We are thrilled to invite you to paint in Spain with Julia Cassels.  Art Safari is returning to Spain at the best time of year for the spectacular surroundings of Aragon and Matarraña.

Julia Cassels led a most lovely painting holiday in the same location last year – her group came back energised by the beauty of the landscapes and the experiences they had had while painting in the villages and landscapes that Picasso once knew and loved.

The ancient kingdom of Aragon with its picturesque hilltop towns and villages and striking landscapes of mountains cloaked in holy oak and pine, spectacular rock formations, and ravines cut through by crystal clear rivers is a fabulous location to explore and learn new artistic skills.

You will be living in luxury with a hint of rustic charm on this Art Safari.

Picasso spent time here in his early years, and it became an important chapter in the artist’s life. On this Art Safari we will visit some of the wonderful places that fed his creativity – the breath-taking 13th Century fortress of Morella, the delightful sprawling medieval village of Horta de Sant Joan, and beautiful town of Valderrobres with its fine collection of Gothic buildings.

Enjoy the nature of this wonderful region.  This unspoilt corner of Spain may be off-the-beaten track, but it is steeped in history. Iberians, Romans, Moors, Templars, and the Bourbons to mention a few have left a rich legacy of architecture and history. There is so much inspiration for sketching and painting – walled towns, churches, grand plazas, stately buildings, and charming villages with higgledy-piggledy streets…

Throughout the week, Julia will help you progress your artwork, working both one to one and in a group. She is a very enthusiastic and generous tutor and will be sharing her watercolour techniques through demonstrations and discussion.

We spend time painting at our stylish lodgings at Mas de la Serra, a luxurious converted farmhouse set in an extensive almond grove in the remote Matarraña hills. There are 7 individually decorated rooms, all en suite, an infinity pool, several secluded patios and verandas, and a top floor sitting room looking out over the National Park, where if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of an Ibex on the cliff tops….

Mas de la Serra is an ideal base for this new Art Safari – welcoming, full of character, with views to die for, not to mention delicious Mediterranean cuisine!