The Grape, the Grotto and the Gardens of Languedoc

An Artist’s Retreat in Southern France
With artists Suzanne Jenne and Dayle Doroshow

At La Cascade Retreat Center in Southern France

July 6 - 13, 2018

Join us in southern France for a week of art-making, wonderful food, inspirational field trips and new friendships.  Our journey begins with a nod to the pastoral scenes of this French countryside where fields of sunflowers astound. We’ll wend our way through garden tours where unique floral varieties create lush inspiring landscapes. We’ll explore the beautiful Languedoc region, a well-kept secret with many medieval villages, artists, markets and fairs, which we will draw upon for inspiration and ephemera gathering. The landscapes, culture, wines and food of the Languedoc region conspire to make it an incomparable place for adventure!

A field of sunflowers in Southern France, the ultimate garden!

Each day we'll devote studio time to create floral abstract and landscape paintings, jewelry and altered books; all inspired by nature. We’ll use nature’s bounty, floral textile designs from around the world and our imagination to create beautifully shaped flower and foliage beads, brooches and pendants with polymer clay. You’ll also incorporate fabric, metal parts, wire, and personal treasures. Another incomparable experience will be the Wine Tasting and Painting afternoon we’ll have with a lovely market meal prepared by our personal chef!  Imagine the sound of the waterfall as you paint and taste local wines!  During studio time each day, we’ll  paint on our grotto-like terrace overlooking the waterfall and fig trees or work in the perfect atelier where the hush of the river and the church bells hypnotize, allowing you to find peace and artistic expression.  The normal pace of hectic life seems very far away in our little hamlet where life is slower, perhaps the way it was when the Romans, the Cathars and the Martineurs (coppersmiths) of the Middle Ages lived here.  You’ll have  a chance to explore the legends, the ruins and the copper pots of the village. Or you can take the beautiful morning walk through the woods and farm fields to the bakery in the next village for our daily baguette and handmade pastries.

Berries at the local outdoor market, a fixture since the 1400's.

We'll have mini lectures each day regarding various subjects such as local French wines, culture, garden living, photographic composition, Languedoc legends and the woad flower, used to make the elegant blue dye that graces local handmade sweaters, scarves, coverlets and other collectibles. We’ll shop a bit at the ateliers of village artists.  You’ll also have a chance to participate in a silk scarf painting class with a renowned local painter.  Planned field trips include the Jardin des Martels near Gaillac, the Palais et Jardin de la Berbie in Albi and other inspirational landscapes where we can sketch, picnic, photograph and enjoy the bliss and bounty of this ancient land.

Jardins des Martels

We'll have a chance to connect with local artists, take gentle walks, enjoy the village café and experience the serenity of the slow life.  Spend time at local markets and flea markets to experience the abundance of summer from the French terrain and pick up antique treasures to use in our art!.

The Palais and Jardins de la Place de la Bergie

Flea market treasures from the studio of Sharon Payne Bolton

Our week is designed to be stimulating and thoughtful, rich with experiences that will inform your art. You do not need to be a seasoned artist to join us! Come and connect with your creative self in this beautiful, historic hamlet where the river flows and life becomes simpler.

Our "grotto" where we dine and paint; it overlooks the waterfall!

The Workshop: Instructed Studio time, delightful field trips to artist studios, villages, flea markets, chateaux, village events and Open Studio each night.

La Cascade, the waterfall behind the house!

We’ll be based at the retreat center La Cascade, a beautifully restored stone house in the village of Durfort, one hour east of Toulouse. Durfort has been making copper ware since the Middle Ages. Our personal chef will provide delectable French meals for our pleasure and we'll enjoy lovely local wines that most would never hear about, let alone taste!

Serene bedroom overlooking the river

La Cascade: Bedrooms are double occupancy (two twin beds) with shared bathrooms. The art studio is located on the third floor and is available to work 24/7. Living room, dining room and a large outside terrace that goes down to the river are part of our home.

Our Atelier studio space!

Workshop price of $2750 includes:

• Seven nights lodging at La Cascade-double occupancy
• Inspiring excursions

• All breakfasts, and most lunches and dinners
• Workshop instruction and many supplies

Your deposit of $500 will secure your spot. The balance is due Feb 1, 2018.

Chateau Comtal, near Carcassone

Suzanne Jenne is an award-winning painter and mixed media artist who has been creating for over 20 years.  She lives in Colorado and has produced and participated in scores of art shows and creative events.   She has a passion for nature, food, wine and French culture, especially after living in the South of France 35 years ago.  Suzanne’s workshops are lively, fun and insightful.  Participants receive support to be innovative and productive in their approach to art-making, using new materials and creative methods, whether it’s for the first time, or whether they are experienced artists!www.suzannejenne.com.

Dayle Doroshow is a mixed media/polymer clay artist and owner of design studio ZINGARO, Stamp of Distinction. She trained in traditional ceramics in NYC and sold her pottery there. She has been featured in several books on polymer clay, alternative photography and collage. Her jewelry, home décor, handmade books  and art dolls can be found in galleries and art shows. She teaches extensively throughout the U.S. and enjoys the shared creative experience that happens during class!  www.dayledoroshow.com.

 

 

REGISTRATION

The Grape, the Grotto and the Gardens of
Langeudoc France

Name ________________________________________Date_____________

Address______________________________City__________State______Zip___

Home Phone_____________WorkPhone_______________Email_______________

$500 deposit to reserve my space.  Final Payment due by February 1, 2018

Registration is limited to 8 participants. Participants will be mailed a registration packet with detailed itinerary and information to plan your trip.

To reserve your place please make check payable to:

 

 

 

---

© Suzanne Jenne Designs, All Rights Reserved