An Artist a Day May 2023

in the Gers, South West France

with artists Virginia Griffith Jones and Wendy Roylance

Resident 19-25 May 2023

Non-resident 20-24 (choice of days if preferred) May 2023

(09.15-15.45)

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso

We all need time to find a new budding creative spirit, kickstart our passion for painting and drawing or be surrounded by beauty in which to reflect whilst having fun making art. x2 Art Holidays are celebrated for exploring your own personal creativity with like-minded people in a relaxed and inspiring environment. The soft colours and rolling hills of the Gers are the perfect backdrop. Delicious home-produced meals and a selection of the wonderful local wines give you a taste of the region's culinary delights.

This holiday is designed for you to explore the work of a different artist each day and experiment with their technique. There is a day trip to local artist who is a ceramicist and printmaker, Mollie Brotherton, who will inspire and guide you. This art holiday has an extra day added to enable you to work independently (with guidance if needed,) to incorporate that learning in developing a piece of work, in your chosen artist's style.

You will be joining a small group of people looking to develop and explore their own personal creativity in a relaxed friendly environment. Beginners to experts are welcome. Two qualified teachers and professional artists will provide guidance and support enabling each individual to work at their own level. Places are strictly limited to ensure individual attention and support.

“I loved every minute and have learnt so much. Fabulous environment to work in. Virg and Wendy are inspiring teachers.”

Les Chenes farmhouse sits in a couple of acres with orchard, meadow and garden. It nestles in a wide valley looking out to the Pyrenees. The ever-changing light creates perfect painting conditions throughout the day. The garden is alive with birdsong and colourful flowers and shrubs. There is a heated pool which is a delight for an early morning swim or evening dip. Delicious, healthy home-produced meals are taken in the abri (covered terrace) with saesonal fruit and vegetables provided from the garden. Other produce is sourced locally. We have an organic bio goats cheese and pork producer and a wonderful boulangerie.

Cost - Non-resident: €80 per day

Included: all materials, lunch with wine, refreshments, welcome pack

Not Included: Travel, accommodation, insurance.

You will be invited to aperos to meet the group, 19th May and invited to our final dinner in a local restaurant, 24th May. The dinner is not included.

Cost - Resident: £985

Included: all materials, breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine (bar one dinner which will be taken in a local restaurant); transfer from and to Lourdes airport (if required), welcome pack.

Not Included: Travel (except transfer to and from Lourdes airport); One dinner taken in a local restaurant, insurance.

Travel: Flights (not included)

Ryanair flies from Stansted to Lourdes. (Transfer from Lourdes airport included.)

Alternatively, you can fly into Toulouse or Bordeaux (aprox 2 hours transfer) and hire a car. Or, we can arrange a transfer, which would be an additional cost.

If you prefer to drive, it is 10 hours from the Tunnel, 7 hours from Caen. Should you wish to make more of the journey, chambres d’hotes can be recommended en route.

“Great atmosphere at Les Chênes. Perfect hosts, in a beautiful location. Fab week all round.”