Girona-Airport is 80 minutes from us by car. There are buses to Olot from the airport and we can pick up from Olot.

Barcelona airport is equidistant by car but there is a direct train route from Barcelona to Ripoll where we can pick you up.

Web site gives maps and further information re our location.

I am a Fine Arts graduate with a master's degree from Oslo university as well as a teaching certificate in Art.  I have taught for 25 years in schools, colleges and universities.

Throughout this period I have also exhibited widely.

I am particularly interested in teaching good strong drawing skills as I feel that this is the foundation of all good painting.

The standard course is 6 nights and 7 days but you can add extra days if wished.
The area is still untouched by tourism and there are many interesting villages with unique views to paint.

The house, a restored farmhouse, is in a forest with a river nearby and lovely walks all around. Fresh air, bird song, good food and personal tuition are all guaranteed.
Courses are designed specifically for you after your initial talk with Johnny.

Our courses are an all-inclusive price and we charge the same whenever you come. We can guarantee that there are no extras - all food, drinks, tuition and excursions are included in the price. We do not have any single supplement.

The holiday is also suitable for non-painting partners who can walk, relax, come along on excusions, take photos, read a good book, cycle or just take it easy in the countryside.

We are happy to say that all our clients have enjoyed the course, most adding extra days to their stay after arriving.
Discount of 10% is given if course is booked and paid 4 weeks before arrival.  Non-painting partners are given a 5% discount.

A TYPICAL WEEK'S PAINTING COURSE

DRAWING
We begin by looking at basics and explain some of the fundamental ideas of drawing.   Normally beneath a good painting there exists an understanding of drawing principles.  We always begin with a look at drawing  -  an analysis and some experimention, using a variety of medium.

1. Composition tips to get started.


2. Basic single and double point perspective.


3. Use of different pencils - what pencils to use for different subject matter and tonal exercises.


4. Charcoal drawing - how to loosen up your drawing style.


5. Pen and ink work and how to mix techniques.


6. Line drawing - sketch book work with annotated drawings.


7. Coloured pencils - hot and cold colours and how to build up colour using mixtures to give objects and shadows more depth.

WATERCOLOURS
Catalonia, specifically The Pyrenees where the house, Cal Campo, is situated, is a feast of colours and textures ranging from heavily wooded mountainsides to small villages precariously hanging from clifftops. These types of views give our guests ideal opportunities to achieve some wonderful effects with light, shadow and textures in their work.

Some ideas I use:-

1. Quick experimental washes using different brushstrokes.


2. Minimal mark techniques for maximum effect.


3. Compositional focus points-use of features.


4. Compositional cropping


5. Skies and clouds


6. Big areas and tips on how to tackle them.


7. Knowing when to stop.