La Herradura y Almuñécar Cultural

13/07/2024

So many of you reacted to my previous post. Thank you so much. It is very nice to see and hear that you appreciate what I am sharing. Today I will share another example of what people create during my classes. A little story first. Many years ago, over 30 really, I was invited to exhibit in Gualdo Cattaneo, in Umbria in Italy. In preparation I created quite a large amount of oil paintings and some pointillism drawings that I could sell as prints. I now have them available as gift cards, but I did suggest to some of the ladies in my Monday morning art class to give it a try. And they loved it. I’m sharing one example, and yes, shared with permission. It is actually very satisfactory to create this type of artwork even though you might think it requires a lot of time. This is not totally true, it’s a relatively fast process, you do need some patience though, but it’s very calming for the mind. To me it’s a pleasure when people try out new things and as always, when they go home surprised about what they’ve created and happy, that makes me even more happy. Feeling inspired? Well, you found this post, then you should also be able to contact me. I happily explain more!

12/07/2024

Five beautiful, young Spanish women from the town of Sevilla walked into my door. I asked them… “How did you find me?” “The internet” they replied. Great to hear for me as I normally only make publicity for my classes in and around La Herradura. None of them had ever painted before and all said “I can’t paint”. I then suggested to do a self-portrait. Pretty difficult you think? Not really, not with a few tips and tricks from me, and don’t worry. I’m not the kind of teacher to do it for you, I’m just your guide and help you see, observe, mix colours and most of all have fun! This was a three-hour SIP & PAINT workshop. Enjoy a few glasses of wine and/or beer (or non-alcoholic beverage) and a few nibbles whilst finding your inner artist. – Also possible with tapas lunch - I always say that everyone can paint and this picture of these enthusiastic ladies proofs it. One didn’t want to do a self-portrait and that’s of course fine too. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about creating your impression. They loved it and gave me permission to share their photos. Fancy having a go to? Feel free to contact me.

11/07/2024

Did you listen to this already? If you haven't I can recommend it. you will learn a lot about my latest book! I'm already getting messages from people asking me about the book because they have planned a trip to Paris. And I can assure you, it will make Paris a lot more special when you read this book first or take it with you. It's not necessary to visit Paris to enjoy it though. In the book Mario and I talk about the places interesting artists lived and who inspired them, but also about the art of architecture, about buildings, about museums to visit... And about how artists broke free from the rules that were requested from art at the time, creating a true (r)evolution of art. Paris will surely come to live for you.

Bonjour, Mes Amis!I’m Krystal KenneyPodcaster, Creative Consultant, Author,  Educator, Traveler, and #1 Curious and Kind. Ready to live a more Inspired Life? Let’s get started!

09/07/2024

This is an excerpt from The HeArt of Paris. If you love art, even if you never intend to visit Paris, you will love this book. It’s about the evolution of art that took place in Paris and why women were so important. https://www.renatevannijen.com/page/42613/art-in-paris-a-special-journey

08/07/2024

So what’s up today you might think… or perhaps not. This is not so much about today, more about something I created a few years ago. This is a set of Angel Oracle cards. For this set I created 33 angel images, all very colourful and a bit quirky. I feel they are quite different from my ‘normal’ artwork, but I do like some of them very much. But what is this oracle card pack about? Well, I’ve called it Me-moment cards. You can pick a card; you then get a little text about why you picked this card. This is an intuitive thing you know; some magic will guide you to pick the card that could be meaningful to you on that specific day. Then the card will give you a suggestion. This can be a short writing exercise, a visualisation or for example a gratitude exercise. Just something to shift your mind. So I only have a few card decks left and happy to sell. However, I will not ship them at the moment as shipment during summer time is often not so great. And yes, I’ve lost a few card decks in the mail. So you will have to come and visit me in La Herradura if you would like a card deck. A lady in my art class says “I love your cards and I use them a lot”. Perhaps you will too. You can PM me if you are interested. Oh and if you like my posts and like to be kept informed, you can subscribe to my newsletter. You can do so from my website renate van nijen . com (all together)

