We are currently offering art courses in France in collaboration with professional English artist Nicola Blakemore of Painting Holidays in France fame.
Nicola arrived in France from the UK in May 2008, realising her long held dream to live and work as an artist in France. She has had a long career in art and design having originally trained as a graphic artist, following this she then had an excursion into the media and travel industry before returning to her roots and becoming involved with interior design, creating specialist paint effects and using her skills in art to complete commissions for murals both in the UK and abroad. She has taught art at college level, at a school for special needs children and with private groups.
Nicola now offers painting holidays in Languedoc Roussillon, here in France. She is an accomplished artist and has recently been invited to join forces with 'Country Living Magazine' to present a special course on 'French Painted Furniture' later this year. Her work has been exhibited in both the UK and France.
For the convenience of the students Nicola teaches art on our painting holidays using watecolours as a painting medium. Watercolours are flexible, quick drying paints that are easy to transport, which is ideal for travellers and holiday makers. You will be able to choose from an amazing range of subjects at or around our holiday facility. These include the Pyrenees, which form a back drop to our local countryside, the Canal Du Midi and plenty of flora or architecture from the house or our local village Issel.
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Le Moulin is a 300 year old former water mill set in 15 acres of grounds mostly made up of woodlands but also with large colourful gardens, a small orchard and set against local farmland which boasts sunflower fields in abundance at certain times of the year. Situated within the picturesque valley of Argentouire this tranquil location makes an ideal base for aspiring artists. The pool, approaching a 100 sq m in size and enclosed for safety is a great place to relax at the end of the day, alternatively you can enjoy a glass of wine on the patio. There is also plenty of space to play a game of boule and lots of woodland walks for an evening stroll.
You will need to bring your own materials and equipment as you would normally use during a painting session. These would include paints, brushes, pencils etc. We will provide portable chairs for outdoor sessions, jam jars for water , kitchen rolls and drawing boards.
For absolute beginners, you will need a watercolour paint box, two or three brushes suitable for watercolour painting (your local art shop can advise), a 2b pencil, pencil sharpener and eraser. We can supply mixing palettes. You will also need an inexpensive sketch pad at least A4 in size and a watercolour block. If possible this block should be glued and no less than 300gms in weight, rough or smooth and no less than A4 in size. If you can manage the larger A3 for both of these items that would be great.
The cost of the painting holidays is £500 per person with a minimum of 4 participating people required to run the course. Non painting partners are welcome at £350 per person.
Sunday:
Arrive with a chance for you to look around and settle in. An evening meal will be prepared for which Nicola will be joining us to get to know everybody.
Monday to Thursday:
Painting from 9.30am - 1pm and 2.30pm - 5.pm:
6 -7pm: Aperitifs on the patio (weather permitting)
7.30pm - 9.30pm: Dinner
Friday:
Free day with the possibility of an excursion.
Saturday
Departure is no later than 10.30a.m. but breakfast will be served as usual.
*The above painting schedule is subject to change depending on the location selected in which to work, weather conditions and number of painting guests.
La Boulangerie By Nicola Blakemore
Le Moulin is located in a relatively rural position and normally the use of a hire car is necessary to reach us if you travel without your own vehicle. This allows you to be able to explore the area, get to shops, restaurants and places of interest during the period of your stay. If your preference is to be collected from and returned to the airport please contact us to discuss the details.
The local village of Issel is only a short 10 minute walk away and beyond that is Castelnaudary on the Canal du Midi or Revel at the foothills of the Montagne Noire; they can be reached by car in 10 or 20 minutes respectively. Carcassonne is approximately 35 to 40 minutes by car.
To register your interest in the course and request any further details such as availability etc. email lemoulin@french-holidays-aude.com or phone 0033 (0)4 68 60 06 17 We will be very happy to to discuss your requirements.