Les Darlings Artistes
*Bonheur French Painting Holiday 2011
7 day holiday
May 2011
Located in Cathar country and Matisse's Collioure
Led by Bryan Andrews
“Thank you SO much for the most wonderful time. Your programme was perfectly pitched...and the scenery was absolutely stunning” (participant May 2008)
Have fun painting with others in Cathar country and Matisse's Collioure.
Building on the success of his Creative Painting Holiday in the South of France, Bryan will be leading another holiday in 2011. The holiday will, of course, include the delights of magical Languedoc, such as the extraordinary Cathar country and châteaux, fantastic scenery, great food, the local Fitou wine, a flexible programme and good company.
“one of the best holidays I have ever had, and I've been around a bit” (participant 2004)
On this great value painting holiday you will enjoy French village life and paint by the Mediterranean and in wine growing country.
Includes unique opportunity to exhibit your work at Courtyard Arts, Hertford later in 2011.
*Bonheur means happiness
Bonheur French Painting Holidays are limited to small groups of about 6 to 10 people. The holiday is suitable for all levels; beginners as well as experienced artists. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fun of being in a group with like-minded people sharing an exciting and varied experience. Based in the village of Paziols, in the Fitou wine growing region, we move around to paint with a convenient drawing board. There are no formal tuition sessions as this holiday is not a painting course.
You will be led to ideal sites to paint or draw stunning landscapes, vineyards, Cathar castles, mountains and atmospheric village scenes. We also stay in the picturesque harbour town of Collioure, where you can paint where Matisse and Derain painted. Collioure is an inspiration to artists and reminiscent of an undiscovered St. Tropez. You will also enjoy remote villages, gorges, rivers – and a feeling of being a million miles away from stress-filled Britain. Apart from painting you will visit the Cathar castles of Quéribus and Aguilar, and learn about the amazing story of the Cathars, which fascinates holidaymakers to this area.
(“thank you for organising such a fantastic trip” participant 2004)
WHY LANGUEDOC?
Languedoc is the ‘undiscovered’ gem of the South of France, sometimes compared with Provence as it was in the 1950s. This is where Matisse and Derain invented Fauvism, Picasso and Braque invented Cubism.
Everywhere in this region are delights: fabulous landscapes, views of the often snow-capped Pyrénées, the fashionable town of Perpignan, claimed by Salvador Dali to be The Centre of the Universe, and even nearby Spanish Catalonia, and Dali's famous museum in Figueras.
*Bonheur means happiness
WHO LEADS THE FRENCH PAINTING HOLIDAY?
Bryan Andrews, Dip. Imagework Skyros Institute, Cert. Counselling Skills.
“not least to your excellent guidance which contributed so much to us all having such a creative and rewarding time” (participant 2005)
Bryan has been leading personal development and painting holidays in France for 18 years. He is a teacher of creativity and leads Creativity Unlimited workshops in Hertford. He offers the opportunity to do Part 1 of his popular CREATIVITY UNLIMITED workshop. Bryan has had a successful career as a marketing consultant creating new products for many top companies in the UK, USA and Europe. Bryan believes that we can all lead more creative lives regardless of age, wealth or personal circumstances. He is a painter and writer and has exhibited his paintings at Courtyard Arts, Hertford, and in France. Bryan also has extensive knowledge of the history of the Cathars, Languedoc's famous ‘heretics’, and delights in passing on this knowledge when on site.
Bryan knows the area very well and will select some wonderful restaurants for you to enjoy French food at reasonable prices (“thank you for an excellent ‘gourmet’ week” participant 2004) and take you to inspirational places where you can paint a variety of subjects. Bryan will propose a varied itinerary but it is flexible and can allow for special interests.
Art materials are not included but we do supply a handy drawing board. Bring watercolours, acrylics, canvases, sketch books. A folding stool is recommended. We can visit an art shop in Perpignan to supplement supplies.
*Bonheur means happiness
ACCOMMODATION
PAZIOLS Charming self-contained flat in La Petit Cour in Paziols village.
There are five double rooms, living room with kitchen facilities and three bathrooms. One of the features is a delightful ground floor courtyard for dining alfresco or barbecues. Alternative accommodation in other well appointed and characterful village houses.
COLLIOURE On a visit to Collioure we shall stay one night at the wonderfully artistic Hôtel les Templiers. Picasso stayed there, as did many other painters, most of whom left a painting to adorn the bar or other walls. In the heart of Collioure, the beaches, artists' studios and restaurants are only moments away.
TRAVEL
Ryanair, the low cost airline, flies from London Stansted to Perpignan airport where we hire cars for the week. flybe flies from Southampton and Birmingham to Perpignan. bmibaby flies from Manchester. Your flight should be booked direct by you, but we recommend booking only when we confirm we have sufficient people to run the holiday. If you prefer the train you can get the Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris or Lille and a TGV to Perpignan. (More details on request, or prices and times from Eurostar and RailEurope).
