Hi Everyone

I trust you are all well as we travel into the Autumn months heading towards Winter.  The trees have turned and are now wearing their coats of many colours and there is an abundance of berries on the Isle of Wight this year ready to feed our feathered friends no doubt.

Since I last wrote to you in the Summer, we have been to France and back running the yearly Painting Residential, in addition to lots of individually tailored breaks for those wishing to visit the Island as well as teaching classes both from here, Norfolk and online.  I count my blessings each day as I wake up invigorated to take on the day’s events.

I am now in a position to let you know that we will be holding our Residential Painting Holiday next year at Abingworth Hall in the gently rolling hills of the South Downs, Sussex.  This area has a lovely soft feel to it and the landscape is a delight, all necessary to inspire us to paint our own landscapes, flowers and seascapes. 

As on previous Residentials, the painting days will be interspersed with optional day trips out, especially as there is a wide array of things to see and do ranging from National Trust properties, private gardens, interactive museums  to the Pier at Brighton which isn’t far away.  Bookings have already been taken, but there is still room for others so please get in touch if this is something that interests you.  Abingworth Hall is a property which is used by a variety of groups to walk and explore this beautiful area so it is important to book early so we can secure a room for you at this popular location.  Please click on this link for more detail: https://www.sophiaflowers.com/2020-united-kingdom/    (ps the photos on the link have yet to be changed to display our new location – I am waiting for my website designer to do so)

As for this year, there is still plenty on the horizon prior to Christmas.  I am happy to have been asked by Freshwater Bay House to decorate their venue all ready for guests booked on holidays over the festive season, so I’m already coming up with simple ideas which will provide a colourful, warm and fun environment in which to stay.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my news.  If you have any queries and/or questions, please feel free to contact me.  Until the next  time, happy painting and keep your inspiration fuelled with the life that teams around us in the form of nature and of course all the people we come in touch with during our daily lives.