More News from Coombe Farm Studios, Devon

The return to Coombe Farm Studios in August signalled the end of my summer painting season. After the hot July, the August course felt indeed more like the beginning of autumn with sunny, but somewhat cooler temperatures, very unusual for this time of year. The mainly sunny weather meant we were enjoying painting outdoors around the various buildings, walled gardens and views of the old dovecote. The doves, perched on their little slate ledges in diverse poses – heads tucked in, wings wide spread or proudly raised beaks- were made to be painted.

Staying with the subjects of our feathery friends, we ventured out one day to the River Dart, where we found a flock of wild geese grazing on the glistening estuary. From our vantage point at Jilly Sutton's ( the sculptress mentioned in July news) amazing garden we could observe the geese with leisure, while painting the view across the water towards the distant hills.

Boats, not birds greeted us half way through the week at the edge of Dittisham with its harbour scenes and long jetty seemingly reaching out to the headland opposite. We hurried home after a lovely mornings painting and picknick lunch, as some rather dark looking clouds appeared suddenly. So we had an extra afternoon painting in the spacious studio at Coombe Farm. But we needn't have worried, it never rained.

The following day was also spent in the studio this time to paint flowers. It is always inspiring to capture the delicate colours of flowers, loosely arranged in various vases and rustic pots and surrounded with other still life objects for extra interest. This time the bright yellow sun flowers captured our imagination, but the little bunch of sweet peas made as good a painting as any bouquet of roses.

So came our last day with another fantastic display of our paintings in the evening and our last sumptuous meal lovingly prepared by the fabulous Lauren. Lauren is not only a great cook but she also is a wonderful yoga teacher and the class she gave earlier on was good fun. Despite feeling very sad to have to leave the next morning, we all enjoyed the last night. My husband James was able to join us with his guitar and I accompanied him on my Ukulele to the delight of everyone.

Thanks again to all of you for showing such dedication and for producing your very best,
Bettina