The Group We take a maximum of 12 students. Everyone therefore gets personal attention.

The Painting Course is based around the Finca, where there is endless subject matter. We are blessed with other wonderful locations — lakes, and mountains of the Sierra Tejeda, white villages, the fishing port of Caleta de Velez, our own pretty promenade in Benajarafe — all within easy reach. Because we are well placed, it is easy to visit Frigiliana and the beautiful old centre of Malaga (a secret jewel of the Mediterranean) during the week without long and tiring journeys. In fact nothing is longer than 35 minutes. Also, because of our level grounds, you don´t have to be a mountain goat, so if you are a little unsteady on your feet, it is a great place to come.

This is a painting holiday, so we paint in the mornings, from 10 until about 2 — no pressure — but if you want to continue painting in the afternoon the tutor will help and advise you the next day. We find people like to read, siesta, play tennis and go for a wander along the country paths. Swimming is comfortable until the end of October and from April onwards. Wednesday is a day for an outing, when we will eat at a good local restaurant, lunch and supper, and you can still sketch wherever we go. Frigiliana (full of balconies, ancient doorways, shadows and light) is a favourite.

The Studio: You can paint in the studio if you wish, but usually the weather is such that people want to make the most of the famous climate. We mostly use it for hanging and discussing our work before dinner some evenings. We have lots of easels and stools so saving your luggage weight. We also have a kiln and a potter´s wheel for those who have made pots in the past.

You will stay in one of the houses where you have the flexibility of your own home without the restrictions of a hotel. A cup of tea and a piece of toast whenever you want! Also lots of space to look at your work.

The Food The very best —but we would say that wouldn´t we! We are sure however that our friends who have been here before would support this outrageous statement! We have our own cook who trained in one of the famous Spanish Cookery Schools, and who produces memorable traditional Spanish meals. No sandwiches for lunch here, but a superb three course lunch and supper! Served, or course, with plentiful wine. Painting in the fresh air does make you hungry! Those on special diets can be looked after but please advise us in advance.

Your Hosts Sally & Denis have lived and run painting holidays at the Finca since 1992. Sally started as a portraitist having studied life drawing at Bristol. She now works in Pastel and Oil and has had a number of exhibitions in the Malaga area. Denis looks after the catering and the farm and when allowed plays Golf and Tennis.