Painting in Provence
Discover why Provence has been an inspiration for generations
of artists like Van Gogh, Cezanne,...
Day 1: Welcome Champagne Reception
We will pick you up at the Avignon train station. Upon your arrival
at our guesthouse, take time to settle in or explore the village.
In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by
a gourmet dinner.
Day 2: Ochre village of Roussillon
Roussillon, one of France's Most Beautiful Villages,
sits on top of the world's biggest vein of ochre,
the reddish pigment which has been used by artists for centuries.
Paint red houses, ochre trails, cafes, what ever inspires you.
At the end of the day, we will take a walk inside the park, on
the Ochre Trail revealing many fantastic rock
and cliff formations.
You will also have time for shopping: don't miss out on the unique
reddish poteries. |
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Watercolor Journal
Roussillon Village
Sandy Delehanty (teacher)
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Day 3: Most spectacular village in Provence: Gordes
Gordes, also listed one of France's most beautiful villages,
is the most spectacular village in Provence,
perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse.
The view from the village is a southern panorama out across
fields, vineyards and forests, and small-perched villages to
the Montagne du Luberon. You can choose to paint the breathtaking
panorama, the village houses, or even the outdoor stalls.
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Oil Painting Workshop
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Watercolor Journal Workshop |
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Day 4: Market and Canals in "Isle sur la Sorgue"
L'Isle sur la Sorgue is a real paradise for painters and photographers.
Its colors are nature's green and the bright reflection of
the water shines from the several canals running through its
center.
In the morning, we will shop the incredible and colorful
market: colorful arrays of Provencal fabric,
tablecloths, pottery, silk scarves, natural soaps with
dozens of scents and of course lavender products.
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Day 5: Painting at the House or in the Village
Today will be a non driving day to allow even more time to painting.
We will spend the day painting either at the hotel or in the
cute and non touristy village of Venasque: cobblestone
streets, 18th century houses, flowers, doors,...
The view from the terrace of the hotel, on Mont Ventoux, the
highest mountain in Provence, will take your brath away. |
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"Starry nigth", painted by Van Gogh in St
Remy de Provence |
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Day 6: On Van Gogh's trail in St Remy de Provence
We will paint along the paths that Van Gogh used
to walk the last years of his life.
This tour is an emotional trip through the wonderful landscapes,
which inspired the great impressionist.
It displays 21 sign posts with reproductions of Van Gogh paintings,
chosen among 150 others, painted by the artist during his stay
in Saint Remy de Provence.
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At the end of the painting day, we will visit the beautiful
old monastery of St Paul Mausole with the bedroom where Van
Gogh stayed during his very troubled time in 1889-90.
This is now a nursing home that has a permanent exhibition of
paintings made by the patients and beautiful reproduction of some of Vincent
van Gogh's paintings.
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St Paul Mausole
Red poppies |
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Oil painting by Brian Murphy (teacher)
Garden of St Paul de Mausole |
Oil painting of Senanque Abbey
by Victoria Brooks (teacher)
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Day 7: Non Touristy Village of Oppede-le-Vieux and Senanque
Abbey
Venasque is a non touristy jewel, not listed
in travel books. While strolling the streets you will come to
appreciate the quieteness and wonderful atmosphere that will seduce
you, as it has dozens of artists.
With those interested, we will go to the famous Cistercian abbey
of Senanque, a beautiful and still-working 12th century abbey,
tucked into an isolated valley. |
Day 8: Departure
It is time to say: "au revoir" but not "adieu"
because you will be back. We just know it.
After our last breakfast together, we'll drive you to the Avignon
train station by 10 am.
Transportation
You will be well taken care of from your pick up at the Avignon
train station to your drop off at the end of your stay.
Every day, we will drive you in a comfortable A/C mini van
to different painting locations. | |
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Accommodation
We have chosen a restored farmhouse located in the heart of
Provence.
In many ways this house speaks of Provence. The large salon
with its fireplace will seduce you with its charming and friendly
atmosphere. The view towards the Mont Ventoux from the terrace
and from your bedroom is breathtaking. The blue shutters of
the house will give you a real flair of Provence.
Each room has a full private bathroom.
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Courtyard of our villa
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View from the terrace |
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Each bedroom has a private bathroom |
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Dates 2013
June 15-22,
2013:
Teacher: Lynn
Gertenbach
Oil Painting
Workshop
SOLD OUT
All skill levels welcome (however some experience
painting on location will be of great help).
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Lynn's enthusiasm
for painting in the French countryside, will be an exhilerating
experience.
Her sincere manner and sharing her vast knowledge with her students
make her a sought after
instructor.
She focuses on helping each student arrive at a higher
level of expression, painting rich and exiting oil studies
in nature.
Students will learn Lynn's methods of capturing the essence of
each place as a traveling painter. She often
begins with a short demo and discusses the importance of selecting
a good subject and composing it well on your canvas. She encourages
students to look for the 'big shapes' which create
an interesting and harmonious composition.
She has students do a couple of comp. Sketches, and talks about
the importance of making quick decisions
when working with moving light.
The workshop will cover five basic methods to a successful
painting: 1) design, 2) drawing 3) values 4) color temperature
5) brush and knife techniques and variation of edges.
Techniques will be explored as well, such as methods used by
the early impressionist painters.
You are sure to come away with a rich experience of personal
growth and a lot of fun to enhance
your experience!
