Le Vieux Relais, Pepieux

---

Painting Courses - New for 2008

Special interest holidays

We are offering four painting holidays in May, early June, September and October this year as those months are ideal for painting. The wonderful quality of light we enjoy here in the Languedoc is at its best and the weather is warm without being too hot.

We are delighted to say that we are working with two marvellous artists, Frank Stannard and Jane Hummer, to be able to offer an exciting mix of painting holidays for beginners and those with more experience in 2008!

Learn to Paint If you have ever looked at a scene or an event and thought 'I'd love to be able to paint that', then our ‘learn to paint’ weeks lead by Jane Hummer might be just what you are looking for. Jane will teach basic techniques each morning in our covered courtyard workshop and guests will then be able to practice their new-found skills each afternoon at a carefully chosen location which will create a unique record of their holiday whilst enjoying the calm and peace of the area.

Improve your technique

For those who wish to improve their technique or just enjoy a holiday with likeminded people, we are delighted to offer painting holidays lead by Frank Stannard. Whilst Frank will happily assist guests with their technique, the emphasis will be on location painting.

Accommodation

Guests will stay at Le Vieux Relais where we have a mix of double and twin rooms and suites. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the package and guests will be met at Carcassonne airport (pick ups from other airports may be available, please ask us). Transport to and from painting locations and local restaurants is also included.

Each day will begin with a leisurely breakfast at Le Vieux Relais after which our guests will either have tuition at the house or will be driven to a stunning location to spend the day painting. Lunch will be a mix of wonderful picnics based on fresh local produce and meals taken at local restaurants. Guests will return to Le Vieux Relais in time to relax with a swim or a siesta before dinner and a discussion of the day’s events.

Please contact us for full details and dates for the programme which will be available on the website shortly. The price for each painting week will be €800-1,000 per person depending on the course taken and the accommodation requirements of each guest. Non-painting partners are welcome as there is plenty to see and do in the area.

A bit about our artist partners:

Frank Stannard

Frank studied at the Nottingham College of Art and has for several years been the President of the Nottingham Society of Artists. He has recently been invited to apply for election to the Royal Institute of Watercolour painters (examples of his work can be seen on our website). After an early career as a dress designer Frank followed his heart and became a painter. He has worked in America and achieved some success, selling various landscape paintings in New England, his favourite State.

More recently, he has been employed by a travel company working in Paris where he has conducted study groups visiting the Art Galleries of Paris and arranging painting sessions beside the Seine at Notre Dame. In that capacity he has conducted workshops, which have been enjoyed both by him and the working groups.

Frank is particularly interested in assisting amateur painters, especially beginners, as he sincerely believes that the pursuit of painting should be light-hearted, and anyone who has attempted to either draw or paint a picture, is truly an artist. He welcomes the opportunity to meet further groups of aspiring artists who can avail themselves of the lovely countryside around Pepieux, France.  He has stayed at Le Vieux Relais on several occasions and can assure fellow artists that this rendezvous has excellent facilities including a covered working courtyard area. Painting is easy but above all else is fun! 

Jane Hummer

Jane is a renowned artist and sculptor who was taught by her Grandfather, Royal Society Artist Hemmings. She ran her own business for 27 years specializing in the restoration of ecclesial vernacular [1600/1700] furniture and fittings also other antique furniture.

Jane regularly exhibits at the National Wildlife Exhibition, the Mall galleries in London, the annual member’s exhibition of the Royal Miniature Society & the Hilliard Society. She has sold to international clients from Belgium, France, Italy, America, New Zealand, Australia, America, Canada and Japan.

She moved to France three years ago and still works as a professional artist/sculptor and has her own private gallery which exhibits 10 other artists’ work.

New for autumn 2008

Walking weeks featuring a local guide who will take our guests 'off the beaten' track and show them some of the hidden treasures of the Minervois. Full details will be available at the end of March.

Please tell us if you'd like to try something not currently available.

OTHER PACKAGES

More details coming soon

Download Flyer (English et Francais - PDF)