And here we all are at the end of the course stuffed with cake but very happy, I had the time of my life hosting this weekend, what a brilliantly fun lot you were, when we weren't concentrating on the painting there was laughter and fun in abundance, as well as enthusiasm to learn, and participation in some very stimulating and enlightening discussions. This was the first residential course I have ever taught, and I hope it will be the first of many of it's kind. I will be booking the wonderful and idyllic Flatford Mill again for next year this time. Learner feedback from the weekend. Phil.............What a splendid week-end that was - and I'd like to echo your sentiment of what a fun bunch you are, I have come away with some good memories. Colin................. Thanks so much for including me in the group and for all your hard work. I really count myself lucky to have got that last place! I thought you did a great job. The course was very well structured, with just the right mix of demonstration, tuition and practice. You taught me a lot that I can apply to all my work, not just watercolour, and I definitely felt that I made progress in watercolour itself, which was the main purpose. That small landscape that I did on Saturday afternoon was a step up for me and very good for morale! Fun/work balance: great! And thanks so much again, Gilly, and for the personal touches such as our welcome pack. It was all lovely, helped by the beauty and atmosphere of Flatford itself. I'll send you a few jolly photos when I've downloaded them. I Lucy.............Had a fantastic time thanks Gilly! The setting was perfect and you laid on the best weather for us :-) I could quite happily have stayed another day. Thank you for organising such a brilliant weekend - would definitely do it again. Vanessa..............Would like to echo Phil's comments - a great weekend, with fun people and great balance between work and play. I learnt a lot, especially about composition and the value of simple thumbnails, so I certainly think I can adopt these ideas when I next go into the countryside. Keep up the good work! Sam..........Dear Gilly what can I say, it was a lovely, lovely weekend: even though I was non-resident, I don't feel that caused me any disadvantage within the group. It was lovely to actually have time to paint and create: learning new things and consolidating old learnt things as well. It was so nice to see that many of the other people on the course, were the same as me! I see myself as enjoying painting, although I'm not very good, and although there were a couple of stars amongst the group, people seemed to be of similar opinions of their own abiltilites. I loved the way the group supported each other, expressing "like" of each others efforts and sharing similar diffculties when encounted. The feel of the weekend can only come from the leadershiop, which of course is your goodself, Gilly! I also loved the way your were accesible , and learners could use you as much or as little as they required. Once agian, thank you for a smashing weekend..very enjoyable, and has got me itching to go off explorer with my artist backpack on my back, so as to speak! Sam Dear Gilly Thank you very much for all the hard work you did in organising our painting holiday. I enjoyed it tremendously and learnt alot about composition and painting trees (much practise needed here!). Every one was so friendly which made it all the more fun. My one regret is that I forgot to bring my bathing costume! I can't think of any way in which the programme or content could be improved except to say that it would be lovely to attend a similar course next summer. I think that painting outside makes you to set down the basics quickly, with no time for dithering. The picture can then be completed indoors if necessary. With best wishes. I hope you have a good holiday from teaching for a few weeks! Yours Rosemary Clark Gilly, very many thanks for such an enjoyable and stimulating and well organised weekend, from the welcome pack to the last swim. Fantastic location and facilities, weather even better than Turkey. Lovely painting by the water under the trees. Good to meet others and enjoy sharing ideas and time out in the evening. Not often we're privileged to paint surrounded by a herd of bullocks! Colen says thank you for the weekend and making him feel comfortable with the group and activities. He really enjoyed himself and getting back to sketching. Julia Hi Gilly, A big thankyou for a great weekend at Flatford Mill. I thoroughly enjoyed it and although my painting efforts were not what I'd have liked them to be I felt I learned a lot. I will be much more aware of the importance of planning what I paint in regard to composition and looking for lines to direct the viewer where I want them to focus. I would also like to say everyone was great and fun company. I think we all mixed rather well. I believe it's probably a case of see everyone next year. See you in September. Allyson