Learn what you like to learn
Draw what you like to draw
Paint what you like to paint
Inspiring art classes during your drawing and painting retreat
Learn how to paint in France
combining artistic inspiration with the perfect nature-filled holiday
“There are two things in the painter, the eye and the mind; each of them should aid the other” – Paul Cezanne
Anita’s perspectives on (art) education
Learning is more effective when you’re enjoying yourself
No need to educate you on what you’re already know or can do
I teach you how to create your own drawings or paintings, not how to copy others.
If you’re unsure of what to do next, I won’t provide the answer. I’ll help you discover it yourself.
Art Teacher
Anita is a qualified art teacher graduated in 2007
at the Amsterdam University of the arts
Master of Educational Sciences
Anita also graduated in 2015 in Educational Sciences
from the University of Groningen.
If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced. Vincent Van Gogh
Great materials make creating art much simpler, which is why we purchase our supplies from art supply stores, including Geant beaux arts, Van Beek and Van der Linden.
First of all the art classes are to relax and have fun.
We also offer amazing macramé holidays! Ready to learn this beautiful craft in a relaxing setting? Contact us for more details
What you can learn in the painting and drawing classes
Learn art techniques
Drawing and painting from life is translating the 3D reality into the 2D reality on paper. During the art classes you can learn techniques how to make this translation. For advanced: refine your techniques
Discover & Develop
Discover and develop your creative potential. Everyone has their own unique artistic handwriting and style. In Anita’s art classes, she guides you in discovering and developing yours.
The program of your creative week
Overview
Your creative holiday
Your creative holiday week begins on Saturday and ends on Saturday
Enjoy your room from 4 p.m., and wrap up your stay with a last delightful breakfast on Saturday morning. You have plenty of time to enjoy your last breakfast, as checkout is not until 10:30 a.m.
Your gîte, chambre or tente is at La Forêt Souriante where each accommodation features its own unique style, complete with a private showerroom and private terrace.
Your art retreat is nestled in the heart of the countryside, surrounded by stunning landscapes and charming, picturesque villages. It’s the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in authentic French culture.
Day 1
Saturday: A Warm Welcome: Your First Introduction
From 4 p.m. onwards, we are looking forward to welcoming you. You can settle into your holiday home and enjoy a tranquil evening, including a welcoming homemade vegetarian dinner.
Meet the other members of the group. The hosts of your creative retreat are fluent in both Dutch and English, and the other guests speak either English, Dutch, or both.
Day 2
Sunday: Let´s get started
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
The table is set for breakfast from 8:30a.m.. On sunny days, we’ll be outside on the charming square under the large oak tree, with plenty of sunshine to create that perfect holiday feeling.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
In the morning, you will draw or paint under the guidance of Anita, either in the spacious studio of the former stables or in the beautiful outdoors of La Forêt Souriante. Anita’s assignments are challenging, surprising, and inspiring for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or advanced.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Freetime
Lunch will be served around 1:00 p.m., offering a delightful vegetarian meal
After lunch, you’re free to spend your day as you like. Continue drawing or painting in the workshop or garden, with Anita available for feedback. Or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. For those feeling active, enjoy a walk from your holiday home, explore Najac, visit a nearby Vide Grenier or take a swim in the river. We’re happy to take you to our favorite local spots nearby and pick you up afterward.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Dinner will be a three-course vegetarian meal, served at 7 p.m., after which you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Day 3
Monday: Art Class & Exploring the area
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
The table is set for breakfast from 8:30a.m.. On sunny days, we’ll be outside on the charming square under the large oak tree, with plenty of sunshine to create that perfect holiday feeling.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
In the morning, spend 3 hours drawing or painting under Anita’s guidance, either in the spacious studio or outdoors in the garden. You can choose to follow Anita’s personalized lessons or work on your own project with her support.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and an inspiring trip or freetime
Lunch will be served around 1:00 p.m., offering a delightful vegetarian meal
After lunch, join us for a trip to one of our favourite nearby locations, or enjoy the day at your leisure—whether that’s creating more art or just relaxing in the garden, soaking in the beauty of nature.
We aim to offer a variety of activities during our trips. We’ll definitely visit the Abbaye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue with its abstract art museum, but we’ll also enjoy a picnic with a walk along the river or even a swim. With so many charming villages to discover, we’ll also visit one of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Dinner will be again a delicious three-course vegetarian meal, served at 7 p.m., after which you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Day 4
Tuesday: Art Class & Exploring the area
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast once more! If you have any specific dietary needs or preferences, let us know and we’ll make sure your breakfast is just right for you.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
During the art classes Anita can tailor her lessons to your preferences and needs. For example you can choose to learn how to paint with watercolour or how to draw with charcoal. If you like to work on your own project, please note that we have a variety of high-quality paper available, but if you prefer to work on canvas, it’s best to bring your own.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and an inspiring trip or freetime
Lunch will be served around 1:00 p.m., offering again a delightful vegetarian meal
After lunch, join us for a trip to one of our favourite nearby locations, or enjoy the day at your leisure—whether that’s creating more art, just relaxing in the garden or reading a book.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Dinner will be again a delicious three-course vegetarian meal, served at 7 p.m., after which you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Day 5
Wednesday: A day off, a day to enjoy at your own pace.