07/07/2024

Often I tell myself to take a day rest, but I never seem to do that. Now I do love my work, so it doesn’t feel like work, but today I really wanted to get my newsletters out there. One is a monthly newsletter with information about my art and my books and the other one is a two-week newsletter with a little bit of everything, but a focus on workshops, art classes etc. Well, the last time I sent them out was April or May. They were due and have now been sent. One of the things I’m sharing is something new I’m offering. It’s a really fun workshop Mono-print that I’m offering in my studio in La Herradura. You can read more about it here!

This is a fun workshop to do with family or friends. Can be booked for a minimum of 4 people!  You create your group, I supply all the materials. Also possible with tapas and a drink, or just a drink (paint and sip party).

24/06/2024

Yesterday I shared a link to a podcast and also a link to another page. Was it a bit much? Did it make it unclear? It's actually nice to listen to the podcast, but what I really want to share is that you can now pre-order my latest book. So today, just the link to where you can do this, if you are interested. I promise, it's a very interesting book.

Experience an extraordinary voyage whilst reading about art and what role women played in my latest book, The HeArt of Paris - A unique journey to pay homage to women who made the evolution of Art possible!

23/06/2024

Many of you know that I’ve written a book about La Herradura (Reflections from La Herradura) and that I conduct art classes and workshops in La Herradura.

But if you love art and/or Paris and if you are curious about how women made the evolution of academic to modern art possible, then I can highly recommend my latest book “The HeArt of Paris – A unique journey to pay homage to women who made the evolution of Art possible”. You will learn about the history of art and about artists; like painters, musicians, writers, fashion designers and much more.

I was recently interviewed about the book by ‘La Vie Creative’ in Paris. You can listen to the podcast here to find out more about the book. https://laviecreativepodcast.com/2024/06/19/the-hidden-stories-of-women-in-parisian-art-with-renate-van-nijen/

The book will be available in August but you can now pre-order a signed copy! If you pre-order you will be part of a raffle to win a quality print of one of the paintings that I made of some of the women who feature in this book. Some images will be included in “The HeArt of Paris”.

Are you curious? Would you like to purchase a signed copy? Check out the link below to find out how you can.
https://subscribepage.io/LAYOLb

Bonjour, Mes Amis!I’m Krystal KenneyPodcaster, Creative Consultant, Author,  Educator, Traveler, and #1 Curious and Kind. Ready to live a more Inspired Life? Let’s get started!

19/06/2024

It means design in a circle. Did you know that? I'm talking about mandalas. Those who know me are aware of my love for mandalas. I've created many in the past, on canvas, on paper and also on furniture. I still love letting my subconscious guide me to create mandalas and if you are in La Herradura you can see some in Cafe Califa on the sea front. Of course, I also conduct mandala workshops. A great experience with family or a group of friends. I've also organised workshops online, that way you can do a workshop together with colleagues or, for example, friends and family who live far away from you. It's really fun and it feels if you are in the same room, as the online workshops take place via Zoom. Some years ago I also created some mandala cards. A series of 5 inspirational cards and 7 chakra cards. They all come with a description in 4 languages on the back about their meaning and with an envelope. They are blank inside. I loved creating them and I think they are still beautiful. So sharing some images. And as always... If you are interested in the cards or a workshop, just let me know! more info. https://www.renatevannijen.com/page/35463/mandala-workshops-three-ways

17/06/2024

Try something new, healthy and delicious... New in La Herradura. Estamos Sembrados
613 94 40 94

