September 6th to 16th, 2010 (10 Nights/9 Days)
COST: US$2,495 (includes tuition, lodging, most meals, excursions)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Registration limited to 8 painters
MORE INFORMATION: franceworkshops@vcca.com

“If southwest France could croon a tune, it would have to be that old Inkspots’ hit, ‘I don’t want to set the world on fire, I just want to be the one you love.’ Endowed with the soft, gentle beauty of vine-clad river valleys and oak forests and chestnut, the region presents no overwhelming itinerary of high cultural shrines that demand your awe and homage. But, like all true lovers, it magically opens your eyes to the grace and charm in little things, in everyday life.” D. Facaros & M. Pauls – Cadogan Guide to The Dordogne, Lot & Bordeaux.

The workshop will take place at Moulin à Nef, an artist residency located in the port section of Auvillar, one of the “most beautiful villages in France”. You will experience the charm of this quaint village and it’s warm and friendly residents, explore field, river banks and vineyards, visit other villages that demand an artist’s attention such as St Cirq Lapopie and Moissac, wander the lively local market in Valence d’Agen, learn how the ancient art of making pigment from woad has been rejuvenated and view works done by artists 10,000 to 25,000 years ago at the caves of Pech Merle.

We will meet each morning over breakfast of fresh locally baked bread and pastries then head out into the villages and fields to paint, sketch and photograph en plein air. In the afternoon (when not on a fieldtrip) we may continue our plein air session or retreat to the large and airy painting studio at Moulin à Nef to complete our field work, watch a demo by Cheryl or have some one on one time with her. In the early evenings we will meet for a friendly critique over apéritifs followed by lively and social group dinners. The studio will be open for your use whenever you are inspired, or your might take your paints out into the large back yard or to the bank of La Garonne across the street. You can work as much as you please, wander and absorb the surroundings or curl up and relax. The workshop is suited for any level and medium.

VCCA fellow Jamie Cat Callan will be holding a writing workshop during the same period and our groups will join during some of the social times with the hopes of encouraging some spirited discussion, new ideas and the possibility of collaborations. Towards the end of the workshop we will host a joint open studio and afternoon of readings.


INCLUDES: All instruction, all housing (double occupancy), all breakfasts and lunches, seven dinners, fieldtrips, pick up and drop off at transportation centers in Toulouse or Agen. Single occupancy requires a $300 supplement.

WORK-STUDY SCHOLARSHIP
There is one partial work-study scholarship available for this workshop. Click here for more information.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR





Cheryl Fortier has been painting professionally and teaching workshops for more than 25 years. Cheryl, a VCCA fellow, lives in Vancouver but is currently based at Moulin à Nef in Auvillar as Resident Director. You can contact Cheryl and view her work at http://www.cherylfortier.com/

Photos above: (double-click on a photo to enlarge it) 1. #10 Esplanade du Port, a few doors down from Moulin à Nef. 2. Moulin à Nef from the hill in back, looking out over the Garonne 3. Bridge over La Garonne in Le Port section of Auvillar 4. Cloister at Moissac, 20km from Auvillar 5. Cheryl walking up to one of three entrances to the walled center of Auvillar 6. Cheryl at the front door to her office and residence at Moulin à Nef, La Cloucado
Countryside south of Auvillar	Bridge across La Garonne at Le Port, Auvillar
Village street in Auvillar	Cheryl photographing in St-Cirq-Lapopie
Cheryl painting in front of Maison Vieilhescazes, one of the artists residences	John at the vendange (grape harvest) at Domaine de Thermes near Auvillar
Local market scene	Spices at the market
John and Cheryl look forward to seeing you at Moulin à Nef in 2010 (photo by Jamie Cat Callan)