Painting Holidays and Courses in France and Italy

If you have always wanted to draw or paint, you can do so under the tutelage of Loreto Reilly, a fully qualified teacher of art and design, with over 20 years professional experience, including 6 years running this course. Loreto is not only a gifted teacher, but a successful Irish artist who exhibits regularly at home and abroad.

Loreto will host her seventh summer painting holiday in the sunny South of France on  25 June – 2 July. The art classes will be based in her unique 17th-century home located in an historic village in the heart of the vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussilon region, known the world over for its delicious wine.

Loreto’s classes are suitable for students at all levels. In the course of the week, she will show you, step by step, how to select a subject, and take it through to a finished painting, beginning with observational drawing (working from life, not from photographs), how to structure the composition, then moving on to painting – understanding tonal values, colour and mixing, so that at the end of the course, you will have the skills to select a subject yourself, at home or while travelling, and paint your own landscape, from start to finish.
Each stage is demonstrated and then with one to one tuition, the student is encouraged to work at their own level of art experience, whether a complete beginner, or someone who has already painted.

The group is kept to a maximum of eight, so allowing each student to have help and encouragement from the tutor at all times.
Media used include graphite pencils, oil pastels, acrylics on canvas and watercolours if requested.

All professional materials are provided.

To further enhance the immersive art experience, a day will be spent in the idyllic coastal village of Collioure, following the path of Matisse, to see first-hand how he selected and painted aspects of the area.

The holiday will provide:
- Transfers to and from Carcassonne (Ryanair) or Perpingnan (Aer Lingus) airport
- Transport for field trips and to local restaurants
- Three hours of tuition each morning for six days
- Use of drawing and painting materials
*Flights on the given dates. If additional transfers are necessary where flights are on Saturday or Monday, then a small charge wiil be necessary.

Afternoon Options Include:
- Continuation with painting (the studio is available at all times)
- Exploring the area through its many walks or cycle routes (bicycles available)
- Wine tasting in one of the many local wineries
- Visiting nearby towns of Béziers or Narbonne with their amazing cathedrals, relaxed cafes and great shops.
- A visit to Carcassonne, a unique medieval walled city, can be arranged.
- A boat trip on the beautiful Canal du Midi, a UNESCO world heritage site, under the shade of the plane trees.
- If the group wish, it is possible to arrange an afternoon at one of the nearby Mediteranean beaches
- Or simply relax or take a siesta!

And accommodation comprising:                                                                                                                                                                          –Seven nights bed and breakfast(fresh croissants, coffee/tea, juice, fresh fruit/yogurt)
-Lunch each day except on day trip to Collioure
- Evening meal, including wine, except two evenings at local restaurants and day trip to Collioure

Not included in price:
- Flights, although these can be booked for you if required
- Travel insurance, which is obligatory

Cost:
- €875 per person sharing a twin or double room
- €120 supplement for single occupancy of twin or double room
- €650 for partners who do not wish to paint.

Contact:
Loreto: 00353 (0)87 9573836
loretoreilly@gmail.com