5.0 ★ · Restaurante vegetariano

16/06/2024

Day 25 already of 75. Well, I must say I rather enjoy doing this and getting over my reluctance to show the world who I am so to speak. Today I like to tell you about my art classes again. It’s summer and yes, already very warm here in La Herradura. But my studio is nice and cool, outside, but covered from the sun. I conduct art classes and workshops throughout the summer. For example, a painting or mandala workshop for a family or a group of friends (can include tapas and drinks), Private classes, weekly classes for teenagers on Thursday afternoon and a class for adults on Monday morning. How do I teach? I like to inspire and I believe it is good to work from an example to learn about colours, techniques, etc. Like painters in the old days did. Many of whom, for example, went to the Louvre in Paris to copy art to learn their skill. I like to help those who come to my class to find their own style, to let go of perfection, but learn about observation, perspective and much more. Below some examples of teenagers who came to my class. In the age range of 12 to 18 years old. If you are interested in my Monday morning class or a class for your teen, please PM me. For more info. See c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s.

12/06/2024

Although I offer studio visits with tapas and a drink, many of my paintings have to 'live' on the floor, stacked against the wall, simply because of lack of space. My next joined exhibition is planned for October with two fellow female artists, but in the meantime I'm happy to have some of my artworks up in public spaces. I have an ongoing exhibition in Cafe Califa in La Herradura and every now and then I change the art works. But since yesterday I also have an exhibition in real estate agency Herradura Homes. You are most welcome, should you be around, to visit these places to check out my art. I'll share a few photos to give you an idea!

31/05/2024

Sometimes I’m learning to rediscover my own art. Paintings on my walls that I’ve taken for granted. Prompted by a remark by a private student after his art class on his way out, when he noticed the large painting and its structure and said “That’s a very nice painting”. This made me look at it again as well and you know what? I also think it’s rather nice and I’d be interested to read your thoughts. It’s called ‘El Albanico’, painted with rough strokes and sprinkled with some magic, which gives the painting a beautiful glow. Below a close-up and a picture on the wall. If you like more information about the painting, you can take a look on my website below - artworks / flamenco with a twist - in the dropdown menu. Just google my name to find it! 10/75.

28/05/2024

It's been a week now, seven days posting in a challenge that I gave myself to post every day for 75 days about my art and my books. This is day eight. I won’t mention this anymore, just content. However, I would like to know if you like these posts, with a little bit of information in storytelling style? Please let me know in a comment below! Today I like to share a few images of my permanent exhibition in La Herradura. If you are around, you perhaps like to check it out. It’s in Café Califa on the sea front. The owner, Carina, is such a lovely person. This café is a good mixture of the Spanish and expat community, and I like that, it’s lively and welcoming. Most people sit on the outdoor terrace, but with my art on the walls, I believe, this welcoming energy can also be felt inside! Sorry to say the images are not great and the colours of my paintings are a lot more vibrant and intense than you can see here, but it does give an impression.

27/05/2024

7-75 She contacted me and said “I’ve read your book ‘Reflections from La Herradura’ and I really love it. I’m living in La Herradura now… I bought my copy online, but is it possible to buy the book here as I would like to gift it to a friend”. Of course you can I said, it’s available from the two bookshops in the village, but you can also get a copy directly from me if you like. So she did and it was lovely meeting her. For me it is so nice to hear that people appreciate my work. The book is about the village, it’s also like an itinerary and covers the history and evolution of the village and also includes the stories of artists, visionaries, quirky people who have discovered the village, who many refer to as ‘magical’. Would you like a copy? Also available online.

Read it now

22/05/2024

3-75. We met when we were 4 years old at the 'kleuterschool' and became friends. We stayed friends till in our late teens. Mostly due to my travels we lost contact and reunited again online a few years ago. How special was that. Meeting someone, again, who remembers the creative dishes my late mother cooked back in the days. And now my friend is the proud owner of a painting (already since a few years ago, after a visit to La Herradura. And for me it's an honour to see my art on the wall of someone who loves it.

20/05/2024

A challenge and a winner. I felt challenged by a video by Michele Collison and her husband Ricardo to change a habit in 75 days. So this counts as my first post of 75.
And the Winner is..... 'Selfie'. But now I need your help again. How about the background colour? Which one do you like most and why? If you like to keep updated and see all my posts in invite you to like my https://www.facebook.com/RenatevanNijenArt page!

