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Holiday of the Month
| We are thrilled to introduce Sue Ford, a professional artist based near Middlesbrough in North Yorkshire, England. Sue is one of our painting tutors on our Sardinia painting holidays and she is joining us for the second time in 2008, this time at Hotel Funtanarena, Codrongianos. Originally from York, Sue now lives in the picturesque village of Stokesley, a short distance from Middlesbrough. |
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Sue Ford Painting Holiday
04 Oct – 11 Oct 2008 |
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For full details and sample itinerary, please click here
Sue’s love and interest in painting and drawing began in early childhood, studying at Middlesbrough college of Art. One of the most memorable moments from Sue's early career as an artist came in 1977 when she was declared the North East winner for portraiture in a national TV Programme, 'Painting along with Nancy Kominsky’.
Over the years, Sue has balanced her love of art with a full time job and two children. Now that the children have grown up, Sue's time can be devoted to painting. Today, Sue is a successful exhibitor, tutor and demonstrator, painting commissions, especially portraits and animals.
Sue is a member of a number of art societies and groups, as well as being the programme secretary of the popular Leven Arts Society. She regularly exhibits on both at local and national exhibitions, for example a number of Sue's paintings were included as part of a national exhibition by the National Society of Women Artists (NSWA) at the Westminster Gallery Central Hall in London.
Sue is a recognised and admired artist who demonstrates and teaches weekly in adult education classes and on her ever popular weekend workshops and holidays in pastel, watercolour and other mediums. Her work is exhibited widely through local and national exhibitions and galleries, and also at the Society of Women Artists in Mall Galleries, London and The Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA).
Sue’s aim is to stretch all students regardless of ability, to form a foundation of artistic techniques whilst developing their own style in a relaxed learning environment. Each student will be guided through each painting stage carefully throughout the day from an initial demonstration to get you started, followed by patient, professional tuition throughout the holiday.
To view Sue’s 2007 Sardinia painting holiday photos, please click here
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Hotel Funtanarena |
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Located within walking distance of the ancient village of Codrongianos, this small 19th-century country manor house hotel is furnished in period style giving it an air of sophisticated Italian elegance. It is set in a beautiful natural park with a suggestive backdrop of hills lined with olive trees and fruit orchard. It is an ideal base for those looking for a relaxing holiday but also makes an excellent point of departure for our excursions to inspirational painting locations.
The position of this lovely country manor house hotel on the outskirts of the village enables guests to enjoy the amenities and conviviality of a Sardinian village as well as direct access to a variety of landscape subjects. The bedrooms have wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and are decorated and furnished in period style. The hotel is only a stone’s throw away from the Romanesque abbey of Santissima Trinità di Saccargia, featuring the only existent cycle of 13th century frescoes on Sardinia.
All meals – including wine – are provided throughout your stay. Breakfast is a continental buffet and lunches a mix of picnics and local restaurants, depending on the painting day. Dinner is taken in the hotel’s dining room where you will savour excellent regional cuisine, made from only the finest, freshest local ingredients
Our day trips allow you not only the opportunity to paint in beautiful locations but also to discover the cultural richness and natural beauty of Sardinia. Painting trips include: Castelsardo, a picturesque town perched on a steep cliff with its enchanting old alleyways and the 12th-century Genoan castle overlooking the little harbour; a day at the vineyard, where we will enjoy magnificent views onto the surrounding countryside and gain an insight into wine making; Alghero, which has the most Spanish feel of any Sardinian town with its charming harbour, its towers and fortifications and its many churches, thoroughly unusual but all of particular beauty.
At the end of this week you will have gained a real insight into Sardinia, its culture and its people.
Read an independent Trip Advisor review of Hotel Funtanarena, our chosen hotel for this holiday, please click here...
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Frequently Asked Questions:
| How do I get to Sardinia? |
Year round low cost flights operate from London Stansted, Liverpool & East Midlands to Alghero, Sardinia (Ryanair) and from London Gatwick to Olbia (Easyjet). There are also many direct flights from UK regional airports operating from May to October run by Holiday Options (www.holidayoptions.co.uk). |
| How do I make my travel arrangements? |
If you are not confident booking over the Internet, let us take the hassle out of organising your travel – we are more than happy to arrange and book your travel for you. Alternatively, visit your local travel agent and ask for flight only options to Sardinia. |
| How early do I have to book? |
Please register your interest as soon as possible as spaces are limited. We do not require any payment until your flights are booked (most flights can not be booked earlier than 6 months prior to departure). Note: air fares are normally cheaper when booked well in advance! |
| Can I bring a non-painting partner or friend? |
Yes, non-painting partners and friends are very welcome to accompany us. There is a wide range of activities for them to enjoy at each location – many at no extra cost. |
| Do I need to have any painting experience? |
No, the courses are suitable both for beginners and for accomplished painters - and all levels in between! |
| Do I need to bring my own equipment? |
No, we supply lightweight easels, boards, sun umbrellas and folding chairs so you don’t have to worry about bringing cumbersome equipment. |
| What materials do I need to bring? |
Our tutors provide you with a detailed list of materials for you to bring with you. There are only a limited amount of materials available locally! |
| How many students are on a course? |
There are between 8 and 12 students on each course. |
| Is the holiday price fully inclusive? |
Yes. Our painting holidays represent excellent value for money as everything is included in the price. You can come on the holiday and not spend a penny more than you've already paid! |
| Can you cater for my special dietary needs? |
Yes, just let us know about these when you make your booking and we will ensure that your requests are accommodated. |
| Are the holidays suitable for single guests? |
Yes. Our holidays are suitable for single travellers and have no single supplements or no single sharing is necessary. Meals are taken as a group so you have the opportunity to get to know everyone in the group over the length of the holiday. |
| I'd quite like a week lazing by a pool at the end of my holiday. Can you arrange this? |
No problem. We can arrange extra nights at a wide choice of hotels, B&B s and farmhouses throughout Sardinia. |
| Sounds great. How do I book? |
Contact John or Maria at info@bellasardinia.com who will be on hand to guide you through the booking process. |
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