Watercolor Painting Workshop in the French Alps with Teacher David R. Smith, June 2-9, 2023-FULL
Painting Workshops.
When quality matters!
When quality matters!
About the workshop to the French Alps with David R. Smith
Join David on a Watercolor Journey, in the breathtaking surrounding of the Alps.
You will be learning the most valuable watercolor concepts and techniques. This workshop will save you countless hours of trial & error by demonstrating approaches in an easily understood manner that will open new doors of discovery and creativity.
David will discuss outdoor equipment options, considerations when choosing a composition, value study options to help prepare for the painting process, and provide numerous demonstrations and individual attention. Regardless of your level of experience, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with a handsome work of art, and the skills, concepts, and confidence to take your paintings to a higher level.
David will demonstrate a wide variety of techniques, including “wet-on-wet,” “spattering,” “spraying,” how to link shapes in a composition based on values, while also learning about edge quality of shapes, the importance of different consistencies of paint, and the different moisture qualities of paper – concepts and approaches that will keep your paintings fresh with exciting blends and textures, and keep you inspired and eager to explore your new watercolor capabilities long into the future.
David R. Smith's Biography
David R. Smith began his artistic journey studying Chinese Brush Painting in the United States and China. A decade later, he was introduced to Western style watercolor painting and was amazed at how enjoyable and forgiving it was compared to working on rice paper. Ever since, he has been hooked on watercolor painting, and has become a popular artist and instructor nationally and internationally, as well as a sought-after juror.
David is the recipient of the Skyledge Award (the highest recognition awarded by the Transparent Watercolor Society of America), an award winner and signature member of the American Watercolor Society, signature member of the National Watercolor Society, and his work has earned him numerous “Best of Show” awards, signature memberships, showings in galleries and museums across the United States and abroad, and inclusion in publications including Fine Art Connoisseur, International Artist, and multiple editions of SPLASH – The Best of Watercolor.
With over 25 years of experience as a public school teacher, he is skilled at breaking down complex concepts and skills into easily learned chunks and now enjoys helping workshop participants find success with watercolor. As much as he loves to paint, he has found sharing his watercolor passion through instruction even more gratifying and he is most rewarded when he hears a frequent comment: “This is one of the best workshops I’ve ever taken.”
Find out more about David R. Smith on his website.
More of David R. Smith's Art
The Alps is a dream destination for a plein air artist because of the spectacular scenery you will encounter: alpine meadows, cobblestoned villages, waterfalls, glaciated peaks, wildflowers, clean lakes, chalet with flowers from windowboxes…
Some of the highlights of the tour are seeing Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, from the hotel and visiting Annecy, also called the Venice of the North, a beautiful medieval city surrounded by canals and mountains.
Let us show you these hidden treasures.
Day 1: Welcome to the Alps
We will pick you up at 2:30pm a the Geneva airport and drive you to our beautiful chalet in the Alps. Upon your arrival at the hotel, you will have time to settle in and relax, enjoy the spa (hot tub, sauna and steam room) before our welcome reception and orientation meeting followed by a gourmet dinner.
Days 2, 3 &4: Alpine Village: from Wooden Chalets to Flowery Balconies
The hotel and the village offer a breathtaking 360 degree view towards Mont-Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.
It will be like stepping back in time: wooden chalets, baroque church, green pastures and grazing cows. We will be painting either from the garden of the hotel or in the village. The vignettes are endless.
Cheese is of course the specialty of the Alps. You will find it in many local specialties like fondue, raclette, tartiflette, etc…
Day 5: Chamonix – The Queen Resort of the Alps
Chamonix, the biggest ski resort in the world, is surrounded by majestic high mountains such as Mont Blanc and glaciers.
Morning will be dedicated to paining. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to take the highest gondola in the world to the top of “L’Aiguille du Midi” at 12,000 ft. A breathtaking view of the Alps and Chamonix down below awaits you. Or you could take a tram to see the “sea of ice” glacier.
If you prefer shopping, or more painting, Chamonix has it all.
Day 6: Annecy or ‘The Little Venice of the Alps’
Annecy is the French show-piece of lakes-and-mountain beauty. The Canal crossing Annecy brings Venice to mind as you stroll along its banks.
Your choice for the painting site will be unlimited: medieval narrow streets, renaissance houses along the canal, the famous old prison (one of the most photographed monuments in France!) or the Annecy lake surrounded by mountains.
We will also have the opportunity to go to the local market in the old Annecy and shop for the numerous wonderful cheeses, sausages, honeys and all local products.
Day 7: Painting at the hotel 
For the last day, we won’t be driving anywhere so that you will be able to finish up some paintings.
We will end the week with a “Show and Tell” and a gourmet dinner with maybe the best sunset on Mont Blanc.
Day 8: Departure
After our last breakfast together, we’ll drive you back to the Geneva airport by 10-10:30 am.
Our Chalet in the Alps, facing Mt Blanc
This chalet, in the heart of Haute-Savoie, boasts stunning views of Mont-Blanc and the Aravis Massif.
The beauty of the panorama, the charm of the cozy wooden interior, the gourmet restaurant, the well-being of the Spa, the comfort and amenities of the wainscoted rooms, all make this unique spot a haven of peace.
The spa has a hot tub, sauna and steam room.
Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with flat-screen satellite TV and free WiFi.
There is an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool table and a little gym.
Pricing Details
The Trip is limited to 15 Participants
FULL
Painters: US$ 3,590 pp for a shared room
+ US$ 550 for single standard room with ensuite bathroom
Non Painters are welcome to join. They get a US$ 400 off and will come on excursions with the group, share the meals, etc…
Included:
Included:
– Geneva Airport pick-up at 2:30pm and drop-off at 11am
– A welcome reception
– All 7 nights at the hotels
– All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners including wine
– All art classes
– Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
– Entrance to the hotel spa
– The use of folding chairs
Not Included
– Flights and train to destination
– 3 lunches and 1 dinner
– Painting supplies
– Tour leader(s) tipping
Cancelation Policy
| If you cancel a US workshop: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| More than 90 days before departure | The $600 deposit is forfeited (however $300 can be transferred to another trip with a departure date within 1 year of cancelation date) |
| 61-90 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 |
This workshop is sold out but you can email us at contact@frenchescapade.com to be placed on the wait list