Arrival
– Arrive in the afternoon and get settled into your room, then begin with a painting session.
– A 3-course dinner will be served in the evening!
Indulge in delicious food, local wines, delightful sights and individual art tuition on this 3 night painting holiday in France; master new skills in painting and art with a fantastic hands-on teacher who knows how to bring out the best in your work while you stay in a lovely rural French farmhouse!
Discover your full potential with a range of paints, time, inspiration and instruction on this 3 night / 4 day painting break in France. With trails, animals, an artisan workshop, night markets, local wines, and the finest foods, there is no end to what you can discover here, and what creation will come from it.
Your host on this creative holiday is the talented and welcoming Jo, whose experience covers all forms of art; from painting with different mediums, to art restoration, conservation, bookbinding, and art history. Her pride and passion is helping you find your inner creativity; at any level you may be at. For the beginner painter, she will help you find the medium right for you and your own unique voice, and for the more experienced, she can help you go to the next level with new materials and a new way to see things.
Jo’s philosophy is that she herself is learning every time she takes on a new group, and loves the interaction with like minded people. Learning is a big focus of her holiday, not just techniques and painting styles, but spiritually and emotionally. She has created an interactive holiday for students to learn from each other, bounce new ideas around, and share various painting techniques.
Option to add on extra tuition or have more free time to relax.
French farmhouse accommodation with swimming pool, gardens & terraces.
Home-cooked meals served daily and art supplies included.
Jo Gibbs is the host and tutor on her wonderful art holidays in South West France. In 2014, Jo moved to the Bordeaux wine region of Le Gironde and created her intimate and unique Chambre d'hôtes with her husband and two children, and offered internships to postgraduate conservation/art students. Jo has created the perfect environment to enjoy her art and the animals she keeps; offering the ideal setting for those looking for an oasis of beauty and creativity; let’s not forget the fine wines and delicious food of the Bordeaux region.
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
– After breakfast each day, there will be a morning session from 10am-12:30pm followed by a break for lunch
– Morning sessions will be a time for group discussion and experimenting with techniques, styles, and finding out exactly what you want to achieve
– Your afternoons will be free to continue your art, relax by the pool, go for a walk in the country or even add additional tuition time with Jo for an extra cost (this can be added during the booking process).
– Gorgeous 3 course dinners are either in the dining room or on the terraces at around 7:30pm
– Evenings after dinner are for you to enjoy at your leisure
– Thursday evenings throughout the summer, your hosts visit the local night market in Ste Foy La Grande where you can dance to live music and taste freshly cooked local food, beers and wines
– If your departure time allows, a visit to the famous Ste Foy Farmers Market on a Saturday morning is a must!
Jacqui Taylor
Wednesday 12th July, 2023
Painting and wine tasting in south of France (Le Peyrail) July 3rd-6th. After a long journey to Bergerac airport, I was met by my host Jo and from that moment I felt at ease. The accommodation was rustic, eclectic and comfortable, first time sleeping...
Painting and wine tasting in south of France (Le Peyrail) July 3rd-6th. After a long journey to Bergerac airport, I was met by my host Jo and from that moment I felt at ease. The accommodation was rustic, eclectic and comfortable, first time sleeping on a waterbed - so relaxing. At the house there was a ‘collection’ of animals, dogs, cats, hens, doves, horse, donkey, pigs and a baby blackbird. It all added to the experience. I have ‘dabbled’ in watercolours, Jo was attentive, sharing many techniques and the art sessions were personalised to what I needed to enhance my watercolours. Jo and her partner Stan prepared wonderful food and sitting out on the veranda, along with excellent wine and good company. Wine tasting was exceptional at a local vineyard, Nothing was too much for Jo and Stan, My only complaint - 3 nights is not enough!!
Read moreS Lee
Tuesday 22nd October, 2019
I had the best time learning new skills in watercolour in a fabulous location along with excellent service and teaching from Jo. I highly recommend this if you enjoy art, peace and quiet surrounded by nature (and animals) and enjoy wine on the side! ...
I had the best time learning new skills in watercolour in a fabulous location along with excellent service and teaching from Jo. I highly recommend this if you enjoy art, peace and quiet surrounded by nature (and animals) and enjoy wine on the side! The perfect combination for a relaxing time away.
Read moreD Sherman
Sunday 15th September, 2019
Had an amazing and memorable experience on this painting holiday last September. I'm from Canada and decided to do this solo trip, unsure of what to expect. Jo-Anne is a super-talented artist and great teacher who was very warm and welcoming. The pro...
Had an amazing and memorable experience on this painting holiday last September. I'm from Canada and decided to do this solo trip, unsure of what to expect. Jo-Anne is a super-talented artist and great teacher who was very warm and welcoming. The property was gorgeous, and very serene. Great setting that was both very calming and inspiring for me as a beginner painter. Jo tailored her lessons and the overall experience to meet my learning needs as well as show me a great time in Sainte Foy so I could get a taste of the great food, wine and culture of the region. I had an unforgettable experience and recommend this holiday to anyone who needs a tranquil getaway while connecting with their artistic side.
Read moreH Bowers
Wednesday 8th May, 2019
Set in a peaceful and inspiring location in a charming house. Jo and her partner are wonderful, generous hosts welcoming us wholeheartedly into their home. They kindly invited us to join them to meet their friends, giving us a special pan-European, c...
Set in a peaceful and inspiring location in a charming house. Jo and her partner are wonderful, generous hosts welcoming us wholeheartedly into their home. They kindly invited us to join them to meet their friends, giving us a special pan-European, cultural experience. Jo is an encouraging teacher.
Read moreJust 30 minutes from Bergerac airport, your cosy home away from home was originally owned by 18th century vine workers who resided in 3 stone cottages, and has now been beautifully converted.
Jo instructs in Watercolour and Acrylic techniques, also charcoal and graphite( pencil) for portraits and architecture. She’s always open to experimenting with all types of medium and that includes the substrate, Paper, Canvass, board or wood.
Nearest airports: Bergerac (30 minutes by car)
Bordeaux (1 hour to Sainte Foy La Grande Station by train)
Nearest train station:
Sainte Foy La Grande (10 minutes by car) – Free transfers from the train station is provided.