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Illustrated Watercolor Journaling in Provence with Leslie Fehling, Sept 7-14 (Open) and Sept 14-21, 2024 (Full)

Leslie Fehling

Workshop Description

Workshop Description

Just imagine….200 year old olive trees, charming hilltop villages, bustling outdoor cafés and window boxes overflowing with colorful flowers. Now, put yourself in the picture, sitting at a little café with your sketchbook and paints spread out before you, sketching a window across the way, with its lace curtains, blue shutters, and red geraniums. Can you see it? Can you feel it? Well, why not experience it?

Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday in Provence, a region famous for its stunning scenery and clear light which has captivated artists through the centuries. In this week-long workshop, all of the logistics will be taken care of by my good friends at French Escapade. All we have to do is relax and enjoy long autumn days spent sketching in this stunningly beautiful part of France. We’ll have plenty of time to capture once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the pages of our watercolor journals as we explore the charming villages of Roussillon, Isle sur la Sorgue and St. Remy de Provence.

I fell under Provence’s magic spell when I first taught there in 2017. It was the trip of a lifetime: walking in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, meandering the quiet streets of ochre-colored villages, perusing the stalls on market day in St. Remy, and taking the time to draw and paint the things that truly touched my heart. I can’t wait to return and share it all with you!

My teaching will focus on illustrated watercolor journaling. You’ll learn how to add style and interest to your sketchbook pages through the use of unique page layouts and borders, and we’ll cover several fun new lettering styles. In addition, I’ll offer daily demonstrations of techniques for painting the subject matter you’ll encounter each day. And you’ll be painting right along with me, since we learn more by doing than by simply observing. The workshop is suitable for all levels, but some experience with drawing and watercolor would be helpful.

Each student will receive a full-color handbook (in PDF format) containing all of the information we cover in the workshop. It’s filled with great ideas for jazzing up your journal pages, and also has a huge section of step-by-step illustrated instructions for how to paint everything from stone buildings to ribbon-tied bunches of lavender. The handout ensures that you can relax during the workshop, knowing that even if you can’t absorb it all during the week, you’ll have complete information that you can refer to for years to come.

My friendly, enthusiastic teaching style, thorough instructions, and encouraging one-on-one support guarantee that you’ll learn and grow as an artist during our time together. We’ll be immersing ourselves in the history, culture, and beauty of the south of France, and I’m happily anticipating all the sketch-worthy scenes that await us (along with the amazing food, wine, and shopping!). Join me in discovering the wonders of Provence together and creating memorable journals of the delights and surprises that await us.

Leslie Fehling's Biography

Leslie Fehling is a watercolor artist, workshop instructor, and art blogger from western Pennsylvania. Her illustrated watercolor journals are filled with sketches that celebrate everyday life and chronicle her travel adventures.

She has taught sketchbook journaling and watercolor workshops in the US and abroad since 2014. Her unique approach to illustrated watercolor journaling and her enthusiastic teaching style have made her a sought-after instructor, and her workshops have empowered students of all skill levels to think more creatively and paint with greater confidence. She says, “I love seeing the joy and satisfaction my students experience when they begin to express themselves artistically and connect with the world on a deeper level through sketching. My greatest reward is when someone tells me, ‘You’ve made me look at the world differently.’”

Leslie is a leader in the modern sketching movement. For more than a decade, her Everyday Artist website has been a rich resource for painting tutorials, creative journaling ideas, and inspiring artwork. Since 2016, she has been an ambassador for Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, a major art supply retailer, and has designed products for them under the “Everyday Artist” label. Her paintings are found in public and private collections across the US.

Website: lesliefehling.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/lesliefehling/

Facebook: facebook.com/LeslieFehlingWatercolors

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EverydayArtistLeslie/videos

More Samples of Leslie's Art

Click on any picture to enlarge.

Itinerary

Arrival and Welcome

Prov-day7-village

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

Upon your arrival at our hotel, take time to settle in, enjoy the swimming pool or explore the village.

In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner.

Fontaine de Vaucluse


The main beauty of Fontaine de Vaucluse is the river Sorgue on which it sits. The river has a fantastic green colour, very striking with the blue sky above. The village of Fontaine de Vaucluse starts after the rapids where the wondrous green river calms itself.

You will find plenty to paint there between the river, the main plaza and the one hundred year old trees.

On Van Gogh's Trail 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. 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.

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.

Ochre Village of Roussillon

Prov-day2-roussillonprov-day2-roussillon2Roussillon, 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.

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.

Our little secret village, a jewel in the Luberon

This 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. This is our little kept secret village, the favorite of all our artists.

Painting in the Garden or in the studio

The hotel has a nice garden and a studio. We will  alternate painting days at the hotel with days on excursions to other villages.

On the last day, 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.

Gourmet French Food

French cuisine. The mouth-watering gastronomical wonder.

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 also be in heaven.

Departure (Day 8)

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 around 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 trips are limited to 12 participants

Save $200 before Nov 30th!

Sept 7-14, 2024: Open

Sept 14-21, 2024: FULL (wait list available)

Click here to see the difference between standard and superior rooms

Standard rooms:

Double room: US$ 3,790 pp (before Nov 30th)-one double bed

Single room: + US$ 550 (one double bed)

No standard twin rooms available (only superior twins)

Superior rooms:

Shared room (twins or doubles): US$ 3,965 pp (before Nov 30th)  (only 3 available)

Single room: +US$ 725 (only 3 available)-(one double bed)

Non Painters: Price is the same because non painters take the spot of a painter

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 the trip:Cancellation Fee per Person
More than 120 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)
61-120 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

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