Bruges is a city that will capture your heart. Bruges, a Unesco World Heritage is rightfully called the “Venice of the North”, because of its medieval architecture surrounded by numerous canals. Painting in Bruges, the Capital of the Flemish painters, is one of a kind experience.
Besides painting the endless vignettes Bruges has to offer, you will also experience Belgium’s specialties like chocolate, lace making, beers, diamonds, fries and waffles.
We will pick you up at the Brussel airport at 2:30pm and we will drive you to our 4-star hotel & spa in Bruges.
This luxurious hotel located in the heart of Bruges and combines modern luxury and the authentic charm of medieval Burgundian Bruges. The huge history basement of the hotel has been converted into a spa (with a sauna, a steam bath, gym and relaxation area) where you can also order a massage. 
Ideally located, it is walkable to all the main touristic activities (museums, restaurants, canals).
You will have time to settle in, maybe go to the spa, before our welcome reception and orientation meeting, followed by your first Belgian dinner.
This splendid medieval city is one of Belgium’s crown jewels and is largely considered one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. In no other European city are the look and feel of medieval times so present as here in this city close to the North Sea.
The historic downtown of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. In 2002, Bruges was designated the ‘cultural capital of Europe’.
You will find hundreds of sketching subjects from the quaint Beguinage quarters to the impressive Grand Place with its majestic Belfrey.
The oldest wooden house in Bruges
Horse carriage on the main square
Swans everywhere in and along the canals.
The Beguinage, the most quiet and magical place in Bruges
Wooden doors and windows of all shapes and colors.
More than a dozen of different bridges for you to sketch.
We will take a boat ride on the peaceful canals with delightful views of medieval Flemish mansions.
You will have some time to taste the Belgian specialties such as chocolate, beers, fries and waffles.
We will attend a lace making demonstration by local women using the technique from the 18th century.
There is so much to do! Visit one of the various art museums displaying the famous Flemish paintings, the first 13th century hospital, the Church of Our Lady with the sculpture “Madonna and Child,” the only one of Michelangelo’s sculptures to have left Italy within his lifetime, a brewery or the chocolate museum.
The village of Damme is one of the most charming villages in Belgium.
Located in the Flanders, between the beaches and Bruges, this village will enchant you with its mills, canals, barges, Gothic church and plaza. The vignettes to paint are endless.
If you are a non painter, you can rent a bike for a very easy and beautiful bike ride (or walk) along romantic canals with their barges, between quaint towns, outdoor cafés and wind mills.
In less than 25 min you will be in Bruges and in 45 min, you will be in Holland.
Today, we will drive to the coast by the North Sea for a complete different scenery. You can paint (or shop) all along the sandy beaches or by the boardwalk that is alive with outdoor cafes, shops, bikers, rollerbladers and strange vehicles known as cuistax.
This resort is known for its rich architectural heritage with sumptuous residences form the early 19th.
Holland is only 30 min from Bruges! We will go to the very cute village of Sluis for a painting session.
In the afternoon, there will be free time for exploring and shopping.
You will have access 24/7 to a meeting room that we are using as our studio.
After breakfast, we will drive you to the Brussels airport by noon. Make sure your flight is not before 2pm.
Painting in Belgium – a dream come true! From quaint little buildings, to beaches, mossy canals and windmills. We get the chance to paint them all!
You will be learning some of the most valuable skills in watercolor, such as working wet-on-wet, learning to recognize the moisture content of the paper and why the thickness of your paint mixture is so important. Watercolor is so much easier once you learn these little fundamentals that are the keys to success. 
You will be the Master of your palette! Advanced painters will discover new techniques and creative solutions with color & design to help move you to a new level.
Our days are relaxed and informative (with lots of good food and laughter in the mix). If you are a first-time plein air painter (and afraid), you’ll find it painless! In addition, we will also be working in the studio with lots of demos, handouts and personal attention. We’ll work specifically on simplifying and organizing the scene before us. What do you leave in and what do you take out?
Kathie’s students say that “she has an intuitive ability to know what a student needs and then show them how to get there.” No doubt this may be one reason students return to her workshops over and over again.
Kathie began painting when first married and her husband signed her up for a college course – surprise! Although it was love at first brush stroke, there were many trials and failures. She says that’s why she relates so well to students and the ‘Mr. Evil” who sits on their shoulder while painting!
She’s come a long way and wants to do the same for you!
Kathie George’s award-winning work has twice been a finalist in Artist Magazine’s Art Competition and her work was featured in their Limited-Edition Calendars. She has authored 4 watercolor books and been featured in Watercolor Magazine, Plein Air Magazine, Watercolor Artist, Artist Sketchbook, American Artist and fully 6 of the SPLASH books, most recently included in the Splash Retrospective – 20 years of Contemporary Watercolor Excellence.
She has taught in over 15 different countries and continues to offer Journey Workshops, at least for now.
Click on any picture to enlarge.
Max of participants is 15.
Sept 4-11, 2024: FULL (wait list available)
Sept 11-18, 2024: FULL (wait list available)
Get $200 off if you sign up before Jan 31st, 2024
Before Jan 31st: US$ 3,690 for a shared room
After Jan 31st: US$ 3,890 for a shared room
+ US$ 650 for a single room with en-suite bathroom
Includes
Excludes
Both workshops are full. We often get cancelations, so email us at contact@frenchescapade.com to be place on the wait list.