9:00 a.m. Breakfast
Breakfast starts a little bit later today at 9.00 a.m.
Rest of the day:
If you enjoy hiking, take a lovely walk to Najac, where you’ll be treated to stunning views along the way. If you wish, you can also visit the impressive medieval castle.
For a more creative day, you can continue drawing and painting in our workshop or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the garden or woodlands at La Forêt Souriante.
If you’re in the mood to relax, we have several peaceful spots, including comfortable hammocks, where you can unwind in complete tranquility.
If you have your own transport, we recommend visiting Albi, known for its stunning cathedral and excellent restaurants—perfect for a leisurely lunch in this charming town.
We are happy to assist with your choice of activity or destination and can also arrange transportation to a nearby restaurant of your choice for a delightful lunch experience.
7:00 p.m. Dinner
Today we will serve a light yet tasteful dinner with a hearty soup and, of course, a delicious dessert, followed by your own relaxation time.
Day 6
Thursday: Art Class & Exploring the area
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast once more.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
During the drawing and painting week Anita offers varied lessons, focusing not only on how to learn to draw and paint from observation, but also introducing you to unconventional materials for drawing and painting.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and an inspiring trip or freetime
In the summer, lunch will often consist of a hearty salad with bread, because when the weather is sunny, nothing beats a fresh, tasty salad.
After lunch, join us for a trip to one of our favourite nearby locations, or enjoy the day at your leisure—whether that’s creating more art, just relaxing in the garden or reading a book.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Dinner will be again a delicious three-course vegetarian meal, served at 7 p.m., after which you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Day 7
Friday: last inspiring art class and time to unwind
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
The breakfast table is set from 8:30 a.m., either outside on the charming square under the large oak tree or indoors in the stylishly decorated dining room.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
In the morning, you will draw or paint for the last time under the guidance of Anita. During this final class, there is plenty of time to either learn how to draw an object as it appears in three dimensions or to develop further the work you started earlier in the week.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Freetime
Lunch will be served around 1:00 p.m., offering again a delightful vegetarian meal
After lunch, you’re free to spend your day as you like. Continue drawing or painting in the workshop or garden, with Anita available for feedback. Or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. For those feeling active, enjoy a walk from your holiday home, explore Najac, visit a nearby village or take a swim in the river. We’re happy to take you to our favorite local spots nearby and pick you up afterward.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
The final dinner will be a surprise—one we hope you’ll enjoy and that will leave you with wonderful memories of your creative holiday week with us. After dinner, you can unwind and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Day 8
Saturday: A warm goodbye, we hope you’ve enjoyed your experience with us
Saturday: A Warm Goodbye:
Breakfast is served at 8:30 a.m., or earlier for those who need to leave sooner. Take your time to enjoy your final breakfast and the company of the group. Check-out is until 10:30 a.m. If needed, we’re happy to take you to the Najac station
Your creative holiday
Your creative holiday week begins on Saturday and ends on Saturday
Enjoy your room from 4 p.m., and wrap up your stay with a last delightful breakfast on Saturday morning. You have plenty of time to enjoy your last breakfast, as checkout is not until 10:30 a.m.
Your gîte, chambre or tente is at La Forêt Souriante where each accommodation features its own unique style, complete with a private showerroom and private terrace.
Your art retreat is nestled in the heart of the countryside, surrounded by stunning landscapes and charming, picturesque villages. It’s the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in authentic French culture
Saturday: A Warm Welcome: Your First Introduction
From 4 p.m. onwards, we are looking forward to welcoming you. You can settle into your holiday home and enjoy a tranquil evening, including a welcoming homemade vegetarian dinner.
Meet the other members of the group. The hosts of your creative retreat are fluent in both Dutch and English, and the other guests speak either English, Dutch, or both.
Sunday: Let´s get started
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
The table is set for breakfast from 8:30a.m.. On sunny days, we’ll be outside on the charming square under the large oak tree, with plenty of sunshine to create that perfect holiday feeling.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
In the morning, you will draw or paint under the guidance of Anita, either in the spacious studio of the former stables or in the beautiful outdoors of La Forêt Souriante. Anita’s assignments are challenging, surprising, and inspiring for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or advanced.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Freetime
Lunch will be served around 1:00 p.m., offering a delightful vegetarian meal
After lunch, you’re free to spend your day as you like. Continue drawing or painting in the workshop or garden, with Anita available for feedback. Or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. For those feeling active, enjoy a walk from your holiday home, explore Najac, visit a nearby Vide Grenier or take a swim in the river. We’re happy to take you to our favorite local spots nearby and pick you up afterward.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Dinner will be a three-course vegetarian meal, served at 7 p.m., after which you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Monday: Art Class & Exploring the area
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
The table is set for breakfast from 8:30a.m.. On sunny days, we’ll be outside on the charming square under the large oak tree, with plenty of sunshine to create that perfect holiday feeling.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
In the morning, spend 3 hours drawing or painting under Anita’s guidance, either in the spacious studio or outdoors in the garden. You can choose to follow Anita’s personalized lessons or work on your own project with her support.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and an inspiring trip or freetime
Lunch will be served around 1:00 p.m., offering a delightful vegetarian meal
After lunch, join us for a trip to one of our favourite nearby locations, or enjoy the day at your leisure—whether that’s creating more art or just relaxing in the garden, soaking in the beauty of nature.
