Well I had! So after doing some research, I stumbled across the incredible Rosalie and William Haas who followed their dreams to renovate an old Farmhouse in Duravel in the Lot River Valley in the south of France. With the renovation well and truly behind them they now boast rooms that accommodate 15people, a fully air conditioned north facing art studio, stunning landscaped gardens, pool, apple orchard and a fire place that would put King Henry to shame!
I spent 5 days of painting, drawing and eating bliss putting William’s tour guiding skills to good use. This included exploring the 14th Century Bastide town of Montpazier, St Cirq La Popie (voted the most beautiful town in France), Pech Merle Cave with its 25000 year old art (which actually showed the use of tone/values!) and my favourite, the infamous Rocamadour where pilgrims climbed on hands and knees and Joan of Arc is believed to have spoken with the archangel Michael.
Did I mention the food? France certainly lived up to its reputation! Using William’s intimate knowledge of the area and its local restaurants, we were treated to the best the region had to offer. There’s nothing like a local to not only read the menu for you, but to also know which region is known for which foods in which season. And when we weren’t sourcing the best restaurants, we were treated to Rosalie’s incredible French feasts back at our accommodation.
Amongst all of this I managed to get some great painting done too. There’s just something about feeling so happy and relaxed that works wonders for creativity.
Artable is currently collecting interest for it’s 2015 trip to France. You need no experience whatsoever to join us and non-painting partners are welcome and will have lots to do as well.