I first led a plein air painting holiday in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 2004. It was different in many ways than other places I’d visited in Mexico. Initially, I was surprised at the large population of expatriate Canadians and Americans. It’s more expensive than many other towns although one can enjoy a wonderful meal for a fraction of the price of a Toronto restaurant. However, it’s charms won me over and I’ve been back several times.

The visual beauty of the town and the warm hospitality made that first workshop a success. Next March, I’ll be back for the sixth time with another group of eager participants (see Painting Holidays 2010). Early enrollment has gone very well and includes many ‘repeat customers’.

Next summer, I look forward to returning to Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick. It will be the twentieth year that I have taught plein air watercolour and drawing workshops on the island. More information about this art holiday can be found at www.barrycoombs.ca.

Last year I painted this on-site demonstration. It’s an example of shape-reading, a direct approach to watercolour painting with no preliminary pencil drawing. Challenging but very enjoyable and satisfying.

‘PAINTING SKIATHOS’ is open to  ALL!

Offering both personal and group tuition, ‘PAINTING SKIATHOS’, located at Villa Nicara, Kolios, Skiathos, welcomes all artists: established, would-be ones, beginners and non-painting partners alike and art tutors too! It was founded with the sole purpose of bringing together art lovers from all over the globe in a spirit of generosity to learn, exchange and share their interests and skills and to nurture and promote the creative arts.

Firmly believing there is an artist in all of us, I liken Art to a train ride; one that we can embark on, or disembark from, at any time of our life. We may all be at different stages of the great adventure but there is undoubtedly plenty of room on board for us all.  Whether our inner artist remains hidden in the ‘child within’ or it has already found a creative path to explore, self-expression through Art is a continually evolving and supremely fulfilling journey – but a very individual and  personal one. There is no ‘right or ‘wrong’, ‘good or bad’. There are rules (made to be broken!) and techniques to be learned, certainly, but they are only for you to make of them what you will; use them, abuse them, adopt or disregard them, at will, as you experiment and find what works for YOU!

By offering this unique venue (with both its all-inclusive painting holidays, classes and workshops with a weekly/daily ‘drop-in’ facility) I aim to provide a platform for everyone wishing to discover or develop their ‘artist within’ and an opportunity to perpetuate traditional Greek art and craft techniques (such as icon-painting, lace-making, wool-dyeing and rug-weaving – to name but a few) that are all too quickly disappearing from our hectic modern world. To be in a position of facilitating that freedom of expression for others, even in a small way, is my greatest reward and I consider it a privilege to have this opportunity to do so.  For that reason ‘Painting Skiathos’ welcomes everyone:

Individual Artists

Whether you’re a professional, a keen enthusiast, a complete beginner or an aspiring artist (regardless of ability) all you need is a desire to be creative and have fun! If you would like any more information or have a particular course/workshop in mind that is not shown here, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line (see below). With my network of tutors in many creative disciplines, I’ll be more than happy to accommodate your request.and arrange something to suit.

Art Groups/Societies

Special discounted rates apply for parties of 8 or more. If you are part of an art group/society and would like to arrange a ‘group’ painting holiday together, just let me know and I can arrange everything for you.

Teachers/ Children’s Courses

Teachers looking for art/activity holiday workshops, alone or with their pupils, are also welcome and special rates apply

Artists on Retreat

If you’re an artist seeking either the company of fellow painters or a solitary peaceful retreat, in order to paint or find new inspiration (and require no instruction), there is no charge for the use of studio, gardens and swimming pool. However, any tuition, use of art materials, refreshments, lunches, excursions and transport (including airport/port transfers) will be charged accordingly;  costs determined and payable on site.  Prior booking is essential.

(All art materials will be provided though you are welcome to bring your own).

View of Villa Nicara from the swimming pool

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CALL FOR TUTORS

Painting Skiathos is keen to be able to offer as wide a range as possible of art tuition. So, if you are an art tutor and would like to join us and share your skill, to complement (or supplement) your own holiday on Skiathos, please drop me a line.

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FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND THIS SITE:

More information can be found on separate PAGES. (See the tabs above or visit the ‘About’ pages, listed in the side bar (R)

Also in the side bar (on R) you can find regularly updated blog ‘POSTS’ which provide an insight to all aspects of Skiathos life including its people, history, customs, traditions, architecture, flora & fauna, exhibitions and cultural & social events et al, as well as its natural beauty.

There are also plenty of additional links to information about Skiathos, myself and fellow artists and to  galleries of our work.

There are plenty of PHOTO ALBUMS and VIDEOS for you to view too!

Kastro

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If you think you’d like to join me in my beautiful island home:

TO REQUEST PRICES, RECEIVE A COMPLETE ‘INFO PACK’  &  FOR ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES

Please use the comment box: (see ‘LEAVE A COMMENT’ at the top of this page)

I invite you to join me for many happy hours painting together, on this beautiful island of Skiathos

and I look forward to hearing from you sometime soon!

Yvonne Ayoub

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Well, that’s it! The summer season in Skiathos is finally, officially, over for another year. It ended as the last charter plane, carrying the  few remaining tourists took off into the clear blue sky this afternoon. Most businesses that hadn’t already closed, rolled down their shutters and stacked their chairs for the last time last night. Many islanders have already departed for their well-earned rest and once again, peace and tranquility reigns.

I haven’t quite finished my work here – I have just two more mornings of teaching to go but already I’ve been able to steal away each afternoon, high up into the hills to try to catch the late autumnal light and long shadows and paint undisturbed with only birdsong for company. With the forecast that from Tuesday the weather will change, I wanted to make the most of what remains of this glorious Indian summer we’ve been enjoying – everything looks particularly beautiful right now; the hillsides are covered in heather and the leaves are turning from glowing gold to rust. It’s been impossible to capture the beauty and serenity of the island at this time of year and to do it full justice but, well, here’s my latest attempt anyway:

With only one week or so to go before I too will head for home and there’s much to keep me busy, battening down the hatches, till then. I was told today that the abundance of berries on my pyracantha bushes is a sure sign of a harsh winter ahead.

Every five or six years or so Skiathos gets covered in a deep blanket of snow….perhaps another one is due though it’s hard to imagine right now, bathed as we are in glorious sunshine and as the grapes still hang heavy on the vine:

Roses are still in full bloom:

and even in the olive grove, fresh new grass shoots and the first spring flowers have already begun pushing up though the earth:

We rarely suffer from frost here and I heard somewhere that snow is good for the garden…so I hope everything will survive and flourish again next year. What is unlikely to survive a really heavy snowfall is the old tiled roof on the ancient stone Kalivi:

Come to think about it, even the art studio roof looks unlikely to weather another winter -  even a mild one, so there will be some hoisting up of temporary support beams to complete before the week’s out too!

Then there’s the packing. I always intend to travel light (one day I WILL manage with just a passport and a toothbrush!) but my wonderfully generous Skiathite friends have been dropping by all week with all kinds of  autumnal offerings;  homemade fig jams, walnut liqueurs, cakes, quince preserves, pickles, raisins in syrup, soft cheeses  etc- all of which will be a real treat to share and sample around Christmas time! Next year I hope to add Greek Cooking to the growing list of workshops on offer and once I have my own kitchen garden planted up next spring, I’ll be eager to learn how to make all these myself!

But spring is still a fair way off and I’m eager to return to my family and my city life…. and take things easy for a bit – although with a new commission lined up; another large wall mural for a London restaurant, I won’t be putting my feet up just yet! But on a cold, dark winter’s night, when Skiathos seems a million miles away I’ll look at this picture my student, Maria, painted today:

and start looking forward to another season…and my return to, in the words of my dear friend Kostas:  my ‘little corner of heaven on earth’……..

