ART, FOOD & WINE RETREAT
2-7 July 2025
Indulge yourself in this fantastic summer treat. Experience the freedom to express yourself through a wide range of painting and drawing sessions, set in the grandeur of the Chateau de Saussignac whilst enjoying the bespoke hospitality on offer at Le 1500.
WHEN: 2-7 JULY 2025
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PRICE: From €1,900 per person (non painting partner packages available)
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INCLUDES:
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- Five nights' accommodation & hospitality
- Three full days of painting / creative workshops
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Wine Tasting & Chateau Tour
- Three evening meals
- All art materials and tuition fee
THE PROGRAMME (subject to final confirmation)
With such an abundance of beautiful villages and undulating scenery on our doorstep, it will come as no surprise that the course looks, in particular, at the art of expressive landscape painting (in the broadest sense) but encourages other subjects to be treated and incorporated into the landscape.
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Our teaching methods allow you to discover your own talent - and there are bags of it in everyone - and, above all, to enjoy the process of painting and creating. We encourage a relaxed and fun environment without judgement or comparison.
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Whilst some theory relevant to expressive painting will be covered at the beginning of the course, most theory and technical guidance will be incorporated into a continuous painting exercise that students will follow, ensuring that participants have as much practical painting and drawing time as possible.
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Wednesday 2 July: Welcome
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15h00. Check-in and Relax
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19h30. Welcome Dinner accompanied by a selection of local wines (wine included)
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Thursday 3 July: Letting Go
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08h30. Breakfast
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10h00. Introduction to the Course and A Quick guide to Expressive Painting and how we got here. A look at some examples of expressive painting over the centuries that will inspire the creative juices to flow.
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10h45. Opening Up - starting work on a drawing or painting is arguably as difficult, if not more so than knowing when to finish. Our first session will help you free up your hands and minds and quickly feel comfortable with letting go.
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Collaborative Workshop on Expressiveness - Thinking Big and Letting Go: we're getting straight into the dirty business of painting, working as a team to create our first masterpiece of the week. This is a chance to throw away any inhibitions and get comfortable with paint, paper and the environment you're in.
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12h30. Lunch accompanied by a featured local wine presentation.
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14h30. Building the Ideas Bank - we'll wander into the village and the vineyards with some tools to start sketching and planning. This session serves as an inspiration gathering exercise for your individual project - through photos, sketches and note-making.
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Kicking off the Individual Project - over the course of the week you will create a lot of work. However, you will focus on one or two project pieces that you will step in and out of until completion of the final day, applying what you learn and discover - layering paint, stepping back, embracing complete change and understanding the meaning of 'finished'.
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16h30. Class Ends
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19h00. Dinner - Private Group Garden Supper
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Friday 4 July: Glorious Chateau de Fayolle
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08h00. Breakfast
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10h00. Chateau de Fayolle Field Trip - Landscape painting in the open - embracing the weather to enhance expression. Using mixed media to create a variety of expressive paintings, this session will give students the freedom to express themselves without fear of spillage or studio confines. This is your chance to throw, spread, tear, spill and generally let loose.
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13h00. Picnic Lunch & Wine Tasting
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14h00. Individual Project Work - whereby you'll each have time to spend working on your chosen landscape or start a new one. Interspersed during this session we will take a look at some theory and provide technical support on :
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- Making the most of colour
- Making good form
- Creating texture
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16h00. Class Ends
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18h30. Free Evening​
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Saturday 5 July: Free Day
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08h00. Breakfast
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Free day to explore the surrounding countryside or simply chill at the pool. We can help you plan your day including any lunch and dinner reservations you want to make (confirmation required at least two weeks ahead of time)
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Sunday 6 July: Style & Figure
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08h00. Breakfast
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10h00. Individual Project continuation and Studio Practice - space to continue work on the individual project with hands on tuition and guidance.
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12h30. Lunch
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14h00. Introducing the Figure - Life Drawing and Painting Class. Our life model will join us for the afternoon in the Chateau Studio where you'll find the opportunity to explore some expressive drawing and painting techniques.
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16h00 Class Ends​
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19h30. Farewell Dinner - accompanied by a selection of local wines (included)
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Monday 7 July: Farewell or Stay Longer
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10h00 Depart Le 1500
(or enquire about extending your stay)
MICHAEL F RUMSBY FRSA. Since shifting from the corporate world to life as a full-time artist in 2012, Mike has enjoyed international success as an expressive landscape painter. His unusual approach to painting has earned him a solid reputation as a painter of joyous, colourful works and is represented by the UK's largest gallery portfolio, Clarendon Fine Art. Mike is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London.
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You can find inspiration in Michael's work by visiting his website at www.mfrart.com or Clarendon Fine Art at www.clarendonfineart.com.
YOUR TUTOR
Mike's 30 years of experience as a senior director of a global business sets him apart from many traditional art teachers. He brings real expertise in people management and a genuine passion for engendering a truly creative environment for guests.
