“Bold & Glow in Watercolor”
Painting Workshop in Provence
Instructor: Rehann Vazid
Sept 18-25, 2027
At a Glance
8-13 Participants
Sign up before 01/31/27 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Picture yourself painting by the peaceful banks of the Sorgue river as the cheerful hum of cicadas fills the warm afternoon or strolling through the vibrant Provencal markets where the scent of lavender and freshly baked bread mingles with the colorful bustle of vendors.
Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet meals and sip velvety local wines.
With hands-on instruction, stunning scenery, and a supportive, joyful atmosphere, you’ll leave with not just new skills but cherished memories and a heart full of creative energy.
Workshop Overview
This workshop is designed to help artists break through hesitation and discover the power of bold painting. Through gestural brushwork, strong composition and unapologetic color, participants will learn to trust their instincts and find their visual voice in watercolor.
Open to artists at all levels who want to level-up their technique and confidence. Beginners will discover essential watercolor basics; advanced painters will push into greater boldness and paint more like yourself.
What you’ll learn
- Bold Brushwork. Let go of fear and embrace confident strokes that carry energy and clarity.
- Glow of Watercolor. Explore how to harness clean pigments, transparency and timing to capture luminosity in skies and water.
- Color with Courage. Experiment with limited palettes, explore warm vs. cool contrasts and push pigments to reveal vibrancy without muddiness.
- Techniques for Light. Dropping clean colour into wet washes, colour harmony & avoiding overwork.
Workshop Structure
Instead of treating watercolor as “one skill,” we break it into distinct, learnable parts. These micro-skills are anchored throughout the French landscape and taught through
- Live demonstrations
- Plein Air Painting
- Guided sessions
- Personalised one-on-one feedback
Key Topics Covered
1. Seeing & Design
- Big shapes, placement, horizon, focal point
- Simplifying complex scenes
- What to leave out
2. Value & Tone in Watercolour
- Organising the painting through light, mid, dark
- Learning tonal hierarchies
- Painting the strong colours of twilight without losing subtlety
3. Colour Harmony & Temperature
- Learn the foundations of the color wheel
- Explore warm vs. cool temperature relationships
- Discover harmonious color combinations
- Use limited palettes to create more colours
- Practice mixing neutrals for subtlety and softness
- Build your core “color vocabulary” for the rest of the retreat
4. Drawing & Simplification
- Proportion and perspective (light-touch)
- Contour and big-shape accuracy
- Using drawing as a guide, not a foundation.
5. Water Control
- Timing (wet, damp, dry)
- Types of washes: flat, graded, variegated
- Colour Consistency: tea / milk / cream / butter
6. Brushwork & Edges
- Calligraphic & expressive strokes
- Edge control: soft, lost, hard
7. Bringing Colour & Light Together
- Use warm–cool contrast to create radiance and depth
- Learn how grays add atmosphere and mood
- Blend colours to create luminous transitions
- Combine neutrals and saturated hues for balance
- Apply temperature shifts to evoke twilight & daylight
- Create paintings that GLOW, where colour and light work together, something more than just pigment on paper.
Artist Rehann Vazid
Rehann’s artistic practice explores the dynamic and expressive potential of watercolour. After a 15-year career in product design, he transitioned to become a full-time artist and instructor. He is known for his innovative use of colour and his ability to capture natural light and atmosphere in his work. He regularly conducts workshops for art institutions across Australia and internationally. His teaching often focuses on developing intuitive painting skills, painting fearlessly and understanding how to create luminosity in watercolor.
Space is very limited (max 15 participants).
I have just signed up for my 10th trip with French Escapade
Having traveled for business and pleasure all my life, and usually being the one to make all the arrangements, I decided to try French Escapade. From beginning to end it is by far the most organized, fun, creative experience ever. All the details are taken care of so you can just enjoy the instructors, the group, wonderful hotels and dining experiences. I am picky about all of that, but I have just signed up for my 10th trip with them. I think that says everything!!
Samples of Rehann Vazid’s Art
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
Upon your arrival at our hotel, take time to settle in, enjoy the garden, the swimming pool or explore the village.
In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner.
Day 2: Painting in the Garden
With the gentle flow of the Sorgue weaving through its lush garden, the hotel provides a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and sketch the serene landscape.
Day 3: Medieval Secret Village
We will spend the morning painting in this little gem, our “Secret Village”! You will find many vignettes such as plaza with picturesque fountains, old flowering houses, cobbled streets with 12th century churches, overlooking valley landscapes.
The cherry on the cake will be eating a typical French picnic while contemplating the vista.
