Paint the Light and Color of Provence
Instructor: Rose Irelan
Oil and Gouache Painting Workshop: May 9-16, 2027
At a Glance
8-12 Participants
1-2 tour leaders at all times
Sign up before 11/30/26 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.
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
Step into the golden light and timeless beauty of Provence where Van Gogh once wandered, sketched, and painted with passionate intensity—and create your own visual love letters to the landscape with brush in hand.
This immersive plein air painting workshop invites you to slow down and truly see the world around you. From sunlit villages with cobalt-blue shutters and flower-filled alleyways to glistening waters, hilltop views, and market squares, each day offers a new scene to explore and interpret in paint.
We’ll follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps—not to replicate his style, but to embrace his spirit of bold expression, luminous color, and reverence for the land. Like postcards written in paint, your daily studies and paintings will become keepsakes of this extraordinary journey.
We’ll explore some of the most picturesque villages, listed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages. You’ll find timeless vignettes: old stone houses draped in flowers, bubbling fountains, cobbled streets, medieval churches, and sweeping views across the valleys—each one a painting waiting to happen.
What You’ll Experience & Learn
- How to mix vibrant, harmonious color that sings under Provence’s September light
- Techniques for simplifying complex scenes into strong, expressive compositions
- How to create atmosphere and mood through thoughtful use of value and shape
- Painting architecture, vineyards, trees, skies, and water with confidence
- Capturing the feeling of a place—beyond just copying what you see
- Developing a personal process—from value studies to final expressive marks
- Gentle, individual guidance to help you find and grow your artistic voice
I’ll be demoing in oil and gouache but all mediums are welcome—including watercolor, acrylic, and pastel. Instruction focuses on the foundational principles that make paintings strong, regardless of medium or skill level.
Creative Companionship & Inspiring Surroundings
You’ll be part of a supportive group of artists, enjoying shared meals, beautiful settings, and the deep satisfaction of painting outdoors. There’s something special about Provence in September—its soft golden light, rustling leaves, and quiet hum of late summer.
Whether you’re a beginner seeking clarity or an experienced painter ready to reinvigorate your work, this workshop is designed to inspire, deepen, and delight your creative journey.
Come paint your own postcards from Provence, and take home not just paintings—but memories, skills, and the joy of having followed your brush through one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Artist Rose Irelan
Rose Irelan is an award-winning artist who loves to portray the wonder of life and Nature’s beauty in her work. She lives in San Diego, California with her husband, Dave, who is an architect. She is a mother of 3 adventurous and awesome children and a grandmother. Rose is passionate about painting, sharing art with others and loves to live a life of adventure, as she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, sailing, skiing and venturing to new places to paint and play.
Her Contemporary Impressionist Style captures nature’s rich and rugged displays of light with her in-depth understanding of color expressed through her energetic brushwork. “I want my paintings to convey the emotion that you experience from the terrain, the sea, and the wind.”
She attended the Columbus College of Art and Design, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Illustration and minoring in Fine Art. After a 20-year career as a graphic designer/ illustrator, Rose found her initial love of painting again and followed her passion to paint full-time in 2002. Rose paints outdoors en plein air and creates larger studio paintings from her experiences and color notations from nature. She also paints portraits and figurative paintings, not limiting what inspires or moves her as an artist.
Having a passion for teaching and giving back to the community, in 2002 she opened her art academy to provide art instruction in painting and drawing to children, teens, and adults. In addition to teaching her classes and workshops in San Diego, Rose also teaches destination workshops for plein air painting in the States and abroad. She also offers One-on-One Art Mentorships and Coaching and is a Mastrius Master Art Mentor as well as a guest instructor at several art schools in the country.
Rose’s paintings of the mountains, and seascapes, forest, flora, buildings and figures “en plein air” are immersed with the elements of Nature. This direct type of painting contributes to her bold energetic and expressive brushstrokes and her sensitive use of color. Her Studio Paintings are usually painted from her outdoor paintings where she can take more time to refine, design and paint a larger-scaled version of the plein air painting and reflect on what she experienced at a particular location and time. She also is a portrait and figurative painter, often combining figures with landscapes to tell a visual story. No matter the subject…Rose paints to portray honesty, spirit, and beauty. These qualities of her work serve to convey the feeling of a “moment in time” that transcends pure representation and becomes an artistic interpretation with a strong emotive quality. Many collectors of her art key into that emotive quality of her art and how it makes them feel.
“I think of painting like music you can see. Each nuance and harmony is important and works together”.
Years of painting quick hands-on studies from life with still lives and figures and working many years outdoors have given Rose much information and understanding of how color is affected by light and have been instrumental to her sensitive and vibrant use of color and mastery of light that has become a signature of her work. She constantly is striving to learn more about light and color and how to capture luminosity in her work.
Rose paints and travels throughout California, the Southwest, the remote Sonoran Baja Mexico desert, and abroad to discover new terrains and cultures that inspire her. Her work is derived from all types of light and of all parts of the day, including her nocturne paintings where she awakens long before the sun rises to capture the moon set and early sunrise at her Baja residence.
Rose’s soulful paintings depict the vast beauty of each precious moment of life, a subject matter that is as diverse as she…!
“Every outdoor location and experience feeds my passion to paint and connect more deeply with nature. I feel the best way to paint nature is from direct observation that is truthful; not only in the way it looks but the way it feels. I am a student of nature and light”
The experience was magical!
Jackie and her team know what they are doing. They put together an immersive European experience for my group of painters on the Costa Brava, in Spain that combined the most stunning scenery, historical culture and culinary delights!
Each participant raved about how smooth everything went and how much they enjoyed not only the art workshop, but also the dinners, celebrations, and painting excursions.[…].
As an art instructor I appreciated my guides, Mariona and Teresa’s attention to every detail […]. The experience was magical and allowed us all to bond and create friendships which was an added bonus! We all laughed, and enjoyed the local cuisine and being immersed in painting together. It was really fun and I look forward to teaching in Provence in May of 2027
Samples of Rose Irelan’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
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. I traveled with them in Provence in 2016. 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 (2025) for my 10th trip with them. I think that says everything!!
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 11/30/26 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
- All entrances to sites
- Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
- The use of folding chairs
- 1 or 2 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 |