Our first cou
rse of the year was 27th March. The weather in Portugal has been slightly erratic during 2010 and we have seen more rain in the months of Dec, Jan and Feb then the last few years together. However the sun managed to find its hat and came out to play!
The tutor for this week was our resident tutor Bettine Flesseman. Bettine teaches in all mediums and this week she had a mixture of styles. Her daughter Mienke was also around and joined the classes to help teach. Meinke is a very established artist who lives over in Olhao.
Below are some comments from a couple of american ladies who flew over from the states to join the course:
I had a wonderful time at the art school… Bettina and Menke were absolutely fantastic teachers… Good clear explanations, helpful and attentive to all, and offering plenty of encouragement…. The class members soon became friends…. Food and accomodations were great, the housekeeping staff courteous and cheerful as they saw to our needs, and David was a wonderful host…The only thing lacking at the school was internet access…. In today’s world it is a necessary evil..
Reserve my room for next year!!!!!!
Anne Mills-Norrie
Bettine, our instru
ctor par excellente, was brilliant, kind and sympathetic. She also knew her stuff. Meinke was an added treat (as was Jacques but for different reasons). I completed 7 watercolours – which impressed even me. I loved going out to paint on location as well. The week seemed well thought out and we were occupied and productive the entire time. I enjoyed the relaxed environment, friendly camaraderie at meals and in the studio, Dozey the dog’s visits to Lee working alongside the artists and even the midnight visit of a certain Siamese pussy cat who came downstairs to sit on the leather sofa during my last night. Somebody didn’t close the upstairs doors tightly…a point to be reiterated to each group. The girls who worked in the house, Vera and Joanne, were so nice, helpful and friendly that we felt very comfortable in the kitchen and dining area. The week was enlivened by the Headmaster’s visits and meeting and getting acquainted with local residents Debbie, Tim and Galena. This stepping outside the perimeter of the art group gave an added dimension to the visit to Olhao. I had a really great time and enjoyed the experience immensely. I would recommend to friends having similar artistic bent.
Miss you all but am happy to be returned safely to home. Thanks very much.
Millicent Broderick
