Workshops In France Guest Reviews and Testimonials
The Retreat & Workshops
This [workshop] encouraged me to explore portrait painting; I am extremely proud of what I produced. I am inspired to write a narrative about the images.
My favorite memory was meeting your staff and making Irena and Camilla permanent fixtures in my portfolio. Ron’s reaction to my work; called me “Fearless”.”
Regarding the crew, Camilla was always sooo helpful. Plus she stepped up to be our model and did an excellent job. Always smiling.
I am very much looking forward to again enjoying the camaraderie and friendship of painters, as well as the beautiful French countryside and fabulous food & wine. Thank you in advance for all that you guys do to make this such a wonderful experience!
The Provence workshop was very inspiring to me, and I want to thank Michele, Julie, Shirley and all the artists who shared their camaraderie and viewpoints during our time together.
During the past few months I have been using some new-honed skills and am having my own exhibit here in Mexico at a museum, the Ajiiic Museo de Arte.
Doing that workshop with you guys was a game changer!!
Doing that workshop with you guys was a game changer!!
I have been painting more since the trip and it was so valuable. It re-awakened my love and joy for painting which had become stale. The trip, the instructors, the other guests, the environment, the exploration… It all reinvigorated my practice! What a valuable experience as an artist.
What is memorable is the care and attention to most details, the excellent fellow painters, food and enjoyment of environment and companionship of other artists.
I had a wonderful time in Tuscany and was delighted with the venue, the retreat and activities. It was lovely to meet and spend time with Julie and the Crew who were all delightful and very helpful.
All expectations exceeded in every way! So thankful for everyone being a part of my memory.
No words- this was a life-changing experience. I’ll be back!
I’ve always believed in “designing my life” rather than waiting for something to come around the corner. In that regard, I decided to make a left-hand turn in my life and do something completely different after teaching piano since I was 16 years old. I was at a turning point, and while pursuing the internet came across an ad for Workshops in France. It was a brave and bold move to come to Provence on my own not knowing what to expect and with no real skills.
Luckily it went far beyond my expectations, and I enjoyed a wonderful ten days in a beautiful chateau outside of Avignon, eating gourmet French meals, quaffing interesting wines and interacting with artists from around the world. As a newbie I received lots of inspiration just looking over people’s shoulders; everyone was willing to share their expertise and Julie was a great mentor. This needed to be repeated and become part of my yearly activities. The format suited me; I loved exploring new villages and finding the perfect spot to while away a few hours totally absorbed in painting. I have made some really good friends. that I continue to stay in touch with them. I am now signed up for my fifth Art Retreat [with WIF]. and at each one I feel I grow artistically and am always wanting more. It’s become part of my life with so many benefits!
Luckily it went far beyond my expectations, and I enjoyed a wonderful ten days in a beautiful chateau outside of Avignon, eating gourmet French meals, quaffing interesting wines and interacting with artists from around the world. As a newbie I received lots of inspiration just looking over people’s shoulders; everyone was willing to share their expertise and Julie was a great mentor. This needed to be repeated and become part of my yearly activities. The format suited me; I loved exploring new villages and finding the perfect spot to while away a few hours totally absorbed in painting. I have made some really good friends. that I continue to stay in touch with them. I am now signed up for my fifth Art Retreat [with WIF]. and at each one I feel I grow artistically and am always wanting more. It’s become part of my life with so many benefits!
I made it home safely to Los Angeles! What an adventure! I want to thank our wonderful instructors who are accomplished artists as well as expert teachers! I also want to credit our wonderful hosts Julie and Shirley for their organizing skills as well as their patience! Lovely meeting all the participants….perhaps our paths will cross again! Happy trails!
2018 will make my third visit to Provence with Julie, Shirley and their wonderful helpers.
I love every aspect of this true holiday. Meeting a variety of different artists, sharing ideas and learning so much from all of them, painting at whatever pace and whenever you wish are the foundations of the retreat. Add that to being driven about to stunning villages and landscapes, being wined and dined in luxury and you have a holiday you want to keep returning to. I cannot recommend the retreat more highly.
I love every aspect of this true holiday. Meeting a variety of different artists, sharing ideas and learning so much from all of them, painting at whatever pace and whenever you wish are the foundations of the retreat. Add that to being driven about to stunning villages and landscapes, being wined and dined in luxury and you have a holiday you want to keep returning to. I cannot recommend the retreat more highly.
The June Workshop was different from the first one I attended. In lieu of the Fall grape harvesting, I had the intoxicating pleasure of seeing and painting beautiful fields of lavender on gently rolling hills. We discovered new and interesting little towns in Provence – away from the crowded cities full of tourists – and everywhere I gazed I saw a picture to be captured in paint!
Thank you again for another stellar workshop! I had such a great time and enjoyed the camaraderie, making new friends, seeing old friends, and, of course, painting those inspiring scenes of Provence. It never fails to please! The beauty of these workshops is the unencumbered time I can spend painting alongside other artists, not worrying about someone else or what’s for dinner, etc. One can paint morning, noon and night if one is so inclined! So count me in for something next year!
It was indeed a pleasure to meet all of you and to paint with other artists. I pray that the inspiration from this trip
stays with us all as we continue our artistic journeys. Having my time and thoughts free to fearlessly pursue what I love doing so much was nothing short of amazing.
I was so happy to have been on the retreat in Provence. Such an inspiration!!
As an artist working mostly by myself in my studio, it gets a bit lonely and isolated… [The trip] was absolute bliss for me!
