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Sunday, May 06, 2012

Can Serrat 4



Today, being Sunday, our group of hungry artists struck out on an energetic walkabout in search of a good restaurant where we could while away the hours over good Spanish food.


The restaurant is about 45 minutes from Can Serrat over rocky ground and through brushy trails where we had to walk single file. It sure felt good to get outdoors.


This is all inside the National Park of the Mountain; Can Serrat included. That would explain the presence of so many birds, I believe.


Finally we arrive at the large restaurant which is located out in the middle of nowhere, El Bruc being a very tiny village of only 1800 population. So I was astonished to see so many people here but I'm sure they come from far away to spend the afternoon at this wonderful place: La Vinyanova. Markus, the Professor from Norway, was a room mate of the owner of this restaurant when they both lived in Oslo, coincidently, so we got a lot of personal attention. I'll introduce you to Markus in a moment. He is a tremendous human being.


We arrived at 2 pm and stayed until 6:30 pm. Everyone, it seems, takes the time to enjoy the exquisite food and wine. Children are welcome and really fun to watch.


There's an enormous fig tree in the courtyard of the restaurant and maybe later I'll tell you a little story about it. But for now just notice how old and strong it is. A beautiful specimen.


And here is our group of 13 souls, all contented and merry after hours of feasting on garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, good bread and Catalonian cuisine that included several types of meats, beans, potatoes, salads, tapas and more. Grappa and biscotti for dessert with fruit and coffee. Peasant food and so delicious.


Here are two of the loveliest people; Markus Brendmoe and my new friend Melissa who will be here in residence during my entire stay and beyond. Markus is the most amazing painter and teacher. You can read about him all over the web. He's soooo nice. I'll get Melissa's blog link for you later. She's from Toronto and has studied in Italy as well as here. She's staying 2 months this time and is interested in costume design for the film industry.


And now we're back from our outing and have returned to our tasks. Painting for them and reporting for me. 


While it's true I could have just come to Spain and stayed in a private room to paint I wouldn't have had the experience of meeting the good people I've met here or having the advantage of watching them work. They've urged me over and over to join them in painting on the big big canvases; so generous and inclusive that it makes my heart bend. So that's the thing about a residency. You broaden and make new friends. You learn about other cultures. You realize just how big the world is and how many choices you have in your one, precious, precious life.

18 comments:

Mary said...

What an amazing Journey you are on. I know you are soaking up every minute. Keep the photos coming, such a joy to get a glimpse of what you are experiencing.

Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Your trip sounds divine!

Unknown said...

Oh Judy Judy...I love the way you take us with you. This is where I'm going as soon as my babes are grown. Sending love to you and your journey.

Your friend,
Jenny♥

dorylyn said...

Thank you so much for sharing your daily experiences. You have inspired me to paint again and I can almost taste the bread and garlic! You should plan a retreat for us all to go there with you!!!!

Karen Minton, Studio Blog said...

I just love checking in with your blog (I haven't for a long time due to lots of moving around) its so fun to see what you are up to, it's so inspiring! Thank you for taking the time to report to us.

Judy Wise said...

oh Dorylyn, wouldn't that be fun? It wouldn't have to be a big group either as Can Serrat is not so large. I think 10 willing students could make it happen. I'll chew on this. xo

Emily Lagore said...

Judy how incredibly generous of you to make these WONDERFUL entries while you are away! Your photos and words are terrific - thank you so much!!!

Karla said...

This has to be near Montserrat! Have you tried having a 'Calçotada'? It grilled onions that you dip in sauce. Amazing food!

Lovely trip you are having! Enjoy :)

Deb's Artful Journey said...

I am loving going on this residency with you!!

Jenny Walker said...

Judy.....Can Serrat workshop, yes....summer, please...hot, I know! I'll bring the tar gel...!!!

Judy Wise said...

Yes! We need tar gel and all our favorite stuff; the great thing is that here you can also get things locally - Marcel will order things right away. If I'd have known I would have packed lighter.

Judy Wise said...

Karla, those onions aren't in season right now. I would LOVE to try them.

lyle baxter said...

Judy, how will you ever be able to leave such a lovely place and how did you find it in the first place! we are thoroughly enjoying your adventure and feeling envious! do keep on painting large! love to see the end result!

Amy Gerlando said...

Waiting on Can Serrat 5??? Looks so awesome!

Cynthia of Cynful Creations said...

Hello to Melissa from a fellow Torontian, hope she convinces you to come visit, Judy! Is it chilly there, everyone seems a bit bundled up in the restaurant photo?

Cynthia of Cynful Creations said...

Oops, that should have been "Torontonian"!

Lynn Cohen said...

Judy I am having a strange reaction to reading these posts. A part of me feels like crying, but it is not sad tears believe me. It's more overwhelming joyous tears. (I am such an emotional slob). I think it must be very had to take in all you are experiencing there. It's hard for me reading about it. I am not sure at all how I'd do there. I think I'd need to be there for a whole year. Or I'd be worrying that time was running out...Are you lauging at and with me here? I'm a tad confused about the "teacher". Did you go there for classes? Or to be critiqued on what you are doing on your own? How does all that work?
Okay too many questions and emotions for one comment box to hold I am sure.

I am just over the top happy you are having this experience...and a little piece of me wishes I was there too. (with YOU) LOL

Parabolic Muse said...

Wow. Those images of the mountains are breathtaking.

I've never seen a national park with the nerve to put upmagnificent backdrops like that. And how do they prop them up? I mean, it's got to get pretty windy from time to time.

I'm off to look online for a backdrop like that for my pool area.