I’ll leave you with the beautiful words from another of Richard Buchanan Dunlop’s fine poems: ‘Aegean Autumn’

“The short warm days that touch the paling sea

Are sleepy now in autumn’s gentle lights

They do not touch the place where summer sleeps

But lap the verges of the long drawn nights

The mists of morning cloud the distant hills

On islands peeping from the greying sea

Where in the shadows of the dew damp ground

Cicadas now have ceased their symphony

And in autumn all the flowers reawake

To glory in the softness of the day

Arbutus bushes drip down nature’s blood

Whilst all of summer falls into decay

The swallows muster in their multifold

Harbingers of the falling of the leaves

They like the tourists fly to other homes

Their nests now empty in the shadowed eaves

The beaches that were filled with noisy life

Now lie in silence waiting for the spring

The clockwork of the summer’s music box

Is now unwound is now a dormant thing

The gods are now at home they’ve had their fun

Their garlands hang on some Olympan door

They sip their sips of wine they dream their dreams

No longer do they fight they have no war

The splendour of the autumn passes on

the golden days draw ever further in

The tides of life fall on an empty shore

Wiping the debried slate of nature clean

Oh winsome days that smile upon us all

That wash the dust of summer from the land

The pride of the Aegean the golden fall

Now strokes the soul of nature with its hand”

]]> http://paintingskiathos.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/yvonnes-world/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:11:17 +0000 yvonne ayoub http://paintingskiathos.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/yvonnes-world/

‘Yvonne’s World’ Digital painting by Beth Edwards (1stAngel)

How many times have you heard this:

“Attention! Ladies and Gentlemen. This store will be closing in 20 minutes. Please proceed immediately to the nearest checkout with your purchases and exit through the main entrance. Thank you for shopping with us and have a nice day.”

Well, like a huge department store, Skiathos too is closing. There are just a few days to go before the last charter planes and ferry boats will carry away the last tide of tourists. Awnings will be rolled-in and dismantled. Shop-front shutters will be rolled down and secured for the last time, this year. Taverna chairs and tables, beach beds and brollies and bed-linen and mattresses will be stacked, packed and stored away as another season comes to an end. Summer is officially over and sad as it may appear, for many, namely the weary waiters, chefs and shopkeepers, holiday reps and hoteliers, it’s not a day too soon.

For them it’s been months of relentless hard work and few will be sorry to see the island return to it’s naturally serene and slow pace, not least those of us who remain behind. Now it’s our turn for a holiday and a chance to enjoy (for a short time at least) another other side to Skiathos; the peaceful side, an island, still open to the elements but no longer baked crisp and dry by the unforgiving heat of the sun but one slowly returning to verdant green, refreshed by soft rain, it’s shores lapped by in the sparkling seas as it basks warmly in the late autumn sun.

(The seas around the Sporades can be seen this brilliant turquoise colour in late summer – it’s a phenomenon only visible under certain weather conditions, and usually only at this time of year)

In the words of local poet and artist, Richard Buchanan-Dunlop, in his poem ‘Autumn Dance’:

“For Autumn dance is filled with bursting grapes

That in the summer have absorbed the sun

And so the muses have now called us out

To turn the Sun to wine now Summer’s done

The fruits of Autumn cannot last for long

For Winter is the king of nature’s night

And we with him must dance the long night’s dance

Till the day of the White Horses kindle light“

(The ‘day of the white horses’ refers to the day of the battle of Salamis, fought on 20th October, BC 480 in Aeschylus’ poem ‘Salamis’)

Before heading back to London I look forward lazy days filled with long walks along the deserted beaches (without a sun-lounger in sight!) or venturing high in the hills with only birdsong to break the silence – instead of the roaring engines of the rental 4 x 4’s and mopeds that have traversed the island and flattened the riverbeds and mule tracks all summer. Idle chatter over a leisurely glass of ouzo will be the order of the day, on the all but deserted ‘Paralia’, once the pleasure boats are returned to the dry-dock to over- winter. The community will draw together once again; friends and neighbours will finally have the chance to catch up and exchange their experiences and stories of the past summer.

And what a summer it’s been!

After a late and very shaky start, filled with trepidation and uncertainty (in light of the global economic crisis) eternal optimism, it seems, has paid off. Speaking to many local business owners, it would appear most have enjoyed a pretty lucrative summer season after all, ‘Enough to see us through the winter months and keep the banks at bay anyway”, seems to be the general consensus.
Many days were marked by the regular monthly religious festivals (there’s always a saint/feast day/icon to be celebrated):

(photos courtesy of Lauren Cook)

There were the annual, commemorative historical events such as this one on September 14, the Lambros Katsonis Submarine Memorial. (While trying to intercept a German troop transport, she was attacked and sunk by the German submarine chaser UJ-2101. 32 men of the crew, including Cdr Laskos, went down with her, and 15 were captured. However, Lt Eleftherios Tsoukalas, the ship’s XO, and petty officers Antonios Antoniou and Anastasios Tsigros, managed to swim for 9 hours and reach Skiathos. There they hid and eventually managed to return to Egypt and rejoin the Greek fleet).

and plenty of patriotic parades:

as well as the usual art and cultural exhibitions (including, most notably an exhibition tracing the history and traditions of the people of Asia Minor who had settled on the island following the seizure of their lands by the Ottoman Empire, more than a century ago). There were choir and dance festivals and a series of concerts staged at the Bourtzi’s outdoor theatre.

One such memorable event was a benefit concert, organised by Vasilis Koralis to raise funds for the local dog and cat shelters:

Unfortunately, immediately following the introductory speeches given by Vasilis, Mayor Nikos Plomaritis, and representatives from the two charities, there was a clap of thunder, the sky lit up with flashes of lightning and the audience had to run for cover as the heavens opened! Sadly, the event had to be postponed.

Happily though, a couple of weeks later, the show went ahead (this time at the local tennis club) and the evening’s entertainment, aptly called ‘Skiathos Has Talent’, with participants of all ages, was enjoyed by all! Here are just some of the many acts who entertained us:

Gigi Varsakis with her young dancers

Elaine                                                                       katerina

Skiathos’ very own, ‘home-grown’, teenage rock band ‘Kids’

This man  stole the show with his natural flair for enteraining, his fabulous voice (and his unforgettable ‘Elvis’ knee trembling!!)

Music provided by Graham (above) and Derek (below) who also stage managed the event

Star turn Selena, the belly dancer

Sharon Hewing (founder of the Skiathos Cat Welfare Society) and Helen Bozas (Founder of the Skiathos Dog Shelter) thank Vasilis Koralis for a truly memorable evening – one well worth waiting for!

All such events play an intrinsic part of Skiathos island life throughout the summer months and the constant stream of holiday makers, in search of rest and relaxation were probably pleasantly surprised to find the huge variety of events Skiathos had to offer, in addition to it’s glorious weather (most of the time!) clear blue seas, sandy beaches, ancient monasteries, picturesque setting and bustling night-life .

Personally speaking, my summer has been absolutely wonderful! Filled with adventure after adventure, inspiration and creativity has known no bounds. I’ve been truly blessed with a constant stream of wonderful guests; artists, enthusiasts and visitors, from all corners of the world, each of whom, without exception, have so generously shared their passions, emotions and skills.

Students of Irish artist & guest tutor, Mary Dillon’s water colour master class

I finally got to meet my dear friend, fellow artist and blogger, ChrissyMarie

and her lovely partner Andy:

A liquid lunch with Despina, Maggie, Liz (from Scotland and Australia) & my dad, at Theo Tzoumas’  (Top R.) restaurant, ‘Mesostrato’ situated at Ag. Paraskevi (absolutely the best pork chops on the island!)

One of several meetings this summer, with fellow ‘Boomerangers’ from the Bulletin Board of www.skiathosinfo.com‘. Here at Rosemary & Georges lovely restaurant, ‘Varelli’ in Troulos.

A day out at my favourite place on earth, Kastro, with more fellow ‘Boomerangers’: Sue, Darren and Steve.

