Workshops in France 2020 Scholarship Program
We offer a scholarship opportunity to an artist who is actively pursuing future art goals: this full scholarship will be awarded to one of our exclusive workshops or retreats. Although it is not exclusively designed for a younger recipient, we are interested in inspiring the next generation of artists to paint and pursue lives as working artists.
We are looking for the right recipient, young or mature, who deserves the award, someone whose career would be positively influenced by attending a workshop. We understand the advantage and inspiration that comes from mentoring and instruction when working side-by-side with other artists.
Last year’s scholarship recipient: Kyle Ma
Last year, our scholarship recipient was Kyle Ma, who won the unparalleled opportunity to take part in a workshop instructed by Quang Ho. Kyle is a rising star in the among the leading figurative painters in the USA today. We chose him because of his dedication to being an artist and his prolific output of quality paintings despite his other study commitments. By working intensely at one of our French chateau workshops with Quang Ho as the instructor, we knew Kyle would be able to study with the master painter and also gain insight into the professional artists’ community.
Here’s what he had to say about his experience.
“I enjoyed taking day trips from the chateau to locations throughout Provence,” Kyle explains. “These helped me gain a better idea about the landscapes of southern France. Attempting to talk with locals in French and trying new foods made this a well-rounded experience. Not only did I learn more about painting, I also learned about the place that has inspired so many artists.”
“Quang Ho’s advices were eye opening and insightful! And there was a good balance in instructional time with time to practice on our own to implement [the] knowledge learned.” There were some surprising elements in the workshop for Kyle. “There was a lot of discussion about artists from the past and how they would apply the concepts we learned in class in different ways,” he says. “And also how artists of various time periods understood art in different ways.”
What did Kyle take away from the program?
“I understood if I am confident in my technique and that I am freer to make artistic interpretations of my subject,” he says. “So, I feel I have started to increase my focus on what creative decisions I can make in order to convey my feelings towards my subject, rather than simply copying my subject on canvas.”
Tips for artists attending a workshop
Kyle offers this advice to anyone about to partake in one of our workshops—including of course, future scholarship winners: “Establish solid foundational skills before attending the workshop. That way the instructor will be able to teach you more advanced concepts, rather than fix fundamental errors. Also, choose subjects that are challenging.”
“The instructor is there to help you overcome the challenges and that way you will grow more from the workshop.”
Kyle’s work is being shown at several galleries, including the Wilcox Gallery and the InSight Gallery. His website is here.
You can read a previous blog post on Kyle and the scholarship program here.
Interested in applying for our scholarship or do you know someone who would benefit from the experience?
The qualifications are simple: We’re looking a deserving artist who would not be able to attend otherwise, whose participation would change and boost their artistic growth. Any age may apply.
Email [email protected] for an application form.
Blogger: Julie Snyder
Julie Snyder is a professional artist and also the programs director of Workshops In France. A native of Scotland, she is a seasoned traveler who splits her time between California and France. You can learn more about her role with Workshops in France here.
Check out more blogs about art workshops, tips and hacks for artists traveling in France and Scotland.
Sargent And Spain Exhibition Delights
Being a frequent traveler, arguably his genius was the ability to capture the light of the Mediterranean. In this collection, you can see that particular Spanish light. It’s similar to the Mediterranean light we encounter in Provence and Tuscany. The take-away from this show is the inspiration and invigoration that comes from travel can ignite any artist and when you are Sargent, the world will look upon the pieces for generations to come.
5 Ways to Light Paintings
It makes a huge difference to how the artwork looks. Under poor light, a painting can disappear into the shadows, and if left in direct sunlight, it can be damaged forever.
Correctly lit artwork can completely inspire the viewer but if hung in a poorly lit location it will not have had the same impact.
Barbizon and the Fontainebleau Forest
Impressionist paintings are among the most widely known and appreciated works of art ever created. Where did this start? What kind of work was being created right before Impressionism began… what actually happened in the Forest of Fontainebleau, located south of Paris in the 1860’s? How did that shape the art genres and even the French culture that we know and love today?