Ochre in Roussillon
We will spend the afternoon visiting Roussillon, one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, that sits on top of the world’s biggest vein of ochre, the reddish pigment which has been used by artists for centuries. If you prefer painting than shopping, you will be inspired by the red houses and the ochre cliffs.
We will also go on an optional walk inside the park, on the Ochre Trail revealing many fantastic rock and cliff formations.
The village has many cute shops with local products and unique reddish potteries.
Day 4: Beautiful Village of Fontaine de Vaucluse
You will find many scenes there for your paintings, between the river, the main plaza and the one hundred year old trees.
We will paint in this village the first and last day.
Day 5: On Van Gogh’s Footsteps in St. Remy de Provence
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.
You will be able to paint in the same garden where Vincent painted some of his famous paintings as well right outside, the same olive trees he painted, with the Alpilles mountains as background.
Lunch will be taken in St Remy followed by a painting session in the village.
Day 6: 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.
The afternoon will be dedicated to painting by the river.
Day 7: Painting in the Studio and Farewell Dinner
Food culture is just one of the many facets of French culture to experience. Because food brings people together, we will take many of our meals as a group, in a restaurant or sometimes we will prepare a picnic for the group.
Our French dinners include an entrée, a main course and a dessert. All paired with amazing French wine of course. If you love cheese, you will be in heaven!
Day 8: Departure
You will leave not only with vibrant creations but also with fresh inspiration, creative sparks, and new friendships that will color your artistic journey for years to come. Safe travels!
After our last breakfast together, we’ll drive you to the TGV Avignon train station around 9:30 am.
Accommodations
Beautiful 3-star Hotel in Luberon, the Heart of Provence
This 3-star hotel is housed in an old mill that has been skillfully transformed into a unique place to stay. It offers all the charm of Provence.
With its waterfront setting, the hotel is flanked by the Sorgue, a river that runs through the village and meanders under the garden terraces – the perfect spot to relax and get inspired for your paintings.
The hotel has a living room, breakfast room, outside swimming pool, a hot tub, a riverside terrace bar, a restaurant and a sunny conference room that we will use as our painting studio.
Three Bedroom Categories
All rooms include a private en-suite bathroom, mini-bar, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Standard Rooms: 50 sq ft, featuring one double bed and a front-facing view of the hotel overlooking trees.
Superior Rooms: 170 sq ft, with one double bed and a front-facing view of the hotel overlooking trees.
Superior Rooms with Mountain & Garden View: 170 sq ft, available with either two single beds or one double bed, offering views of the garden with mountains in the background (see photo).
Reviews
As a first-timer with French Escapade, I just wanted to let you know how wonderful my experience was in Provence!
As a first-timer with French Escapade, I just wanted to let you know how wonderful my experience was in Provence. Our little hotel was magical with the river embracing its grounds. The choices of villages were perfect – providing variety and lovely painting spots. Our guides, Marie and Heather, worked together seamlessly, providing joyful assistance at every turn. They are a great team! Oh, and the food – loved every restaurant and meal we experienced. We had a delightful group…We were graced with beautiful weather.
My only regret was that the trip seemed too short! Merci from a very pleased customer.
Marie, the guide, would come and lock her arms in mine!
I just wanted to extend my gratitude for the retreat in Provence! The location was perfect and the 2 guides Heather and Marie were the best! This was a big challenge for me to do something so big and not let my fears and anxieties take over with the language barrier and the travel. I did have some challenges but I overcame them. I was a slow walker up the hills and Marie would come and get me and lock her arms in mine. I felt cared for every step of the way! Heather made sure I got on the right train going back to Paris and didn’t leave my side until she knew I was good! Those two make a great team! They were always happy and even did happy dances!!
I felt so well cared for by the 2 guides!
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time I have just had in Provence. I felt so well cared for by the 2 guides Marie and Heather. Everything went like clockwork. They seemed to preempt any problems before they occurred. They were always bright and cheery and nothing was too much trouble. I have never been on an organised tour before and it has spoiled me forever now! The accommodation was superb and the food great (even if it was far too much for me!). The activities were excellent and so well organised. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone involved!
FAQs
When and where are the pick up and drop off?
The pickup will be at 2:30pm at the TGV train station in Avignon on day 1. We will pick up the group and drive in a mini van to our hotel located 45 min from the station.
To arrive at the Avignon TGV train station, you have 2 choices:
- you can fly to Paris CDG airport and take a TGV train to Avignon (3 hour ride)
- you can fly to Marseilles and either take a train to Avignon or take a taxi (60 min ride) to either the meeting point or directly to the hotel (50 min ride).