Dad & I enjoy a surprise visit (and impromptu piano recital) by the supremely talented Maz, his wife Kaz and friends

Sharing a cipouro (or three!) with Liz, My dad, Thanassis, Maggie and Theodoros, on the harbour, after a long day on the high seas visiting neighbouring islands, Skopelos & Alonnissos.

Maggie and Liz had never painted before. They were complete beginners (!) on my ‘Introduction to Painting’ course – just look at the amazing paintings they managed to produce after just one week’s tuition!:

Liz’s still life in water colour

and her first painting en plein air, of Kastro (in acrylics on canvas)

Maggie’s still life in water colour

And her first painting, of the beach at Kastro, in acrylics on canvas.

Fabulous, funny, fearless, feisty ladies, both – Their visit was total delight and I am SO proud of them!

My dad (R) and dear friend Ian, raising a glass,

Ian’s lovely wife Kamila with their gorgeous baby, Olivia.

I was so taken by her wonderful smile (and colourful sun hat!) that I was inspired to capture her in oils. Here’s the completed portrait:

And here’s my last guest of the season:

the lovely Carole Robinson (L), a hugely successful and talented artist from Edinburgh who works primarily in glass but came in search of new skills and inspiration. Here she stands rightly proud of her very first attempt at Byzantine icon painting (amazing!) with her tutor, my dearest friend, Despina Mitselou.

And here is a fine example of her work: a beautiful piece, in my favourite ‘Skiathos’ colours, that I had specially commissioned (and that she carried all the way from Scotland for me!):

Thank you, Carole, and for your wonderful wisdom and friendship. (See you soon – and bring Nigel LOL!)

Yes, it’s been a wonderful summer. Life-long friendships have been forged and I pinch myself every day! When I began this venture I secretly hoped for, but dared not imagine it would be such a rewarding fulfilling experience. All my expectations have been exceeded a hundred-fold and it’s with complete humility and gratitude that I would like to thank everyone who helped in making ‘Painting Skiathos’ the successful enterprise it’s become……Most of all my husband and children for their constant support and for allowing me the time and space to follow and realise my dream….Gosh! How lucky am I?

There are many more new photos of all of this season’s classes and excursions to see.

Please visit the new ‘PHOTO ALBUMS’

After dinner, in the dark, artists walk, knowing if they turn right a few times during their twenty minute stroll they will safely return to Le Vieux Couvent. The sky is inky black, stars  bright as  in childhood memories. Tiny glow worms glint in the sheep rustling hedges.Or perhaps its the sanglier, wild boar, rooting in the meadows. Next day you’ll see the turned turf from their night time digging, Fortunately  sanglier are  shy, if large,wild animals – some grow big as a deux Chevaux.

Our local bean growing lady (whom we call Mrs Bean) – not original I know, but WE know who we’re talking about, brought us 10 kilos of beans. They are the basis of many winter delights – cassoulet, garlic bean soups, beans on baguettes.

We have arrived at the season where there are village fetes all through the Lot. Nearby at Labastide Murat in the warm evening the locals enjoyed fireworks, and risk taking.

ITS COMPETITION TIME!

Would you like to join me for a FREE painting holiday here on Skiathos?

‘Painting Skiathos, in conjunction with ‘ARTISTS & ILLUSTRATORS‘ magazine,  is offering one lucky reader:

A WEEK’S PAINTING HOLIDAY FOR TWO (worth over £1.000!)*

Competition details and entry forms can be found in the latest (September) edition of

‘ARTISTS & ILLUSTRATORS‘ magazine (out now!):

To enter, all you have to do is find the answer  (you’ll find it on this site!) to a simple question about Skiathos and send it, along with your contact details,  to the address provided on the entry form, by September 30th – it couldn’t be easier!

Good Luck everyone!

I look forward to welcoming the lucky winner(s) to Villa Nicara, very soon!

*The prize, of one week’s painting holiday includes airport/port transfers, accommodation (for two people sharing a twin room with breakfast & lunch included) tuition, all art materials and 3 full Day excursions (NB: Travel to and from Skiathos is not included)

‘Seagull’ © Costis Hatzi0annou

Regular followers of this blog will know that from time to time I like to draw attention to the work of  an exceptional ‘Skiathos’ artist .

Well today the spotlight falls on the truly remarkable talent of  COSTIS HATZIOANNOU.

Costis was born in Halkida, Greece , where his parents settled, having , unfortunately, been forced to leave E.Turkey in 1922.
In his youth a deep love of the sea was, to a great extent, due to the influence of his grandfather’s stories of his life as sea captain and shipowner. As a result, he became a Merchant Marine Captain, traveling the world.
His love for painting was initiated by his artistic mother who sent him from an early age to study under Angelos Kalogiannis, a Halkidian artist and painter.
Over the years he was involved in many group Exhibitions until in 1997 he decided to “drop anchor” on Skiathos Island, where he opened the Art Gallery “Dimiourgies” (Creations) enabling him to exhibit his paintings as well as the creative works in various mediums of other Greek artists.
As he says , his daily contact with the beauty of nature of Skiathos has helped him to express his inner most emotions on canvas.
He is a member of the Club for UNESCO of Art,Literature and Science of Greece

Costis takes inspiration from his immediate surroundings. With his exceptional skill – his clear mastery of technique, composition and use of colour -  he captures the very essence of Skiathos with a faultless, almost ‘photographic’ accuracy yet his work is always cleverly tempered by a touches of the unexpected and very often, evidence of his keen sense of humour! He is a prolific painter and his wonderful work reflects and records all aspects of life on this beautiful island, be it in his breathtaking landscapes and seascapes:

‘Skiathos – Plakes ‘ © Costis Hatzi0annou

‘Calm-in-Xanemo’ © Costis Hatzi0annou

His handling of intricate architectural detail in the old town:

‘Blue-door-open ‘ © Costis Hatzioannou

‘Door’ © Costis Hatziannou

His originality of subject matter, mastery of shadows and application of texture:

‘Wild Flowers’ © Costis Hatzioannou

‘Wall Ornaments’ © Costis Hatziannou

Or  in the brilliant colours of the fishing caiques in calm waters:

‘Gathering’ © Costis Hatzi0annou

And portrayal of islanders going about their daily life:

‘Bus Stop’ © Costis Hatzioannou

All the works shown here are currently for sale. You can contact Costis directly at:

Phones:24270-24243/ Mob: 6946441801 www.dimiourgies-skiathos.gr Email: khatzioannou@hotmail.com

You can see more of Costis’ work by visiting the website of his  beautiful ART GALLERY ‘DIMIOURGIES’ (CREATIONS):

if you have the opportunity to visit his gallery in Skiathos town yourself,  invariably you will find Costis himself, at his easel quietly working on his latest masterpiece. He genuinely welcomes visitors and the opportunity to discuss not only his own work but that of all the other fine artists he represents and whose work also adorns his walls.  Not only is he an outstanding artist, but he’s one of the most charming, quiet-spoken, self-effacing men I have ever had the good fortune to know!

]]> http://gavinmayhew.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/relaxing-greek-art-holiday-kefalonia/ Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:42:48 +0000 gavinmayhew http://gavinmayhew.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/relaxing-greek-art-holiday-kefalonia/

Greek art holiday, Kefalonia

Relaxing Greek art holiday, Kefalonia. Sunny paradise. A PACKED AND VARIED PROGRAMME:-
• Full step-by-step demonstrations
• One-to-one tutoring by professional artist Gavin Mayhew, focusing on topics such as perspective, composition and tone
• A flexible programme – work with as many mediums as you wish, from oil and watercolour, to charcoal and pastels
• Excursions for painting and sight-seeing
• A variety of subjects from landscapes, seascapes to village scenes, ruins and markets
• Relax and enjoy beautiful views from the sunny terraces or a swim in sea (only 8 minutes walk from the apartments)
• Expert, professional tuition across (number of days)
• Seven night’s bed & breakfast,
• Free welcome pack
• Exhibition of your paintings in local venue plus our online gallery
• Includes all transfers on Kefalonia

This one!

