The Watermill

21/02/2025

What do you think of Pamme Turner's top 10 plein air painting locations? 🎨✨ Are there any favourite spots you’d add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🌍🖌️

20/02/2025

📖✨ Writers read. Writers are inspired by art. Writers pay attention...

Jo Parfitt, our writing tutor, shares a story about how creativity flows across art forms. While teaching at The Watermill, she noticed a painting by Pamme Turner—a piece filled with vignettes, notes, and inspiration for students. That same week, one of Jo’s students, Jennifer Horn, was so inspired by Pamme’s work that she created her own watercolour version of Jo’s SPICE Chart, an acronym that helps writers craft compelling stories.

Jennifer’s artwork now hangs in the kitchen at The Watermill, alongside Pamme’s—two different art forms, connected by creativity.

Here’s what Jo had to say in her own words:

"Robert Macfarlane, author of a host of marvellous books that combine a love of nature and travel with exquisite writing, says, “Before you become a writer you must first become a reader. Every hour spent reading is an hour spent learning to write.”

Writers read. Painters visit art exhibitions. Musicians attend concerts.

I believe that artists of all kinds – writers, painters, musicians among them – can be equally inspired by all art forms. At least that’s true for me.

A couple of years ago, when I was teaching my Write Your Life Stories class at The Watermill at Posara in Tuscany, I noticed a painting on the wall of the kitchen. Painting classes are the stock-in-trade at The Watermill. Every year, a range of different practising artists visit the mill to teach their own specialism. One of those teachers is Pamme Turner. It was her painting I spotted that day on the wall.

A series of vignettes cover the paper along with instructions, observations, and ideas to inspire her students. Take a look for yourself. I include it here.

I wasn’t the only one to notice Pamme’s painting that week. One of my own students, Jennifer Horn, did too.

One day, in one of the free afternoons, Jennifer could be found creating a watercolour of her own. She showed it to me that evening. Inspired by Pamme’s piece, she had taken one of my own handouts and turned it into a watercolour.

Over a decade ago, I searched and searched for a memorable word, an acronym, that would help my students to remember the five crucial elements that make a story leap off the page.

Those elements are:

• Specifics• Place• Incident• Character• Emotion

That acronym is SPICE.

Jennifer had cleverly merged my handout with Pamme’s painting and created a piece of mixed media that took my simple SPICE Chart to a new level.

Inspired by a piece of art, Jennifer created another of her own.

Writers read. Writers are inspired by art. Writers pay attention. They notice things. They find parallels, connections, and metaphors in the work of others and then create something of their own.

Jennifer’s artwork can now be found alongside Pamme’s in the kitchen at The Watermill."

19/02/2025

🌿🎨 If you missed Eunice J Friend’s creative holiday at The Watermill this year, her library of online tutorials is a great way to still learn from her at home.

Her latest tutorial focuses on the delicate beauty of the hyacinth, using a limited palette to explore soft blues, purples, and greens. With over 170 tutorials available, this growing collection offers inspiration and guidance for all skill levels. 🌸🖌️

A membership costs just 87p per week, providing access to step-by-step lessons designed to build confidence and creativity.

📌 Find out more and start painting today: www.eunicejfriend.com/plans-pricing 🎨✨

🌿🎨 This week’s is all about the delicate beauty of the hyacinth! Painted using my limited palette, this tutorial will guide you through mixing vibrant blues, purples, and greens to bring this fragrant spring flower to life.

💡 Join the fun and unlock over 170 tutorials for just 87p per week with a membership! Perfect for all skill levels, my growing library is here to inspire your creativity every week.

📌 Sign up today and start painting! 🎨✨ www.eunicejfriend.com/plans-pricing

18/02/2025

🎨✨ "Painting is a language, a visual code and means of communication." – Pamme Turner

Our talented plein air painting tutor, Pamme Turner, beautifully captures the essence of painting in nature. Her words remind us that plein air watercolor painting is more than just technique—it transforms both the painter’s and the viewer’s vision of the world. 🌿🎨

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next painting adventure, Pamme has put together a list of her Top 10 Plein Air Mediterranean Painting Locations—from the breathtaking villages of Cinque Terre to the artistic streets of Barcelona. These are must-visit places for both first-time and professional artists.

🌍✏️ See the full list and start planning your next plein air experience:

🔗 https://pammeturner.com/top-ten-picks/

17/02/2025

📖✨ From a writing retreat in Tuscany to a published memoir!

