Painting holidays

Now in our sixteenth year at Le Perchoir des Paons (the peacock’s roost) the objective is to offer a relaxing atmosphere with the emphasis on enjoyment. Groups are always small, with a maximum of 8 artists at one time; we also cater for non-painting partners at a reduced rate.

We are surrounded by stunning views and many of our guests simply want to take the opportunity to spend quality time painting and drawing in the extensive grounds around the house. Our fully equipped studio is always available for guests and on top of this we visit some of the charming villages and local sites nearby. Wind down after a day’s painting in our swimming pool or take a pleasant stroll around the attractive surrounding scenery.

For various reasons we will be running a limited number of holidays during 2020, the first two being in May as detailed below. Further dates will be announced in due course. Our courses are designed so that guests arrive during Sunday and get to know each other over an evening meal before the group work starts on Monday morning. They will then run through to Friday evening, with guests departing during Saturday (6 nights accommodation/5 days tuition). Additional days can be added if you wish to extend your stay to fit in with your travel arrangements.

Following last year’s successful week this year we will once again be dedicating a week in May to Pastels, with a course designed for both those that are new to them or to people who want to further develop existing skills - for more information click here .

The tutored groups will be for Mixed abilities and formally structured, with Susie, your tutor & host, on hand to provide guidance and advice. We can also offer workshops which are less formally structured, as they are primarily designed to enable you to work alongside - and interact with - likeminded people.

Tutored group brief

This course will suit both beginners and those with more experience who wish to explore and expand their drawing and painting techniques using a mixture of media including charcoal, graphite, oil and chalk pastels, watercolours, acrylics etc.

Susie aims to encourage you to develop your drawing abilities and enrich your visual skills helping to build confidence and knowledge, whilst experimenting with new techniques and materials.

Our intention is to provide a relaxed and comfortable environment, so that during your stay you can produce a body of work to take home and develop further.

What’s included

All our holidays include full board and lodging with Continental Breakfast, a light lunch, refreshments and a delicious home cooked evening meal with wine. On one evening we will visit a local restaurant for a meal, for which there will be a small additional cost (around €25-30 per head). Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements

Use of our beautiful and well equipped studio at anytime during your stay.

All basic materials and equipment will be provided within the cost of the holiday, however if you have particular favourite brushes or media please bring them along. If you are in doubt check with us first.

Additional materials (such as specialist pastel and water colour papers, acrylic boards, canvas boards etc) will be available to purchase during your stay with us if needed.

You will need to organise your own flights/transport to us but we can arrange pickups from airports/stations by prior arrangement for an additional charge. Our closest airports are Bergerac & Brive both about an hour away, Toulouse about 2 hours. Our nearest stations are Gourdon and Cahors, both within easy distance. If you choose to hire a car we will provide directions etc.

Any additional nights can be arranged at our normal Chambre d’Hotes rates.

Tutor & Host — Susie Home

Susie studied Fine-Art & Graphics at Ravensbourne & Croydon Art Colleges before taking up a career in Design & Production within the Publishing industry. Latterly she was Cover Design & Production Manager for Sage Publications, commissioning artists and designers having previously worked for many other Publishing companies. She is an experienced lecturer, having taught at London College of Printing and University College London as well as undertaking numerous overseas training projects.

Susie has a passion for drawing and loves helping people develop their skills.Before moving to France, from Kent, in October 2004 with husband Mike, she ran Art Clubs and workshops for adults and children as well as painting trips to France.

She works in various media regularly exhibiting and selling her work locally - she has also completed commissions in pastel, watercolours and line drawing. Susie is a Professional Associate member of the SAA (Society for All Artists) and runs a weekly art group for local people throughout the year.

If you would like to see some of her work have a look at her Website SUSIE HOME

Comments from some of our visitors

“I feel I arrived as a guest and am leaving as a friend! ” – SR June 2011

“Thank you for our third great painting holiday with you!” – R&C M September 2011

“ Fabulous – lovely location, superb hosts! Great food & my inner artistic ability release at last!! ” – ET September 2012

“Thank you for your kind hospitality. The past week has been most enjoyable. There has been a wonderful balance of art, good food and friendship. ” – BLG September 2013

“Had the BEST experience here, amazing hosts, fantastic food and so much inspiration for art. ” – PG October 2015

“Such a great painting holiday! Over too soon!!!" ” – GM july 2016

“Susies instruction and encouragement were second to none and I feel I have made huge steps with painting. ” – MH September 2016

“My third time and just as enjoyable with excellent tuition, food and company ” – GM October 2016

“A wonderful week with great art, food & company. A perfect place to switch off and re-charge ” – JL June 2018

Art Course dates for 2020

Notes

• The rates above are per person and include Bed, Breakfast, Light lunch and Evening meal, with the exception of one evening meal which will be in a local restaurant and cost around €25 per head.

• We do not charge a single supplement however two guests sharing a twin bedded room will be given a 12.5% discount.

• Non-painting partners sharing a room will be given a 30% discount.

• We will require a 25% deposit on booking your course with the balance to be paid no later than six weeks before your arrival.

• For your convenience the materials and equipment that you will need during the week are provided within the cost of the holiday.

• If the dates listed don’t suit please do not hesitate to contact us as we may be able to meet your requirements. Le Perchoir des Paons is our home so we are resident throughout the year.

• Group Discounts are available for 4 or more people booking together – please contact us to discuss.

• Our facilities are also available for groups who do not require the input of our tutors – for example if a tutor wished to organise their own group to accompany them. Please contact us to discuss.

Please note that we can also offer tailormade holidays for those who have limited time to spare, if you have some specific date requirements, or if you’re an Art Group with your own tutor - please contact us, we will always be happy to try and accommodate your needs.