A Beautiful new Beach Bar and Restaurant opened here a couple of weeks ago and it has raised the bar for the rest of the island’s waterside venues. Situated at the fabulous white sandy ‘Ambelakia’ beach, at the far eastern end of Skiathos (under the old and now abandoned Xenia Hotel) it is the last word in chic. Set amid lawns and gardens it is a perfect oasis,  beautifully yet simply designed and to my mind its one of the most elegant places on the island.

Theres a lounge/bar area and a separate restaurant where the service is impeccable and the food deliciously healthy and impressively presented:

Watermelon & Feta cheese platter with rocket, sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts and tiny raisins in a balsamic dressing

Spaghetti with (huge!) Prawns

and despite oozing with fine quality fixtures and understated style,

The prices are surprisingly reasonable too! Between the two areas, there’s a resident DJ playing cool (and not overpowering, for once!) music and the washroom facilities, set well back in a separate brick-built building, are arguably the best to be found on any of Skiathos’ many beaches.

It’s quite a steep descent from the road down the wide decked steps so arriving by sea (and to avoid an uphill climb at the end of the day) is probably the ideal way to visit, but, if you’re looking for somewhere to totally chill out at the water’s edge, a visit either way is an absolute must!

Well! As the saying goes, you really DO have to watch out for what you wish for!

If you’ve read my last post you’ll know what a significant part water plays in life on this island and while most of us have been praying for rain throughout this long dry spell, I don’t think anyone expected our prayers to be answered so unexpectedly and in quite such dramatic way as last Saturday evening! As I climbed up onto the Bourtzi for my final shift  at the art exhibition, I couldn’t help but notice how dark the sky had become as ominous looking clouds suddenly gathered and dominated the sky.

Not unduly worried, I turned my back on the bronzed holiday makers sipping their ‘Happy Hour’ cocktails in the cafes and bars along on the old port below and proceeded to open up for the evening. No sooner was the key in the door than all hell broke loose! Out of nowhere, gale force winds, driving horizontal rain and hail stones the size of golf-balls literally knocked me sideways!  I managed (just!) to enter the building but suddenly, in securing the door behind me, all 8 of the 20′ high windows blew open, inwards, at once! Furniture was sent flying across the room, papers, wet now and soggy, as well as paintings were hurled high into the air though thankfully they remained attached, by wires, to their stands so no permanent damage was done (Thank Goodness!) but for 10 minutes or so as the freak storm – the likes of which I’ve never experienced in my life, let alone on Skiathos! -  raged about, they circled in the air battered by the driving rain, hail and swirling pine needles (from the nearby over-hanging and very tall (Koukounaries) pine trees, which were by now being forced almost totally horizontal and practically stripped bare! The Paralia could no longer be seen at all  – a solid white sheet of water obscured it from view:

Some youngsters who’d been playing outside and got caught unawares, sought shelter with me and what a sorry sight! They burst in completely drenched to the bone, eyes wide with sheer terror! To calm them down and distract them I set them to work (glad of both the company – I was pretty terrified myself -  and the extra hands!). Between us we managed to secure the windows shut and then tried to restore some order as the building continued to be lit up by lightening flashes and battered and bruised relentlessly on all sides, for the next 10 – 15  minutes:

Then as quickly as it had arrived, the storm passed over and left us in a dazed silence facing the devastating havoc it had wreaked in it’s wake. As the port became visible so too in the aftermath, did the damage.  Awnings were flapping about wildly and umbrellas had been turned inside-out, ripped and uprooted from their stands by the unprecedented violent gusts of wind. The suddenly abandoned tables and chairs, had been scattered in every direction, and everywhere soaked-through tourists and Skiathites alike were desperately trying to harness the boats dislodged from their moorings, that were bobbing about aimlessly, on the angry swelling sea. It was pandemonium! The next two hours were spent wading through and sweeping-up pine needles 10″ deep and mopping up the gallons of muddy water that had all but flooded the Boutzi inside and out.

Several hours later, with order resumed and the evening concluded, over a much-needed drink the stories of disaster were shared; Papadiamantis Street was described as having been transformed into a torrential river; sadly an elaborate wedding feast (planned for that evening at the Evangelistria Monastery, following the marriage  of the daughter of a hugely influential Greek shipping magnate)  had been a complete wash-out right down to the last tea-light blown from the trees while the luxury yachts of the wedding party and guests  had sought safe anchorage in a nearby harbour. And, I learned after all that, not a single drop of rain had fallen east of Skiathos town – my garden remains as parched (although windblown) as the rest of the island that had somehow, miraculously escaped unscathed.

Since that night the island has been battered by high winds, night and day. I hate the wind – I’ve always found it so unsettling. Sweeping has become a national pastime (though it’s amazing there are any leaves left on the trees to sweep up!). What an experience! One I certainly hope I’ll never get to witness for many years to come!

A strange thing to say, you may think, given that I am living on a lush green island after all. But how many of us take that precious commodity for granted? I know when I’m in London, if I need water I just turn on the tap without giving it a second thought. It’s there ‘on tap’ quite literally 24/7. I’ve certainly never (I’m ashamed to admit) realised how fortunate I am or even considered where it comes from, where it goes or even if it’s safe to drink (because I know it is). It’s just there….

It’s only when there suddenly isn’t any that it becomes an issue and, as the following statistics  (© World Bank) show, water isn’t just there, for a huge proportion of those whom we share this planet with.

You may be as surprised as I was learning some of these facts:

It’s important to keep everything in perspective of course. Compared to what’s happening in some totally devastated areas of the world, such as:

Kenya: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF5iLICrTK4)

China: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1o9QUMMFBg) and

Australia: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8R7WxjlLF8)

the ‘drought’ in Skiathos barely warrants a mention:

But as I am writing about this island, I thought you may also be interested to know how the global shortage is having an effect (albeit minor by comparison!) on this little corner of Greece too.

Both in and out of town, most people rely on natural spring outlets or they have taken a license and drilled bole holes on their property to reach deep underground springs… Alternatively, as in my case and that of many of the older villas here, some rely primarily on rain water, collected (usually from flat roofs and terraces) and stored in a holding tank (a ’sterna’) from where it is then pumped up to a water tank, for daily household use.
Last year Skiathos, like much of the rest of Europe, suffered a severe drought. There simply wasn’t sufficient rainfall to replenish the natural springs above or deep below ground or to fill the sternas and, worryingly, highly toxic deposits such as mercury began to leach out of the earth into the island’s rapidly decreasing water supply. A complete ban on using spring water was imposed for a time and the supermarkets supplying mineral water in plastic bottles could barely cope with the extra demand by both humans and for livestock. Of course the plants suffered too and by July even the lush natural forests and verdant meadows of the island had lost their customary ‘greenness’ and began to turn brown.

Thankfully this past winter there has been plenty of rain, spring water has been given the all-clear (a meeting, chaired by the Mayor was held on the Bourtzi last Sunday to confirm it) and everyone is more or less back to ‘normal’ – everyone except me that is!

Now natural Skiathos spring water is heavy in iron anyway but both my bore holes were producing nothing but a bright red sludge. It became impossible to use – whites turned bright orange in the washing machine and sanitary ware became stained too. I say ‘both’ but only one bore-hole was semi use-able anyway. One well had been drilled too deep, below the water table (and had only ever produced salt (sea) water!) so we’d invested in a costly filtration system but even that eventually couldn’t cope with the demands placed on it, and the other well had virtually run dry. With our sterna water all but used-up too, we were becoming desperate, The garden was dying around us, (and not the most vital of issues, I know, but the new pool was a permanent shade of green/black) and I couldn’t even wash a dish (let alone myself ) and feel clean! (several people had commented on my ‘golden tan’ – little did they know!)

