Jas du Boeuf offers week long painting holidays from April to October, as well as painting days and weekends all year round.
The painting days and weekends are organized on demand, with or without accommodation according to the season. Discover mixed media techniques: watercolour, pastel, ink, collage. All materials are provided. Come alone or with friends, bring your imagination and a willingness to discover your creativity!
The main focus for our painting holidays is the Provencal landscape. Participants of all levels are welcome, including beginners. Demonstrations of a variety of techniques and media, including watercolour, are guided by the interests of the participants. Individual tuition is given during the morning and afternoon sessions. Much of the painting is done outside, both in the grounds of Le Jas du Boeuf and at other locations in the area (transport is provided), allowing a range of subjects to be treated. We also have a large studio for indoor work and individuals are welcome to use this space in their free time. Easels, drawing boards and seating are provided as well as a range of basic materials. We recommend a list of materials to bring, along with any personal favourites.
The holiday begins with a welcome dinner on the Saturday evening and finishes after breakfast the following Saturday. All meals are provided, along with accompanying drinks. The food is based on fresh local produce and includes a number of typical Provencal dishes. The week includes a visit to a local market and one evening meal in a local restaurant. Wednesday is a free day, when participants are able to explore the area further, work on their paintings or simply relax by the pool!
Accommodation is in individual double rooms either in Le Jas du Boeuf itself or in two contemporary poolside bungalows. The painting studio houses a collection of books on the arts and in the Jas du Boeuf there is a small living room where people can relax and browse. The extensive grounds, with their stunning views, contain a number of hidden corners to explore. Non-painting partners are welcome and there is plenty to see and do in the local area (guests are advised to have their own transport available if they wish to explore the area independently).
Participants may stay for more than one week and, depending on bookings, we may be able to accommodate a different start day. We are able to provide customized group or individual painting holidays at certain times of the year. Untutored painting breaks, with use of our studio, are available throughout the year, on a full board or on a bed and breakfast basis. It is also possible for painting tutors to bring their own groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Wendy Watkins, who runs the painting holidays, is a practising artist and qualified teacher who trained in London. She has exhibited and sold her work both in the UK and overseas. She has been painting in the Pays de Forcalquier area for over eighteen years and finds the colours, shapes and textures of the Provencal landscape a constant source of inspiration. She works in various media including pastels and watercolour and also has an interest in textiles. Recent works include mixed media and collage.
