Skyros photography and painting facilitator Kel Portman to appear on BBC's 'Countryfile.'

View Sunday 4th March! Skyros Holiday's photography and painting facilitator Kel Portman will soon be seen chatting to 'Countryfile' presenter Ellie Harrison, as together they draw the beautiful rolling hills of Gloucestershire.

Kel has led photography and art classes on Skyros island in Greece as well as Cambodia and Thailand. Kel is formerly a senior lecturer in printmaking, photography and digital arts. His teaching process is based on working with the individual and helping to expand creativity through projects and exercises with feedback and encouragement. He works with other artists, groups and communities on projects initiated by his landart collective 'Walking the Land'. These aim to raise awareness of the value of our landscape. Kel's images are exhibited widely in the UK and abroad.

"We wanted to get Ellie (the Countryfile presenter) fully involved with what we do, rather than just talking" said Kel. "One of the techniques we use to help develop artist's processes is to get them to draw by really looking at the subject, rather than at the drawing. Something of a shock for Ellie, but she worked hard at it, producing a really nice drawing."

While enjoying the walk and views, Ellie was introduced to several Walking the Land artists and encouraged to experience different ways of creatively responding to the environment, using drawing, photography and of course walking.

Walking the Land artists regularly take to the Cotswold Hills in order to both enjoy the outdoors and to make artwork, drawings and photographs of this lovely areas. Each share a passion for the landscape, using artworks to bring landscape and environmental issues to a wider public audience.

Kel has worked with Skyros for the past 14 years where he regularly teaches painting and photography. His next Skyros session will be out to Cambodia in early 2013 where together with Michael Eales he will co-lead the Cambodian Adventure Tour. The journey starts in Phnom Penh, Battambang and then on to the World Heritage sites at Ankor Watt where Kel will guide you through the process of making drawings, paintings and taking photos at the amazing temple complex at Angkor Wat, in street markets and out in the lush jungle. See www.skyros.com.