Painting Retreats at The 1500 in SW France
2021 PAINTING RETREAT DATES 2021:
3rd June - 6th June
21st June - 23rd June
25th July - 30th July
29th August - 3rd September
SAUSSIGNAC
Art et Vin
The sign at the bottom of the hill, on which our little village sits, gives some clue as to what preoccupies the time of many of its inhabitants. Perched on the southern slopes of the Dordogne Valley, and well known for its fine vineyards and sweet white wine, in recent years the village has attracted a number of practising artists who have set up their studios here. Drawn to the beauty of the landscape as well as to the abundance of sunshine and light, Saussignac has become a place where the marriage between art and wine is a firm one. Our residential painting courses take time to celebrate the two and ensure that you have a wonderful cultural and culinary experience, whilst painting and drawing on a daily basis. A number of courses are available throughout the year.
"We cannot praise Mike and Lee enough. Their flair and attention to detail were amazing. The art course was stimulating and varied, including life drawing, still life, landscapes and bold expressive painting techniques with excellent use of colour.
Our work stations were set up for us in varied locations, and no effort was spared to make the course surprising and enjoyable.
Lunches were original and very tasty. Washed down with local delicious wine". Jenny, UK
"It's a massive, paint-splattered thumbs-up from us! We would recommend Michael's course to anyone. My son is 10 years old and had only experienced art in a school environment before. What he gained from this was exposure to all the main genres of art, along with a meaningful grounding in colour theory, composition and good practice. The course has a great mix of real examples from the major movements along with time for the children to create their own works. Michael is enthusiastic and supportive while also maintaining standards and ensuring his students push themselves to give their best. We did two sessions a week for 3 weeks and it's amazing what you can cover in that time". Jules, London
""Wow! Mike's vision goes beyond what the eye can see and pushes you to think way outside the box". Monica, Italy
"This art course is super! Enjoyed it to the max. Experts and Novices alike can enjoy this fun art course!". Sheila, Holland
The Course
From your base at The 1500, our Art & Wine package focuses primarily on painting practice, encouraging an expressive style in the use of acrylic paint and mixed media on canvas, paper and other materials. We’ll also be ensuring that you get to taste a wide selection of wonderful local wines as well as sampling some fantastic culinary treats that we will be purchasing and cooking together.
With such an abundance of beautiful villages and undulating scenery on our doorstep, it will come as no surprise that the course looks, in particular, at the art of landscape painting (in the broadest sense) but encourages other subjects to be treated and incorporated into the landscape. You’ll get to paint and draw in a variety of places, from the medieval grandeur of the main hall of the Chateau de Saussignac to the rustic ruins of local forts set in the vines behind the property.
Our teaching methods allow you to discover your own talent – and there are bags of it in everyone - and, above all, to enjoy the process of painting. We encourage a relaxed and fun environment without judgement or comparison.
Whilst some theory relevant to expressive painting will be covered at the beginning of the course, most theory and technical guidance will be incorporated into a continuous painting exercise that students will follow, ensuring that participants have as much practical painting time as possible.
Pricing
Cost Per Person per Day for the Six-Day/Seven-Night All Inclusive Course: €325
Total cost per person: €2,275
Residential Package includes use of materials (paper, canvas, acrylic paint, brushes, knives & other mixed media drawing materials), Private Room and Bathroom, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tea & Coffee, Use of the Pool, Gym and Garden, Excursions to St Emilion and Eymet, Field Trips, Transport during the Course, Room Cleaning & Towel Change. WiFi is freely available in the house. The package does not include transportation to and from the Course, protective clothing, oil paint or alcoholic beverages.
Non-participatory Significant Others Package: Guests are welcome to be accompanied by a significant other who does not wish to participate in the course. An additional charge will be made based on individual guest choices.
A 25% deposit is requested on booking. Full payment is due 8 weeks prior to the Course start date.
For Residents - Room Check-Out is by 10h00 on the day of departure. Additional nights of accommodation at preferential rates are available either side of the course subject to early booking.
Other Courses Available
One-Day Expressive Painting Courses including tuition, all materials and lunch: €150
Three-Day Expressive Painting Courses including tuition, all materials and full board: from €850
Online Zoom Course - six weekly hour-long practical classes for kids and adults weaving practical painting and history or art: €360