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Oil Painting Workshops in Provence with Kathie Odom: Sept 1-8, 2023 and Sept 8-15: 2 spots left

Kathie Odom

Workshop Description

While learning the importance of oil painting techniques (values, edges, composition, etc.), the joy of actually painting France en plein air won’t get lost on Kathie!

The enthusiasm for painting the rolling vineyards and lavender fields with you will be contagious! Kathie will walk through her process of narrowing down the choices of subject matter and then demo before it’s time for you to get your brushes wet too… and she be right alongside cheering you on with personal instruction and encouragement!

There is a reason why you want to paint. Kathie will work to help you tap that desire by throwing herself into the entire experience and beauty of Provence!

Kathie Odom Biography

After graduating from The University of Tennessee in Art Education and Fine Arts, Kathie received early recognition for pastel works. But it was 2009 when she found a home in painting oils en plein air.

I call myself a “Nostalgic Impressionist” as a way of identifying the subjects and style of painting that interest me most. No matter which part of America I paint, I am really passionate about plein air and allow myself to get lost in the wonderful process of it all!

Kathie resides with her husband and maintains a studio in the mountains of East Tennessee. She travels extensively exhibiting in fine art shows throughout the nation, teaching workshops and participating in plein air events. Kathie’s original works have sold internationally and she is quite proud of her gallery representation.

More info on Kathie on her site at https://www.kathieodom.com

Samples of Kathie's Art

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome Champagne Reception

We will pick you up at the TGV Avignon train station at 3:30pm. 

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

prov-day2-roussillon2Prov-day2-roussillonRoussillon, 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 potteries.

Day 3: Most Spectacular Villages in Provence – Gordes and Luberon Villages

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 to the village is a breathtaking panorama out across fields, vineyards and small-perched villages to the Montagne du Luberon.

Although Gordes is beautiful, we will spend more time painting/sketching in the a tiny non touristy village of the Luberon whose name we keep secret!!

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. The afternoon is all yours to paint the canals, the stalls, the village.

Day 5: Painting in the Village

Prov-day5-homeprov-day5-home2Today 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 village: cobblestone streets, 18th century houses, flowers, doors…

If we are staying at the hotel in St Remy de Provence, you will have time to paint in the olive fields, the same trees Vincent Van Gogh painted 150 years ago.

Day 6: On Van Gogh’s Trail in St. Remy de Provence

Today, 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 reproductions of some of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings.

Outside the hospital, you will be able to paint the wonderful landscape that inspired the great impressionist with the same olive trees Van Gogh painted and the Alpilles mountains as background.

Day 7: Medieval Village in the Luberon

Prov-day7-villageThis non touristy jewel, not listed in travel books is our little gem, our favorite village. While strolling the streets you will come to appreciate the quietness and wonderful atmosphere that will seduce you, as it has dozens of artists who live there. This is our little kept secret village, the favorite of all our artists.

Back at the hotel, you will be able to work in the garden to finish up some of your paintings and finish the week with a “show and tell” or critique.

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 TGV Avignon train station by 9:30 am.

 

 

Accommodations

Beautiful 3-star hotel in Luberon, the heart of Provence

We will be staying in the heart of the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse. Our hotel used to be an old mill that has been restored with a lot of Provencal charm. A little river meanders through the garden, surrounded by impressive mountains. The hotel is centrally located, at walking distance (2 min) to restaurants and shops.

The hotel has a living room, breakfast room, outside swimming pool, a hot tub, a riverside terrace bar and a sunny conference room that we will use as our painting studio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each bedroom has en-suite bathroom, mini-bar, flat screen TV, air-conditioning and free wifi.

The hotel has two categories of rooms:

Standard rooms: 150 sq ft, one double bed and view towards the back of the hotel (trees, see picture below).

 

Superior rooms (only 3 twins with 2 single beds and 2 singles with one double bed) : 170 sq ft, 2 single beds or 1 double bed with view towards the mountains and the garden of the hotel.

Tell us your preference and we will do our best to accommodate you.

 

 

 

Prices and Terms

Pricing Details:

The Trip is limited to 13 Participants:

Sept 1-8, 2023-Sold Out

Sept 8-15, 2023: Sold Out

US$ 3,590 for a shared standard room with ensuite bathroom

Shared superior room with ensuite bathroom:

+ US$ 350 pp for a superior twin room  (only 3 available) or superior double room (only 2 available)

Single standard room with ensuite bathroom:

+ US$ 550

Single superior room with ensuite bathroom:

+ US$ 900

Non Painters: US$ 400 off  (you will come on excursions with the group, share meals, etc…).

 

Sign up before Jan 31st and save $200! 

Included:

Included:

– Avignon TGV train station pick up on day 1 at
3:30pm and drop off on day 8 at 10:30am
– A welcome reception
– All breakfasts,
– 3 lunches (picnics)
– 4 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
– The use of folding chairs
– A personal bilingual chauffeur/guide throughout
– A free Paris planner for a self guided visit in Paris
if you decide to extend your trip: suggestions of hotels,
restaurants and places to visit.

Not included:

Not Included:

– Flights to and from France
– Trains to/from Avignon
– 3 lunches and 3 dinners
– Painting supplies
– Tour leader(s) tipping

Cancelation Policy

If you cancel a US workshop:Cancellation Fee per Person
More than 90 days before departureThe $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 departure50% of total cost forfeited
31-60 days before departure75% of total cost forfeited
0-30 days before departure100% of total cost forfeited
If French Escapade cancels You get a full refund

Photo Gallery

How to book

To reserve your spot, please complete the form below (one per person) and pay US$ 600 deposit.  After receiving your form, we will send you the information for the payment. Note that the deposit is not refundable but a portion is transferrable. See our cancelation policy below.

You will be able to pay:

1- By check

2- Via ZELLE, free instant pay, offered by many major US banks

3- By bank transfer

4- By credit card

Reservation Form

French Escapade LLC | 2389 Blackpool Place | San Leandro, CA 94577 | 510-483-5713 | contact@frenchescapade.com
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