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June 23-30,
2013:
Teacher: Sonja
Hamilton, SWA
$1,240 off
Watercolor Painting Workshop
Only 1 spot left!
Lavender in bloom!
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"The brilliant
lavender fields are fragrant in the breezes and so very
beautiful. And the sunflowers. Oh my! Provence
is a cornucopia of sensual experiences.
To stand atop a mountain village
and look down into a valley to see where more than 2,000 years
of excavation (that gave the world the best quality ochre) took
place, that is just awesome. Gives me goose pimples!
I will
teach you how to prepare paint using the natural
ochre pigment from Roussillon to paint the ochre rocks
and ochre colored buildings.
I am so proud to be back there again to share my knowledge
with 7 eager watercolor painters! Bring your paints, paper, &
brushes as well as your appetites for the delicious French food
and wines.
For those living close to Auburn, CA, I will give a free
pre-trip session on capturing light on the landscape.
For those who live far away, I will work with you in France! A
bientot!" |
Sept 11-18,
2013:
Teacher: Brooke Scudder
Painting
Workshop
US $200 off before June 30
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For those with
little drawing experience or a lot, you will learn how to draw
easily and capture magical moments that you’ll cherish forever.
Each day we’ll discuss and practice a theme related to art and
Provence. Using the sites of Provence you’ll learn illustrators
tips about values, inter-action scenes with people, technique,
telling a story with color, quickly capturing a scene, composition
and color theory.
Bring your favorite paints, papers and brushes
and your sense of fun. This is a joyful transformational art journey
where you’ll return with memories of fun excursions with new friends
with all your senses filled with the colors, sights and sounds
of Provence and you will have learned and practiced new techniques
to enhance your artistic style. |
Dates 2014
Registrations for 2014 are open.
May 17-24, 2014:
Teacher: Pat Fiorello
All Media Painting Workshop
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We'll focus on learning to simplify the landscape, building
composition, value and color skills and capturing the essence
of the places we see.
Whether you are new to painting or experienced, you will be inspired and enriched by taking part
in this very special growth experience. The program is open to artists of all skill levels and any medium.
Program includes demonstrations, group instruction, individual guidance and critiques.
Immerse yourself in painting, beauty and fun during this weeklong
escapade to France! |
May 25-June
1, 2014:
Teacher: Durinda Cheek
All Media Painting Workshop
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Learn how painting
from life will help you discover the world around you !
Workshop: Artists
of all levels from beginner to advanced will enjoy this workshop.
Durinda will guide you on sketching and painting on site through
daily demonstrations and individual attention.
Paint in your choice of media. Demos will be in oils and watercolors.
Interested in journal sketching? You will be able to create
a colorful illustrated journal of your experiences in Provence
with a sketchbook that Durinda will provide along with
a booklet of handouts and notes.
Accompanying non-artists
will enjoy the tours of the area by our guide Jackie as you
paint. Price is $350 cheaper.
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June 2-9, 2014:
Teacher: Iain
Stewart, nws
Watercolor Painting Workshop
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The most enjoyable
painting I do is when I paint outdoors. There is an intimacy and
sense of “being there” that only occurs when you take
the time to slow down and record your surroundings in watercolor-
and what surroundings we will have!
Join me in Provence for a truly memorable week!
We will tour daily with an easy schedule of demonstration,
one on one critique, and group discussions designed to build
your confidence and ability alike. You may paint or explore
or do both on any given day. I will be there to guide you through
my approach to painting en plein air and help you take your
watercolors to the next level!
The course is limited to 7-12 students to maximize our time
together and the amount of individual instruction you
will receive. This is a truly unique opportunity to see inside
how I work and play. When painting on site in such wonderful
surroundings you are inevitably doing both. Let’s indulge
our creative and adventurous spirit with a painting holiday
in France!
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June 22-29,
2014:
Teacher: Sherrill Miller
Oil Painting Workshop
US $200 off before Nov 30th
US $3,490 +$550 for single room
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Provence is a
favorite location for our artist retreat. The light there is renowned
amongst painters, making this location alone the perfect inspiration.
Join me in Provence for a week's painting adventure during
the lavender bloom, where the landscape is sublime.
The plein air class will begin before the trip with a discussion on how to
prepare for the trip. This will include paints, materials and equipment.
Once there I will help students set-up and give suggestions
to painting outdoors. I will demo each day and cover
topics on composition and layout, colors, focal points, and
brushwork.
Join me for a trip of a lifetime!
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Rates 2013
June 23-30, 2013: US $1,950
pp for last spot with Sonja Hamilton (+ $550 for single
room)
Sept 11-18, 2013: US $200 off before
June 30 with Brooke Scudder. After: US $3,190 per
person (land cost) (+ $550 for single room).
Rates 2014-registrations are now open
US $2,990 before Nov 30, 2013
After: US$3,190 (+ $550 for single suppl.)
Rates 2013 and 2014 include:
- Avignon train station pick up at 3pm and drop off at 10am
- A welcome reception
- All breakfasts, lunches (picnics) and 5 dinners (incl. drinks
and wine)
- All nights at the villa-hotel
- All art classes
- Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
- Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
- A personal bilingual chauffeur/guide throughout the week
- Bottled water during day trips
- A free Paris planner for a self guided visit in Paris: suggestions
of hotels, restaurants and places to visit
Exclude
- Flights to and from France
- Trains to/from Avignon
- Two dinners
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses and tipping
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