“What we see changes what we know. What we know changes what we see.” Jean Piaget
Our Creative Holidays in France
Surrounded by nature, our peaceful retreat in the hills of Najac, one of France’s “Plus Beaux Village de France”, offers creative holidays in France that will make you smile. Relax in our stylish and tranquil accommodations and enjoy the perfect backdrop for painting & drawing holidays.
Our subjects are found in the natural forest and the charming garden of La Forêt Souriante. You can use a variety of drawing materials, such as graphite, charcoal, ink, watercolor, and pastel.
(Learn to) look at the world around you with an artist’s eye. (Re)discover the joy of drawing and painting through helpful instructions and inspiring tips from Anita, an experienced and enthusiastic art teacher. Saturday 30 May – 6 June Saturday 27 June – 4 July Saturday 8 – 15 August Saturday 5 – 12 September
Experience a week of on-location drawing with diverse materials like graphite, charcoal, ink, watercolor, and pastel. The Najac area offers vast inspiration and charm!
Unleash your imagination and explore the endless possibilities of acrylic and watercolour. Experiment freely and discover endless varieties of artistic combinations that spark your imagination.
Saturday 11 – 18 July
Inspired by nature
Learn the basics of nature drawing and join us From May 16 – 23
Drawing nature involves faithfully capturing the details of a flower, plant, or fruit. Drawing nature was also done for scientific purposes, during your holiday it’s very relaxing and enjoyable to draw the beauty of nature. Experience the pleasure of carefully observing and recreating the forms and character of your favorite plants.
Let the beautiful garden of Atelier Souriant inspire you. Focus on sketching the unique shapes and essence of your favorite plant, and watch your skills improve with the practical tips provided during the art class. Do you love the beauty of flowers, plants, and trees? By drawing them in detail, you’ll learn to truly appreciate their intricate beauty!
Quality materials lay the foundation for great results. We work with a selection of premium papers and a variety of materials including graphite pencils, Indian ink, soft and oil pastels, and watercolour paint and pencils. If you’re new to these, this is your chance to learn how to use them. For more advanced learners, you have the freedom to select from these materials to craft your work.
Drawing nature involves faithfully capturing the details of a flower, plant, or fruit. Experience the pleasure of carefully observing and recreating the forms and character of your favorite plants.
Let the beautiful garden of Atelier Souriant inspire you. Focus on sketching the unique shapes and essence of your favorite plant, and watch your skills improve with the practical tips provided during the art class. Do you love the beauty of flowers, plants, and trees? By drawing them in detail, you’ll learn to truly appreciate their intricate beauty!
Quality materials lay the foundation for great results. We work with a selection of premium papers and a variety of materials including graphite pencils, fineliner, Indian ink, soft and oil pastels and watercolour paint and pencils. If you’re new to these, this is your chance to learn how to use them. For more advanced learners, you have the freedom to select from these materials to craft your work.
Drawing and painting from life
To learn and improve your drawing and painting skills, join us From 30 May – 6 June From 27 June – 4 July From 8 – 15 August From 5 – 12 September
Work behind an easel, at the table, or just sit and work on the grass
Painting a still life step by step
No Caption
It’s amazing to paint outdoors, whatever your subject may be
Cezanne ones said: “With an apple, I will astonish Paris.”
Drawing and painting from life is something anyone can learn – including you! If you can observe, you can draw. The techniques you’ll learn from Anita are designed to give you the guidance and support needed to create with confidence. Experimenting with different drawing and painting methods will help you discover the approach that works best for you.
You will also (re)discover the art of creating stunning still life artworks with our step-by-step guidance. Whether you’re interested in drawing with charcoal or painting with acrylics, our lessons will help you master both techniques. We often start with sketching of still lifes, gradually building up your skills to create lifelike still lifes using graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolour or acrylics. With Anita’s help, you’ll learn to observe objects in detail and recreate them on paper. This course will sharpen your ability to convert the 3D reality into your 2D reality on paper. Join us to improve your artistic skills with practical exercises and professional instruction
Quality materials lay the foundation for great results. We work with a selection of premium papers and a variety of materials. If you’re new to these, this is your chance to learn how to use them. For more advanced learners, you have the freedom to select from these materials to craft your work.
Drawing and painting from life is something anyone can learn – including you! If you can observe, you can draw. The techniques you’ll learn from Anita are designed to give you the guidance and support needed to create with confidence. Experimenting with different drawing and painting methods will help you discover the approach that works best for you.
