Creative Retreat in the Spanish Mountains

What excursions and meals out can I expect, and are they included in the price?

All travel is included in the price (apart from your flight). Meals out are not included.

• A day trip to Horta where there is a Picasso Museum. We will have time to explore the local area, Picasso’s views, draw and have lunch.

• An afternoon/evening trip to Valderrobres, to explore and draw - the nearest proper town, a very picturesque old town on the side of a hill, with the church at the top, river at the bottom, and some informal bars where we will stop for tapas on Friday evening.

• A walk up the mountain from the Masia - a good hours walk uphill! But so worth it for the views. Alasdair can give a lift to those who want, and will bring us refreshments

• A river/lake swim if there is anywhere nearby with enough water - it gets very dry!

• There may be an additional stop on the way to or from the airport for lunch, depending on the flight times.

What art materials are provided and what shall I bring myself?

You will each be given a welcome pack including:

• A5 sketchbook,

• A4 notebook

• a water-soluble graphite pencil

• an eraser, pencil sharpener, pritt-stick and brush pen

• A4 carry folder

Also provided on site:

• black drawing ink

• PVA glue, scissors

• masking tape

• pots for water and ink

• drawing board and bulldog clip

Katie will be bringing a selection of materials for GENERAL use, including:

• spare paper, coloured paper, tissue paper, carbon paper, acetate

• oil and chalk pastels

• pencils, coloured pencils

• scissors/craft knives (for those travelling with only hand luggage)

• charcoal and rags

• masking tape

In addition, if you want to bring any of the above as well as your own preferred materials from the list below. (This is a GUIDELINE, you do not need to bring everything, you could bring NOTHING):

• drawing pens, pencils - water soluble are good

• coloured pencils, felt tips

• a Posca Pen (acrylic paint in a pen) - good for writing on any surface

• watercolours or gouaches for colour

• brushes

• pastels - chalk and/or oil

• water-soluble pencils/pastels e.g. inktense

• a portable pencil case for working around the site and/or on trips

• additional sketchbooks/paper/scrap paper

What can I expect at mealtimes?

Food is lovingly prepared by Jenny and Luis who are resident housekeepers at the property. They come from Peru, and mix their own cultural flavours with the local cuisine.

They will cater for most requirements, providing alternatives if you are vegetarian, vegan or have intolerances where possible.

Severe allergies cannot be catered for as there is only one kitchen, cooking on a domestic scale, so foods will be prepared and stored in shared conditions.

Please talk to Alasdair and Luis to discuss this further by emailing info@masdelaserra.com

House and Pool - What is provided?

• all meals at the Masia, pre dinner drinks and wine with the meal are provided - additional drinks can be bought from the honesty bar and paid by card at the end of the week.

• please send any dietary requirement to Alasdair before the course).

• meals out are an additional cost.

• transport on organised trips are included, museum entry is not included (approx 5 euros).

• towels will be provided for both bathroom use and poolside so no need to bring any toiletries, shampoos, soaps, hairdryers are all provided so no need to bring any unless you have a preference.

• mosquito repellent and basic first aid items are available.

What is the weather like at this time of year?

The weather should be pleasantly warm and not too hot at this time of year. It is in the mountains, so can be cooler in the early mornings and evenings, and can be unpredictable, with occasional storms.

There is plenty of indoor space, and alternatives to being outside. It is advised you check the weather prior to packing so you know what to expect.

It is a wonderful time of year for spring flowers, some of which will still be in bloom.