IONE HARRISON ART

As artists, it's easy to fall into the habit of taking the same materials to the same places and expecting something new to happen. This week I decided to do the opposite. I packed just a few essentials into my bag: a bottle of black drawing ink, a pipette, a small spray bottle and a sketchbook filled with strong watercolour paper. I knew the paper would need to cope with more than paint – my plan was to let the sea itself become part of the process. Rather than taking a hand

After returning from a wonderful week in Crete, I unpacked my suitcase before doing anything else. As I put everything away, it struck me how little I'd actually needed. Like many people, I'm often guilty of overpacking "just in case". This time I wanted to travel more lightly, taking only what I thought I'd really use for a week of swimming, walking, sketching and simply enjoying being somewhere different. It turns out that not only did I have enough, I could probably have t

The Healing Power of Painting: How Creativity Boosts Wellbeing In today’s busy world, finding time to slow down and reconnect with ourselves can feel like a luxury. But painting — especially in watercolour — offers more than just a creative outlet. It can be a calming, restorative practice that benefits your wellbeing in surprising ways. Here are some of the reasons why painting is so good for both body and mind. 1. Painting Helps You Switch Off When you pick up a brush, your

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are constantly connected, overstimulated and overwhelmed. Work pressures, family responsibilities and endless screen time can leave us feeling exhausted, anxious and disconnected from ourselves. That is why wellness retreats are becoming more important than ever. At Omara Retreats, we believe that stepping away from everyday life — even for a few days — can be deeply restorative and transformational. Our yoga and art retreats in Spain a

Nature nurtures the soul and is a constant reminder of the profound beauty that surrounds us. From the majestic mountains to the gentle rustling of leaves, nature captivates our senses and touches our souls. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, nature holds the power to inspire, invigorate, and awaken the creativity within us. I feel very fortunate to be immersed daily in nature - I live on the edge of a wood and go to sleep hearing the owls battling it out in the woods. Natur