Art holidays 2008— Workshops /Tutored groups

Now in our fourth 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 people 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. The 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 2008 during April, May, June, September and October which are detailed below. The majority 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).

We also offer slightly shorter courses (4 or 5 nights accomodation/3 or 4 days tuition) for those who have limited time to spare. 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.

If you have some specific requirements (for example 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 mixed media, including charcoal, graphite, oil and chalk pastels, watercolours, acrylics etc.

  Our intention is to provide an experimental course during which the artists can produce a body of work which they can take home to develop further.

  We aim to encourage guests to enrich their skills and knowledge as well as build confidence in their own abilities, enabling them to experiment within a relaxed and comfortable environment.

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.

Whilst we will provide most materials and equipment we may not be able to cater for all your needs so if you have particular favourite brushes or media please bring them along. If you are in doubt check with us first.

Basic materials will be provided within the cost of the holiday, however additional materials (such as specialist pastel and water colour papers, acrylic boards, canvas boards etc) will be available to purchase during your stay.

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 an hour and a half and Rodez just over two hours. We have route directions we can send if you choose to hire cars at airports etc.

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

Tutor & Host — Susie Home

Studied Fine-Art & Graphics at Ravensbourne & Croydon Art Colleges before taking up a career in Design & Production within the Publishing industry.

Before moving to France in October 2004, with husband Mike, Susie was Cover Design & Production Manager for Sage Publications, commissioning artists and designers. Susie is an experienced lecturer in Book Design and Production, having taught at London College of Printing and University College London as well as undertaking numerous overseas training projects.

She has run Art Clubs and workshops for adults and children as well as painting trips to France prior to her permanent move. Susie works in various media and has completed many commissions in pastel, watercolours and line drawing.

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

Art courses dates for 2008

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 20% deposit on booking your course with the balance to be paid no later than four weeks before your arrival.

• The rates above are in Euros, however we will be happy to receive payment in Sterling, please contact us to discuss.

• 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.

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