So last week our dear electrician friend Costas (Zembekis) took apart the whole system. He raised the pump in the salty well, lowered the one in the original well and Hey Presto! Clean, sweet water gushed forth from both! I feel re-born! Most evening are now spent watering the garden profusely and the grateful plants are already responding well…and bursting into fragrant bloom! (and I’m feeling pretty fragrant myself again too!!)

I learned just today that a new and very substantial water source has been located on the island and, with the large financial investment required (yet another drain on the already severely limited Municipal funds) successfully secured, work will begin to contain and store it in the coming months. So it looks as though Skiathos will be able to enjoy plenty of good, clean water for the foreseeable future….and with rain forecast for this coming weekend you may think we can now sit back and relax – but NO! we must ALL think again -  where-ever we are in the world. If we are one of the fortunate few to have ready access to a clean water supply it’s time to use it sparingly and responsibly. Remembering that old adage   ‘Waste Not – Want Not’ - has never been more vitally important than now

Water shortage and conservation is a serious global problem. Would you like to help?

DO YOU TWITTER? Why not get involved with the next Twestival ( find out more, locate your city and you can donate directly).
On 12 February 2009, 200+ international cities hosted a Twestival (Twitter + festival) to bring Twitter communities together to raise money for charity: water. The Twestival raised $250,000+ and brought worldwide public awareness to the global water crisis. On 11 April charity: water will drill the first Twestival well, posting videos of the progress.

Here are some excellent sites for further reading:

Syngenta global

digital poetry’s weblog

Hawaii – view some of the 3500 poster and over 200 poems that were entered in the Water Conservation Week 2009 competition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW5eBfZhE4M

On a final note, I’ll leave you with ‘Drought’ by Vienna Teng, a remarkable song by a brilliant singer and composer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNuw5b5jo-Y

What a busy time!

Well it’s official, the summer season has definitely begun in earnest and with soaring temperatures and suffocating humidity you’d be forgiven for thinking this was August and not just the start of July. Having spent a comparatively ‘quiet’ few weeks in the gallery (alongside the shop-keepers who were beginning to despair at the lack of trade) I’m pleased to be able to report that Skiathos has suddenly sprung into action. Plane and boat loads of tourists arrive daily now:

cafe’s and tavernas are buzzing and buses are full to capacity once more, returning sun-worshippers in varying degrees of pink, back to their resorts at sunset for a quick siesta, shower and sprucing-up, before they cram temselves back into the buses and taxis, for nights on the town, which is now, thankfully, in full swing!

Skiathos’ summer cultural programme opened this weekend, with the 15th Annual Choir Festival held, as in previous years, in the open air theatre, on the Bourtzi. Organised by the Cultural Organisation of the Municipality of Skiathos, once again a wonderful ensemble, made up of choirs and musicians invited from Tirnavou and Nikaias (on mainland Greece) and our very own Skiathos Municipal Choir, (directed by Mr Arvanitis) entertained us with magical evenings filled with traditional and contemporary Greek music and song. Among much notable talent among the chorus, musicians and soloists, the highlight of the festival for me, was the appearance (and impromptu performance) of one of Greece’s most highly regarded composer/songwriters, Elias Andriopoulos. Several of  his well-known (and clearly much-loved) compositions had been sung by the choirs throughtout the evening but when the man himself took to the stage, sat down at the piano and began to play and sing , an awed hush descended on an enraptured audience.

Its at time like this that I despair over my lack of command of the Greek language. Much to my dismay (and embarrassment) I was only too aware of how much I was missing of the poetry of his lyrics but, in the words of my friend, Vassili Korallis

(a member of the Skiathos choir who thankfully was permitted to give an introduction in English – well, on the first night  at least -  which did much to make the non Greek-speaking tourists feel equally welcomed and included):

“…..Music brings us memories,

Music binds us together,

Music communicates our general feelings to each other

Truly, the language of music  is universal”

and I couldn’t have agreed more!

—————————————————————————————————————

This has been a time of mixed emotions. Earlier this week, I gathered, along with a few old friends, at the peaceful cemetery at the top of the old town (the Acropolis) to say goodbye, pay respects and finally lay to rest my dear friend and neighbour of the last 30 years, Richard Romyn.

Sadly he died from a short illness while indergoing hospital treatment back in England in April. He was 81. His daughter Ann and son Nick returned with his ashes this week, to re-unite him with his wife Elizabeth, who died 2 years ago and is buried in Skiathos.

As almost the last of the original ex pats who built homes and settled on Skiathos in the 1950’s and early 1960’s they were a long familiar sight on the island and as such, had many a story to entertain us with, about how the island was in they ‘old days’ before mass tourism changed forever this Greek idyll.

R.I.P our dear friends. Together again, but you are sorely missed.

—————————————————————————————————————

Monday night saw the opening of another grand cultural event: ‘Sporades Emerald’, an Art Exhibition organised by artist Maria Kalatzi, and sponsored by the Infinity Blue Restaurant, on behalf of Club UNESCO for Art Literature and Science of Greece.

New works, incuding paintings, mosaics, sculpture and pottery, by several UNESCO artist/members (including yours truly) from all the Sporades islands, were placed on display inside the Bourtzi, following another spectacular evening’s entertainment. This included a poetry recital by guests of honour Mrs Stella Leontiadou, and the winner of Greece’s much-coveted ‘Artist of the Year Award”; Mrs Maro Voudouroglou-Vlachakis, from Skopelos, reading from her latest collection of poems. This was interspersed with piano recitals by the very young and extremely talented Miss Marianna Riganas & the supremely accomplished pianist Mr Themis Simboulidis, both of whom delighted us with a wonderful programme of classical music.

To sit in the open air, on a warm summer’s night, under a canopy of a sky glistening with a million stars, against a backdrop of the twinkling lights of Skiathos town reflected in the gently lapping waters of the Aegean in the harbour below….and all the while listening to Chopin and Delibes….well, I tell you, it doesn’t get much better than that!

After the ensuing speeches and the presentation of bouquets to the guests and certificates (to the artists) a wonderful buffet was served and the exhibition was formally declared open.

The  ‘Sporades Emerald’ Exhibition will continue to run for the next two weeks, until July 13th and, as with all the events held on the Bourtzi under the auspices of the Mayor, Mr Nikolas, Plomaritis and the Municipality of Skiathos, it is open to everyone and entrance is free.

—————————————————————————————————————

And after all the high-brow,  allow me to bring you down to earth for a moment. Today, I’m celebrating; I can now proudly announce that

“THE KITCHEN AT VILLA NICARA HAS FINALLY (yes, finally!) GOT A KITCHEN SINK!”

Regular visitors to the villa, who’ve been party to this 18-month-long drawn-out ridiculous saga, will know exactly why I’m so excited and will understand completely why today is such a cause for celebration. A beautiful white marble sink now sits proudly (and fits exactly) where there has been a gap for SO long.

The sink is IN, the plumbing is IN…..and now….

Ah yes…..well now………..there does remain just one small matter ……taps

Taps?

No taps

NO TAPS?!!

Oh well (sigh) at least the sink’s in….

And so, the saga continues……….

—————————————————————————————————————

Finally let me introduce you to my new companion at the villa:

I spotted him grubbing about in the garden and he’s become quite friendly, accepting both my presence, as I potter about, and occasional tidbits, even allowing the odd photo-shoot unperturbed. In early evening he can be seen making his way (rather rapidly!) across the olive grove to visit my neighbour, Stellios, at the Marina apartments where I’ve come to learn he dines regularly on a meal of bread and pieces of meat.

But in the morning he’s back again, curled up and asleep, under his favourite bush.

I’ve called him Charambalos, pronounced (think Tom Conti in Shirley Valentine) Harabalos

Yes, “Harabalos the Hedgehog” has quite a nice (Greek) ring to it, dont you think?

