One of the other prehaps lesser known secrets of the Languedoc is the number of famous artists that were drawn to the area to capture its magic in their water colours, artists such as Gaughin, Toulouse Lautrec, Matisse and Picasso to name but a few were inspired by the breathtaking colours, open spaces, the sparkling sea and everything this stunning region has to offer. I personally know two amazing artists who live nearby, one of whom has been capturing the famous Canal du Midi in her own unique way for a few years now. (I am the proud owner of one of her originals but more of her another time!)
One of the things that I wanted to add to Maison de La Roche’s ‘portfolio’ of ‘services’ was painting courses – wouldn’t it be fab to discover our next budding Van Gogh or Turner! So I am delighted to introduce Nicola Blakemore who runs painting holidays. Nicola can offer a variety of creative courses, the main one being ‘Painting Pictures’ on either a painting holiday (residential or as a day student ) for one or more days. She will provide all the materials and equipment you will need and will help you make a start or improve your painting skills.
The tuition is fun and friendly so if you are a total novice don’t be shy.
Nicola can also offer workshops and other events on such associated subjects as, painted furniture, specialist painting effects as well as planning and creating murals.
Combine learning a new skill whilst admiring the stunning scenery and breathing the fresh outdoors. You never know also what you might chance upon. Once Nicola was having a one-to-one watercolour painting tuition day with a delightful lady who was staying with her family on holiday .
It was a beautiful day so it was decided to settle on the banks of the Canal du Midi. Whilst sitting on one side of the canal, discussing how to paint the water, they soon became aware of the most extraordinary music drifting across from the other side. There was a man playing his guitar…… the ladies waved, he continued to play then the next thing they knew he came across the bridge and began to serenade them!
You can’t get much better than that and the paintings turned out well too.
If you want to know more or book a holiday with a painting theme even if its just for one day – contact Honor at Maison de la Roche and take a look at http://www.painting-holidays-france.com for more information
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