PAINTING AT THE CALAMANSAC ESTATE

Date:

5th  – 12th JULY  2024

We chose to host our course in July this year to aim for the best of the summer weather. There was no guarantee it would be fine so we kept everything crossed. Fortunately we only had one full day of bad weather this wasn’t a problem as we always set up a large art studio in the playroom.

The light in this part of  England has always been an attraction for painters and it certainly was a bonus. Everything seemed much brighter, full of colour and had such sharp contrast, this was inspirational for our painting.

The grounds and garden were full of flowers, hydrangeas, roses, lilies, and many more often in full sun or dappled with light – perfect subjects to paint.

We utilised the best of the 56 acre property, painting plein air for a whole day on the private beach, fabulous views of the river opposite Frenchmans Creek. We also found the boat yard with great views of the river, the boats and dramatic riverside landscapes. Wonderful pathways lined with many Hydrangeas looking so pretty. We took advantage of the beautiful kept garden and also spent time sketching and painting in the dramatic twisted oak forest. Often we visit major locations like St Michael’s Mount or the harbour at St Ives, this year we were happy to stay around our Calamansac base and only went a little further afield to Porth Navas and the creek to paint new and old boats in very interesting settings.

We had 7 painters of mixed ability, all keen to explore their surroundings and develop their painting skills.

We spent 5 full days and painting days,  working with two tutors covering all media.

Date:

5th  – 12th JULY  2024

Janet enjoys cooking and took advantage of bringing in very high quality local fish, meat, bread and vegetables … delivered right to the door by local suppliers. Guests were very complimentary about the meals.

On two of the evenings we go out to local restaurants, our favourite this time was the Ferry Boat Inn, just a short drive from Calamansac, the food and location was excellent.

We took our guests the Minack theatre for an unique experience at this spectacular venue. The play – London Assurance kept everyone entertained, while soaking up the spectacular setting with a back drop of the sea.

The painting and drawings produced this year definitely captured the mood of Calamansac. Painting plein air is always challenging, everyone enjoyed and learnt from the experience and often delveloped sketches into painting in the art room.

We end the trip with an evening looking at all the work produced. As tutors we were very pleased with everyones work as painters had stretched themselves with new strategies producing positive results.