(a video of Mary Dillon’s work will be here soon!)

There are few ORIGINAL PAINTINGS still available, so if anyone interested, please drop me a line.

PRINTS (framed or unframed), CANVAS PRINTS and now

*NEW! GREETINGS CARDS of all the images are available through Fine Art America

(or contact me directly)

But it’s not over quite yet!

The exhibition will continue to run for one more week – until June 24th.

I know I risk becoming boringly repetitive -  but the fact is that even after 30 years of coming to Skiathos (somewhere so small, relatively,  that I feel there can’t be anything left to discover) I’m continually amazed how it still  manages to hold surprises up its sleeve for me!

This week I visited a dear friend (and very talented artist), Sam, who, along with her Greek husband, Philippas, has built a beautiful home in an area  just on the outskirts of the town, that I’m not at all familiar with. I admired the spectacular views over the rooftops, towards Skopelos way in the distance, from her beautiful garden and  saw a whole new perspective of the town I thought I knew so well.

“If you like this, come with me” Sam said mysteriously and lead me outside where she promptly mounted her motorbike and told me to hop on behind. (Motor bike? Me?!! Er….) Before I had time to think better of it, we were off, bouncing along and climbing up through the narrow cobbled streets.

As experiences go, this one was untried territory for me but, feeling all of twenty-one again with the wind in my hair, was completely exhilarating all the same – until, that is, we began to climb a very narrow and VERY steep lane (we were almost completely vertical!). But before I could complain Sam had already stopped, parked-up and announced that we’d have to continue the rest of the climb on foot.

“Where are we going?” I gasped, breathless already (remember? steep climbs and I don’t like each other very much!)

“You’ll see…..It’ll be worth it” was all I could hear through the blood pounding in my ears…

Sam briskly strode on ahead up the steps …..and I, rather more slowly, brought up the rear:

“Here we are, Aghios Fanourios. My local church” Sam announced proudly.

And rightly so – it was indeed beautiful. SO beautiful that I can’t believe I never even knew of it’s existence!

Standing sentinel at the highest point of the town, and guarded by ancient olive trees, its view, of almost 180 degrees, is breathtaking:

Outside, the traditional stone barbeque area (where everyone gathers to roast a lamb and celebrate on the Saint’s day)

is immaculately kept by the keeper who lives in a tiny stone cottage (kalivi) nearby:

Inside, the church is painted in a soft turquoise colour throughout giving it an air of century-old, quiet serenity

It was magical standing in the silent stillness watching the rays from the late afternoon sun filter through the tall windows, fall across the mosaic floor and illuminate the dim, candle lit interior.

Typical of so many Greek island churches, the simple rustic exterior,

gives little clue to the opulence that lies within;  every surface adorned with gilded and silver religious artifacts, icons and three magnificent bohemian crystal chandeliers hang from it’s high vaulted celing.

The shimmering sea and islands beyond, can be seen through the striking stained glass windows:

We lit our candles, each lost in a moment of quiet prayer and then returned to the sunlight where we sat for a while, watching the town far below as the island ferry arrived in the port, way off in the distance -  Eventually we headed back for a very English tea of home-made scones, whipped cream and strawberry jam (yet another lovely surprise – Thank you Sam!)

How to create a successful veg garden, also, known as a potager, here in la belle France

planting a vegetable garden in France the easy way

.

First  Go to the market in Gourdon on Saturday morning and buy  numerous small plants. 50 leeks 30 beets 20 lettuce plants, onions and every sort of tomato under the sun. Add a few peppers, aubergines and chilies, courgettes, winter squash and broccoli plants too. Rush home to Frayssinet and Dig for the rest of the day, add the fumier or manure Bill gathered in the winter and fall into bed exhausted.

On Sunday plant all the above in the vegetable plot of Le Vieux Couvent, water profusely and voila! Takes all the effort out of protecting tiny young seedlings from the army of slugs and snails that live in the south of France. Instant bigger plants survive the sun better too .If you do plant packets of seeds you could end up with hundreds of plants, and agonize what to do with them. Anyway, more than 4 courgette plants could cause culinary havoc in the convent kitchen.

summer coming in and antique cars go on display

We become tourists in our district on Sunday, after our garden planting the day before. In nearby Nuzejouls they are having a fete celebrating the aid and support given by organizations in the district to impoverished parts of Africa. There are  Toureg men in their robes and summer veils, musicians playing ouds and drums, camels patiently enduring endless tours around the block while laden with kids, a trail of antique cars.  The day is magnificent and ends with the first bbq of the season – probably the last time I will attempt to cook grilled onions, aubergines, zuchinnis and mushrooms along with sausages, delicate little steaks, and sardines. In the future I resolve to cook only one food group, better still  only one food. Somehow the platters don’t turn out to be the same high quality we follow when we are having art holidays here at LVC, but then Corinne is the master chef then, while I am just the minion.

There are many animal lovers here on Skiathos. Most people I know regularly feed between 15 and 20 stray cats and dogs in addition to their own beloved family pets -  conventional pets ,that is, such as cats and dogs and, occasionally, a horse or two. Some keep something a bit more exotic (such as parrot or turtle) and there’s my friend George with his beloved ‘Luxandra’, the donkey (remember her?) who now regularly appears at weddings sporting a beautifully carved and brightly painted, wooden saddle embellished with tooled leather,  that George has had specially made for such occasions.

I thought nothing could surprise me until I met up with a couple of friends this afternoon. A very excited and proud Graham arrived with the latest addition to their menagerie trotting at his heels; a young GOAT, complete with collar and lead!

“Let me introduce you” he said,  “This is Billy….. Billy the Kid”  (of course, what else?)

‘Absolutely nothing to do with me!’ Lynne, his wife, was quick to point out,  rolling her eyes and clearly thinking her husband had finally flipped.

Turns out ‘Billy’ was purchased after a particularly heavy night on the tiles and when Graham awoke the next morning to find Billy curled up beside him, he could offer no explanation as to how he got there -  but he and his goat have been inseparable ever since!

Its easy to see why. Billy is the gentlest, quietest and most loyal of creatures and very affectionate. Within moments of my stroking his soft silky coat with his head cupped in my hand, he’d fallen fast asleep!

The fact that goats are easy to keep – they eat virtually anything – and that Graham no longer has to be reminded to ‘take out the rubbish’ or ‘cut the grass’ (they have a very large and steep tract of land to keep under control) may also have something to do with it!

Billy is a perfect pet; undemanding, entertaining, inexpensive to keep  and very loving…… and in these ‘ecologically-aware’ times, extremely useful too – a one man recycling unit…..

I want one!

This week the painting courses resumed, beginning with Mary Dillon’s popular water colour master classes.

Mary, Gill and Lida

Under Mary’s watchful eye and her expert guidance, we learned how to employ her unique and very expressive style. Encouraged to pick her trademark subjects (flowers and fruit) from around the garden we returned with them to the studio…….

to concentrate on ‘capturing their essence’ by painting them using her very ‘loose and free’ flowing technique.

Working at speed with Mary’s charming Irish brogue egging us on with  ‘Quickly now! As quick as you can! Don’t think about it too much!’ and ‘Just FEEL your subject’ we were all inspired by her obvious passion and it was a very useful (though often frustrating excersise for slow deliberate painters such as Lida and myself!) but all part of the learning process. By the time we took a coffee break …….

we were beginning to feel suitably proud of our efforts!

On Day 3 Lida surprised us with a glorious collection of fruit gathered from her own extensive gardens, here on the island….

and the hours ran away with us as we each became totally absorbed in our ambitious attempts to capture them all in a still life painting:

(work in progress)

There was much friendly laughter, chatter  and comparing of notes over lunches on the terrace, once the morning sessions were over. Now these courses have ended and Mary returns to Ireland tomorrow -  but we all eagerly anticipate her return to the island for further courses next September.

Sign up in plenty of time if you’d like to join us then.

