Press

“Nearly every day, in a project he calls Postcards From Provence, he creates a tiny oil painting and puts it up on the Web...A high-speed Internet connection allows Mr. Merrow-Smith to live the slow-paced life of a 19th-century landscape painter while reaching today’s global market...” —NYTimes

“Beautiful and evocative…documenting the changing seasons of the southeastern French region so idealised in Peter Mayle’s books, his artworks include colourful still lives and vivid sea and landscapes, as well as some wonderfully stern-looking self portraits” —The Times

“...perfect little 4in x 6in oil-on-gesso pictures of, say, vegetables from his garden or fruit from the market, and luminous, ever-changing Provençal landscapes” —The Guardian

Painting Workshops in Provence, 2019

This year's painting workshops in Provence with Julian Merrow Smith will again be based in the two magnificent Provençal houses of the Domaine St.Jacques near Blauvac.

For ten days you will eat, sleep and breathe painting. Whether in the vineyards around the house, nearby hilltop villages, whether in the summer lavender or the poppy fields in spring, you will have the chance to truly experience the painter's life in the south of France. Over sumptuous cuisine catered by our chef Angelique and her team, and accompanied by fine wines of the region, you will have the opportunity to enjoy locally sourced produce whilst sharing your painting passion with new friends. Working at your own pace and enjoying the pools, terraces and lounges at your leisure, this painting holiday offers the perfect balance between work and relaxation and you will return home refreshed, inspired and invigorated.

"Julian gives more of himself to a workshop than anyone I’ve had the privilege of studying under for the last twenty years of struggling as a painter"

"…thanks to you both for such a wonderful time spent painting, dining, walking and conversing during the first July workshop. It has been truly magnificent; an experience one appreciates all the more when, on returning and raving to family and friends, one realises just how jealous they are! "

"Julian provided incredibly useful suggestions to each of my paintings, things I simply hadn't spotted, and I really felt it helped take them to the next level - and other people have told me the same. It was exactly what I needed"

"It was super-bon to spend time with you both, learn from Julian, a master, within such a wonderful, beautiful and supportive environment. Truly, a peak experience... I thank both of you for your kindness, friendship and generosity. Jet-lagged and trés content..."

"...and to express my gratitude to you both for your warmth and hospitality—far beyond what I expected"

A typical day

After a breakfast of coffee, the season’s fresh fruit, homemade granola and warm buttery croissants from the local boulangerie, we will gather our materials and head off to paint. There are so many exciting views to paint right on our doorstep that travelling time can be kept to a minimum. During the first part of the morning Julian will usually give a short painting demonstration and this will be followed with individual help and instruction. We will break for lunch around 1pm for a well deserved lunch prepared by Angelique and her team. Afterwards you may want to take a siesta, others may continue to paint. There will then be a further two to three hour session in the afternoon before we gather in the early evening when we discuss our paintings over an aperitif. Later we will all sit down for a three or four course dinner served with fine wines from some of our favourite vineyards before settling down to a good night's sleep in the silence and calm of the provençal night. Julian gives a demonstration

Accommodation

We will be staying at the Domaine St.Jacques an authentic Provençal manor house set in 180 acres of vines and woodland. We have two beautiful, centuries old, stone houses (one dates to the 11C) both with six bedrooms, swimming pools and even baby grand pianos. The standard rooms are traditionally decorated and charming. The ensuite rooms in the newly refurbished house are more luxurious. The countryside is stunning and we don't often need to travel in order to find something new to paint. Set in the glorious countryside around the foot of the Géant Provençale, the Mont Ventoux, Domaine St.Jacques is an ideal place to relax and draw on your creative energy.

Materials

All painting materials and equipment are provided. We will be concentrating on small-scale paintings and so you will have exactly the same palette and materials that Julian uses in Postcard from Provence. These consist of a set of artist's oil colours, finest hog bristle brushes, a pochade box, a tripod, prepared gesso boards and cleaning materials, all contained in a small rucksack. Umbrellas and chairs are also provided. All you need is your straw hat.

Prices

The prices are USD $2690 for standard accommodation and $3490 for de-luxe ensuite accommodation, there are also two master bedrooms at $3690. There is a supplement of $500 for single occupation and if you prefer to bring your own kit/materials the price is less $200. Non-painting partners are most welcome, prices are $1890 in standard accommodation and $2490 in deluxe. These rates include full board and lodging: all painting materials and equipment: transport to and from painting locations: and transfer to and from Avignon TGV station.

Places are limited and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. A deposit of $500* is required to reserve your place with the remaining balance due 90 days prior to the commencement of the course.

*In case of cancellation your deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days from payment and refundable minus an administration charge of $100 until 90 days prior to the commencement of the course.

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