Someone gazing out at the Mediterranean sea from the French coast sees thousands of different shades of blue. But the water isn't blue - it's clear - and the colour of the sea depends on what's below it. When we travel from Menton to Nice and to the West, the water is this beautiful turquoise because the bottom is white rocks - if we turn around we can see the old medieval villages like Ezé, Roquebrune, Saint Paul sitting at the top of their pasty, superb cliffs. But as we approach the volcanic massif of Esterel, the earth turns red and the rocks blaze in orange and rust and purple. The sea now appears dark teal, deep viridian, mesmerizing midnight blue.

If you fancy taking some time out for yourself, doing something unique and beautiful while exploring a new corner of the world, come and join us here. There is a sense of wilderness, of freedom, of simplicity.

We will live in a typical Provencal house, make art everyday under old gnarled pines, spend time in nature and explore some impressive quaint villages. Say yes if you like intimate atmosphere, large personal space, socialisation with like-hearted people.

Small group of 6-8 people. This holiday is great for beginners and advanced artists alike.

Our workshop will welcome people of all backgrounds and of all levels of experience. If you are a beginner, you will find accurate tuition and a supportive environment. If you are a professional, you can work with your own tools and with your own style in a new, well organised, quiet workspace. The retreat includes:

 ❀ 7 nights accommodation in a top-rated Provencal villa

 ❀ Daily programme of walks, talks and art lessons, movies, excursions.

 ❀ 6 evening meals, except outings

 ❀ 7 breakfasts

 ❀ 7 lunches

 ❀ All art supplies

With guidance from academic artist Elena Governo we will learn the secrets of using plants, minerals, essential oils to create stunning images. We will return home with a rich and diversified body of works. In particular we will dedicate ourselves to:

ONE GRAND PLAN - Each of us will focus on one main project: daily 5 hr painting lessons, and we will create one proper oil painting from priming to polishing. You will travel home with a great piece to hang!

COST AND INCLUSIONS:

Cost: £ 1.020 - € 1.200 - Chf 1.200 p.p., based on two people sharing a room.

Come-with-a-friend fee: £ 975 - € 1.150 - Chf 1.150 (invite a friend and get €50 discount each) or come-with-two-friends fee: £ 935 - € 1.100 - Chf 1.100 (invite two friends and get €100 discount each).

You are very welcome to bring along a travel companion who will not be participating in the workshop. We only have one or two double rooms with kings beds, so please check availability first. Non-participating partners fee: £ 635 - € 750 - Chf 750

If you are travelling by plane, please fly to Nice or Cannes Airport. If you are travelling by car, we will meet you directly at the property - we will give you name e contacts of the property's owner beforehand, just in case you arrive first.

Flights and travel to/from Nice are not included.