We really were a very multi-national group this time, with guests coming from Germany, France, Singapore and South Africa , along with our UK participants, some who were brave enough to return again! The sun came out for our first day on location, after the dreary, cold winter weather we had all been experiencing and Port Isaac came alive amongst the backdrop of yellow gorse and beautiful Spring flowers.
After the morning session at Port Isaac, it was time for a well earned, delicious lunch at the Port William Inn, Trebarwith Strand. Situated over looking the cliff tops, it was an ideal location to relax and take in the view. Thank-you Larry, Sue and the team for looking after us so well. The group were not disappointed with the dramatic coastal landscape - one of our special places.
Having taken in the north coast on Day 2 we were heading for a very contrasting Cornwall on the south coast. Our day began at Charlestown, a place that has inspired a whole series of paintings for Ashley. Here we looked at the lines and curves of the unusual arrow shaped harbour against the natural landscape. A welcome, substantial lunch followed at the Pier House Hotel before it was on to our next destination- a ferry trip to Polruan. 
Most of us took up the challenge of climbing to the summit, the effort was rewarded with a breath taking, panoramic view over Fowey and the open sea. It was pretty gusty up there but some of the group, were determined to paint regardless (Woon and Sue you were very brave!)
Our next 2 days were very different, as Ashley pointed out in his introduction to the studio 'this was where the holiday ended and the real work began!' The studio was now about to become the place of invention and Ashley introduced the group to his way of working, away from the subject matter, allowing for a whole range of possibilities to begin.
The focus was colour and everyone participated in a variety of exercises. Ashley continued to challenge the group during the next 2 days, taking them out of their comfort zone- after all they had signed up for 'Freedom in Painting'. The work produced was very exciting, colour dominated and there were plenty of surprises.
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| Kathy's Painting |
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| Sara's Painting |
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| Regine's Painting |
The Friday evening wouldn't be the same without our finale dinner, where we could all let our hair down after an exhausting - but exhilerating week. After a quick swifty at The Globe Inn , we dined in Cornwall's Silver Award winning restaurant for 2012, Asquiths in the historic village of Lostwithiel . It was a true fine dining experience, I'm sure the rest of the group will agree the food and service were second to none. 
Thank-you Graham and Sally for a wonderful evening and a special thank-you must go out to our guest Christian, who entertained us with his guitar and charming French songs.
Both Ashley and I would like to say a BIG thank-you to you all for signing up, we loved being with you and sharing some of our special places. I hope Ashley didn't work you too hard and that you enjoyed it all, just as much as we did and that we might see you again soon, keep in touch!
Denise & Ashley
If you would like to join or find out more about our next holiday:
23 - 28 September 2013
Hurry- we only have 2 places left!!