We aim to offer a variety of activities during our trips. We’ll definitely visit the Abbaye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue with its abstract art museum, but we’ll also enjoy a picnic with a walk along the river or even a swim. With so many charming villages to discover, we’ll also visit one of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Dinner will be again a delicious three-course vegetarian meal, served at 7 p.m., after which you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Tuesday: Art Class & Exploring the area
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast once more! If you have any specific dietary needs or preferences, let us know and we’ll make sure your breakfast is just right for you.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
During the art classes Anita can tailor her lessons to your preferences and needs. For example you can choose to learn how to paint with watercolour or how to draw with charcoal. If you like to work on your own project, please note that we have a variety of high-quality paper available, but if you prefer to work on canvas, it’s best to bring your own.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and an inspiring trip or freetime
Lunch will be served around 1:00 p.m., offering again a delightful vegetarian meal
After lunch, join us for a trip to one of our favourite nearby locations, or enjoy the day at your leisure—whether that’s creating more art, just relaxing in the garden or reading a book.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Dinner will be again a delicious three-course vegetarian meal, served at 7 p.m., after which you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Wednesday: A day off, a day to enjoy at your own pace.
9:00 a.m. Breakfast
Breakfast starts a little bit later today at 9.00 a.m.
Rest of the day:
If you enjoy hiking, take a lovely walk to Najac, where you’ll be treated to stunning views along the way. If you wish, you can also visit the impressive medieval castle.
For a more creative day, you can continue drawing and painting in our workshop or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the garden or woodlands at La Forêt Souriante.
If you’re in the mood to relax, we have several peaceful spots, including comfortable hammocks, where you can unwind in complete tranquility.
If you have your own transport, we recommend visiting Albi, known for its stunning cathedral and excellent restaurants—perfect for a leisurely lunch in this charming town.
We are happy to assist with your choice of activity or destination and can also arrange transportation to a nearby restaurant of your choice for a delightful lunch experience.
7:00 p.m. Dinner
Today we will serve a light yet tasteful dinner with a hearty soup and, of course, a delicious dessert, followed by your own relaxation time.
Thursday: Art Class & Exploring the area
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast once more.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
During the drawing and painting week Anita offers varied lessons, focusing not only on how to learn to draw and paint from observation, but also introducing you to unconventional materials for drawing and painting.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and an inspiring trip or freetime
In the summer, lunch will often consist of a hearty salad with bread, because when the weather is sunny, nothing beats a fresh, tasty salad.
After lunch, join us for a trip to one of our favourite nearby locations, or enjoy the day at your leisure—whether that’s creating more art, just relaxing in the garden or reading a book.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Dinner will be again a delicious three-course vegetarian meal, served at 7 p.m., after which you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Friday: last inspiring art class and time to unwind
– 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
The breakfast table is set from 8:30 a.m., either outside on the charming square under the large oak tree or indoors in the stylishly decorated dining room.
– 9:30 a.m. Art Class
In the morning, you will draw or paint for the last time under the guidance of Anita. During this final class, there is plenty of time to either learn how to draw an object as it appears in three dimensions or to develop further the work you started earlier in the week.
– 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Freetime
Lunch will be served around 1:00 p.m., offering again a delightful vegetarian meal
After lunch, you’re free to spend your day as you like. Continue drawing or painting in the workshop or garden, with Anita available for feedback. Or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. For those feeling active, enjoy a walk from your holiday home, explore Najac, visit a nearby village or take a swim in the river. We’re happy to take you to our favorite local spots nearby and pick you up afterward.
– 7:00 p.m. Dinner
The final dinner will be a surprise—one we hope you’ll enjoy and that will leave you with wonderful memories of your creative holiday week with us. After dinner, you can unwind and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Saturday: A warm goodbye, we hope you’ve enjoyed your experience with us
Saturday: A Warm Goodbye:
Breakfast is served at 8:30 a.m., or earlier for those who need to leave sooner. Take your time to enjoy your final breakfast and the company of the group. Check-out is until 10:30 a.m. If needed, we’re happy to take you to the Najac station
We love to welcome you in Najac!
Are you excited about the program and the art lessons? We can’t wait to welcome you to Atelier Souriant. To guarantee your preferred accommodation, book directly with us and start looking forward to an inspiring and enjoyable holiday at Atelier Souriant!