01/01/2024

28/11/2023

It’s that time of the year and perhaps you are looking for an original gift, all created by local artist Renate van Nijen, that’s me! For example, Give&Receive necklaces, a book "Reflections from La Herradura", a voucher for art classes (different options including mother and child), angel oracle card deck, and much more. Feel free to check it out here.

Sometimes it's nice to give, sometimes it's nice to receive and sometimes it's just nice to gift yourself something meaningful.

11/08/2023

So you are in La Herradura enjoying a holiday or having family and friends over. Perhaps spending the days getting tanned and enjoying some fun activities in and/or close to the sea.
But sometimes it can be nice to do something completely different… How about
• A painting or mandala workshop with family or friends – spending a morning in the shade whilst being creative and enjoying some tapas and a drink at the end
• A studio visit to find out what inspires the artist /writer with a lot of information and a tapa and a drink a the end.
• A (grand)mother and child mandala workshop – super nice for both!
Get creative and feel free to contact me to book your date. Sundays are possible as well!
Check out this link to find out more!

10/08/2023

This is one of my latest paintings and part of a special project I'm working on, to be revealed by the end of the year. This painting is depicting 5 models of old masters that I've turned into mermaids on the beach of La Herradura. If you like to find out more about this painting please feel free to check out this link. https://www.renatevannijen.com/workszoom/5277362/models-mermaids-in-la-herradura #/

23/07/2023

My impression of Colette, she was a famous French writer. Part of a series of paintings dedicated to women in art in all its genres. If you like to find out more, please subscribe to my newsletter.

03/07/2023

For those who are in La Herradura and would like to do something creative in the shade... you are more than welcome to spend a couple of hours creating your own, unique and I would say powerful intention-reminder mandala.
There are several options; mornings, afternoons, with or without tapas and drinks. Guaranteed an enjoyable and special day out with some friends or family, like this family below, who came for a second mandala workshop. And again,it was such a delight to see them go home with a smile on their faces and a beautiful mandala in their hands.
Is this for you? Check out the information here https://www.renatevannijen.com/page/35463/mandala-workshops-three-ways

and feel free to contact me if you like more information.

21/05/2023

Do you ever wonder what art can do for you?

10/05/2023

Expecting visitors? Want to do something different? Fancy a few tapas, a drink and.... A great morning or afternoon out in La Herradura and who knows, perhaps you feel inspired. From studio visit to doing it yourself! https://www.renatevannijen.com/page/39197/tapas-cava-and-getting-creative

20/02/2023

Great way to spend some time with a group of friends or family in La Herradura.

22/01/2023

Do you like writing, but you just cannot seem to free up the time for it? Have you often dreamed of joining a writing class, but you are not sure whether you are good enough? Are you a storyteller?

29/12/2022

Get Creative in 2023
First of all, I like to wish you all a wonderful, healthy and happy New Year. And if you like to do something creative then perhaps you like to check out the information below!
Expressive Creative writing classes for women /All CET
- Monday evening 19.00-20.30
- Tuesday morning 10.30 to 12.00 or
- Online, Wednesday morning from 10.30
Teen art classes Wednesday afternoon 15.30 – 18.00
Teen Expressive Creative writing Thursday afternoon 15.30 – 17.00 (can also be joined online)
Adult art classes Monday morning 10.00 – 13.00
Women online in-studio art sessions Saturday morning 10.30 – 13.30
Spaces are limited so make sure to book in advance! Classes conducted by professional artist and published writer Renate van Nijen – feel free to contact Renate for more information or check out the link below. WhatsApp 0034 655211276

Below you can find information about all the classes and workshops that I offer both in my studio in La Herradura and online!

01/12/2022

If your Spanish is up for it then this could be really interesting.

13/11/2022

If you speak Spanish or French and you would like to have a special Paris experience then I can recommend that you check out this interesting visit to this great city.