SOUTH OF FRANCE ART RETREAT
Want to come paint with me?
May 19 - 28, 2024
Get ready for an experience of a lifetime that will be filled with inspiration and joy. Your 10 days in Gourdon, France will be a beautiful blend of colorful artmaking, inspiring excursions, cultural experiences and of course, plenty of free time to relax and explore. We will travel into the lovely countryside to paint and visit some of the most scenic towns in Southern France and spend time painting and picnicking along the Dordogne River and throughout the valley. I am beyond excited about this - imagine our journals full of painted memories?
Situated in the peaceful countryside adjacent to a tiny hamlet we’ll be staying at Perigord Retreats, and painting their beautiful surroundings. Beautiful landscapes, comfortable, cozy accommodations; a fully equipped indoor studio available 24/7, lovingly crafted farm-to-table food of local origin, an indoor swimming pool, and excursions into the stunning landscapes and medieval towns of the Dordogne and Lot regions. Seriously - This trip will be amazing!
During our time together, I will guide you through various art activities ranging from florals to landscapes paintings working with acrylics, watercolor and mixed media. My style is playful, colorful, and intuitive and no matter where you are in your creative journey, all levels are welcome. While in the studio we will work on our mixed media and painting projects. During some of our excursions we will paint plein-air as well as sketch in our travel journals and bring inspiration back from the villages to the studio.
When we’re not creating in the studio or gardens, we’ll be visiting enchanting medieval villages, strolling through French vintage markets, touring ancient castles, picnicking in the French countryside, and creating all along the way…the inspiration is endless!
What to expect:
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Learn how to create beautiful floral and expressive landscape paintings
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Paint beautiful landscapes and villages that we will capture with paint and or pen.
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Play with color and mark-making in fresh new ways to help create looser and more expressive artworks in the studio
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Learn how to “see” fresh color palettes, shapes, patterns, and textures on our excursions that can be incorporated in future artworks
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Learn tips on how to sketch and paint on location
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I will guide you step-by-step through paintings and by following demos
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We will have lots of Studio time for Art!
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Have plenty of time to ask questions and receive one-on-one feedback
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Learn how to be more intuitive in your work, using nature for inspiration
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Fill your art journal and travel sketchbooks with memorable pieces from our trip
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Have access to a lovely studio 24/7 to work at your own pace for even more art time!
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Wander around the 5 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds for inspiration
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Experience the beauty and culture of this region
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Enjoy restorative nature walks and wake up
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Visit many historical villages and sites
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Shop at traditional French markets
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Enjoy organic, locally sourced farm-to-table foods and wines
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Meet and connect with artists from around the world
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Leave this incredible trip feeling inspired and energized to continue making art when you return home.
Excursions included:
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Rocamadour
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Lavender Fields
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Cahors on Lot (including the vintage market)
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Gourdon (our local village)
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Beynac
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St. Cirq Lapopie
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Domme
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La Roque Gageac
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Castelnaud la Chapell
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Sarlat (another market!
Included in your retreat:
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Daily workshop instruction with Andrea
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Some supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
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Nine nights lodging
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All meals except – 2 lunches & 2 dinners
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All wine and beverages
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Transport to and from Gourdon train station
What is excluded in your retreat:
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Travel costs/Airfare
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Travel insurance
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Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable
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Additional nights lodging
Retreat group sizes are small – a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 12, allowing me to have ample to time to help each student every day.
Your non arty partner is welcome too because other activities include kayaking, swimming in the river, hiking, taking a swim in the indoor pool, relaxing in a hammock on the grounds or shopping in the many markets and shops. The nearest town is 5 minutes away by car.
Retreat Pricing for 9 nights/10 days of art with me!
Includes all meals, except two dinners + two lunches excluded.
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Private bedroom with shared bathroom 3400 Euros
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Private bedroom with private bathroom. 4200 Euros
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Ensuite bathroom with direct access to conservatory 4400 euros
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Ensuite bathroom with private living area 4600 euros
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Couples/friends sharing with private bathroom 6800 Euros
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Non-painters welcome
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Deposit of 1000 euros to secure your place payable via credit card
About Perigord Retreats:
"Our way of working is simple. When you stay at Perigord Retreats, you’re part of the family. We work tirelessly to ensure you leave after your retreat full of memories of an incredible trip!
What makes us unique is that we’re 100% focused on creating the best experience for our guests. When you’re here, you’re part of the family! That means that we don’t take shortcuts. We only buy the best local produce. We deliberately keep our groups on the smaller side; it’s better that way. We have an intimate knowledge of the region and are happy to share everything with our guests." - Harrison + Katel!
When I went to Italy last year, I soon realized it was the best thing I've done for myself in a long time. I left there feeling so inspired and full of creative energy!
If you have any questions about retreats + travel and whether or not this one is right for you, please feel free to email me, or we can even hop on the phone for a chat. This retreat is small in number, so it will fill up quickly. Take advantage of an incredible opportunity for travel, culture, art, rest, and nourishment.
xo Andrea