ART WEEK 2010 - November 5-12

    This is a week for anyone interested in discovering one's 'creative-self' in an informal and relaxed, yet stimulating environment... and at the most beautiful time in the Languedoc (stunning autumn colours and still soft weather)!!
     
    Each day is devoted to a different creative practice within the arts... For instance on writing day we start with some great exercises that will bring your inspiration and imagination to the surface and show you that everyone can learn to write - then practice our newly acquired skills on various projects; on photography day we'll take you to some stunning locations (remember that the countryside will be 'on fire' with its autumn colours) to practice making better pictures by using composition, light and perspective. On cooking day we don't just follow recipes - we learn to create our own by using a simple method of combining flavours and ingredients - after which you can adapt the recipes and 're-invent' any number of new original dishes...

    On painting day you'll be experimenting with techniques and different media, whilst on the final day you may either try your hand at some basic printmaking (dry-point etching, mono-printing or woodblock), or if preferred, a lesson in editing and manipulating photos on the computer. Alternatively, on the final day, you may return to a previous subject - painting a canvas, writing a short story... Your tutor will be available continuously... and all materials are provided.
     
    All creative sessions start with a useful exercise or technique which students will want to turn to again and again in the future, to help trigger an idea, to 'loosen' the hand, or simply use as a 'sure way' to get the imaginative juices flowing.

    There will be two days off when you can choose to do whatever you like: cycle along the Canal du Midi, walk through the vines, visit a Roman or Medieval city for sightseeing or shopping, go for a walk on the beach... Packed lunches are provided if required.
     
    Naturally, because this is the South of France, there will also be plenty of relaxation around the table with wonderful food and wine, and of course there are always new friendships to be made.
     

    HOW MUCH THE WEEK COSTS

    1100 euros ALL INCLUSIVE (except for flights)
     

    WHAT THE WEEK INCLUDES

    • 7 nights accommodation in the tasteful surroundings of B&B La Souqueto.
    • all tutorials and all materials
    • all meals including wine
    • all transport (airport transfers and excursions)

    ITINERARY


     
    day 1 friday - pick-up from the airport and straight to lunch in the Medieval Cite of Carcassonne, then home to settle in.
     
    day 2 saturday - is a day off. You may join us for a morning visit to Narbonne's famous foodmarket, explore the city with its Cathedral and lunch in town or, if you prefer, you may stay at home, go for a walk or cycle in along the Canal du Midi. Dinner is at home.
     
    day 3 sunday - day of photography - after breakfast there will be a general talk on technique and composition, light, depth of field etc. Then after lunch an excursion and an opportunity to try your hand at portraiture, landscape or food photography and foodstyling. Dinner at home.

    day 4 monday - day of creative writing starting with exercises to get the creative juices flowing, after which we launch ourselves into various writing projects.. After lunch some other writing projects. And after all that hard work, we deserve dinner in a nice local restaurant.
     
    day 5 tuesday - a day of food - starting off with a talk on combining flavours and food-and-wine matching, there will be a hands-on cookery demonstration - the proceeds of which we'll eat for lunch. In the afternoon another lesson in the art of intuitive cooking and more hands-on cooking, then dinner at home.
     
    day 6 wednesday - day of painting - experiments with media (such as oils, watercolour, pencil, charcoal etc) as well as some exercises on colour and light. Then after lunch a chance to practice some landscape or still life painting. Dinner will be at home.

    day 7 thursday - on our final 'work' day you may opt for basic printmaking or return to one of a previous topic (paint a canvas or write a story, or indeed learn the basics of Photoshop). After lunch, we may continue to 'work' or stroll along the Canal du Midi to the pretty village of Le Somail for glass of wine, then home for dinner.
     
    day 8 friday - after breakfast we will head for Spain - visiting Perpignan or Collioure in the way and perhaps visit the Salvador Dali museum in Figueras. Drop off at Girona airport at 20.00 for the flight home.
     

For more information, please contact info@petracarter.com