Walk and sketch in the inspirational setting of the Alpujarras in Andalusia as we Follow The Song Of The Brush – To Casa Ana

Your sketching gear is in your rucksack, the sun is shining and the air is laden with the scent of spring flowers and wild herbs. Our boots will tread the paths of the Alpujarra as I lead you on a journey – a journey to Follow The Song Of The Brush, walking and sketching in this most inspirational of landscapes.

The location

South of the Spanish city of Granada lies the Alpujarra, a mountainous area of outstanding natural beauty. At their highest, the peaks rise up to 3400m, but at lower levels the landscape is dotted with small white painted villages, all interlinked by a network of footpaths and old mule trails.

One such village is Ferreirola, nestled in the gorge of the Rio Trevelez, surrounded by wooded slopes and dominated by the tower of the church overlooking the village plaza. This will be our base for the week, from which we will walk out into the landscape, sketch books at the ready!

Your accommodation

Just a few steps from the village plaza, but in a secluded side street, lies Casa Ana, an ancient farmhouse that has been completely renovated to become a residential centre for creativity and nature. The guest rooms have comfortable beds in stylish rooms with beamed ceilings and traditional tiled bathrooms with high pressure rain showers. Thick walls keep the rooms cool in summer and in winter they are heated with under floor heating. You can see more about Casa Ana on their website.

The holiday will be all inclusive, with the exception of your flight. Transport from the airport, accommodation, and all meals are included.

Walking

The plan will be to walk the paths of the Alpujarra, pausing to paint and sketch, connected to the landscape in that most ancient of ways, through our senses and through our feet.

The walking will not be too arduous or lengthy, but you should be prepared for a mile or two on mountain trails. We will usually walk out from Casa Ana, but we may drive to one of the nearby villages and do a circular walk from there.

The general plan of the day will be to walk and sketch in the morning, have the afternoon free to rest or explore, and maybe have a late afternoon painting or sketching session around Ferreirola. However, this can be varied to suit ourselves, depending on how much or little walking the individual wants to do. One pleasant sketching location before dinner would be from a seat outside one of the local bars in the nearby village of Mecina.

Painting and Sketching

The holiday is intended for artists of any level of ability, however modest, who would enjoy sketching the landscape of the Alpujarras. If you wish, it will be possible to more fully develop paintings while at Casa Ana. There are tables, chairs, and shady spots to work.

When we are walking, a sketchbook, pencil, pen and a few watercolours are all we need. These are best carried in a small rucksack. There are plenty of natural sitting places.

During the holiday, I will demonstrate and give one-to-one guidance as appropriate. My demonstrations will be in watercolour, pen and wash, or sketching media such as pencil, ink, charcoal etc. You are welcome to work in any medium in which you feel comfortable.

Cost

The price of the holiday is still be confirmed for 2009. In 2008 it was a maximum of £795 per person with discounts for room sharing etc. The price will include

• All guiding of walks and art tuition
• Comfortable accommodation including linen/towels
• Teas, coffee and fruit juices while at Casa Ana
• Transport to and from the airport and around the area during the holiday.
• All meals, including wine with the evening meal.

Not included is transport to Spain from the UK. There are Easyjet flights from Stansted and all major airports. The nearest airport is Granada, but it may be more convenient to use Malaga instead. I will have a car at the airport, and it is approximately two and a half hours drive from there to Ferreirola. Or, of course, you can make your own way to Casa Ana by car or rail.

More information and bookings

The dates for the holiday in 2009 are still to be confirmed, but it will be in the Spring. The holiday is organised by Stephen Martyn Holidays in conjunction with Casa Ana. If you require any further information, or to enquire about booking, please use the information on my contact page to get in touch.

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