Summer Newsletter.....2010

We have had a wonderful summer, with days and days of sunshine, then the occasional rain shower to clear the air and water the plants. Temperatures range from about 20 - 38 degrees during the day in June and July, and there is usually a lovely little breeze from the mountains.

Guests
We have had a lovely variety of guests, from those on art holidays coming to study or learn new forms of art, to self catering guests, and then the occasional B&B, and also the couple from Ayr (Scotland!) who just 'dropped in' one day(camper van)! Oh yes we never know quite what or who to expect!

The Garden
We have now finished the hard landscaping of the garden and have lovely little areas to visit with fountains, gazebo, pond, the 'Via Roma' and a few sculptures hidden here and there.

We have planted hundred of shrubs, flowers and bulbs, so now Mother Nature will do her best and next year it should be absolutely stunning.

The 'Orto' (Fruit & vegetable garden)
We also have an (organic) kitchen garden with far more fruit and vegetables than we can eat. The courgettes, lettuces and tomatoes have gone mad. (we haven't yet worked out how to control them!) But we also have root vegetables, onions and herbs, beautiful beans, and other greens. Then we have a 'sweetcorn avenue', a 'forest of sunflowers', and lots of other edibles around. We have had cherries and blackcurrants, plums and apples. Plenty of jam and chutney stored away. So, whenever we say it is good home cooking, we really mean it! Meanwhile the grapes on the vines are looking good....wine ahead?

Festas
There are many festas in the area every weekend. So you can just take a walk up to the 'town' of Villa Minozzo on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday and there will be something on - be it music, drama, or - more likely - a celebration of some local food or wine produce! One of the most individual and traditional events of the area is the Maggio. A singing performance out of doors (like a little opera). This tours the villages of the area all summer and is set in woodland areas. A beautiful experience.

Walks
Our little local Via Ferrrata has proved popular with most guests, especially those who thought they'd like to try something like this but were just a little bit scared! The walk is beautiful anyway so there are 'easier' options if any part of the party just don't like the idea of wooden suspension bridges and ledge walks.

We have also found many lovely walks of unsurpassable beauty.
For example the ridge walk from Passo Cerreto. You can do a 10 hour walking day (or shorter if you wish). It is only 1 ½ hours up to the ridge (at just under 2000m) and there you have magnificent views, wonderful wild flowers and butterflies, and you can just walk all day in the sunshine.

The sky at night
David now has his telescope working. Because there is so little light pollution here it is an ideal place to look at the sky at night whether you know anything about the stars or not. We can see hundreds, or thousands, of stars and planets every night. David can point out any interesting planetary formations to anyone who is interested

Holiday ideas and dates ;Only one week on one of our courses allows you to vastly improve your art technique because of the excellent level of tuition.

September Thurs 2nd- Thurs 9th Masterclass week in acrylics or oils.
A week for you to improve your acrylic or oil technique at whatever level you are at. Pheona will be able to help you on an individual basis to improve your technique or perhaps suggest alternative challenges.

September Tues 14th-Tues 21st Learn to draw and Paint - anyone can learn.
Yes it is a myth that only those born 'with a gift' can learn to draw and paint. This week takes beginners through basic drawing and painting in water colours. You will return home with the confidence (and proof!) to continue working on your own. You will be able to draw in line and tone, use different media and also paint water-colour landscapes....and perhaps more.... This course may also suit those who haven't 'dabbled' for a long time and wish to consolidate what they have learned before.

September Thurs 23rd - Thurs 30th Improve your water-colours.
This course can be booked together with the previous course for a really intensive art holiday. It is designed for those who have used water-colours before so will build on existing skills, tackle more ambitious subject matter, and also demonstrate different water-colour techniques.

October Sat 2nd - 9th Autumn - walking and/or painting.
This week offers people a combination of walks and painting (and eating) experiences. The countryside is full of beautiful colours for painting or for taking photos. Also the area is busy with folk harvesting the various mushrooms, truffles, and nuts which are so plentiful.

October Thurs 14th -Thurs21st - A week of walks.
Enjoy the Autumn scenery with cooler temperatures (but still sunny!) Different walks each day including the Bismantova, Via Ferrata and the ridge walk mentioned earlier. We have a lovely jaccuzzi you can use at the end of the day with a glass of the local Lambrusco. Bliss!!! Camera essential!

Tues 28th December - Tues 4th January. New Year
Come and celebrate the New Year with us. We have a delicious hogmany dinner, then a traditional Scottish Ceilidh, then we can toast the bells ringing in the New Year. David will start the 'live music' with his guitar & singing. We do encourage guests to join in however talented or not they may bes! For the rest of the week enjoy the snow whether you just wish to look out of the window and take photos, or ski/board/sledge or walk. This area is a big playground for those who love the outdoors. We will be cooking for the season so be prepared!

March 12th -19th Snow 'n Sculpture.
Cheer yourself up before Spring! In March there is usually plenty of soft fluffy snow for skiing, sledging or walking and the days are long and sunny. Snow-shoe walking is popular here and all equipment can be hired locally. Also, be enticed to make a snow sculpture. Something a little bit different! And don't forget the evenings in with wonderful food, local wine and the log fire. And the outdoor jaccuzzi can be heated up for another exhilerating experience!