Is there an equivalent term to “hedgerows” for fields that are marked out by drystone walls rather than hedges? You know, that protected area bordering paths and around the fields where the natural vegetation still thrives, and native wildflowers hide among the greenery? If not, there ought to be. The recent change in the weather…
Where I grew up, in Edinburgh, only the older stone houses had working shutters, and those were on the inside of the windows to keep out the cold in winter. In much of southern Europe, houses are shuttered in the summer to keep out the heat. I also really enjoy the ability to close out the world when it gets cold, dark and wet in winter, especially when there’s a bura blowing! It’s all terribly convenient, and so much cheaper than extra heating or air conditioning.
There’s something rather timeless about ropes. You find them everywhere in and around boats, useful for all kinds of tasks. But they can be artistic, too. As I stroll around the waterfront with my camera, I like to focus in on small details that could be easily missed if you walk by too fast.
Driving between Stari Grad and Jelsa always makes me think of Napa Valley in California. It has a lot to do with being a long straight road with vineyards right up to either side of it, but more than that, it’s also the beautiful rolling hills and warm sunshine – and the wineries!
One sunny afternoon recently, we took ourselves out for a walk after lunch. We hadn’t thought to go exploring new trails, only to take a roundabout route up the hill to the nearby 16th century watchtower for the views. But instead, we found ourselves drawn to the shoreline and the water. Our path brought us…
Mary’s Art Adventures Following our recentĀ art retreat on Hvar, California artist Mary Paquet has posted a couple of articles on her blog about the experience, and shares her artwork from the trip. Thanks, Mary! Her blog also includes entertaining stories of her travels to other places armed with a painting kit! Mary’s Art Adventures…
Our artists have been on Hvar for 5 days already, and we still haven’t been into the town everyone thinks is actually the complete island itself. So for our Saturday evening we’ll hit the big city, but first, a bit of painting at the beach. One of my favourite subjects is rocks and water, and…
Our original plan for Friday was for a bit of a beach day – let the artists out to paint and play by the water. However… the weather once again didn’t cooperate, and the day dawned clear, cool and windy, a classic bura pattern. Over a breakfast of coffee and the remainder of the birthday…
Day One of our artist retreat began with an early morning walk around Vrboska to orient everyone. I wanted to cover the practicalities of staying here as well as giving the opportunity to take photographs as the sun comes up. It is the absolute best time to be out and about with a camera, everything…
This week has been a very exciting one for me – I’ve been able to share the lovely places, people and experiences of this island with some wonderful artists from California. We’ve explored some gorgeous locations armed with sketch books, cameras and paints. We’ve walked for miles, enjoyed some fantastic meals, great wine, and the…
Go Hvar 
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