The sites, the aromas, the vivid colors, the atmosphere, I was filled with wonderful inspiration!! We also made some lovely friends,from the other side of the world! If you need inspiration, you feel lonely, this is the thing you need to do—go on a retreat, and recharge your batteries. Have a happy painting Holiday!
With all the great feedback from the lovely artists, I feel confident that I’m moving in the right direction. Had a great time making art in the most beautiful setting among very talented artists.
Guest Interview: Amy
Amy shares her experience painting at the château with Workshops in France. Amy attended a workshop with instructors Romel de la Torre and Timothy C Tyler.
Our Itinerary
Everything was wonderful. The staff (you know who you are!) and chef were/are not only professional and friendly, but kind and caring, as well. In a word, my time at the retreat was SPECTACULAR. I cannot believe I painted 15 paintings. The landscapes and plein air locations were breathtaking and inspiring. Thank you.
There were so many laughs and heartfelt sharing moments. Many of us came as strangers and parted as friends. Top memories: Painting and being on the Magic Terrace. Painting on the esplanade/place with about six other artists in Fontaine de Vaucluse – with French music playing from Paul’s boom box… The glorious river and castle was a backdrop for a magical exchange with a French woman from Paris. J’adore la France!
Just got back from the Impressionist art retreat near Avignon. You cannot beat this trip or Workshops in France. What a fabulous time with terrific staff and leaders! I highly recommend it. And tomorrow I will be in my studio with 3,000 photos to cull for painting as well.
This was my second trip with WIF and it keeps getting better! I learned so much, was nourished by delicious meals and fun conversations, and made lasting memories. Thanks to Julie, Shirley, Jennifer, Mike and all of the WIF team!
Learning from Quang Ho and Adrienne Stein was excellent. I had only recently become acquainted with their work via their websites and I was very excited to work with them. They are exceptionally talented teaching artists and wonderful people who were fun to be with. Quang’s demos, especially one on gouache, were enlightening. I would have liked to have heard more from Adrienne. I hope she does more workshops. I would be a repeat customer with either of them.I measured the key to the trip’s success by how generous instructors and my fellow artists were with their knowledge and experience. Simply observing another artist at work is very worthwhile. I learn a lot from anyone else who is painting. I will always be grateful to have become part of a community of artists dedicated to plein air technique while on a river cruise.
It was the best workshop! Thank you for the expert instruction and thoughtful feedback on our paintings. It was great to get to know you and everyone who met up from around the globe. I agree, @workshopsinfrance leaves no stone unturned! They are fabulous at organizing and making the workshops fun for ALL! Happy painting! Hope to bump brushes with you again someday.
Both my daughter in law, Barbara, & I enjoyed the Dutch Cruise very much as you’d designed it. We know that you both put a lot of time & diligence into the planning of the trip, so know that we appreciated all you’d done. You both were very attentive to personal needs & details. Every facet of the cruise & pre-cruise plans were enjoyed including the inclusion of the exceptional museums in Amsterdam, along with the unforgettable Illuminary Museum & its visual & musical performance.
The Provence Lavender Retreat was absolutely magical. From the chateau accommodations with a gifted private chef and fantastic views, to the varied excursions to amazing painting locations and photo opportunities, and the friendly, capable staff, I loved every moment of those nine days!
What They Gained
“I’ve come back fired with enthusiasm to paint some lovely autumnal French scenes, with some cafe scenes and French flags thrown in too! It was such a fantastic retreat – thank you!”
It pushed me in new directions… It was a ‘coming full circle’ for me in my career. In the 1990s I painted en plein air in watercolors, but have not painted outside in more than 25 years. In France, I rekindled the joy of painting en plein air, drinking in the scenes/scents/light/moments with every fiber of my being. Talk about ‘mindfulness!’ You struck the perfect balance. While I initially thought I wanted more time painting at the Chateau (a couple more days would be lovely), I am grateful that I went on every excursion. Life-changing moments in time. Thank you all. Elaine W-R. MD, USA. Impressionist Provence, 2025.
Accommodations
The ‘wow’ of walking into my room for the first time plus the gift of a WIF apron and bottle of wine were very thoughtful and much appreciated.Olga’s teaching was wonderful. I love watching her as she developed a painting with her use of multiple small lines to create the desired shapes and directional flow.
Dinner time was a great opportunity to chat with the other artists, creators and helpers.
In April, my husband Michael joined me at the fabulous Americans in Paris workshop through Workshops in France. We visited Paris for a few days, then made our temporary home in a lovely country chateau near Fontainebleu, painting on property and visiting local sites, including Napoleon’s marvelous palace.
Accompanying us and sharing their art expertise were Vanessa Rothe, C.W. Mundy, Quang Ho and Adrienne Stein (along with charming 3-year-old Liam). I am grateful for this experience for so many reasons.”
Our accommodation was in an historical chateau, worthy of many paintings! Our food was typical French fare and we always looked forward to the evening meal. Wine flowed aplenty; the group was fun and friendships grew. We could enjoy the two pools on the grounds, a contested game of boules or watch the sunset.
After The Retreat
Painted on the first day of the Dave Santillanes workshop with Workshops in France. Loved the workshop staff!! The chef was great and Dave is an amazing artist/teacher!!! Such a beautiful country!! So excited to meet you!!!
I’ve come back fired with enthusiasm to paint some lovely autumnal French scenes, with some cafe scenes and french flags thrown in too! It was such a fantastic retreat – thank you!
What an amazing week! The food, the staff, the artists – the best!
I agree with everyone that a big thank you is due to “THE CREW” who looked after and nurtured us all so well! You were great! I am so pleased that I got there and enjoyed every minute and especially meeting such a nice bunch of new friends. Take care everyone – wherever you are!