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From £1200 pp
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Painting Holiday in Limousin

Highlights

  • Accommodation in the hosts' beautiful French Country home and Gite
  • All meals, including morning coffee and afternoon tea and cake, are provided daily
  • 5 days of personalised art tuition, including 2 days of ''en plein aire''
  • Make the most of lovely walking trails from the accommodation's gardens.
  • Stay in the beautiful ''valley of the painters'' inspiration for many of the great impressionists including Monet
  • Make the most of the on site swimming pool for relaxation
From £1200 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Get inspired by the natural wonders of the Creuse on this unforgettable 6 night painting holiday that will unleash the full artistic potential within you; whether you’re drawn to water, lush mountains, medieval architecture, or interesting faces, you'll find an eclectic mix of things to paint.

Escape to the ‘valley of the painters’ on this 6 night painting holiday in France, tucked away near in the department of the Creuse in central France.

You will find your charming country home accommodation, and base for this painting holiday, in the region which has inspired painters for decades. Take some time out for yourself in the peaceful, lush countryside which you can explore and bring to life on paper.

During this extraordinary painting holiday, your tutor Janet will be with you daily to help you find your own talents and capabilities in art. Janet maintains a calm and relaxed environment to be creative with a varitey of mediums. When the week is finished, you will leave with refined skills and techniques that will take your craft to the next level.

Your hosts, Clare and Peter, will supply you with comfort and plenty of activities for you to try your hand at in your free time; everything from boules (to get in the French spirit), to archery, to a dip in the onsite swimming pool.

Your French painting home will be in one of two lovely houses, with a room that best suits your needs. You’ll feel right at home in the cosy kitchen, lounging in the den, or going for a fresh morning dip ready for a revitalizing day of discovery and creating.

Located right on the doorstep of St-Sebastien, you can stroll to town, get lost in the woods, or for the more tamed, stick to a meandering marked hiking trail and head into the surrounding countryside.

Please note that oils are not used during this week because of the drying time.

Course dates still available 2023- Book Now !!

Last remaining spaces.

20-26 August

10-16 September

Arrival

– Arrive at Limoges airport/train station to be greeted by your hosts and driven to your country home for the week
– Settle in on Sunday evening with an art based welcome pack followed by a BBQ, drinks, and meet your fellow artists, tutor and hosts

Accommodation

You’ll be staying in one of two lovingly restored guest houses with bright bedrooms and communal living areas to make your stay comfortable.

Features
– Bicycles for you to borrow to explore the local countryside and villages
– Lovely outdoor terrace for alfresco dining
– Beautiful in-ground swimming pool set in tranquil gardens
– A new art studio for you to use when you’re feeling inspired
– A range of activities to try your hand at, with games, archery, boules, and so much more
– Well behaved dogs welcome – perfect for families
– Great for the single traveller, with no single supplements; everyone is welcome here

Painting Introduction

Each day will run from 9am- 4pm.

Enjoy your first day whilst painting and drawing, either in the art studio or in the beautiful grounds of the guesthouse.

You will have an opportunity to get to know each other as Janet, your personal art tutor, will guide you along your artistic journey!

Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on the weather.

Plein Aire

Enjoy two days of plein aire in scentic countryside villages, experiencing the tradtional technique of painting that has been inspiring impressionists for decades!

Take in the beautiful countryside surroundings during a picnic lunch.

 

Public Monet Gallery

Experience a half day of stunning exhibits at the Monet Gallery, experiencing a range of artisic displays.

The rest of the day will be at your dispense! Choose between painting in the stunning outdoors or back at Beaumont, where you could continue your creative work from the previous day.

Private Gallery Visit

Take in the beautiful artwork and experience the dazzingly variety of sculptures and artworks of Jorge Carrasco’s, a truly prolific artist whilst you meander through the private gallery. Jorge was friends with Picasso, however , remained artistically independent making him a very enticng artist as he didn’t conform to expectations.

Top this half day trip off with a visit to a nearby Church, where Jorge impressively painted the entire ceiling as a generous gift to the local community!

Spend the rest of the day drawing/painting outside or back at Beaumont.

 

Departure

Savour your final breakfast before saying good bye to Beaumont. You will return home being a more advanced artist than before!

What's included

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation in one of 2 Gites in a private bedroom with shared bathroom
  • Please note: there are no single supplements for solo travellers who will be given their own private room with shared bathroom
  • 5 days of drawing/painting along with tuition
  • 3 days of excursions to paint en plein air and transport to the sights
  • Transfers to and from Limoges airport or the local train stations (Chateauroux, Argenton sur Creuse, La Souterraine, St Sebastien)
  • All meals and a glass of wine with dinners
  • On your arrival evening, welcome drinks and a BBQ, with fellow artists, friends, and your course tutor
  • Use of the outdoor pool
  • Use of Petanque, board games, badminton, archery, reading books and DVDs
  • Tables, chairs, easels, cleaning equipment; fold-up stools, easels and water bottles for away days, and consumable supplies, such as papers, will be available to purchase on site
  • Check in is at 4pm on Day 1, check out at 10am on day 7
  • Art based welcome pack
Your local host

