Inspired@CasaAna
Painting Holidays
Colours of Andalucia – based at Casa Ana, in the Alpujarra region of Andalucia, a new painting adventure with artist/tutor Bettina Schroeder.
Next holiday: 1 - 8 June 2024
The painting holiday begins at Casa Ana itself, where the wonderful scenery from the terraces and garden offer many picturesque subjects to inspire the painter. As the week progresses we venture into the village and there will also be a couple of visits to selected locations nearby.
Half way through the week there is an informal non-tuition day, when we offer you an optional day trip (at a reasonable additional cost for transport) to a beautiful mountain town, Capileira, with stunning views, delightful restaurants, cafes and shops. It is mostly pedestrianised, and great for wandering and exploring, sketching and painting if you feel like it. If you’d like to extend your holiday you can also visit the magnificent historic city of Granada, home to the renowned Alhambra, an ancient citadel and palace. For places to stay in Granada please consult your travel agent.
Bettina’s painting courses are suitable for all, from absolute beginners to accomplished painters. They are designed to help you to make the most of your abilities and to find a personal approach. The emphasis is on how to capture the initial excitement on first spotting a subject, without getting too bogged down in technicalities. Tuition will be in watercolour mainly but also in other media as required.
The Painting Course
Daily demonstrations (in-or outdoors) are tailored to the particular needs of the students and to help you to get started. The tuition will also deal with general painting problems such as basic perspective, choice of colour, composition, shadows and many other tricks of the trade. Above all, Bettina’s courses aim to enhance the pleasure of painting whilst improving your skills.
Particular attention is given to wet-in-wet technique as well as the ground rules for beginners. Groups are kept small so you can visibly advance within the course duration, irrespective of your ability. For complete beginners Bettina teaches a simple, easy to follow ‘step by step’ approach.
Tuition is normally arranged in day sessions lasting from 10am until 4pm, so there is time for you to relax before dinner and explore the locality. If you are keen to continue painting, you are welcome to make use of the garden and terraces around Casa Ana. Plans might vary a little depending on the needs for the day. Students should bring their own painting materials and easels if wanted. You can also contact Bettina for further advice on what to bring.
“Bettina Schroeder is an exemplary teacher.”
About Bettina
Bettina works and lives in London and divides her time between watercolour painting in the summer and other media in her London studio during the winter. She has been teaching and running her renowned painting holidays for more than 20 years. Her enthusiasm and expertise have helped hundreds of painters, beginners and more advanced students alike, to new levels of satisfaction and pleasure in their work.
In a variety of stunning locations Bettina shares her wealth of knowledge, offering tips and professional secrets to help you improve your painting. Whether in the ancient landscapes of Sicily, the slopes of the Spanish Sierra Nevada, the coastline of the Algarve, the verdant hillsides of Devon or the breathtaking mountains of Scotland, a Bettina Schroeder Painting Holiday is about both serious creativity and fun.
Born and educated in Germany, Bettina moved to London in the 1980s. It is Bettina’s belief that the making of art has no limits, either in the technical sense or the subject matter. Consequently her work ranges from painting in watercolours and oils to mixed media and sculpture, and covers a wide range of subjects; landscapes, objects, portraits and details of everyday life.
Most recent shows include: Frauenmuseum Bonn in Germany, Anna Göldi Museum in Switzerland, A&D Gallery in London, UK.
Prices and bookings, 2024
Prices are given for single occupancy of a room, with private bathroom. Discounts available if you share a room (see below).
Single room with private bathroom €1,250
Standard double or twin room with private bathroom €1,350
Large double room with private bathroom €1,450
The Garden Room (large double with private bathroom) €1,550
The price (exclusive of air fare and alcoholic drinks) includes tuition, transport to and from painting locations, breakfasts, lunches, 6 dinners and accommodation (including linen, towels and handmade soap). The transfer fee from and to the airport (approx. €50 each way) and the optional excursion day are not included.
Special discounts: €100 off the advertised price if you share a double or twin room. €50 off if you are willing to share a bathroom with one other person (standard and single rooms only).
Please note these discounts are subject to availability of rooms.
Further information and bookings
To make a booking, or for further information about Casa Ana or the painting holiday, please contact Tinca at info@casa-ana.com
Mobile: 0034 616 151 041
Or for queries about art or tuition email Bettina: bettina.artcontact@gmail.com or call Bettina in the UK on 0044 (0)20 7609 0843
Bettina’s website: www.art-holidays.com
“We did enjoy our painting break, the tuition, company, food, venue, and weather could not have been better.”
“I learnt from watching you handle the wet-in-wet technique how to keep my colours clear and fresh.”
“Superb tuition and excellent subjects to paint.
You are really an inspiration, everyone was happy with their work. I’m getting withdrawal symptoms already.”
Accommodation and Food
Casa Ana is known for its stylish and comfortable accommodation, fabulous cooking and stunning views of the Trevelez river gorge and the mountains beyond.
The House
Staying at Casa Ana is like staying at a private house, simple, comfortable and welcoming. A place where you can feel at home.
The old Alpujarra-style buildings are arranged around a Moorish courtyard garden, planted with wisteria and roses. A few steps through the garden take you to the terraces with breathtaking views along the valley and into the mountains.
In the bedrooms we’ve kept the original chestnut beams with white walls and terracotta floors, comfortable beds, quality linens and a scattering of rugs.
The old Alpujarra-style buildings are arranged around a Moorish courtyard garden, planted with wisteria and roses. A few steps through the garden take you to the terraces with breathtaking views along the valley and into the mountains.
In the bedrooms we’ve kept the original chestnut beams with white walls and terracotta floors, comfortable beds, quality linens and a scattering of rugs.
“Casa Ana is a perfect place to bring a small group, especially for walking, writing, or personal development – you can have the place to yourselves. The mix of indoor and outdoor spaces provides a conducive and pleasing environment for this kind of activity. If you bring a group of 6 or more, you can opt to have lunches and dinners included, as we did, and I highly recommend this.”
The Garden
Casa Ana was made for outdoor living. Everywhere rooms open onto the Moorish garden, the courtyard or the terraces.
There are big shady pergolas where you can relax with a glass of wine, or a cup of coffee and a good book and secluded sunny corners where you can soak up the Andalucian sun and do nothing at all. At night you can sit out, gaze at the stars and watch the moonrise over the mountains.
Everywhere there are panoramic views, the scent of jasmine and orange blossom, and maybe the sound of goatbells or a nightingale or the river far below.
It’s what makes Casa Ana special.
“The Casa itself is beautiful, and has been lovingly and sympathetically restored... Anne and the staff couldn’t possibly be any friendlier. The surroundings are also stunning.”