Come and say hello at the Campestre Art Week!

I’m getting very excited and a tiny bit nervous as we are getting close to the opening of the Campestre Art Week on the 10th of June in Fuente del Conde. Being one of the organisers and working with a lovely team of artists and our host Marijke, has been such fun and hopefully, we will have a great show. A percentage of all sales will be going to the charity, Age in Spain and we are being supported by Iznajar Cultura.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the work of my fellow exhibitors and once I work out how to get a rather large door over there, to showing my work and meeting visitors. I’m still hoping to finish one more painting before the opening, I do love a good deadline!

We have so much going on, with daily workshops, music, food and dancing all in a fabulous location….

I will be running an acrylics workshop on Sunday 11th of June. To book a slot please visit the Event page on Facebook or message me on WhatsApp!

Please visit the Campestre Webpage for further information….

El Retiro accommodation is now open!

It’s been a busy spring with so many jobs to do before I could open my doors to paying guests here at El Retiro! I had a lot of help from friends, family, builders and Workawayers, which not only gave me a huge boost and lots of laughs but the added bonus was that I was already used to sharing my space. The good news is that I love doing so! It’s a big house for just me and the joy I feel when people relax, get into the atmosphere and enjoy this special location is so rewarding. I have been pretty lucky with bookings too. Mostly from booking.com but some from the website and out of the 4 lots of guests that have stayed I have sold 1 painting and have a commission for a portrait. There were a few issues with the track (as expected) but work is starting in a week’s time to begin repairing a leveling. So, whilst it won’t be tarmacked it should be an improvement. The natural pool is looking great despite this spring heatwave and the lilies are now exploding onto the surface. The guests have been cooling off in it and floating about surrounded by swallows and flowers…. The overall reviews so far on booking.com are giving an ‘excellent’ 9 out of 10. I’m not going to get complacent yet though. I’m still learning and sorting out little niggles.

Exciting news coming next week too as I turn even greener (watch this space!)

Bear – the German Shepherd

I was commissioned to create this painting of Bear, the German Shepherd who can’t keep out of the water. I’m on a roll with German Shepherds so once again, I focused on the eyes. She has such a gentle expression.

Alan was very pleased with the result and will be meeting his daughter shortly, who owns the lovely Bear, to pass on the portrait. I can’t wait to hear her reaction. Commissioning a dog portrait for a present is such a great idea.

Bear the German Shepherd, with Alan who commissioned her
Bear