Painting in Provence
Discover why Provence has been an inspiration for generations
of artists like Van Gogh, Cezanne,...
Day 1: Welcome Champagne Reception
We will pick you up at the Avignon train station. 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
Roussillon, 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 poteries. |
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Watercolor Journal
Roussillon Village
Sandy Delehanty (teacher)
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Day 3: Most spectacular village in Provence: Gordes
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 from the village is a southern panorama out across
fields, vineyards and forests, and small-perched villages to
the Montagne du Luberon. You can choose to paint the breathtaking
panorama, the village houses, or even the outdoor stalls.
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Oil Painting Workshop
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Watercolor Journal Workshop |
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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.
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Day 5: Painting at the House or in the Village
Today will be a non driving day to allow even more time to
painting.
We will spend the day painting either at the guesthouse or in
the cute and non touristy village of Les Beaucet: cobblestone
streets, 18th century houses, flowers, doors,... |
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"Starry nigth", painted by Van Gogh in St
Remy de Provence |
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Day 6: On Van Gogh's trail in St Remy de Provence
We will paint along the paths that Van Gogh used
to walk the last years of his life.
This tour is an emotional trip through the wonderful landscapes,
which inspired the great impressionist.
It displays 21 sign posts with reproductions of Van Gogh paintings,
chosen among 150 others, painted by the artist during his stay
in Saint Remy de Provence.
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At the end of the painting day, 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 reproduction of some of Vincent
van Gogh's paintings.
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St Paul Mausole
Red poppies |
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Oil painting by Brian Murphy (teacher)
Garden of St Paul de Mausole |
Oil painting of Senanque Abbey
by Victoria Brooks (teacher)
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Day 7: Non Touristy Village of Venasque and Senanque Abbey
Venasque is a non touristy jewel, not listed in travel books. While strolling Venasque
streets you will come to appreciate the wonderful atmosphere
that will seduce you, as it has dozens of artists.
With those interested, we will go to the famous Cistercian abbey
of Senanque, a beautiful and still-working 12th century abbey,
tucked into an isolated valley. |
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 Avignon
train station by 10am.
Transportation
You will be well taken care of from your pick up at the Avignon
train station to your drop off at the end of your stay.
Every day, we will drive you in a comfortable A/C mini van
to different painting locations. | |
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Accommodation
We have chosen a restored farmhouse located in the heart of
Provence.
In many ways this house speaks of Provence. The large salon
with its fireplace will seduce you with its charming and friendly
atmosphere. The view towards the Mont Ventoux from the terrace
and from your bedroom is breathtaking. The blue shutters of
the house will give you a real flair of Provence.
Each room has a full private bathroom.
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Courtyard of our villa
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View from the terrace |
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Each bedroom has a private bathroom |
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Dates
May 5-12, 2012: FULL Teacher:
Cherry
Sweig
May 13-20, 2012: FULL Teacher:
Durinda Cheek
May 21-28, 2012: 2 spots left
Teacher: Jeannie
Breeding (Red poppies in bloom)
June 24-July 1, 2012: FULL
Teacher: Sonja
Hamilton, SWA (Lavender in bloom)
Sept 7-14, 2012: FULL
Teacher: JoAnne
Anderson
Sept 15-22, 2012: FULL
Teacher: Victoria
Brooks
Rates
$200 off before Jan 30, 2012:
$2,990 per person (land cost) +
$300 for single room
After Jan 30: $3,190 per person (land cost) + $550 for single room
Includes
- Avignon train station pick up at 3PM and drop at 10AM
- A welcome reception
- All breakfasts, lunches (picnics) and 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
- A personal bilingual chauffeur/guide throughout the week
- Bottled water and snacks during day trips
- A free Paris planner for a self guided visit in Paris: suggestions
of hotels, restaurants and places to visit
Excludes
- Flights to and from France
- Train to Avignon
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses and tipping
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