Painting in:

Gwynedd Region, North West Wales, UK

You won’t need an alarm clock in Wales, as a chorus of birdsong will awaken you each morning with the sweetest wake-up call you’ve ever heard.

A lush, green landscape dotted with sheep, ancient castles and deserted beaches. Lush because of the rain, the climate is reflective of Canada’s west coast. Going to Wales in mid May means you’ll beat the tourist season, but the weather can be hit and miss. You’ll be able to break out the easels when the clouds part to reveal a landscape saturated with colour. If the weather isn’t cooperating take the opportunity to shoot some fabulous moody reference photos that can be used back home in the studio. Rhododendron bushes the size of houses climbing up mountain sides, crashing waves on deserted beaches, bluebells, daffodils, fast flowing, bone chilling rivers tumbling down to the sea. Wales is a capricious land waiting to be captured by the insightful artist.

A gourmet picnic lunch provided by Maes-y-Neuadd was packed into our backpack. We then hiked up into the hills behind the hotel. The day was clear and crisp, the view extended across the bay to Portmeirion and beyond towards Pwlheli. Walking is easy on fields cropped short, although sheep ”land-mines” are everywhere. The careful side-stepping at the beginning of the hike is soon replaced by a total disregard for the soles of your boots. A large flat rock offering a view of Harlech Castle and the sea served as our “table for two”. We settled down to a feast of pressed duck, welsh cheeses, fresh breads, pastries and fruit.

Bodnant Gardens is a must see. One of the most beautiful gardens in Britain, Bodnant Gardens covers over 80 acres of both formal terraced and wild “Dell” gardens. The plants and trees found here are from around the globe. Purchase membership with The National Trust before you leave home and you will enjoy free entry and parking to more than 300 historic houses and gardens in Britain. A bargain for the serious plein air artist!

Where to stay...

GWYNEDD: Maes-y-Neuadd

Maes-y-Neuadd hotel is a very old Welsh manor house, dating from the 14th century. Nestled into a wooded mountainside, the hotel is situated amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain, with spectacular views across the Snowdonia National Park. It's a good base for exploring the Mountains of Snowdonia, the North Wales coast, the Lleyn Peninsula, Portmeirion and historic castles like Harlech or Conwy. In addition, Maes-y-Neuadd is recognised as one of the very best hotels in Wales, with AA red stars, rosettes for their restaurant, and many other awards. The food is so amazing, it’s one of the best places I have ever eaten! The meals consist of 5 courses, which include the “dessert extravaganza” a 5 course dessert – I’m not kidding! A sweet-tooth's dream come true. Forget the diet and come hungry!