Relax and explore the French countryside during this small and exclusive retreat. Get away from your routine and take a needed break in an environment of relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration. Pause and create space to explore, create, play, and be present for yourself so you can leave rested and inspired.  You are invited to explore various creative experiences as a vehicle for curiosity, joy, and reflection. What might you create without attachment to the outcome? No artsy experience is needed, or even thinking you’re a ‘creative’ person.

Carol and Fran will be working with watercolor, mixed media and journalling  as  we lead you through projects incorporating the charm and beauty of this area of France

Join me for the experience of a lifetime as the Watercolor Journey takes us to the beautiful Dordogne region of southern France.

Jessica Henry’s Oil Painting plein air workshop courses are aimed at simplifying the complex. With 25 years of experience teaching thousands of students personally and online, Jessica has developed a system of approaching plein air painting that takes the intimidation out of this most adventurous and exciting of painting disciplines. At her Le Vieux Couvent workshop, she will focus on three essential topics; values, composition and efficiency. The insights she will present have also been captured in a printed workbook, which will be given to each participant. And with her engaging personality, Jessica keeps the course fun while inspiring each participant to “own” their personal journey as a Plein Air Artist!

Walk on the Wild Side  in Southwest France with Rae  Andrews. Watercolor.

The goal for my painting retreats is for you to gain confidence in your brush strokes, to infuse vibrant, clean color and light into your paintings, and to be inspired, renewed and refreshed. You’ll receive a beautiful folder with printed material that covers things like my  Alla Prima Painting technique; how to create a great composition, tips on loosening up, and much more. I’ll also show you tips on creating a watercolor travel journal. My demos will be in oils, but you may choose to paint in either oils or acrylics. A color substitution list will be provided for acrylic artists. (If painting in acrylics, Golden “Open” acrylics are recommended so that you can paint wet into wet.)

Join artist Jeniffer Hutchins for a 10-day retreat to stimulate your senses and nourish your creative Spirit. Step away from routine as you explore the beautiful Lot region of Southwestern France through the eyes of your inner artist. Take in the sights of rural towns and historic villages; indulge your taste buds with regional food; train your ear to the French language and moments of silent meditation; find rest among the freshly scented gardens. Capture it all in the smooth flow of your favorite art media during regional excursions and in-studio experiences. With over 20 years of experience as an artist and art workshop facilitator, Jeniffer offers gentle guidance that will help you loosen up, find your focus, and express your unique voice. Beginners and advanced artists welcome.

Come to beautiful France and explore and paint with NY artist and teacher, Jeanne Salucci, known for her relaxing and friendly workshops. You will be good hands as this is her 6th workshop at glorious Le Vieux Couvent. Jeanne will show you how to see gorgeous France “through the eyes” of an artist while guiding you in the enjoyable technique of painting outdoors en Plein Air as well as in our studio with Watercolors. Beginners to advanced welcome.”

Stephie Clark is an Australian based soft pastel artist, best known for her uninhibited exploration of the natural world. Self-taught, Stephie began her love affair with soft pastels in 2011, cultivating inspiration from the Impressionism art movement and her close observation of beauty in nature. Naturally, she is also drawn to nature photography and uses many of her original photographs as references in her soft pastel paintings. 

Come and enjoy SW France with Wisconsin artist Rita Carpenter and Maryland artist Stacy Lund Levy. SW France is a fantastic place for artists (and interested non-artists) who wish to experience the culture, architecture and foods of the LOT region of France. Anyone who loves to travel and record their memories in an art journal is encouraged to join — no art experience required!

Returning to Le Vieux for the sixth time, Sandy invites you to imagine this – being total immersed in CREATING ART for 10 glorious days in the southern France countryside. You’ll be so inspired as you create your own, one-of-a-kind artwork in our studio in this tranquil paradise. Sandy will guide you with ways to improve the composition of each painting you do, offering daily demos and helpful instruction. Any medium is welcome in this creativity focused workshop, and both experienced artists as well as beginners are welcome. Sandy is an award winning, Watermedia artist who has taught art classes and workshops for over 30 years and holds a degree from Indiana University in Art Education. She is passionate about painting as well as teaching others what she has learned along the way. Please join her October for an inspiring painting retreat.