Painting holidays 2010— Workshops /Tutored groups

Now in our sixth year at Le Perchoir des Paons (the peacock’s roost) the objective is to offer a relaxing atmosphere with the emphasis on enjoyment. Groups are always small, with a maximum of 8 artists at one time; we also cater for non-painting partners at a reduced rate.

We are surrounded by stunning views and many of our guests simply want to take the opportunity to spend quality time painting and drawing in the extensive grounds around the house. Our fully equipped studio is always available for guests and on top of this we visit some of the charming villages and local sites nearby. Wind down after a day’s painting in our swimming pool or take a pleasant stroll around the attractive surrounding scenery.

We have a number of holidays planned for Spring/Summer 2010 which are detailed below. Most of our courses are designed so that guests arrive during Sunday and get to know each other over an evening meal before the group work starts on Monday morning. They will then run through to Friday evening, with guests departing during Saturday (6 nights accommodation/5 days tuition).

If you would like to see an example of a typical weekly schedule for one of our courses click here for a printable PDF version.

The tutored groups will be for Mixed abilities and formally structured, with someone on hand to provide guidance and advice. We can also offer workshops which are less formally structured, as they are primarily designed to enable you to work alongside - and interact with - likeminded people.

Please note that we can also offer tailormade holidays for those who have limited time to spare, if you have some specific date requirements, or if you’re an Art Group with your own tutor - please contact us, we will always be happy to try and accommodate your needs.

Tutored group brief

Mixed abilities

• This course will suit both beginners and those with more experience who wish to explore and expand their drawing and painting techniques using a mixture of media including charcoal, graphite, oil and chalk pastels, watercolours, acrylics etc.

  We aim to encourage you to develop your drawing abilities and enrich your visual skills helping to build confidence and knowledge, whilst experimenting with new techniques and materials.

  Our intention is to provide a relaxed and comfortable environment, so that during your stay you can produce a body of work to take home and develop further.

What’s included

All our holidays include full board and lodging with Continental Breakfast, a light lunch, refreshments and a delicious home cooked evening meal with wine. On one evening we will visit a local restaurant for a meal, for which there will be a small additional cost (around €20 per head). Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements

Use of our beautiful and well equipped studio at anytime during your stay.

All basic materials and equipment will be provided within the cost of the holiday, however if you have particular favourite brushes or media please bring them along. If you are in doubt check with us first.

Additional materials (such as specialist pastel and water colour papers, acrylic boards, canvas boards etc) will be available to purchase during your stay with us if needed.

You will need to organise your own flights/transport to us but we can arrange pickups from airports/stations by prior arrangement for an additional charge. Our closest airports are Bergerac about an hour away, Toulouse about 1½ hours and Rodez just over 2 hours. Our nearest stations are Gourdon and Cahors, both within easy distance. If you choose to hire a car we will provide directions etc.

Any additional nights can be arranged at our normal Chambre d’Hotes rates.

Tutor & Host — Susie Home

Susie studied Fine-Art & Graphics at Ravensbourne & Croydon Art Colleges before taking up a career in Design & Production within the Publishing industry. Latterly she was Cover Design & Production Manager for Sage Publications, commissioning artists and designers having previously worked for many other Publishing companies. Susie is an experienced lecturer, having taught at London College of Printing and University College London as well as undertaking numerous overseas training projects.

Susie is a Professional Associate member of the SAA (Society for All Artists) and some of her work can be seen on their website if you click here .

Before moving to France, from Kent, in October 2004 with husband Mike, Susie ran Art Clubs and workshops for adults and children as well as painting trips to France. She works in various media and has exhibited locally in The Lot and completed many commissions in pastel, watercolours and line drawing.

Susie has a passion for drawing and loves helping people develop their skills.

Comments from some of our visitors

"A wonderful relaxing and creative few days. Thank you for sharing your lovely home and your pastels with me. If in doubt I’ll remember to use purple!” – CB September 2005

"Excellent five days focussing on painting” – WJ September 2005

"The most lovely cerulean blue week. I’ve had just the very best time” – SH May 2006

"Excellent food, excellent painting tuition and excellent company” – JF May 2006

"What a wonderful week. Great art, food, wine & company. Thoroughly happy and would definitely come again” – BN September 2007

"Super Holiday. Great tuition & wonderful food. Lovely to revisit this beautiful area” – JC October 2007

"A new world has opened up with Susie’s expert tuition” – AW October 2007

“Wonderful experience both for art & food! All consumed with relish” – RK May 2008

“A great place to make Art” – A van R June 2008

“The course was brilliantly structured to get the best out of all of us” – DW September 2008

“Creativity in Art & Food - what a joyous combination” – N&R C June 2009

“Any apprehensions I had about coming on my own were very soon dispelled on the first evening by the lovely welcome from Susie and Mike and the rest of the gang.” – MH June 2009

Notes

• The rates above are per person and include Bed, Breakfast, Light lunch and Evening meal, with the exception of one evening meal which will be in a local restaurant and cost around €20 per head.

• We do not charge a single supplement however two guests sharing a twin bedded room will be given a 12.5% discount.

• Non-painting partners sharing a room will be given a 25% discount.

• We will require a 25% deposit on booking your course with the balance to be paid no later than four weeks before your arrival.

• If the dates listed don’t suit please do not hesitate to contact us as we may be able to meet your requirements. Le Perchoir des Paons is our home so we are resident throughout the year.

• Group Discounts are available for 4 or more people booking together – please contact us to discuss.

• Our facilities are also available for groups who do not require the input of our tutors – for example if a tutor wished to organise their own group to accompany them. In such a case we would charge Workshop rates and we would take care of board and lodging – please contact us to discuss.

Please click here for a printable PDF version of this information.