What People Say

Basilicata is an area of Southern Italy which has surprisingly been reported as not worth visiting. We can only assume that those who make such remarks have never been there. Here are some comments from people who joined us on the painting holidays which clearly illustrate how special this area is.

"I loved the height, openness, views, colours and shapes of the Vultura ..., Venosa, a treasurehouse of courtyards, churches, carvings, doors, windows,. a picture on every side". Mary T

"........the grand scale of the scenery and its frequently unusual aspects ....the Sassi at Matera,.......well worth the effort .....was so glad to have seen one of the extraordinary rock-churches ......also Carlo Levi's arresting paintings." Nancy H

"A most memorable experience .......opportunity to experiment with new styles, techniques and subject matter." Mal W

".......it is so difficult to put into words the scenery - so varied; the wonderous warmth of the people; the enthusiasm of my fellow "artists" and Penny, you gave me the confidence to try subjects I would normally never consider." Mary MW

"I have come back with so much to think about and more ideas for paintings." Tessa T

"The early morning experience in the Vultura gave a feeling of unreality. Seeing the mist hanging in the valley and the changing light was one of my hightlights. Another was painting the dawn at L'Assiolo". Heather M

"A chance to visit a part of Italy that is unspoilt and definitely requires a return visit to discover more.....such a range of sights to visit: paeolithic diggings, Roman remains (in the strangest places!),..... medieval towns full of fascinating alleys..., the people are delightful." Monica G.

"Day 5... another treat - a visit to the coast at Metaponto, on the Gulf of Taranto. The Greek ruins were an inspiration. A swim before lunch was very welcome, before the others spent the afternoon sketching ancient olive trees near Pisticci and we explored another new area." Sam F. (non-painter)

"Excellent choice of accommodation, food and wine, superb." D.S. (non-painter)

"Wonderful - I came back with so much material to work from." Felicity H

"A wonderful welcome at each place we stopped at, all so interesting in different ways. Difficult to choose highlights, - the painting - meals - scenery - company. A unique holiday with dedicated leaders." Gill F.

"Eternally cheerful and encouraging, Penny somehow combines stimulation and relaxation for her group resulting in many requests to come again." Bridget R

"The diversity of the places visited provided stimulation for the mind and the eye; contrasting vast landscapes with the narrow simple cobbled streets. The holiday was a fantastic opportunity and well organised to gain information, collect data for future work and capture the essence of the area. Penny ensured that the environments we experienced were suitably varied and diverse, and the work started there has fuelled progress on a body of work on the return home. As a summary of what I feel about this holiday... a relaxing atmosphere, good food and great company in one of the most fantastic areas I have ever visited. Many thanks.'' Charlotte V

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