Programmes
A dynamic ‘live-in’ fortnight drawing and painting course for both beginner and advanced students. The course is based on working from the imagination as well as directly from nature thus integrating the two and producing expressive, original and unified works of art. Projects include: evoking the imagination, intuitive personalized colour, understanding the basic elements of art such as values, line, composition, space, etc, which are all the components that go towards creating a work of art.

This balance of studio work and outdoor study of nature is what Odilon Redon, the imaginative French artist, alluded to with his observation that, ‘Nature is my yeast the fermenting power that feeds my imagination’. The course is an adventure in creativity and structured to encourage and develop creative habits as well as to acquire faith in one’s own unique imagination and intuition.

Classes are limited in number (6 maximum) to allow for individually orientated instruction as well as flexibility to enjoy short excursions to neighbouring villages etc. Classes are in the mornings from 10.00 until 1.30, and studio space is available for the rest of the time to carry on ones projects.

Materials:
Acrylic paints are recommended due to their quick drying properties however during summer courses oil paints work as well if preferred. Paints needed in tubes are - large Titanium White, studio size tubes of Pythalo Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Yellow Light, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Siena, Burnt Umber, Marfil Black and Veridian Green.

Brushes: Good quality oil bristle brushes called 'brights' or 'flats'. Sizes are numbered and I suggest two #8, two #12 and one #4. Corresponding special acrylic brushes are available but are usually more expensive - if purchased they must have firm bristles.

Other materials to bring are: a palette knife, a drawing pad A3 size, charcoal sticks, kneadable erasers and any other materials you enjoy. Canvas, easels, palettes etc will be provided and some materials are available at costs.

Pricing in Euros
14 day course: Includes full board and tuition, pick-up from the villages Orgiva or Torvizcon, some art materials (see below) and local excursions. 1/3 deposit to be paid in advance.	1 ,050 Euros (single room) or 950 Euros (shared double room)
Note: There will be more courses available throughout the year, check website for further postings or contact us.

Accommodation
There are both single and double rooms with shared bathrooms in the artist’s large home as well as in village houses close by. Breakfast is served between 8.30 and 9.30 and the principal meal will be served mid-day Spanish style with a lighter meal in the evenings. Meals are vegetarian with sea food exceptions and beverages including juices,wine and beer are offered. The mid-weekend during the fortnight course is open whereby students may help themselves in the kitchen or be free to make their own arrangements.

Instructor
Jack Rutherford is a dedicated vocational artist and teacher who has exhibited, lectured and presented workshops in the United States, Europe, Mexico and Brasil. He previously directed and taught at his center, “Arts & Growth” for over 20 years in the province of Malaga. He now lives and works in the Alpujarras. (see my own web site for further background information)

Location
The village of Castaras is located in the heart of the Alpujarra, a unique and beautiful area in the sierras south from the city of Granada (1 1/2 hrs drive). It is one of the many small Berber-founded villages that is still unspoilt and off the beaten track, situated between two river valleys on a natural outcropping, surrounded by agricultural terraces and orchards. The course will take place in the ‘barrio alto’ which overlooks the village proper and is surrounded by trees, spectacular cliffs and offers a vast panorama of the facing mountain range. A small stream with a waterfall can be enjoyed off the veranda and studio of the house.

Other activities:
The Alpujarras is a walker’s paradise offering a great variety of historical trails from village to village. Horse- riding, swimming and cycling are some of the many options offered as well as exploring and experiencing the culture of the neighbouring villages.

There are many historical sights to see in the surrounding areas within a days travel such as Granada, Almeria and the coast.

How to Get to Us
Granada is the nearest airport and has daily flights from Madrid as well as direct from the UK with budget airlines such as Ryan Air etc. There is an airport bus that takes one directly to the main bus terminal in Granada where you can catch one of the daily buses to either Orgiva or Torvizcon, (about 1 1/2 hours travel), where you will be met upon arrival. Before boarding the bus from Granada please give us a call on your arrival time to enable us to meet you, just telephone: 600637446 or 651093453. If driving please request that we send you a map with complete directions. There is a public telephone in the plaza of the village to contact us on your arrival if necessary and we will either come down to meet you or give you further instructions.

Bus times: Granada-Orgiva - Sundays 07.15, 07.45, 10.15, 17.00, 17.15, 19.30. Granada - Torvizcon - 08.30, 18.00 - there is a special local taxi service that meets this bus on arrival to take passengers on to the local villages including Castaras or we will meet you ourselves.