Hi all,

We're looking for a weeklong painting workshop (not plein air) in France for next summer. We'd like somewhere that offers meals, has a studio, and has a connection to the local culture. Can anyone recommend a workshop they've taken?

Thanks!

Hi missgrit, I have no first-hand info but would like to read what others know. Sounds wonderful.

Full disclosure: My husband teaches painting workshops in Ireland and Italy every summer, and we're looking to add a workshop in France. There are many beautiful places to stay, but we're having trouble finding places that have a studio space for about eight to ten people. My post is sort of specific, but it is travel-related. Hoping someone has info they'd like to share. All the best!

Yu might was t to take a look at this place Le Vieux Couvent ? Art retreat in the south west of France

I think you are looking for a unicorn. First, a week is nothing so that is solely casual tourists. But the issue is the only reason people do this is to do stuff outdoors, not to go to France to paint in a studio. And they are in summer. SO you'll find lots of these in Provence but it's all plein air. Same for Dordogne or even Paris. And I presume you want it to be in English, which is also tourists. Now there are some longer studio programs in France for more serious art students (can be amateurs), but they aren't for one week and don't provide accommodation, meals, etc. All of that points to a casual tourist event.

So it's not clear if you are looking for a place that is going out of business and wants to sell or what. Le Vieux Convent above, for example, is or will be for sale but is exactly not what you want, it is plein air classes.

I don't know what kind of classes you have in Italy, but if for tourists, surprised they are indoors.

I'd say the best bet would be for your husband to network with the professionals he knows doing this or the publications he subscribes to for professionals. Doesn't Artists Magazine list workshops in some particular issue, maybe Winter for next year?

This guy has painting workshops in France for a week in summer, and has everything you want but they are outdoors, of course. That's what people want. And he runs them. If you are in the business, you probably know that's what people are looking for, not to paint in summer in a studio for a week in France.
https://www.artists-atelier.com/roussillon-les-ocres/

All of these are outdoors that I see, even ones in Scotland
https://workshopsinfrance.com/workshops/

A chateau that has the facilities you require that mount’s variously artistic workshops:
https://www.theladyofthechateau.com

Thanks so much! Sending them an email right now.

Thank you. Sending them an email too!

Hi Christina,

Thank you for your considered response. Your post made me reflect on what kind of people attend my husband's workshops, which sell out every summer.

1. Women who majored in art in college, then engaged in non-art careers, raised families, and are now in a place in their lives where they want to devote time to an old passion.
2. Women and men who have always wanted to paint but lacked the confidence to begin.
3. Women who have always painted, but only for themselves, and would like some feedback and guidance from a seasoned professional painter.
4. Men who are accompanying their wives and discover that they really enjoy the process of painting.
5. Most workshop attendees are 60+. He's even had an attendee who was 90. She was not looking for outdoor activities.

In the two workshops my husband teaches, attendees use acrylic paint. It is his preferred medium and is not conducive to painting outdoors. His workshops involve studio time as well as cultural engagement with the community in the form of tours, visits to local gardens, lectures, and nights out at small, locally-owned restaurants. He has deep and lasting friendships with the people of the agriturismo farm in Italy and the art college in Ireland where the workshops are held. These relationships contribute to the camaraderie of the workshop group, and many attendees become friends and decide to travel together after the workshops have finished. Many even sign up together for the following year's workshop. The testimonials David receives speak to the success of his teaching and workshop formula: https://www.dskinner.net/italy-workshop

So...not such a unicorn. I appreciate your feedback, and I hope I've enlightened you to the idea that studio time, even for a week, has its merits in summer.

All the best!

Here is another chateau that hosts weeklong artistic workshops:
https://www.manorandmaker.com

I knew of both these chateaus through their YouTube channels where you can see videos of the workshops as well as life at their chateaus.

This is something I'd consider too, so thank you to the original poster and to all for the links. Very helpful.

Had many dealings with them in the mid-00s when we ran wilderness retreats there. Not easy to see on the site, but they have a painting/ceramics workshop in one of the shed buildings

https://www.centrelothlorien.com/en/

Thank you! I'll look into them.

Wow! Beautiful building! Thanks for this. I'll contact them.