Ann trained at the Art Institute of Boston, USA and has wide experience teaching groups of adults. Having worked at the Museum of Natural History at Harvard University, the Massachusetts Audubon Conservation Society, and Dorset Wildlife Trust, she successfully combined her loves for Art and Nature.

Flexilibility
We provide a uniquely flexible schedule, and a plethora of lovely landscapes to paint, ranging from rugged mountains, ordered olive groves, and beautiful buildings, to the delightful coast, situated just 30 minutes from Northern Africa across the Mediterranean Sea. The old town of Nerja affords pretty views from the Balcon de Europa, quaint streets with many shops and cafes.

Natural Environment
Nature is in abundance, lovely walks and hikes in the mountains, or a visit to El Torcal, with its magnificent weather sculptured rocks, cliffs and canyons. You may very well see ibex, eagles, griffon vultures, and the highly recognizable bird, the Hoopoe. Fuente de la Piedra is the breeding ground of hundreds of flamingos which migrate there to feed on the molluscs present in the salt marsh lake, near Antequera.

Facilities and Local Area
Couples, families and single people, can all enjoy a 25 metre swimming pool, and cool premises to paint in. Perhaps you are not an artist? There is plenty of room to just relax by the pool visit the local villages of Villanueva del Rosario and Villanueva del Trabuco, enjoy a coffee or tapas while sitting in the sun, or visit the local friendly bars, restaurants, and shops. Perhaps a visit to Granada? Or a trip to Sierra Nevada, a popular ski-ing area in winter.

Sports: Cycling and Fitness Training
Sports minded? You are in the right place to get into shape using the first class facilities. More information on Idle Breaks can be seen www.idlebreaks.com. In addition, there is an adventure park locally, and on the coast canoeing and snorkling for all ages.

Massage
Book a relaxing massage with Sarah, who is a professional masseuse, and Reike therapist. More information on www.tomorrows-dreams.com

Your holiday, consisting of seven days and six nights, arriving on Saturday and leaving on Friday is offered for 480 euros per person, on a self catering basis: meals at the Idlebreaks Centre are optional. Trips to a variety of inspiring venues, driven in a 12-people carrier, with petrol at a small extra cost. A non-refundable deposit of £50 paid in advance is required.

The cost of your holiday includes:
Tuition ~ transport to the day's painting locations
(the nominal cost of petrol is extra).
Accommodation ~ The tastefully decorated, modernized units provide en suites, comfortable single or double beds, and a small kitchen area, air conditioning, heating. There are two separate, comfortable dining areas. Laundry facilities are in a spacious, detached area and changing rooms and showers are provided for swimmers.
Optional Meals ~ Resident caterer, Tracey, can provide a delicious, healthy breakfast, or a packed lunch at a very reasonable price. Also, a hearty meal is available in the evening.
   * Breakfast 5 euros - Cereal or porridge, coffee, fresh bread, juice, fruit.
   * Lunch 5-6 euros - Packed sandwiches.
   * Evening meal 18 euros - Main course, desert, wine.

Transport
Need a lift to and from the airport, but don't want to pay expensive taxi prices? We offer a reasonably priced service. In fact, anywhere you may want to visit can be arranged with Andy. Lifts to and from Malaga Airport, painting venues or other places of choice: cost of petrol. Please be aware that if you want to shop the times are from 8-9am until 2pm and 5pm until 8-9pm. You will be free to enjoy evening sightseeing and shopping in local towns and villages, explore the quaint streets and ancient buildings and churches of historic Antequera. A special feature is the Dolmens, Neolithic burial caves, open to the public.

Itinerary
At approximately 10:00 am each day you will be picked up and driven to a location specially chosen for its beauty, either in the mountains, in the town or on the coast.

   Day 1 ~ You will be met at the airport and taken your accommodation at Idlebreaks where you can enjoy lunch and a relaxing afternoon sketching or just sitting by the pool.

   Day 2 ~ 10.30: Spend the morning at Casa Las Lunas, Ann's home, painting on the terrace, of beautiful views of mountains and olive groves. There is a cobbled courtyard and short walks through the surrounding olive groves, affording many painting opportunities. Bring your packed lunch to the villa.

   Day 3 ~ 9.00: An early start to take a scenic trip to the beautiful old coastal town of Nerja, where we will visit Burriana Beach for painting and to sample locally renowned paella cooked outside on the seafront (bring your swim suit if you wish). Later there is the option of visiting the Balcon de Europa in the old town, and milling around the numerous lanes with interesting little shops and restaurants.

   Day 4 ~ 11:00 A leisurely day painting in extraordinary geological feature of El Torcal, where you may see mountain goats and eagles.

   Day 5 ~ 10.00: We will spend the morning painting the view overlooking Antequera and from the Alcazaba (old castle). Lunch in the town.

   Day 6 ~ 10.00: Trip to Fuente de la Piedra, to observe the flamingos, visit the small museum, and paint the salt lake environment. Bring a packed lunch and, later return to Idlebreaks for a quiet afternoon by the pool or walk in the surrounding countryside.

   Day 7 ~ Drive to the airport for departure.

List of necessary items to bring

• Art supplies : 2,3,4, B pencils, numbers 5, 7, 10 brushes (there is a shop in Antequera with a limited supply of art materials) eraser, black fine liner felt tip, watercolours and/or acrylics, sketch pad, watercolour pad, water container, any other art materials of choice.
• Hat.
• Sunscreen - minimum no: 30.
• Folding portable stool.
• Light clothing for the day.
• Warmer clothes for the evenings.
• Mobile phone.
• An E111 card: apply for one at the Post Office prior to departure to ensure that you are eligible for emergency health care in the EU.

Please note that it is quite hot at noon/afternoon.
The nearest airport is Malaga, 45 minutes by car from Villanueva del Rosario.

Comments from former participants: “The individual attention was most definitely to my satisfaction, my art issues were addressed; I enjoyed the locations and was satisfied with the accommodation. I had a really good time and felt I made good progress. Good to paint things (sea, landscapes) that are normally not part of my repertoire. I will certainly be in touch.“

"Very helpful and enlightening."

"Great course. I would never have thought doing this! Would certainly do it again."

"Thoroughly enjoyable, wish it had gone on longer. Beautiful venue."

"Excellent value."