Next week the first of my own classes get underway……so watch this space and I’ll be back soon with more updates…..

]]> http://paintingholidays.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/bushman-painting-as-documentary-2/ Sun, 17 May 2009 08:17:12 +0000 paintingholidays http://paintingholidays.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/bushman-painting-as-documentary-2/

ORIGINAL ARTICLE BY: Lucille Davie
30 October 2008

There were no Bushmen about to ask how to create the paintings, so artist Stephen Townley Bassett learned how to recreate Bushman paintings the hard way – by trial and error.

His dedication to the task over the past 18 years has led to the first major exhibition of his Bushman works – 30 extraordinary paintings assembled at the Origins Centre at Wits University in Johannesburg in an exhibition entitled Reservoirs of Potency.

“I threw away my penknife,” Bassett says, together with plastic containers and metal tins. And went out into the bush discovering. He learned how to use animal blood, saliva, ochre, cobra venom and ostrich egg shells to create pigment to paint the images, precise copies of Bushmen paintings from around the country.

He learned too how to use porcupine quills, buck horns, rocks, animal hairs, bird droppings, feathers and animal skins that would become his stock in trade. He made mistakes along the way but got it right.
‘I learned that fat is a good binder’

“I learned that fat is a good binder. I would make a paste which was easy to carry. I learned to liquefy it again with gall, saliva and blood.” Bassett also learned about the different quality of hair of different animals, giving him fine hair for a paintbrush, or thicker hair for a bushier brush.

He even made his own stone tools to skin spring hares and foxes he’d shot, to use the skin as a pouch in which to carry his painting implements.

The animals and people in his works, which Bassett calls “documentary paintings”, are the precise size of the originals. The works are done on 100 percent cotton sheets. Each piece, he says, is a one-off.

“So much has gone into each painting,” he explains. He would spend days at a site, deciphering the original, with a miner’s lamp on his forehead.

“The first thing is to document as accurately as possible, doing it with pigments available to them, absolutely life size. I would only record what I saw, making it a little darker, to take account of dust,” he recounts. Then back at home a painting would take between six and eight weeks to complete.

“The work is very exacting, very demanding. There is no debate, the work has to be right – everything exactly there. It is a blend of science, art and craft,” he says, referring to the tool-making as craft.
Endorsements

Such is his attention to detail that the professor emeritus and renowned researcher and author on Bushman art, David Lewis-Williams, comments in the caption of one piece that it was only after Bassett captured the work, the Leaping Lion, that Lewis-Williams noticed fish around the lion’s body.

“Often I return to the site with my half-completed painting to compare colours and overall appearance of my rendition to the original on the rock,” says Bassett. “All paint marks on the rock that are within the frame of reference of the chosen scene must be recorded. All marks must be acknowledged and recorded. The final product must be the next best thing to the original on the rock, a kind of historical document of what has been deciphered from the rock face.”

His paintings have brief notes or paint blotches around the edges which don’t distract from the work, but help to guide him as to colour and markings on the original.

And he has the full endorsement of Dr Benjamin Smith, the director of the Rock Art Research Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, and Lewis-Williams, who describes the work as “wonderful” and “very special”.

“You must either do the work accurately or not at all,” says Lewis-Williams.

Smith says: “This is an artist like no other; he bleeds for his art,” referring to the fact that Bassett has used his own blood in his paint mixes.

Bassett doesn’t only do Bushman art – he produces landscapes and takes on commissions from local farmers, who, he says with a mischievous smile, can be very exacting in what they want.

A book has been produced to accompany the exhibition – Reservoirs of potency – the documentary paintings of Stephen Townley Bassett. In 2002, he published another book, Rock paintings of South Africa – revealing a legacy.

“It has been an extraordinary journey,” he exclaims. Bassett is keen for the exhibition to travel, around South Africa and overseas, on perhaps an equally extraordinary journey.

Bassett’s works are available for private viewing and purchase at the Bonair Road Gallery in Cape Town.

Source: City of Johannesburg

Here is a snippet from a conversation I had with Gill regarding perspective. Gill said that fundamentally perspective relates to the eye level or horizon line of the viewer, parallel to the ground plane. This therefore varies according to our personal height above the ground. When sketching landscapes most often the actual horizon is obscured by hills or other objects so the artist must begin by establishing the horizon in the minds eye, simply by locating it
at eye level.
When this is established it is easy to determine where objects such as buildings fit into the composition in relation to the horizon line.

Perspective relates to the angles of lines which appear to converge in the distance i.e. The vanishing point The parallel lines may be building lines or a line of trees or simply the road which apparently vanishes in the distance.

Buildings, trees and other objects become smaller and closer as they recede. They also apparently meet at the eye level mark. Buildings may also be viewed from a two or three point perspective, this occurs when viewing a building from the corner, you have two angles “moving” away from your eye. You now have a vanishing point on either side of the building. It can also happen that you have both or either of the vanishing points falling off the edge of the paper. When sketching windows and doors remember that the tops of the doors or windows may be angled slightly differently to that of the roof as the window is lower than the edge of the roof.

For more of Gill’s FREE Tips visit the Art Cafe

Tip 2 Remember
When placing people in a painting

this photo was taken a few years ago on a painting holiday at Mounts Bay Art Centre, Newlyn.
these were very successfull painting holidays run by Bernard and Audrey Evans, there is a link to Bernards web site on my sidebar but alas they no longer do Painting Holidays!

We had a glorious day today!

Perfect for downing tools and brushes, leaving the hustle and bustle behind and heading for the hills. Saturday is ‘rambling day’ when I don a pair of stout walking shoes, arm myself with no more than a bottle of water (and the all-important camera) and  join a group of girlfriends (and their dogs) for a  3 – 4 hour trek into the untouched interior of the island.

I never know beforehand exactly where we’re going but aware as everyone is of my aversion to hill-climbing (would that I could!) I’m always informed well in advance if there are going to be any steep inclines, which gives me the option of opting out. Not so this morning!

“Just a gentle hill at the start, then on the flat for miles, before a steep down-hill climb at the end” chirped our leader, my dear Swiss friend, Erna.

So off we set, happily basking in the brilliant sunshine, enjoying the sights, scents and sounds of spring and chattering away with our friends.

I never considered for a moment that for there to BE a ‘steep down-hill climb at the end’, there would also have to be some sort of steep UP-hill climb at the beginning! I also never considered that to Erna, being Swiss, a ‘gentle hill’ covers just about any mountain that is only slightly less imposing than the Matterhorn!!

So as the group strode on ahead, a very weary Yvonne dragged herself up the rear, egged on by Erna’s ‘encouraging’ shouts of

“Just one more hill, Yvonne – we’re almost there!”

I swear she must have repeated that sentence at least 30 times!!

When we did finally reach what turned out to be the pinnacle of our climb ( and almost the end of the road for me!) we looked around us in awe at the beauty of the landscape that stretched below us. On one side, far across the hazy horizon beyond the glistening deep blue sea, lay  Skopelos,  stretched out like a lizard dozing in the midday sun

and on the other side, way below us, the tiny white houses and red roof tops of Skiathos town clustered together, twinkling like the sea in the distance.

The views were breathtaking! And as for me? Well, I’m afraid I was just completely breathless……..

But to be fair, it was the most beautiful walk I’d ever been on in Skiathos and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Following narrow stream-beds and paths winding under a canopy of olive and pine. Meandering through meadows of wild flowers; pink and purple and white  anemones, bright blue cornflowers, purple grape hyacinth and loose-strife, golden yellow buttercups and dandelions and brilliant red poppies ,

we finally reached the mouth of a natural spring, where, thankfully, we rested for a few moments.

