer advice if you wish to continue to paint.
In the evening there will either be dinner on the terrace, or we will visit one of the local bars and restaurants to experience what the area has to offer.
Some evenings there may be an additional demonstration at some point in the evening - perhaps if there is a particularly nice sunset to watch. Below is the view from the rear of our lovely terrace.
Mid-week there will also be an excursion to beautiful and historic Seville, where you can enjoy and explore this magnificent city, a city where Moorish and Christian traditions and architecture frequently merge. Famed for tapas and flamenco, Seville has been called the beating heart of Spain. Tapas is to be found in almost every bar and if you're very lucky you might experience a spontaneous outburst of flamenco.
But this is your holiday of course and so every activity is optional. If you feel you'd like to take some time away from painting, there are a number of additional activities available, though these will be at an extra cost.
For instance the area is a golfer's paradise and we could if you wish arrange a morning's or an afternoon's golf for you. Or you might prefer to experience a thrilling boat ride up the Guadiana river, or perhaps a jeep ride through the Donana National Park. Or if you prefer, you can spend time exploring Ayamonte, or simply enjoy the gorgeous beach on your doorstep and stroll amongst the little bars, perhaps watching the fishing boats unload. At beach bar La Sonrisa there is often live music and occasionally flamenco. And if you feel like a little exertion, you can always take one of my kites to the beach, or join someone in a game of paddle tennis in our private courts (bats, balls and rules provided). A short stroll away there are municipal, full-sized tennis courts.
Non-painting partners are welcome and you will be included in all meals and activities, including the excursion to Seville. The activities outlined above are all available to you, or you might like to explore the little streets of Ayamonte in greater depth, with its pretty squares, ancient churches and interesting boutiques. Have coffee or tapas in elegant Laguna Square, so called because it is constructed over what was once a lake. From Ayamonte you can take a 10 minute ferry ride aross to the little Portuguese town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio, where you can pick up bargains in pottery and household linens, as well as treat yourself to lunch in one of the many restaurants along the quay or up one of the little side streets. For non-drivers there is a regular bus service into Ayamonte. Or you are welcome to come and lounge on my terrace - maybe try out my jacuzzi - and join us for morning coffee and afternoon tea.
If you'd like to know more about the opportunities for golf, then read my article. As well as golf there is also a bowling green at the Isla Canela course, and on a couple of mornings both the golf club and the bowls club hold 'roll-up' sessions where you can find others ready to include you in a match. Watercolours in Spain. Painting holidays in the Costa de la Luz.
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