Clare & Peter

Clare and Peter have called the lovely village of St-Sebastian their home for many years now. They truly relish in helping their guests maximize their experience during their time in France. Clare’s also on hand to serve you bountiful homemade French meals using the delicious local produce. They are joined by art tutor Glyn, who has been an artist for years. Originally hailing from Yorkshire, Glyn studied at Sheffield Art College before going on to spend 18 years living as a local artist in St Ives in Cornwall, joining the thriving art community there. For new inspiration, Glyn has since moved on to the Creuse region of France and has taken on art tutelage in the past few years, working with students of every age and level. Glyn enjoys guiding and encouraging artists of all levels, to build solid skills that will allow the artist to find their own expression in their art. His aim is to ensure that you enjoy yourself, gain both confidence and increased skill levels, along with finding like minded friends and fellow artists.

Clare and Peter have called the lovely village of St-Sebastian their home for many years now. They truly relish in helping their guests maximize their experience during their time in France. Clare’s also on hand to serve you bountiful homemade French meals using the delicious local produce. They are joined by art tutor Glyn, who has been an artist for years. Originally hailing from Yorkshire, Glyn studied at Sheffield Art College before going on to spend 18 years living as a local artist in St Ives in Cornwall, joining the thriving art community there. For new inspiration, Glyn has since moved on to the Creuse region of France and has taken on art tutelage in the past few years, working with students of every age and level. Glyn enjoys guiding and encouraging artists of all levels, to build solid skills that will allow the artist to find their own expression in their art. His aim is to ensure that you enjoy yourself, gain both confidence and increased skill levels, along with finding like minded friends and fellow artists.

Clare & Peter image
Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

This holiday is set 1.5 kilometres from the village of Saint-Sébastien, in the Valley of the Painters, which featured heavily in Monet’s works. Stay in one of 2 lovely guest houses deep in the countryside and see for yourself what has inspired the impressionists of times gone by. Relaxing and inspiring, this area around the river Creuse will have you filled with new ideas, exceptional beauty all around you, and a peacefulness that will awaken your inner artist, as you set off to new places to sketch, paint and learn.

Nearest airport: Limoges (1 hour by car)

Pre-booked transfers:
Transfers are included in the price from Limoges Airport or one of the following local train stations: Chateauroux, Argenton sur Creuse, La Souterraine, St Sebastien.

What our travellers are saying...

I had a lovely holiday. Clare was very welcoming and did everything to make our stay comfortable. Glyn, the painting tutor, was really supportive and helped me make progress. Good food, good company and nice accommodation with extra activities. I swam in the pool and tried archery.

N Taylor

I had the most wonderful Painting Holiday. The owner Claire could not have been more kind and helpful and Glyn our art Tutor was excellent and inspiring. We painted outside several times but also had a large, bright Studio in which to work. Big garden, swimming pool. Fabulous - do book !

S Mohacs

An excellent week. Beautiful setting and accommodation very comfortable. The hosts were very hospitable and friendly. Very quiet location and ideal if you want a relaxing time. Really enjoyed the art and tuition and especially the sites we visited to draw in the mornings. Glen is a very good tutor.

P Grassby

Wonderful holiday personal attention food fantastic lovely trips out to paint and sight see

F Watson

FAQs

Who is it suitable for?

- Suitable for all painting levels from beginners to advanced
- Develop your skills using techniques of watercolor and pencil drawing (however, not limited to)
- No minimum or maximum age - this makes for the perfect family holiday (bring the dog)!

I'm travelling solo - can I join?

- This French art holiday makes a great singles holiday as there are no single supplements for solo travellers
- This means you will have your own private room for no additional cost

When do I start?

- Arrival days are on Sundays on set dates from May to September
- Departure days are Saturdays
- Painting holidays are for 6 nights / 7 days
- If you wish to stay for extra nights, please contact us to check availability for your preferred duration and we will do our best to accommodate you

What should I bring?

- A full list of what to bring will be sent to you prior to your departure
- There are art supplies available to use; however feel free to bring your favourite paints and brushes

Restricted mobility access

Please find below some information regarding the accommodation and location of the holiday which may be useful when deciding if this is the right holiday for you; should you have an further questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help
- This location does not have official disabled access, but there are 4 steps into the property at the front, and 1 step at the rear
- There are 2 rooms available on the ground floor of the Gite, one of which has a walk-in shower with 1 step
- If a person is able to walk but has 'some' restrictions, please voice your concerns and your hosts can choose sites to accommodate any painting en plein air

Is there a minimum group size ?

Yes the minimum group size is 3 and maximum 5.

More about your tutor, Janet Kirkham

Janet endeavours to tap into, tune into, peoples current ability level and their natural creativity, to show them how to refine and build upon their personal, existing skill set that they can take forward. Her favoured mediums are watercolours, graphite and inks, pastels, coloured pencils and acrylics. She's very keen in inspiring people to evolve their own unique style at a personally tailored, individual pace in a friendly, relaxed, non pressured manner.
Janet's wish is that you have both an enjoyable and gratifying experience as well pride and satisfaction in your artistic achievements.

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