(Note the hand-painted sign – these have sprung up all over the island thanks to Mr Ortwin Widman, a relatively recent and very welcome addition to the island community who, since arriving from his native Germany, has worked tirelessly at cutting through overgrown ancient pathways and marking routes for ramblers. He places them in advance of the very popular organised walks he leads all over the island, usually on a Sunday. I believe they are quite long and strenuous (although most enjoyable!) and aimed at the more serious rambler. Once my own fitness level increases (perhaps even after today!) I will be able to join him on his walks too.

I kept wishing I’d brought my paints and easel  along- though I knew no painting I did could ever capture the beauty of all that surrounded us.

The heavy scent of wild sage hung in the air as we continued on through the groves of ancient gnarled olive trees, bent and twisted (them , not me!) as they clung tenaciously and almost horizontally, to the hillsides.

For hours now we’d heard nothing but the sound of  bird-song occasionally breaking the stillness and saw no other signs of human life at all till we met a goatherd with his mule, leading his goats to pasture on even higher ground.

The older goats ran away at the sight of the dogs (and us!)

but the young kids, the cutest of animals, were very friendly and inquisitive; as curious about us as we were of them, although their fiercely protective mothers ensured we didn’t get too close.

Eventually we began our slow descent back towards the town. On the way,  passing isolated ‘kalivis’

Open olives groves gave way to gardens with heavily-laden lemon, orange and grapefruit trees and the first signs that we were nearing the town:

We were five very dusty and weary walkers who finally arrived back at our Austrian friend Marianne’s house where, with dogs watered, shoes kicked off and after a communal collapse onto her squishy sofas (the depths of which I never imagined I would EVER be able to rise from again!) we proceeded to undo all our good work and tuck into the most amazingly delicious, gooey, home-made ‘Baileys’ cream and chocolate  gateau.

“Just a little something I threw together earlier” she said…….. as (having a Viennese mother, myself, I know only too well) only an Austrian can!

Reaching home with just a few short hours to recuperate, I set off for town again. This time to join with the gathered crowds on the new port to observe the global ‘Earth Hour’ in total darkness. This was followed by a candle-lit open-air concert, organised by the International Women’s Group, complete with wine and the company of good friends. Sorry there aren’t any more photos of this important event but it was rather…em…DARK!

Then finally I headed home where at long last I could (and did!) literally drop into bed……

Ah bed…..

Glorious, glorious bed!

If someone had told me, while I listened to the Beatles latest hit  ‘Let it be’ over 40 years ago (yikes! That ages me – ‘though I was wearing pigtails and white knee high socks at the time!) that nearly half a century later I would be hearing it again, but this time sung by a choir of Greek children, in a small school theatre, on a tiny island in Greece…well, I’d never have believed it!.

Yet tonight, here I was….sitting in the local High school in Skiathos, attending an evening organised by local librarian, Malamou Stamelou, to commemorate World Peace Day by paying tribute to the life and work of the late, great, John Lennon.

Despite the awful weather outside (a deluge of cold driving rain!) the auditorium quickly filled to capacity with excited islanders of all ages who, as the lights dimmed, fell into awed silence to watch the entertainment unfold.

The stage was simply decorated with  symbols of peace, anti – war slogans and colourful flower cutouts, all reminiscent of the ‘Flower Power’ days of my youth.

In front of a large backdrop of old, rare (and mostly unseen) black and white film footage, showing the life of John Lennon (with Greek sub-titles) school children took turns in taking to the podium to speak about John Lennon’s remarkable life and career.

From his childhood growing up in Liverpool, they chartered his life through the early ‘Cavern’ days, the successful Beatles years, his spiritual quest with visits to the Maharishi in India, his anti-war campaigns calling to ‘Make Love not War’ with his famous ’sit in’ (or rather ‘bed in’) with Yoko Ono, right up to his untimely death in New York in 1980. I thought I knew all just about all there was to know about this iconic figure and was surprised to learn so many new and interesting facts. The inclusion of a rare animation film of John Lennon’s drawings and doodles (many of which illustrated his books such as ‘A Spaniard in the Works’) was a real treat and gave further insight into the humour and intellectual wit of his multi-talented personality.

The full programme of events included eloquent readings, interspersed with poetry, popular Beatles songs sung by the school choir and, through modern movement and dance, a beautifully enactment of ‘Working Class Boy’.

The highlight of the evening was a live concert given by two prominent local musicians, Sotiris Tasiopoulos and Kostas Andronides. They skillfully sang and played their way though a wide selection of favourite Lennon /McCartney compositions, some of which I hadn’t heard for years….’Oh-Bla-Di, oh-Bla-Da’. ‘Yellow Submarine’ and ‘Hey Jude’ in paticular brought back long-forgotten and happy memories for me! It was a very moving and professional performance and left the whole audience clearly delighted by the way they were singing along, tapping feet and swaying on their seats.

The organisers, teachers and pupils should feel immensely proud of their achievement tonight. Being both thought-provoking and informative, the whole production was well -rehearsed and well-choreographed; a wonderful evening of pure entertainment and a fitting tribute to a legend of the 20th century whose beliefs, ideals and legacy clearly live on in the hearts and minds of the youth of today throughout the world.

Greece, the birthplace of democracy where every man has a voice, the right to air his views and to be heard.

In time honoured tradition, Skiathos found her voice this morning when much of the local population, congregated on the port to march in protest;  an event that was the work of Aleka Varvitsiotis…. (who, with her husband Dimitri, runs the silver jewelery store on Papadiamanti Street called ‘The Blue Dolphin”).

Supported by several non-Greek residents including members International Womens Group carrying placards and wearing orange life vests.

Their mission? To take part in a demonstration and vent their anger (peacefully!) at being ‘held to ransom’ by the companies that presently hold the monopoly over the vital role of connecting Skiathos to mainland Greece, by sea and air.

Skiathos is a relatively small island with a local and immigrant population of approximately 6, 000 but in the tourist season this number can reach as much as 100,000 on any particular day. While many tourists arrive directly from their countries of origin on charter flights (run by multi national tour operators) a large majority, of visitors, small business-owners and local residents in need of medical attention (that the small local health centre cannot accommodate) depend solely on this life-line, the shipping link to the mainland. The local business community simply could not survive here without it; container loads of retail stock, food for the restaurants and supermarkets and building materials, all essential for the island’s survival, development and commercial viability, arrive daily,  with only one resource to rely on.

With the ever-escalating cost of fares and an increasingly unreliable and irregular service, many Skiathites have simply had enough and are no longer prepared to just sit by and idly accept the exploitation of their situation, without taking some action to make their feelings of resentment known.  The major issue is that their calls for 1) a lower, more realistic tariff for islanders,  and 2) a regular, reliable service (that is not dependent on the number of users) fall on deaf ears and are continually ignored.

Today’s  demonstration was timed to coincide with the arrival of a ferry and a small victory was achieved when the crowds managed to disrupt it’s normally quick turnaround and delay it’s departure for more than half an hour.

Sadly though, the turn-out was disappointing; there were just as many (notable by their absence) islanders who feel a demonstration is unlikely to actually institute any immediate changes. Those who chose not to offer support today that I spoke to held the view that until there was either healthy competition or a mass boycott (neither of which is likely to happen in the forseeable future) turning up was generally considered a futile exersise; a waste of time and a loss of a valuable working day. Their typically Greek ’shrug of the shoulders’ complacency and despondent air of resignation left me thinking they may well have a point, yet at the same time I’m aware that, rightly or wrongly, stubbornly clinging to that point of view would ultimately change nothing.

What was heartening and an indication of a more hopeful future, however, was the sheer volume of young teenagers who joined in the protest, personally invited and spurred on by the local business community secretary, Costas Zembekis.

They were passionate and motivated in both their enthusiastic marches and eloquent speeches that roused the crowds and resulted in overwhelming applause. So, perhaps, after all it will fall to the next generation to carry the voice of  change – and find a way to instigate it.

Congratulations and Thanks to Aleka Varvitsiotis for doing something about Skiathos’ failing transportation system and for organising the whole event.