Jo Parfitt, our wonderful writing tutor, is celebrating the publication of "On Swallow’s Wings" by Lesley Pendlebury—a memoir that took its first steps at The Watermill’s Write Your Life Stories retreat in 2018. 🌿✍️

Lesley’s book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic that happens when you dedicate time to your writing in an inspiring setting. If you’ve ever dreamed of writing your own life stories, Jo’s next retreat runs from 5–12 July 2025—a chance to nurture your words, refine your craft, and take that first step toward publication.

Who knows? The next book in Jo’s hands could be yours. 📚✨

🔗 Learn more and book your place: https://watermill.net/our-holidays/creative-writing-holidays/

15/02/2025

Ever wondered why Michelangelo's Moses has horns? 🧐🎨 It all comes down to a mistranslation of a single Hebrew word. Discover the intriguing story behind this artistic quirk

Read the full story here: https://watermill.net/2025/02/02/michelangelo-moses-painting-holidays-tuscany/

14/02/2025

🎨🧶 Join British designer Georgia Farrell Design from 12–19 July 2025 for a creative and inspiring knitting retreat in Tuscany. Known for her architecturally inspired designs, Georgia will guide you through the foundations of colour theory in knitting, helping you build your own Colour Journal and explore exciting techniques like yarn blending, marls, and colourwork. 🌈✨

A past guest shared: "Georgia had just the right balance of tuition, support, and free knitting time. The Watermill itself is a haven of peace and calm."

This is a wonderful chance to grow your skills, relax in beautiful surroundings, and connect with like-minded knitters. 🌿🧵

🔗 Learn more and book your spot:https://watermill.net/holiday-programme/georgia-farrell/

13/02/2025

🍋✨ Join us for a refreshing online watercolour session, Lemon Harvest, with artist Pamme Turner on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM UTC! 🎨🌿

Part of our Painting Online with The Watermill series, this interactive paint-along is perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. Pamme will guide you through capturing the vibrant essence of lemons in watercolor, sharing expert techniques along the way. 🍋🖌️

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills and connect with fellow artists from around the world!

🔗 Secure your spot: https://loom.ly/Y0sk0PU

12/02/2025

🎨 There are still spaces available for Paul Talbot-Greaves' week-long painting retreat at The Watermill, 16–23 August 2025! 🌿✨

Paul is known for his watercolour techniques that bring landscapes to life, capturing atmosphere, light, and colour. This is your chance to learn from him in the stunning surroundings of Tuscany, where you’ll enjoy inspiring tuition, delicious food, and the company of like-minded artists. 🏡🍷

If you’re curious about Paul’s teaching style, why not explore his video tutorials before booking? 🎥🖌️ His step-by-step guidance will give you a taste of his approach, making your retreat experience even more rewarding.

🔗 Book your spot: https://loom.ly/-vDzYqU
🔗 Browse Paul’s video tutorials: https://loom.ly/YImFtmM

11/02/2025

Yvonne Lyon, author of "Kept", knows the power of storytelling. 📖✨ With an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes and a background in teaching, she has had her short stories and poetry published in multiple anthologies. Now based in Lancashire, she continues to inspire with her writing.

"Kept" is available on Amazon, and if you’ve ever wanted to craft your own stories, Jo Parfitt’s writing retreat at The Watermill is the perfect place to start. Join us from 5–12 July 2025 and bring your words to life in rural Tuscany.

🔗 Learn more: https://watermill.net/our-holidays/creative-writing-holidays/

10/02/2025

Snow transforms the landscape in an instant, softening edges, muting colours, and creating a sense of stillness. Capturing that atmosphere in watercolour can be indeed one of the biggest challenges—every brushstroke matters when painting the subtle shifts in light and shadow on snow. Too much pigment, and the scene loses its luminosity; too little, and the depth disappears...

Do you agree that snow scenes are the hardest to paint, or do you find other subjects more challenging? Let us know in the comments! ❄️🎨

Fresh fall, watercolour 56 x 38cm

Don't you just love the way snowfall changes the landscape? Whilst snowscenes are beautiful to look at, they're perhaps one of the hardest subjects to capture in watercolour. You have to watch every brush stroke!
Painted on my favourite paper, Saunders Waterford 300lb rough by .cuthberts.mill

10/02/2025

🚨 Just 2 spots left for Maggie Renner Hellmann’s painting workshop at The Watermill! 🎨✨

From May 24–31, 2025, Maggie will guide both beginners and experienced painters in creating fresh and expressive work. Focusing on colour, brushwork, value, and design, she offers personalised support to help you grow your skills.