You will also (re)discover the art of creating stunning still life artworks with our step-by-step guidance. Whether you’re interested in drawing with charcoal or painting with acrylics, our lessons will help you master both techniques. We often start with sketching of still lifes, gradually building up your skills to create lifelike still lifes using graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolour or acrylics. With Anita’s help, you’ll learn to observe objects in detail and recreate them on paper. This course will sharpen your ability to convert the 3D reality into your 2D reality on paper. Join us to improve your artistic skills with practical exercises and professional instruction
Quality materials lay the foundation for great results. We work with a selection of premium papers and a variety of materials. If you’re new to these, this is your chance to learn how to use them. For more advanced learners, you have the freedom to select from these materials to craft your work.
“A line is a dot that went for a walk” – Paul Klee
Urban sketching and Rural sketching
To learn and improve your drawing skills or learn how to paint with watercolour, join us Saturday 13 – 20 June Saturday 25 July – 1 August
“Urban sketching” might sound like a trendy term, but at its core, it’s simply about drawing what you see. The same goes for “drawing from observation,” and just like urban sketching, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience! Whether you’re sitting in nature or standing by an easel, the essence is the same: observe, capture, and create. With a small group (4–8 participants), you’ll have ample opportunity to explore your unique style and experiment with different materials. Give yourself the gift of a creative getaway, whether you come alone or with a friend.
Are you ready to learn how to draw the world around you? Anita will teach you all the techniques you need to bring your surroundings to life on paper. We’ll sketch in the beautiful garden and forest of La Forêt Souriante, and take day trips to places like Najac, scenic riverside spots, and the tranquil Abbey in Ginals. You’ll not only enjoy drawing what you see, but also discover a new way of seeing the world.
Quality materials lay the foundation for great results. You’ll receive your own personal sketchbook from us. We will work with a variety of materials including graphite pencils, fineliner, soft pastel pencils and watercolour pencils. If you’re new to these, this is your chance to learn how to use them. For more advanced learners, you have the freedom to select from these materials to craft your work.
“Urban sketching” might sound like a trendy term, but at its core, it’s simply about drawing what you see. The same goes for “drawing from observation,” and just like urban sketching, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience! Whether you’re sitting in nature or standing by an easel, the essence is the same: observe, capture, and create. With a small group (4–8 participants), you’ll have ample opportunity to explore your unique style and experiment with different materials. Give yourself the gift of a creative getaway, whether you come alone or with a friend.
Are you ready to learn how to draw the world around you? Anita will teach you all the techniques you need to bring your surroundings to life on paper. We’ll sketch in the beautiful garden and forest of La Forêt Souriante, and take day trips to places like Najac, scenic riverside spots, and the tranquil Abbey in Ginals. You’ll not only enjoy drawing what you see, but also discover a new way of seeing the world.
Quality materials lay the foundation for great results. You’ll receive your own personal sketchbook from us. We will work with a variety of materials including graphite pencils, fineliner, soft pastel pencils and watercolour pencils. If you’re new to these, this is your chance to learn how to use them. For more advanced learners, you have the freedom to select from these materials to craft your work.
Acrylic and Watercolour
A most joyful painting holiday in France as well for beginners as for advanced. Improve your painting skills in a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere. From 11 – 18 July
During this inspiring painting holiday, we dive into a world of colour, light, and creativity. We work with both acrylic and watercolour – two very different techniques, yet equally enjoyable. Acrylic paint allows you to build up layer upon layer, creating depth and texture with the freedom to make changes along the way. Watercolour, on the other hand, remains beautifully transparent, offering delicate, fluid results through the play of water and pigment. Whether you enjoy the bold strokes of acrylic or the gentle flow of watercolour, this holiday offers a chance to explore, learn, and most of all, enjoy the painting process in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
We provide all the paint, high-quality paper, and brushes you’ll need. If you prefer to paint on canvas, feel free to bring your own. Of course, you’re also welcome to bring your own brushes if you like working with your personal set.
The village and castle of Najac
Painting a still life step by step
Painting behind an easel in the garden of La Forêt Souriante
making a selfportrait with ink and watercolour
Gîte Albizia in the beautiful garden
botanical drawing succulent
The Program of your creative holiday
Enjoy inspiring art lessons in the mornings, followed by free time for creative work in the spacious studio or explore with us the surroundings and swim in the river during the afternoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, offering you delicious, vegetarian dishes that fuel both body and soul. Of course there will be time enough for you to unwind and relax in the garden with a book, to go for a walk, or to simply enjoy nature.