Our June painting holiday in Andalucia Spain was a great success. Little Alhambra our venue for the painting holiday was the perfect place from which to paint the lush landscape of Andalucia. The grounds with Mediterranean gardens, a rose garden, fountains and swimming pools enabled our group of artists to envelop themselves in the peace and quiet of this inspiring place and focus on unleashing their creativity. The creative juices were also enhanced by the local cuisine which was eaten on the terrace with views towards the Mediterranean and the mountains that provide a stunning backdrop to the pretty white-washed village of Frigiliana.
Our group found it difficult to tear themselves away from the peace, quiet and beauty of Little Alhambra. Trips to a local beach provided much source of inspiration for painting seascapes accompanied by a tapas and glass of wine at lunchtime. A visit to a ‘lost’ village towards Granada gave more opportunities for painting ‘plein-air’. Set in stunning mountain landscapes with eagles circling overhead, quiet shady corners gave time and inspiration for painting village scenes. Lunch at the local taverna was as ever a highlight of the painting holiday – local wild boar and venison washed down with plenty of vino tinto! There were opportunities to visit Granada, Malaga and Nerja on the free day or just relax at the retreat of Little Alahambra. Exploring the cobbled streets of Frigiliana with its white washed village houses adorned with red geraniums one could see why this has been voted by the Spanish Tourist Board the “prettiest village in Andalucia”.
The Romanesque inner courtyard with its fountain and cool shady seating provided the perfect spot for the final review at the end of the painting holiday of everyone’s paintings. This is always a satisfying and fun time when everyone shares a glass of Cava and takes a look at the exhibition of creative works. It’s a time to review progress and development of painting technique and style over the week’s holiday. Anna Martin, our professional artist and painting tutor provides a critique and gives individual feedback, tuition and guidance throughout the week’s painting holiday. The end of week review brings great feelings of achievement as paintings are admired and development of style and techniques are recognised. We left Little Alhambra feeling uplifted, having made new friends and shared much laughter, food and wine over a creative week in an inspiring location in this quiet corner of Andalucia.
