The ancient kingdom of Aragon with its picturesque hilltop towns and villages and striking landscapes of mountains cloaked in holy oak and pine, spectacular rock formations, and ravines cut through by crystal clear rivers is a fabulous location to explore and learn new artistic skills.

This unspoilt corner of Spain may be off-the-beaten track, but it is steeped in history. Iberians, Romans, Moors, Templars, and the Bourbons to mention a few have left a rich legacy of architecture and history. There is so much inspiration for sketching and painting – walled cities, churches, grand plazas, stately buildings, and charming whitewashed villages with higgledy-piggledy streets…

Picasso spent time here in his early years, and it became an important chapter in the artist’s life. On this Art Safari we will visit some of the wonderful places that fed his creativity – the breath-taking 13th Century fortress of Morella, the delightful sprawling medieval village of Horta de Sant Joan, and beautiful town of Valderrobres with its fine collection of Gothic buildings.

Throughout the week, Julia will help you progress your artwork, working both one to one and in a group. She is a very enthusiastic and generous tutor and will be sharing her watercolour techniques through demonstrations and discussion.

We will also spend time painting at our stylish lodgings at Mas de la Serra, a luxurious converted farmhouse set in an extensive almond grove in the remote Matarranya hills. There are 8 individually decorated rooms, all en suite, an infinity pool, several secluded patios and verandas, and a top floor sitting room looking out over the National Park, where if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of an Ibex on the cliff tops….

We think it will be an ideal base for this new Art Safari – welcoming, full of character, with views to die for, not to mention delicious Mediterranean cuisine!