1. Where in Spain are you?

We are in Monda - a small white pueblo village just 15 minutes from Marbella in Andalucia. In the Sierra de las Nieves. It is the nicest part of southern Spain. Monda is also 'Real' Spain. There are no high rises, no commercialism, just wonderful tight white streets, beautiful architecture and real Spanish people!!

2. Which airport do I fly into?

Malaga airport. It is just being refurbished. Most airports in the UK and overseas fly into Malaga. The flight is only around 2 and a half hours from the UK. Sometimes you can get a flight for £24.00 (!!) from Easyjet or Aer Lingus.

3. Do you pick us up from the Airport?

Yes, we do. Usually Alex - will be waiting with the Sketch and Paint sign when you come through baggage collection. We always advise you of who is meeting you and their mobile telephone number.

Kathleen said how lovely Alex was and that he put her ease immediately.

4. How much baggage can I bring?

This depends on your carrier (aeroplane company) - usually 1 suitcase and 1 hand luggage + handbag. Usually for a week's course 1 suitcase and 1 hand luggage is enough. We have a Rav 4 - (4x4) car to pick up - so the journey to your hotel is usually very comfortable.

5. How long is the journery from the airport to our accommodation?

Around 45 minutes but it is a lovely journey through some interesting countryside. You can fall asleep if you want to(!!) Alex is very intuitive about whether you want to talk or just relax!

To get to the best parts of Spain you need to be prepared for a small journey!

6. What do I wear?

For the summer months everyone wears shorts or thin trousers and tops. It can get quite hot but our Studio is light cool and airy and we take you to places on location to paint that are sheltered and shady. Bring a hat!

In Spring - March to May trousers are mostly worn and tops with cardies. Although we have had some stunning warm days in these months too. The sun is almost ALWAYS shining!!

They do say that May 18th is the beginning of summer in Spain.

Footwear is important. It is very good to wear open sandals in the summer. Keeping your feet coool is often the answer to keep cool!

So in the Spring and Winter most people wear trainers or casual shoes.

Autumn months - end September to December. Can be hot or cool - so it is quite unpredictable. So bring layers.

Winter months - December to March - again can be cool or warm - sometimes March is absolutely fantastic - just perfect!

Anyway it is a casual place. No need for evening wear or anything like that!!

Everyone in Monda is usually very 'neat' but not expensively dressed!

Our artists and staff are usually in branded Polo shirts until May - then they switch to cotton shirts!

7. Why are you different from other Holiday Providers?

Well now. For lots of reasons! We are a Professional Art Studio well established in the UK with an outstanding reputation for our Painting Courses. The UK web site is www.joedaisy.co.uk - this will show you how brilliant we are(!!) - look at the testimonials - click

a) We have a professional art studio - so you can paint on location and in the Studio. The Studio has your own space with professional easel, painting table your own paints, brushes, high stool etc.

b) All your professional art materials are provided. They really are Professional art materials too! The best brushes and paints, watercolour paper etc.

c) We have a a great hotel for you - click - or apartments for longer stays - click

d) All your painting courses have been written by Caroline Hulse FRSA - a Master Painter.

e) We have sourced the best places to paint in - to give you a variety of form - architecture, landscape, etc.

f) We know we give very generous and courteous service. Where nothing is too much trouble for us!

g) Every holiday or Painting Course is about YOU! We concentrate on whatever it is you want to learn.

hi) We are not a transient provider but our Studio is open all year round.

ij) Our artists do not paint whilst you are painting (except in demonstration) but give you assistance when and if you need it - all the time.

j) We give you as much tuition as you require. That is some people come just to enjoy the food, sun and relaxation. Some people come to really learn to paint - so you tell us what you want and we will provide!

8. Do you just provide Painting Holidays?

No, we offer long courses and short courses.

We want to Bring Out The Artist in YOU! So we have a variety of courses for you. As a Professional Art Studio we do very concentrated art training as well as excellent holidays.

9. How about accommodation?

You have a choice of accommodation. Lovely hotels and self catering apartments for longer stays - click

10. Can I design my own holiday?

Of course you can. We have some people who just come to us for three or fifteen days painting. We also have people who come out to Spain for the winter and come to us 2 days a week.

We want YOU to have a great time - so you tell us what you want and we will make it happen!

11. I live in Spain what can you do for me?

Our studio is open every day and we already have a core group of artists who come to us every day or every week. They paint in the Studio or have tuition. There is always an artist in the Studio to help you with any aspect of painting you need.

We also have a Gallery - where we are putting on exhibitions every few months. So if you are a good artist, we can put on an exhibition for you.

12. How do I get my paintings home from a Painting Holiday?

Most airlines will happily put your paintings in the hold. We wrap them into a parcel for you.

Or we can courier your paintings to you.

Or you can leave them to sell in the Gallery. We only take 25% commission on any painting sold and you get your payment immediately.

If you are a watercolourist - there is no problem!

13. What happens if I get ill on my holiday?

it is very easy to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - which will cover you for illness in Spain. You can telephone 090 7707 8370 or apply online at www.ehicard.org. This will cover you for NHS treatment whilst on the holiday.

We always do as much as we can if you become ill - it has never happened yet! We speak Spanish so do not worry about anything!

14. Can I paint in any media?

Yes, you can. Oils, watercolour or acrylics. We also have pastels and charcoal and every item of paint materials you could wish for!

15. Supposing I've forgotten my toothpaste?

There are shops Monda - that sell most things. We did have a student whose suitcase failed to turn up after a flight on Easyjet - we sorted this out for them and took them shopping prior to the suitcase arriving!

16. If I am in self catering accommodation - where do I eat or get food?

There are a number of supermarkets in Monda where you can buy most things.

If you are a long term student - there is a great bus service into Coin or Marbella.

There are also some good restaurants in Monda - with reasonably priced food.

17. I'm a single traveller - what can you offer me?

The majority of our students are single travellers. You all stay in the same hotel - so there is usually someone around to talk to - but you know there is so much to look at and just to sit and ponder is great also!!

18. I am coming with a non painting partner

Yes, quite a few of our students come with non painting partners. Tell us what they want to do and we can offer suggestions.

Our hotels are in wonderful secluded spots - so a car is probably necessary to get around.

There is great walking country all around us and we can help with directions.

19. Can My Non painting partner sit around in the Studio?

Not really, we are a very busy art studio.

20. Tell me about the Studio

The Studio is light, cool and airy and has room for 12 artists, each with their own professional easel, painting table, paints etc. You can chose your canvas size or watercolour paper size.

When we go on location we have proper 'field' easels which contain all the equipment you need for oil or watercolour painting.

We tend to keep acrylic painting for the Studio.

We have an outside seating area at the rear. We also have parking outside. There is a water machine and you can help yourself to hot or cold drinks and wine all day.

The Gallery has some interesting paintings for sale and to rent.

21. When do your holidays run from?

Sunday to Sunday generally although we know students from Ireland do not have a Sunday flight - so we can also pick up on Saturday or Friday or any day that suits you!

22. I have more questions

Please ask them - by emailing alex@joedaisyspain.com or studio@joedaisy.co.uk or telephone 0118 9483155 in the UK. We are open in the UK 7 days a week from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Sunday.

We really do look forward to seeing you and assure you of a great time!