Secure your place before it’s gone!

🔗 Learn more: https://watermill.net/holiday-programme/maggie-renner-hellmann-26/

Join me and let’s Paint! - Let’s Paint Workshops 2025!
SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA - April 22-23rd. (Just listed!)
TUSCANY - May 24-31st (ONLY two spots left!)
PROVENCE - May 15-22nd FULL.
MaggieHellmann.com/workshops

This will be my eighth year teaching full workshops in Europe, 20+ years teaching locally!
I will be offering assistance to beginners and advanced painters in creating fresh and expressive work! Focusing on Color, Brushwork, Value and Design.

‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious Life?’
–Mary Oliver

“Maggie, you were one of my very first painting instructors. I know you hear it all the time, but you have such a unique, personal, encouraging and easy manner of teaching. I learned so much from you.
I have carried on the past few years painting solo, very intermittently on my own. It will be wonderful to join you again. It gives me a bright spot to look forward to!” - Lynn R. - painting student

08/02/2025

Can AI truly replicate human creativity? 🎨🤖 Our latest blog post explores this thought-provoking question, looking at the strengths and limitations of AI in the creative world.

Watermill painting tutor Pamme Turner shares her insights on whether AI can mimic the artist’s mind—and what this might mean for the future of art.

https://watermill.net/2025/01/30/chatgpt-versus-the-artists-mind-can-ai-be-truly-creative/

What are your thoughts?

07/02/2025

If you’ve ever been curious about painting interiors, Paul Weaver Art latest article in The Artist magazine is a great place to start. The March issue is out now, featuring his insights on capturing light, perspective, and atmosphere in water-mixable oils.

Swipe through to see some of Paul’s interior scenes, filled with warmth and character. If you’d love to learn from him in person, one spot remains on his painting holiday at The Watermill in Tuscany, 28 June – 5 July 2025! 🏡🌿

The last available room is the Bronzino, perfect for a single, a couple, or two friends sharing. Don’t miss this chance to paint in an inspiring setting with expert guidance.

06/02/2025

🚨 Another week of Mosaic Magic (and Helical Happiness!) 🧶✨ We’re delighted to announce that celebrated knitwear designer James Cox James Cox Knits is joining us for another week at The Watermill to teach the magic of mosaic knitting. His first course sold out quickly, so we’re thrilled to welcome him back from 23–30 August 2025.

🧵 Learn four mosaic knitting techniques
🎨 Master reading mosaic charts
🧢 Try helical knitting for hats, socks & cowls
🎁 All yarn & materials provided

📅 Limited spaces available—book now!

🔗 Learn more: https://watermill.net/holiday-programme/james-cox-2/

05/02/2025

A little inspiration, a lot of creativity, and a touch of Tuscany delivered straight to your inbox! 🌿📩 Our newsletter is packed with exciting updates—from new creative courses and inspiring tutor stories to behind-the-scenes renovations (including a new rooftop terrace and a beautifully restored plunge pool).

✨ This month, we’re welcoming back knitwear designer James Cox Knits for a second week of "Mosaic Magic", exploring how creative retreats can boost wellbeing, and sharing the latest availability for our 2025 courses.

Sign up to stay in the loop and bring a little Watermill magic to your inbox each month. 💌

🔗 Subscribe here: https://watermill.net/newsletter/

04/02/2025

George Orwell’s warnings about totalitarianism and technology feel more relevant than ever. 📖⚡ This new blog post looks at how his ideas still resonate in today’s digital world.

Read the full piece here: https://watermill.net/2025/01/24/more-food-for-thought-george-orwells-warnings-about-totalitarianism-and-technology-are-even-more-relevant-today/

04/02/2025

Highland Cattle in Watercolour 🖌️🐂 Here’s a look at some of the beautiful paintings created during Randy Hale’s latest online paintalong session. Using strong value contrasts and wet-in-wet techniques, participants brought these miniature Scottish Highland cattle to life on paper 🎨✨.

It’s always inspiring to see how each artist interprets the same subject in their own unique way. If you missed the session, the full workshop is now available on our YouTube channel.

📺 Watch the full session: https://loom.ly/oCB_9Gc