For many years I have looked at Annie Herron’s ad for her residential art classes wishing one day I could join.
At the Glen Innes Show I met Sophie Hansen from Local is Lovely (see previous post) and found out that Annie was her mother. I also learned that Sophie was the cook at these art classes and that they have Danish heritage. That was my cue………….it was time to join up, and so I did. And what I week I had.
It took me 10 hours of driving through some very dry farmland to reach my destination, – but the Australian nature with its wide open spaces are still impressive and the sky was bright blue (luckily it rained on the way back).
I finally made it to Rydal, where I had a quick stop at the Old Train Station.
…… and then I moved into this beautiful room.
My room was behind the blue door. I could have stayed forever 🙂
Next it was time to pick up the paint brush…….
Two variations over the same landscape theme, based on a walk I did with fellow artist Ingrid.
But it wasn’t just about drawing and painting. It was about meeting new people, sitting around the table in Annie and Henry’s kitchen talking, enjoying Sophies delicious food, and having a go at Henry’s pool table. There were many good and funny stories shared and I went to bed every night exhausted !
Needless to say, I had the most wonderful time and I am sure, I’ll be coming back. If you would like to read more about Annie’s Art Classes check out her website and Sophie from Local is Lovely wrote a beautiful blog post about the food, including lots of recipes.
I can’t thank Annie, Henry, Sophie and my fellow ‘art students’ enough for this unique week. Not only did I learn a few new ‘tricks of the trade’, I am also loaded up with inspiration to last me for months and I definitely need to get back into the kitchen to try out those lovely recipes of Sophie’s.
Photo of me by Sophie Hansen Two small landscape sketches 🙂