Heaving a big sigh, I tap contacts and click on Georgia’s name. It rings a few times and then the screen opens up.

‘Hi, Fern! How are you, my lovely friend? Oh, how I miss your company. Steve has been unbearable this week. Seriously, it’s like I have three big kids and not just the two.’

Just hearing her moaning about Steve instantly cheers me up.

‘I’m good, thank you, and it’s so wonderful to hear your voice, too. Although, I will admit I’ve settled in really well here.’

‘Is that a huge painting behind you I can see?’

I spin around, glancing at the now finished village scene. ‘Yes, it’s a commissioned piece which the artist who owns this retreat has just finished. It’s an oil painting so it will take a while to dry.’

‘It’s very beautiful, Fern. I didn’t realise you were going to be spending time with a famous artist!’ she exclaims, her eyes lighting up. ‘Is he there now?’

‘No. I’m here alone. It’s very low-key at the weekends as the courses only run Monday to Friday. Nico is collecting someone from the airport and giving them the tour of the facilities today.’

‘Nico. Ooh, tell me more.’

‘I’ll show you instead.’

Her face looms closer to the screen as she tries to get a better look behind me. I rotate the phone and give it a panoramic sweep around.

‘That’s incredible. And he allows you to wander around when he’s not there?’

‘Better than that. Take a look at this.’ Spinning around, I crouch down a little and, holding the phone at arm’s-length so that I’m in view, stand next to my own little project. ‘This is my very first canvas. There isn’t much to see at the moment as I spent ages sketching before I felt confident enough to make a start. But it’s so exciting and I’m loving it.’

In fairness, it probably only looks like a biggish splodge in the middle of a stark white sheet, but every brushstroke is a learning curve and I seem to be learning fast.

‘It’s very purple,’ Georgia admits, raising her eyebrows, and I can’t help being a little disappointed by her reaction.

‘Well, it’s early days. It’s taken about seven hours so far. That will give you some idea of how long it takes. Nico has been working on this street scene from his village for months. His patron is a Marquesa.’

‘Oh, he’s Spanish, then?’

‘Yes. He’s from Andalucia.’

‘And you’re spending quite a bit of time with him as his… student?’ She cocks an eyebrow.