Project Description

Painting with Penelope Anstice, Autumn 2026 TBC

Join artist tutor Penelope Anstice in “Picasso country” for a unique painting holiday. This wild area in Aragon maintains its traditional way of life with agricultural communities nestled around medieval villages surrounded by vast cliffs, acres of almond and olive groves and pine forests.

It was this dramatic backdrop of limestone mountains and glorious flower meadows that inspired a young Pablo Picasso and influenced his early works.

  • Mas de la Serra was selected by The Times as one of the top 20 mountain retreats in Europe

  • Exclusive intensive tuition in oil or watercolours within a small group

  • High end accommodation in a 70 acre ‘wilderness retreat’ with stunning views of mountains and wandering mountain ibex

  • The masia’s owners and staff will be on hand throughout to explain some of the history of the building and look after you during your stay

  • Exclusive whisky tasting of some of the owner’s family single malts

  • Gourmet Peruvian / Aragonese fusion cuisine prepared by in-house chef

  • A rare opportunity to visit one of the last unspoilt and least known regions of Spain with wonderful medieval villages and countryside

  • The holiday includes a visit to the nearby Picasso museum in Horta de St Joan where Picasso once lived and which changed his life.

“The surroundings were extraordinary.  Food amazing.“

“Alasdair and Gayle were so welcoming, and such good food by kind permission of Jenny. A really great week to remember. What an amazing part of the world that is.”

What are guests say:

In addition to painting sessions based at the masia, there will be excursions to some of the local medieval villages and surrounding countryside.

I paint in both oil and watercolour.  My aim when teaching is to show people as much technique as possible; with sound knowledge of technique, students can begin to find the confidence to put their own stamp on their work. I do quite a lot of demonstrating, often this is the easiest way to explain the process in practice.  I concentrate on the fundamental and key elements of painting, namely composition, drawing, colour mixing, tonal contrast and mark making.  I do not leave the students just to ‘express themselves in paint’; without the necessary basics this can lead to frustration and despondency.  Self expression is something an individual develops over time as their confidence and understanding grows and they are able to move away from the purely representative.’ – Penelope Anstice

All inclusive: full board, transfers, tuition & activities

Booking rates : 

Full Rate: £2650 / person in private room £2250 / person in shared double.

Early booking rate: £2350 / person in a private room . £1950 / person shared room. (book before 1st March 2023)

Joining Point: Barcelona Airport.

 The price does not include flights & insurance. We will advise on flights after the booking is confirmed. 

Submit an Enquiry