This region of Spain is vibrant,  dramatic and lively, rich in Culture, tradition and history.

The local architecture reflects this and has an exciting mix of modern and traditional, rustic and noble styles. 

The region is renowned for its Fiestas, Monuments, Museums and Art galleries.

The countryside is varied; along the coast of Valencia there are paddy fields growing rice used in the popular local dish, Paella. Agricultural plains with an endless sea of orange trees that produce a delicate flower, filling the air with an intoxicating aroma to announce the arival of spring.

As you move further inland, the plains give way to rolling hills with carefully tended terraces of ancient olive and nut trees; an ochre and terracotta landscape of small towns and villages clustered around blue domed churches. Beyond are low, rugged mountains covered in scrubby bush, aromatic herbs and Mediterranean pine marching on uniturrupted and sparsley inhabited, to the city of Teruel.  

The area boasts several national parks and a wide variety of wildlife making this a favoured spot for walkers.  All this provides a wide choice of subject matter and inspiration for artists and photographers at any level. 

During your stay there will be an opportunity to make short visits to local galleries and museums to compliment the painting and photography.

The first two days of your holiday will be in and around the town of Segorbe, settling in, soaking up the atmosphere and acclimatising. The mornings will be spent sketching and photographing the beautiful architecture, strolling the streets and taking coffee or a cool beer in one of the many cafés.

Segorbe is an ancient town with Roman roots. The old quater spreads out from a small hill crested with the ruins of a medieval castle.

It offers panoramic views over the terracotta roof tops and glazed domed church.

This is an excellent spot to have a picnic lunch and evaluation of work over wine and coffee.

Day three: We will visit Navajas, a small picturesque town close to Segorbe, set in beautiful countryside and the “Salto de la Novia” waterfall and natural park.

This is a beautiful area with lots of good views and fairly easy walks to find a place to work.

Picnic lunch with wine and coffee and a chance to talk and evaluate the mornings work.

Day four: For contrast, we will take a trip to the beautiful city of Valencia, where we will enjoy the ambiance and paint, sketch or photograph the urban architecture and people.

This is an all day excursion with plenty to see and do. A slow lunch in the open air to recharge, ready for the afternoon.

Visit world class galleries and museums, browse the shops and occasional markets and enjoy wandering the streets, soaking up the atmosphere.

Day five: We will make a trip to Sagunto, with its imposing castle,ancient narrow streets, Roman amphitheatre and old Jewish quarter.

This city is a major industrial port with one of the most beautiful old town centres hidden from view and by-passed by many visitors to the region.

One visitor who did stay for a while was Hannibal over 2000 years ago who laid siege to the town for 8 months. A trip to the beach might be a nice option for the late afternoon.
Visit the website: www.comunitatvalenciana.com for information about Valencia and Sagunto.

Day six: Back in Segorbe to work and recap on what we have achieved so far, with group discussion and lunch.

For those leaving the next day, we will have time in the evening to meet and relax over a meal and talk about the week and the work made during your holiday, amongst other things.
 

It is possible to buy art and photographic materials in Segorbe, but the range may be limited. Photo developing is much the same as in the UK, with the large supermarkets and small photo shops offering a one hour service for proof prints.

We have laptop computers with various programmes for image derivation.

Tuiton: Groups will be very small and tuition is on a personal basis, catering to individual needs. Offering demonstrations, support and guidance for beginners as well as critical analysis and discussion as needed, for the more experienced artist.

While in Spain we can concentrate on observational drawing, life studies, the rich variety of architecture and landscape and find a wide range of inspiration for abstract or three dimensional work.

Non Painting Partners