About the Workshop

The extraordinary and legendary landscape of Provence will serve as the inspirational motif for these two 10-day painting workshops. The painting sites will be the most beautiful and romantic provencal landscapes the region has to offer—fields of lavender, sunflowers in bloom, quaint stone farmhouses, country churches nestled in rows of poplar or cypress trees, rustic medieval hill towns contrasted with colorful flower gardens or window boxes and romanesque stone bridges extending over rivers and waterways.

The fundamentals of outdoor painting will be discussed, beginning with how to see. The principles of plein air painting will be reviewed, starting with composing a landscape painting from nature through the use of color, shape and value with an emphasis on the interpreting light and atmosphere. These workshops offer an artistic experience, which will inspire the beginner and challenge the most advanced painter.

Most workshop days provide six hours of intensive painting time, but days will vary in structure and content. The workshop atmosphere is relaxed, informal and friendly with plenty of time to explore the surrounding regions.

A typical painting day will start early with a traditional provencal breakfast, then off to a painting site for the day. The workshops will take day excursions into the french countryside, exploring lavender or sunflower fields, quaint hill towns or, sometimes, traveling up into the french alps to paint some arial views. The day provides leisurely creative time for painting and drawing. The workshop group will enjoy a lunch break at a typical French cafe along the way or have a casual picnic lunch in the french countryside. Upon returning to the B & B, there will be free time to relax, have a critique or embark on a local excursion with a new-found workshop friend or friends, visiting a vineyard or historical site. Dinner is served at the B & B, promptly at 7:30 pm —allowing for the group to reunite for an evening of wine, french cuisine and the exchange of stories about the day’s adventures.. There are some unique experiences in store, such as visiting the studios of local french artists, small local galleries and typical open air french market.

We hope you will consider being a part of this wonderful opportunity, as it promises to be a richly rewarding and unforgettable experience. Space is limited to eight participants, so early enrollment is advised.