When should I arrive?
What should I bring?
Can you accommodate vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
Food allergies and vegetarian diets are catered for if announced in advance. However if you have a very restricted diet or serious allergies, email us before registering for the trip.
Will I get a supply list?
Is there a laundry facility at the hotel or in the village?
Do I need to bring some euros before arriving?
Please take out euros cash from an ATM at the airport. You will need cash for small purchases during the day trips and or tipping the tour leaders and the staff (tipping is customary). There will also be some ATM machines in some of the villages we visit.
Can I opt out of certain activities?
Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?
Unfortunately, the trip is not well suited for people with low and limited mobility. Although there is an elevator at the hotel, the daily excursions involve walking on uneven, cobbled streets, sometimes uphill.
I have never traveled outside the US. Do I need to speak the language?
Not at all. It is actually the perfect situation to travel with us. Our guides are bilingual and will be with you at all times, from your arrival at the train station till the last day.
Will I fit on the tour if I am traveling solo and don't know anyone?
Yes, we usually get many solo travelers on our tours. For the meals, the group eats together for most lunches and dinners. In addition, our 2 tour leaders are always with the group and will be happy to also go for dinner with participants on the days the meals are not included.
How much painting do we do every day?
A typical day is: painting from 9am till 12:30pm, lunch and free time till 2pm and more painting, maybe in a different location from 2 to 5pm. If some painters get tired after lunch, they can visit the village or take a nap while the others are painting.
There will be one morning without painting because we go to the market and one afternoon to visit and shop in Roussillon. However, you can always opt-out from the activity and paint. It is your vacation so you do what pleases you!
Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?
Will I get my deposit back if I need to cancel?
Unfortunately the deposit is not refundable, no matter when you cancel. Therefore, we recommend that you insure your deposit right after registering for the trip. You do not need to insure the full trip at that time, just the deposit. Feel free to choose the insurance provider of your choice but this is the one we recommend (they only insure US customers): Travel Insurance Services* Tel. 1-800-937-1387.
Note that participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. Please review our cancellation policy.
Can you give me the reference of someone who has been on the tour before?
Absolutely. We would be happy to give you contact information of past participants who have agreed to be contacted.
Pricing and Booking
Pricing Details
Superior Rooms with Garden View
Single with View: US $4,990
Shared with View: US $4,390
Superior Rooms
Single Superior: US $4,750
No Shared Superior available
Standard Rooms
Single Standard: US $4,590
No Shared Standard available
All rooms include a private ensuite bathroom.
Non-painters are welcome at the same price.
How to Book
Payments
- A $600 nonrefundable deposit is due at booking ($300 transferable to a future workshop; see cancellation policy below).
We offer three payment methods through our secure system:
– By credit card (2.9% convenience fee applies)
– By ACH/ bank transfer (no fees)
– By wire transfer (flat fee) - After submitting your registration, you will receive a confirmation of your registration by email. Do not make any travel plans until you receive an email letting you know that we have reached the minimum of participants required for the trip.
- An additional payment of US$1,000 is due 6 months prior to departure and the remaining balance is due 4 months prior to departure.
We also provide flexible payment plans allowing you to make smaller payments more often if you wish. - Buy your travel insurance: See below to see the details and deadline for purchasing a travel insurance.
Insurance Required
Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition or wish to be able to cancel your trip at any time for any reason, you need to get the insurance within 21 days of your registration with us.
- For standard health coverage, you may sign-up at any time.
Feel free to choose the insurance provider of your choice. Our preferred insurance companies are:
- For US citizens: Travel Insurance Services. Tel. 1-800-937-1387. This company has covered many of our clients and provides good customer service. They offer 3 tiers of coverage.
- For non-US residents: United Health Care Global
Sign up before 01/31/27 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Price includes
- Avignon TGV station pick-up at 2:30pm and drop-off at 9:30am
- A welcome reception
- All 7 nights at the hotel
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners including wine
- All art classes
- Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
- The use of folding chairs
- Two tour leaders throughout
Price excludes
- Flight and train to France
- 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Painting supplies
- Required Travel Insurance
- Tour leader(s) tipping
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| more than 180 days before departure | $300 is forfeited and $300 is transferrable to a future trip within 2 years |
| 121-180 days before departure | $1,000 is forfeited and $600 is transferrable to a future trip within 2 years |
| 61-120 days before departure | 50% of total cost forfeited |
| 31-60 days before departure | 75% of total cost forfeited |
| 0-30 days before departure | 100% of total cost forfeited |
| If French Escapade cancels | you get a full refund |