WORKSHOPS ABROAD
This workshop is for those who would like to become more interpretive with their work through the medium of landscape painting and through various methods of abstraction. Beginning and more experienced painters are both welcome. The course will progress in terms of the individual needs of each student.
Instruction will take place for four hours each morning for six days. Afternoons and evenings will be dedicated to one’s own study and exploration. Individual and group critiques will be offered as the course progresses.
Cost includes accommodations and meals at our beautiful renovated stone farmhouse in the Brittany countryside and tours of the area. This is an opportunity to experience France as more than a tourist, to discover its beauty, history and culture in an authentic way.
Please read on to find out more about the Brittany workshops.
Instruction will take place for four hours each morning for six days. Afternoons and evenings will be dedicated to one’s own study and exploration. Individual and group critiques will be offered as the course progresses.
CAPTURING COLOR AND LIGHT
Morbihan region of southern Brittany in France
8 day workshops, September - October 2010
THE ACCOMMODATIONS AND THE AREA:
We will be staying at our beautiful renovated stone farmhouse, with a pool and terrace, set on its own private grounds of 21 acres. The farmhouse, surrounding cottages and barn have been carefully restored to provide every modern comfort, while retaining all the charm of the original stonework and wood beamed ceilings. Over the course of 8 days, we will be drawing and painting on the farmhouse property and in the immediate area, en plein air. From this enchanting property, there is direct access to the ancient Forêt Domaniale de Camors, with 650 hectares of woodland and well maintained trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. You can canoe, kayak or fish along the Blavet River. Golf courses and tennis facilities are a short drive away.
We will organize sightseeing excursions, immersing you in the pleasures of French life. The sandy beaches and picturesque harbors of the Golfe du Morbihan are 30 minutes to the south. Halfway between the medieval town Vannes and the seaside resort Quiberon is Carnac, the mother of all megalithic sites and the largest collection of alignments, dolmens and menhirs in the world, dating back to 4500 BC. Pont-Aven, known as the “city of painters” and made famous by Paul Gauguin, has inspired many artists, and today offers a vibrant contemporary art scene.
Cuisine, of course is one of the greatest pleasures of France. Brittany is well known for its bountiful seafood, delicious crêpes, galettes and cider. You will savor many wonderful French meals at the farmhouse, prepared by our chefs. Breakfasts of fresh baguettes, buttery pastries and strong coffee will start your day. Delicious lunches will be packed for you to enjoy while painting en plein air. Dinners will be crafted from the best the market has to offer. You’ll sample local specialties at colorful cafés and interesting restaurants.
Beginning and more experienced painters are both welcome. Non-painters are invited to come along at a reduced rate (see Dates and Rates). Join us for a memorable séjour that will expand your horizons and leave you feeling renewed and recharged.
A TYPICAL WEEK
Arrive in Auray on the afternoon of the first day. We will pick you up at the train station and bring you to the farmhouse. Settle in, relax, and start to explore. A welcome reception will be followed by a 4 course gourmet dinner with wine.
Each day will start with a leisurely breakfast. Most mornings, we will be painting en plein air at a location chosen by Gail. Enjoy your packed lunch with the panoramic view of the landscape. We’ll return to farmhouse in the afternoon, where you can use free time for self exploration and your own study. Gail will meet with the group for critiques and conversation, giving you a chance to reflect on the day and get some feedback. Individual critiques will be also be offered. In the evening we will enjoy a convivial group dinner at the farmhouse.
We will be visiting points of interest in the area. One day is reserved for a sightseeing excursion to the picturesque village of Pont-Aven, now synonymous with the post-Impressionist school of French painting. Gauguin and other painters were drawn here by the unmatched beauty and light. We will visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, this year celebrating it’s 25th anniversary and learn about the painters of the École de Pont-Aven. We’ll have lunch at a creperie, visit a biscuiterie and enjoy sampling local specialties. On other days, we may explore a village, discover a café, stop at a market, visit a megalithic site, or take a trip to the rugged coast.
On our last evening, we will celebrate with a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. After breakfast the next morning we will take you to the train station in Auray, with fond memories of an unforgettable week in Brittany.
DATES & RATES
With the euro at historic lows, this is an excellent time to go to France!
9/25 – 10/2 $2900
10/2 – 10/9 $2900
10/9 – 10/16 $2900
o 10% discount if two weeks are booked together
o discount for non painters -$500
o limited single supplements available +$500
To register, contact Gail at 508.228.9843 or gailsharretts@comcast.net .
stay tuned for future trips!