By RUTH SHARPE
TEN ART enthusiasts travelled to the Algarve this month to attend a 10-day watercolour workshop held by Jenny Jowett in the hamlet of Pincho in the hills behind Lagos.
Jenny has 20 years art teaching experience and has taught in Mallorca, Andalucía, Morocco and Tresco.
She is renowned for her botanical painting and has been awarded three gold medals by the Royal Horticultural Society. For the second year running, 10 budding artists travelled from the UK to practice the art of watercolour under Jenny’s careful guidance.
The retreat was hosted by residents Robin and Judy d’Abo at their home in Quinta da Pediz, Pincho.
Each morning the group met, with Jenny explaining the techniques that they would practice during the day. The painters were able to select the medium of their choice from pastel, oils and charcoal to watercolours.
Trips were taken to Praia do Amado on the west coast, the historic port of Lagos as well as many forays into the countryside surrounding Pincho for inspiration for paintings.
The breathtaking scenery and differences in light of the various areas created the perfect setting for the artists to immerse themselves in the Portuguese culture, with much of their art work reflecting the picturesque old houses, boats and streets synonymous with the Algarve.
The artists had the chance to experience a range of local gastronomic specialities, provided by Chris Hagley of Capers Catering.
An exhibition of all the artists work was held at Quinta da Pediz completing the workshop. Jenny provided a critique of the work, speaking of how “the practice of art must be enjoyable and relaxing and, if you understand your subject, the whole process is so much easier.”
The workshop attracted all levels of painter from beginners to professionals. “I’m very pleased with everyone’s level of improvement” Jenny said, concluding that “it had been a total success in inspirational surroundings.”
