When I arrived at Coombe Farm Studios for the first course in Devon, a very warm welcome and blazing sunshine awaited me.

The weather changed a little during the painting week, but it is always a pleasure to paint the generous display of freshly picked flowers in the light and spacious studio at Coombe Farm if rain is forecast. We were lucky, most days were pleasant enough to sit outside and paint the splendid gardens and snug little harbour at Dittisham. Our last day was spent at the seaside.

Painting the exciting headlands at Blackpool Sands complete with colourful beach umbrellas and their sunbathing owners was great fun. And some painters were even seen swimming in the sea in between brush strokes!

Surprises awaited me on my return form Devon. A telephone message was waiting from the Sunday Times, who wanted details about my Moroccan courses for their travel section.
I was also asked by Leisure Painter Magazine to comment on my favourite painting locations in Scotland (September issue) and also to write a longer instructional article for next year. So watch out for this September issue and next year's March edition.

I will return to Devon in a fortnight for the last painting course of the season and if all goes to plan, I stay on a couple of days to enjoy Paul and Tina Riley's hospitality and indulge in some serious painting at the same time.

Wishing you a wonderful painting summer, Bettina