Painting Retreats, South West France

PAINTING RETREAT AT THE CANARD SAUVAGE

Friday, April 18 to Thursday, April 24, 2025

We are offering a seven-night stay in our French country house, which sits at the top of a steeply wooded hill in the tiny hamlet of of Peyralade in the rural department of the Tarn et Garonne. The house is large and comfortable, filled with colorful art work by your host Lizzie Wallace.

There is a pool and shady terraces to relax and eat delicious food and drink local wine, prepared by Lizzie who is a renowned foodie and cook. There is also a sparkling lake for those who like to wild swim!

We invite you to set free your creativity and spend five full days painting and drawing, guided by our brilliant professional artist-tutor Anne Gardener, learning new skills, meeting new people and producing art work to take home.

We positively encourage beginners and create a fun, lively and supportive atmosphere, with small groups of up to eight people. This course will be focusing on ‘still life’ and portraits, with a live model on day two and three, and is a fabulous opportunity to have a productive and relaxing time. Professional artist and friend Anne Gardener will be guiding you gently and expertly in the studio and on location in the beautiful Bastide towns and stunning countryside.

We want our guests to have a relaxed and fulfilling stay at The Canard Savage, at the same time improving their creative skills.

Seven nights in our beautiful French house
All meals and wine inc coffee and teas throughout the day
Three hours tuition every morning
Day outings to local villages and cafes to paint and sketch
Pool and wild swimming in the lake
Acommodation...sharing a twin room en suite or a dorm at
reduced prices or large master suite with bath (perfect for couples.)
Scheduled minibus transfer from/to Toulouse airport

Please note: air fares and train fares not included

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SCHEDULE

Day One : Arrival

When you arrive at The Canard Sauvage, settle into your room, then meet the group and your tutors Ann Gardner and Johnny Marsh for drinks in front of the fire. This will be a chance to get to know everyone, followed by a delicious three course supper with local wine and cheese.

Day Two : Still Life with Johnny Marsh

It it’s not raining Johnny Marsh will take you out for a ramble in the beautiful woods where you can collect natural objects, to bring back to the studio to draw and paint. There will also be a seasonal selection of fruit, flowers, foliage and objects so you can set up your own still life…

Day Three & Four : Portrait Painting with Ann Gardner

Ann Gardner will be your art tutor for the next two days, guiding you expertly in the art of portraiture, with a live model.

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9.00am / 10.00 am : BREAKFAST

Your day will start with a leisurely French breakfast and coffee.

10.00am / 1:00pm : PAINTING

1:30 pm / 2:30 pm : LUNCH

Lunch will be served every day in the cosy kitchen, or on the terrace by the pool, weather permitting!

2:30 pm / 5:00 pm : PAINTING

Once you have finished painting for the day at 5:00pm, there will be a group discussion.

7:00 pm : APÉRITIF & EVENING MEAL

Apéritifs… will be served every evening at 7pm followed by a delicious three course supper with wine at 8pm.