Another enjoyable week painting and exploring the wonderful countryside in Devon has finished, and despite the somewhat cooler than usual summer weather, we were able to paint outside most days. We particularly enjoyed a sunny day at the seaside by the cliffs of Black Pool Sands. The beach was dotted with sunbathers, which gave us the opportunity to sketch and paint people.

Our evenings were particularly lively with tales from Holland, Norway and Switzerland, the home countries of some of our course participants. German born myself, I was able to add to the international flavour with tales from my childhood in the former East Germany.

On our last evening however, I had become aware of some trouble in Norway. I had heard a brief report before I met everybody for drinks on the Friday and only became aware of the full extent of the killings on the Norwegian Island after our departure the following day. Naturally we were concerned about the bad news, which our Norwegian couple would have to face on their return to Oslo and we gave them our very best wishes.

The Painting group also included four complete beginners and it was great to see their rapid progress during the week. For those who were more advanced there was a day practising washes and glazes in the studio and applying the newly learned techniques the following days. As always we were invited by the well-known Sculptor Jilly Sutton to paint the picturesque Dart Estuary viewed from her home and gardens nearby. A delightful painting location complete with boats, distant village and reflections on the wet sands.

I am looking forward to my return to Coombe Farm Studios for the August course and no doubt will come back home to London refreshed and inspired.

Have a creative and enjoyable August,
Bettina

"When I look at my work on day one and the last day, I can see a vast difference."
"Great course, tuition, company and locations were perfect."
"Thanks again for a lovely painting course - you are an excellent teacher!"