SPAIN 2027

The art trip to Las Chimeneas in 2026 was just fabulousl. It is just great being a with a group of like minded people who enjoy painting and relaxing in a beautiful environment! And that’s without mentioning the wonderful local cuisine…

I am delighted to be working with Emma planning another trip in 2027. Do consider coming along!

contact Las Chimeneas

MAIRENA

Mairena is a pretty village in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Rural, rustic and relaxing it is an excellent place for sketching and painting.

There are white washed houses in delightful narrow winding streets, lined with pots of flowers. The houses throw fascinating shadows set against bright strips of sunlight, and there are tantalising glimpses through the gaps between houses to views of the surrounding countryside. Stepping around a corner will reveal a panoramic view of the surrounding region; you can see the Mediterranean, and on a clear day all the way to Morocco.

THE PAINTING

Painting and sketching in this area is a dream. The area is beautiful, and there is no shortage of painterly opportunities. From wide open views to small corners full of local character there is plenty for you to choose from. Being on the side of a mountain gives rise to some unusual compositions: looking through a chimney pot to the hills beyond was unexpected, which hints at the steepness of some of the village streets!

Mairena itself is full of opportunities, and we will also be visiting locations in the surrounding area. The painting locations are chosen so that very little walking is required to find inspiring subject matter. All the facilities we might need will be close by...shade, water, refreshments, loos... David and Emma will kindly organise transport to the painting locations, so that we can enjoy the views en route and take all we need with us. I have never been so comfortable painting en plein air!

Through demonstrations and sharing tips and techniques Siân will help you through your creative endeavours. Aspiring artists of all abilities are welcome. Whatever your starting point all Siân requires of you is enthusiasm and interest!

When en plein air Siân’s preference is to ‘gather information’ - sketches, photographs, colour notes ( swatches) and written notes, which are then used together to make paintings in the studio. (See examples of preliminary sketches in the gallery below). You may decide to work the same way, but if your preference is to use your time to make a sketch book diary of your holiday, or even complete a painting en plein air, Siân will be happy to assist.

¡LAS CHIMENEAS!

“ ‘Las Chimeneas’ - chimneys! The delightful chimneys in this little Alpujarran village inspired a painting of glimpses. One moment a glimpse of a chimney, the next a glimpse of distant hills through a chimney. Steep narrow streets, high whitewashed walls, roof tops, fig trees, sunlight, shadows… in ’Las Chimeneas’ I share the things my eyes rested on as I walked.”

— Siân

A fine art print of this painting is available here

ACCOMMODATION

In Mairena we will be staying in Las Chimeneas, a gorgeous set of converted village houses run by David and Emma Illsley. With white washed walls, blue shutters and decorated to a high standard in the traditional local style the accommodation is very comfortable and the atmosphere relaxing.

The restaurant is just lovely, serving local Alpujarran recipes handed down over generations. Emma and David's recently published book, 'Recipes and Stories from an Alpujarran Village' is certain to whet your appetite!

For more information about the accommodation, the region and your hosts please visit Las Chimeneas.

GALLERY : MAIRENA AND AREA

pricing 2027

2027 to be announced ; please check back.

Prices include

full board accommodation.
airport transfer by group minibus from and to Malaga airport. The group will meet at Malaga airport by 2pm on the day of arrival. At the end of the holiday drop-off at Malaga airport is by 12pm for afternoon fights. (There is a little lee-way in these times, please discuss with Las Chimeneas when you book).
transport to painting locations.

Accommodation

Available accommodation includes

twin/double room at the main site Las Chimeneas per person sharing.
single room at village cottage with own bathroom

single room at village cottage with two rooms sharing one bathroom
single room use of standard double room at main site Las Chimeneas.
single use of larger suite /studio rooms at main site Las Chimeneas

Prices exclude

flights.

Travel insurance is not included; it is the responsibility of participants to organise their own travel insurance.
Art materials. Siân will be happy to help if you would like advice on what to bring or have any questions about the art/teaching content of the holiday. She has written an ‘Art Materials Guide’ which you can view and download. Contact Siân

Booking this holiday is through Las Chimeneas. If you would like to contact David and Emma before booking you will find them friendly and helpful.

OUR HOSTS

David and Emma are superb hosts. They have been living in Mairena for many years, and are very happy to share their local knowledge with their guests. David and Emma make finding inspirational locations easy and enjoyable, adding anecdotes and information that make both the painting and your stay in Mairena even more pleasurable. David and Emma have shared their love of the region in their books, all well worth a read.

As well as running lovely tours Granada they also run a number of other activity holidays, including writing, nature, yoga and bread-making. Do take a look at their site! And of course, a week spent at Las Chimeneas simply relaxing, enjoying the atmosphere and the food is just wonderful.