Moods of Minervois

6-10 September, 2017
​
Join us in our fourth Wildpainting course in the village of Bize-Minervois in the French Languedoc region.
New!
Immerse yourself in a natural environment that invites for opening all of the senses. Wildpainting sets off with using strong and vivid colours. It's about allowing oneself to paint in ways one may have never attempted before. Wildpainting aims to paint on locations that entice the senses. This time we opt for the month of September, when the air is filled with late summer warmth and scented with rosemary, sage and thyme. Around us the soft sounds of the rippling water of the river La Cesse, the crickets in the sycamore trees, or a distant lark, high in the sky above. And then suddenly, a mild evening breeze cooling your skin after painting for hours in the animated landscape.

Practical

Painting course

We will start painting on Wednesday morning, September 6. Participants arrive latest on Tuesday, September 5. The course will be taught in both English and Swedish by Jan van Boeckel.  Jan is an experienced Dutch artist and art teacher. All participants will receive personal tutorials as well. The fifth and last day of course teachings will be Sunday, September 10. Monday September 11, is for self-directed studies. The studio will be open and art materials will be available for those who want to make use of them. This day will also be the day where we exhibit our paintings. During the course week we will make excursions to surrounding medieval Cathar villages in the region and to local farmers' markets.

Course fee

The course fee is €650 and includes transfers from and to Beziers and Carcassonne airports or the train station in Narbonne. Excursions, warm lunch and snacks during the course days are also included, as well as the vernissage party on the final course day.

Lodging

Lodging is not included in the course price. There are several nice and price-worthy guest houses within short walking distance. It can be wise to be early with your bookings of flights, trains and accommodation, in order to get a good rate. Our host, Birgitta Elfström, can assist you with this.
We suggest the following accomodations: 

Lunch and wine tasting

A delicious warm lunch will be prepared by Luca & Ceciel, who's cooking and presence have become a highlight in the course. According to our host Birgitta they are a serious competition to local chefs. We aim to provide high quality meals that are reflective of the local region and culture. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform our host in advance.
During the course we will also have a special wine tasting session. 
Wildpainting in Bize-Minervois has become an annual event.
Take a look at the previous courses that took place in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Wildpainting in Bize-Minervois is also a group on Facebook!

Location

Our atelier is Flodhuset, the River House.
Host
Birgitta Elfström
Maison de la Rivière
4 Rue des Remparts
Bize-Minervois
Contact:
birgitta@live.se
+46 (0)70 787 9448

Travel options:
- Flight to Beziers or Carcassonne airport. There are also
good connections to/from the airports of Montpellier,
Toulouse, and even from Barcelona
- Train to Narbonne train station
- Car

Comments by former participants

Somehow I feel less controlled and more playful when I paint in stronger colours, I can let go. And I allow my ‘personal handwriting’ to grow, and the pictures develop to be much more expressive. I feel that I have finally found my own ‘language’ in how to paint.                                               Susan
Good tutorials, the theoretical and practical exercises go hand in hand. Good to have breaks, to reflect on the progress and to learn from each other. Good company! A quiet environment, relaxing. A good combination, with the yoga and the food.
                                                   Lisa
Good atmosphere. "Högt i tak", as we say in Sweden. The food - made painting even better!! Nice reviewing sessions.
                                                Karin
Painting course of five days
​in Bize-Minervois
€650
which includes:​
- art materials
- warm lunch and snacks
- excursions
- wine tasting
- vernissage party
- shuttle service from and to nearby airport or trainstation

not included:
- lodging
- breakfast and dinner
- travel to Southern France