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.
Scholarship to Professional Painter, Emiliano Marini
It was only a few years ago that Emiliano Marini applied for and was awarded a Scholarship to join us at Workshops in France. He was invited to paint at one of our premier art retreats or study in a workshop setting along with an international group of artists to focus on painting. We wrote this blog so that you could catch up with Emiliano’s journey and his artistic successes.
Vermeer to Van Gogh, Dutch Masters at Carrieres des Lumieres
This year we returned to the show titled; Vermeer to Van Gogh, The Dutch Masters and we were not disappointed. Included in the list of stellar painters from Holland are Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Imagine being transported inside these paintings when the projected masterpieces are monumental in size and you are able to observe the art pieces in ways you never imagined…
Family Affair in France
The art of traveling with family. It’s always a privilege to receive guests who decide to bring family members. We have discovered that one of the most enriching ways to experience a workshop or art retreat is to share it with a family member.