INSURANCE
You must take out travel insurance to cover against all the usual holiday risks and cancellation costs which might be incurred. It is important to bring your E111 insurance card with you (obtainable at any post office). For further information on the EHIC, visit the Department of Health website.
PRICE
The cost of the holiday is £375, including leadership by Bryan, self-catering accommodation in Paziols for one week and one night shared hotel room with breakfast in Collioure. Also included is a talk on the history of the Cathars.
OTHER ESTIMATED COSTS
There is a single room supplement of £37 if a single room is required for the overnight stay in Collioure. There is no supplement for single rooms in Paziols.
We prepare meals together at La Petit Cour and also eat out. It's up to you what you spend but most people spend about £150 on food and meals out. Excellent restaurants are selected by Bryan to give you great French food at reasonable prices.
Car/minivan hire and petrol costs are shared by participants at the end of the holiday. Although you can choose to be a reserve driver there is no obligation for participants to drive.
Flights should be booked direct by the holidaymaker as described above under Travel.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT
A deposit of £30 is required to secure a place (refundable if we cancel the holiday). The balance is payable three weeks before departure. (Other costs will be paid by the participant direct in France.)
To book contact Bryan on 01992 304022.
Painting in Paris 2011
5 day holiday
Planned for 2011, dates to be confirmed
a Painting Holiday Adventure
Led by Bryan Andrews
with Julie Scarr
Following his successful French Painting Holidays in Languedoc France, Bryan is planning to add the world's most inspiring city to his painting holiday programme.
An exciting programme combining fantastic painting sites with museum visits. Bryan will lead you to great sites for painting in Montmartre, the River Seine, Notre Dame and other Parisian gems. Take your inspiration from the City which inspired Picasso, Manet, Toulouse Lautrec.
3 museum visits (e.g. Musee d'Orsay, home of the greatest Impressionist collection, Louvre, Musee Picasso). Bryan has an intimate knowledge of Paris and will take you to restaurants selected for great food and good value; to well known sights and delightful little known corners of Paris.
Julie is an art tutor and will provide guidance to anyone who would like it.
The holiday includes Eurostar from St Pancras, 4 hotel nights shared accommodation (single supplement extra), fee for holiday leadership.
*Bonheur means happiness
Call Bryan for further information or to reserve a place 01992 304022
ACCOMMODATION
At the charming Eldorado Hotel. A remarkably stylish two star hotel with colourful décor and true Parisian ambiance. The hotel has imaginative décor in every room, a lively bar and restaurant, Le Bistro des Dames. Accommodation is in shared twin rooms and includes breakfast. Location near Place Clichy and ten minutes walk from Montmartre. www.eldoradohotel.fr
Who leads the PAINTING IN PARIS holiday?
Bryan Andrews, Dip. Imagework Skyros Institute, Cert. Counselling Skills.
“not least to your excellent guidance which contributed so much to us all having such a creative and rewarding time” (participant 2005)
Bryan has been leading personal development and painting holidays in France for 19 years. He is a teacher of creativity and leads Creativity Unlimited workshops in Hertford. Bryan is a Trustee of Courtyard Arts (Chairman). Bryan has had a successful career as a marketing consultant creating new products for many top companies in the UK, USA and Europe. Bryan believes that we can all lead more creative lives regardless of age, wealth or personal circumstances. He is a painter and writer and has exhibited his paintings at Courtyard Arts, Hertford, and in France. Bryan has extensive knowledge of Paris and delights in introducing Paris to participants.
Julie Scarr
Julie Scarr is co-leader in an artist's role. She is a practising artist who has exhibited widely. She graduated in Fine Art in 1989 from the University of Hertfordshire. She has since then been heavily involved in a variety of art based roles, more recently as a trustee at Courtyard Arts Centre in Hertford. Julie is occasional lecturer on the Foundation Degree HRC. She is experienced in teaching all ages at most levels. Her most recent exhibitions have been held at the Truman Gallery, Brick Lane, London E1 and at the Courtyard gallery, Hertford.
TRAVEL
We will travel by Eurostar (www.eurostar.com) from St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord. Fares are included in the holiday price. Please note there may be a supplement for late bookers as prices go up as the date approaches.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Subject to demand, the following trips may be organised for wonderful evening entertainment:
Moulin Rouge Show with ½ bottle champagne €92; dinner and show €150 www.moulinrouge.fr
Dinner Cruise on the Seine by Le Calife boat €49 www.lecalife.fr
These excursions are entirely optional and payable direct to the facility.
PRICE
To be confirmed. Contact Bryan on 01992 304022 for further details.
BOOKING
Early booking is advised as places are limited.