Thursday, 7th June 2007, saw 40 members, including some spouses, of our art society heading up the M6 on their annual pilgrimage to The Derwentwater Hotel, Portinscale, just north of Keswick. The hotel is comfortable, and catered for our every need, with its delightful gardens meeting the lapping waves of Derwentwater and splendid views across to the majestic crags and pikes of Hugh Walpole's territory.

The weather was warm and sunny, perfect for painting and capturing the violet shadows of the Cumbrian cottages under the cobalt blue skies. You didn't have to travel very far to find that "perfect painting spot", particularly as the hotel grounds offered a million and one subjects - ducks, pheasants, flowers and the boats in marina next door, you were spoilt for choice. Friars Crag, cared for by The National Trust, in Keswick offered exquisite views. Not far away is Watendlath, a haven rich in paintable subjects - stone walls, more cottages, lakes, boats and trees. The village of Grange was a popular spot as was Rosthwaite, nestling in the Borrowdale Fells. Peace and quiet reigned throughout this unspoilt area apart from bleating sheep and birdsong.

Whilst the artists were torturing themselves (or otherwise) over their canvasses and sketch books, their spouses were spoilt for choice as there is a large variety of pursuits for the non-painter. Shops of every description, walks for all abilities and deck chairs.

On Saturday night, after two and a half days painting, an exhibition was held. It wasn't competitive, but was very interesting for the artists to compare notes and chat about different techniques. Other hotel guests were made welcome, and it has been known for money to be exchanged for a painting!

Sunday morning, and a few pounds heavier after tucking in to the delicious, irresistible dinners, we said our farewells to each other and wove our way home, to pick up the pieces of our "normal" lives, hoping there'll be a similar weekend planned for the following year.

Report and photographs by Zita Elliot

Friars Crag

Gill in Borrowdale Valley giving a demo to the sheep

Watendlath Cottages

Borrowdale Church