During my step by step demos, I hold nothing back!

Learn how to loosen up those brush strokes and create bold, colorful paintings. I’ll teach you how to layer with opaque and transparent colors, and how to keep your paintings from getting “muddy”.

We’ll use artistic license to paint from the heart by infusing clean, bold color, loose brush strokes, and beautiful lighting. We’ll discuss color mixing, composition, brush work, and more. Learn to see “impressionistically,” and explore the ability to suggest rather than render the subject.

In addition, I will show you tips on creating beautiful watercolor travel journals. These are great to take on excursions for quick sketches.

Our focus will be on having a fun, relaxing, friendly retreat. All painting levels are welcome from beginning to advanced! There will be a great balance of studio and “en plein air” time, demos, and painting at your own pace, relaxation and reflecting, and excursions.

What’s Included:

• 10 nights lodging (single or shared occupancy)
• Transfer to/from Toulouse International airport (or the Gourdon train station)
• daily breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 Gourmet dinners (regional cuisine)
• wine and soft drinks/ aperitifs
• transport to unique painting sites, shopping and photo ops (bring a camera and watercolor sketchbook
• 24 hour use of art studio and extensive art library
• Time for relaxation, creation, and savoring the moment!
• Painting demos and instruction by Chris Brandley with one on one easel time
• painting onsite at Le Vieux Couvent
• medium and solvent (for oils)
• Optional: for an additional $100 fee use of classroom oils (you must bring other items on the supply list).
• Le Vieux Couvent has some table top easels you can use, but you are welcome to bring your own table top or plein air easel. (I have easel suggestions on my supply list).

What’s NOT Included:

• Airfare (**Do not book airfare until notified!!!)
• one evening meal, three lunches (+ the lunch upon arrival day as you only arrive at Le Vieux Couvent around 3pm)
• entry fees if applicable (i.e. caves etc.)
• Trip Insurance (We strongly recommend purchasing full travel insurance in the event you need to cancel for any Typically travel insurance must be purchased within 10-14 days of purchasing airfare) Check with your travel agent or research online.
• Paints, painting gear and supplies
• items of personal nature (i.e. toiletries, hairdryer, etc)
• passport fees
• overnight lodging for early arrivals or late departures
• any meal or sightseeing item not listed on the itinerary.
• Staff gratuities

I love painting with vibrant colors. There’s a rush of adrenaline that rises up in me when I see certain paintings. What is it exactly, that gets my heart pumping when I see these pieces? To me, it’s all about the lighting, the color, the expressive brushstrokes, and being able to capture the essence of life.

I first knew I wanted to be an artist when I was in 8th grade. I was blessed to have a compassionate art teacher that invested in me and greatly encouraged me along the way.

Growing up in a military family, I traveled around the world and was exposed to a variety of cultures. My parents took me to art galleries and museums (my favorite, being the Impressionists). As I look back, I am so thankful for all of those experiences as they greatly influenced my direction as an artist.

I have a deep passion for helping other artists develop their talents. I am blessed to be able to do this by hosting artist retreats in Europe, by teaching workshops in the U.S., and conducting online art courses.

I would love to be able to share my passion with you!

For more info, visit Chris’s website: www.ChrisBrandley.com or email Chris directlty at Brandley@charter.net