Dear painters and friends, The painting week at Brynaport came and went much too quickly. We had such a fantastic time painting outdoors in the gorgeous mountain landscape of the Scottish Highlands and getting to know each other again after a year’s absence. Gillian and Mark Pattinson were as ever the perfect hosts even though the course was non-residential this year. The weather was somewhat cooler than usual but with no rain to speak of we were able to venture out every day. To start with we painted the view across the glistening Loch Kishorn, looking out from Brynaport house with whitewashed cottages in the foreground. The next day we took the path down to the secluded cove just across the road which features amazing rockfaces, netting poles and a small island nestling in the Loch. Painting the rocks proved not the easiest of tasks but prepared us well for things to come. The following day we traveled by car - or on foot as preferred- to the nearby village with stunning views towards the Torridon hills in the direction of Applecross, which is situated on the coastal side of this imposing mountain range. On day three, a bit further afield, we drove to an exciting waterfall beyond the fishing village of Shieldaig. Breathtaking rocks and cliffs with cascading water – an absolute joy to paint. It was my first time to paint there and I am certainly going back for more next year. Last but not least we visited Glasnock, a small Loch fringed by reeds and half covered by see roses. From there we had a wonderful panorama of open grassland with the surrounding peaks of the various mountain ranges. Two cottages and some lone trees made the perfect focus in an otherwise distant landscape. So came a wonderful painting week to a end. It’s hard to put into words how lovely it was to be able to paint again in congenial company and in an exciting landscape far away from all the troubles of last year.
Devon, where I will be next from 15th-21st August, offers a completely different setting for my painting course at Coombe Farm Studios. The hills are lush green and gently rolling, the gardens filled with flowers and coastline and river Dart are equally tempting. I wish you a very happy painting summer, Bettina PS: I will return to Scotland in June/July 20222 so watch out for the new dates on my website because places will be limited Dear Painters and Friends,
I can hardly believe it, but I am actually booked to fly to Inverness for the painting course in the wonderful Scottish Highlands! It seems almost dreamlike to be able to travel again after such a long time. Of course I had my two vaccines which made it all possible. Now it’s time to get ready. Cutting water colour paper to the right size to fit into the suitcase, sorting out paint tubes and brushes and last but not least sorting out my wardrobe for outdoor painting. This includes everything from sun cream and bikini for a dip in Loch Kishorn, to sun hat and apron for painting on location, to that warm cardigan for the odd cooler day. And as usual it will be hell to fit it all in. But it will all be worth it, when we are gathered on the lakeside by Brynaport, looking across the Loch and the Corridon Mountains with paint brush in hand. Needless to say, I can’t wait to be there. And there is more to come in August at Coombe Farm studios in Devon. The course there will run from 15th – 21st August and is already fully booked, but and if you want to join the waiting list in case of cancellations, do drop Lara Lloyd at Coombe Farm a line : [email protected] Later in October, I am planning to finally paint in Spain from 2nd- 9th Oct at Casa Ana in Andalusia. This course had a cancellation and there are now two more places (2 single room) available. To book give Anne a call or email: [email protected] tel: (0034) 678 298 497 I hope very much you are well and have been able to paint despite restrictions and look forward to meeting you again if not this year than perhaps in 2022. With best wishes, Bettina |
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September 2024
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