A Trip of a LIFETIME…

I found Painting in France’s website a few months back and decided.. what the heck…”just do it”! And what a wonderful decision it was. I made the trip on my own, (From Texas) and was joined by another watercolorist from Scotland, we had both booked the week long painting holiday. Simon is an accomplished and talented teacher, and his style of teaching is relaxing, unintimidating yet, will lead you in the right direction to fit your style of painting, be it your own style, or a new technique that your open to try, he is right there to help and guide if needed. Each day Simon would load up the car with all the supplies needed, (including coffee) and off we would go to find a place to set up and paint, be it a beautiful Chateau in the French countryside, the vineyards with a country village in the distance or the sea! It was all there. Simon’s wife Monica would then show up with the most beautiful picnics. She is an accomplished chef, and since I was there for the weeklong holiday, we were invited into their beautiful home where she would cook amazing dinners. For a solid week, Simon and Monica thought out everything to the final details! Also included were accommodations at a beautiful B&B, where the host and hostess made you feel completely at home. I would recommend this Painting Holiday for anyone that not only wants to sketch and watercolor a bit, but see the South of France, eat wonderful cuisine, and not have to think about anything except what will we be painting next and what will we eat! Oh, and the wine!!!! Totally AMAZING.

Wonderful Experience Not to be Missed!

While on extended holiday in France I sought out an opportunity for creative expression, and found Simon’s workshop. It far exceeded my expectations in uncountable ways! I took his workshop in his studio, which is in a lovely village in the south of France. With its art-covered walls, stocked supplies, and perfect tunes in the background, the studio is welcoming and inspiring. As I was a beginner with watercolor, Simon was extraordinarily patient, encouraging, and a highly skilled teacher with his instruction and methodology. To my surprise, I left the workshop with two pieces of my own artwork that I am very proud of, and have already purchased watercolor supplies as I am hooked! An unexpected benefit of the workshop was the restoration and peace I felt for spending three hours on something so meditative – much needed during a busy holiday. I can’t recommend Simon’s workshop highly enough! It will add so much to your experience in France, whether you are here for a quick holiday or a permanent stay.

2 day painting course – Brilliant for families too

My teenage daughter and I enjoyed a brilliant 2 days painting with Simon. We saw some beautiful places that Simon took us to, we learnt a lot about the local area, ate wonderful food (thank you Monica) and were so pleased with our paintings that a couple of them will be framed and will be up on the wall. Fantastic change of pace and a unique way to see parts of France you may not see otherwise. We loved it – Thank you Simon

A magical time painting in France

The moment I first met Simon at the train station he made me feel welcome and I knew I was to experience something wonderful. What a magical time I had! The experience was a dream come true and exceeded my expectations in every way. Simon is a very talented and accomplished artist and was so generous to all of us with his time and instruction. The locations for our en plein air paintings were just breathtaking and Simon never took a shortcut to get there, choosing the most picturesque routes. Simon and his wife Monica were the best hosts you could imagine, opening their lovely home to us, letting us use the studio, garden and play with Millie, the most gentle of dogs, and hosting exquisite dinners and lunches. I need to mention Monica’s chic picnics, a lovely and artistic presentation of delicious foods in the most beautiful settings!
The accommodations at the Maison Dix were lovely, restaurant choices, including dining at the chateau and my favorite, Bistrot La Galerie, were all excellent! I could write a poem about this enchanting experience but at this time I will just say: I loved every moment of it and wholeheartedly recommend it!