Painting Holiday

About the school

Combining ecology and creativity, this is a location aimed at those who love peace, inspiration and the natural world. The setting for your painting or photography holiday is an 'off-grid' destination for those looking to be inspired to unleash their creativity high in the mountains of Andalucia.

Set in the heart of the 'Parque Natural Sierra Maria-Los Velez', this ‘eco-chic’ guest house and 50 acre farm resides within a place of extreme natural beauty, profound peace and tranquillity and an awe inspiring wilderness, in one of Spain’s most dramatic alpine deserts.

Once five old farm houses, a cortijada, now converted into one very beautiful space, this carbon neutral guest house harnesses natural resources to create power from the sun and wind, cooking and heating with wood and recycling everything.

Rain water is harvested from the roof. Waste water is managed and utilised to irrigate the dry land. Time spent in this modern ecological guest house can offset any carbon footprint used to reach this place of natural beauty.

The guest house combines uncomplicated luxury with minimal intent. On the one hand respect has been given in its restoration to the simple vernacular architecture of the building, and on the other hand a crisp eye for detail has been employed which makes the place seem stunningly modern and the perfect setting for your creative holiday.

Your guide and tutor is Simon Beckmann, professional artist and ecologist. Simon studied ‘Fine Art’ at Manchester School of Art before studying for a postgraduate at The Royal Academy Schools in London. Afterwards he lived in Milan where he pursued his interest in the early Renaissance painters such as Sassetta di Siena. Simon paints in oil but likes the portability of watercolour and favors the ‘simply’ executed and the thought provoking. Simon is also an accomplished photographer.

The eco guest house also hosts a Residency for international professional artists. These artists will be happy to share their experiences within the conviviality of the guest house, give you presentations of their work in the evening and access to their studio to explain their current projects.

Withdraw from everyday life and express your creativity in a culturally stimulating environment for a creative holiday with a difference.

Features

- Carbon neutral ‘off-grid’ eco-chic guest house and creative retreat
- A week here as opposed to a conventional guest house will offset your carbon footprint of your flight from Northern Europe
- Individual creative holidays designed to cater for all needs and abilities
- To augment your creative course we host a Residency for international artists
- Surrounded by the flora, fauna and beautiful landscape of one of Spain’s least known national park
- Food for the cortijada, where possible, is bought locally supporting the local economy and food culture
- Walled garden studio with stunning natural light
- Relaxing open plan sitting room area with wood-burning fires
- Beautifully designed bedrooms with wet room bathroom
- Friendly and professional hosts Simon and his wife Donna
- The beautiful Renaissance Castillo de Los Fajados in Vélez Blanco
- Two UNESCO protected caves of prehistoric painting
- Disabled access
- Wonderful star gazing opportunities