and paintingsfrom The Artist, art magazine
COTES DE GASCOGNE, JAMIE PETERS, watercolour
" Thick stone walls that once ensured wine remained at a constant temperature now keep painters cool in summer and warm in winter in the studio of Gascony Painting Holidays, south west France. Jamie Peters has converted an ancient 'chai' where wine was made, into a large studio with north lighting for his drawing workshops, a popular activity with local artists as well as holiday painters.
'Although we spend most of the time painting out of doors, I have found there is a big demand for drawing instruction,' he says. 'Many people copy photos and consequently lack the skills and confidence to deal with the three-dimensional world directly.'
Jamie has developed a set of exercises to improve observational drawing that are proving as popular with experienced painters as with the beginners for whom they were designed.
A former professional musician, Jamie has lived in Gascony for fourteen years and is often asked to play in village fêtes, giving painting guests a colourful taste of French rural life. His residential painting courses run from May to October. " The 'Artist' Magazine
'Marciac Garden' by Jackie Simmonds, well known painter and writer, painted on an art break at Grand Barbe, as featured in 'The Artist'.
Personal Reviews
'Thank you very much for yet another lovely week - as proof that I really enjoyed it I've alteady bought my train tickets for October!' J. L. Wesbury-on-Trym, Bristol
"Thank you Suzie for your hospitality. It was wonderful to share your home, lifestyle & great cooking for the week. Jamie, as far as the painting is concerned, I really did need a push in the right direction; many more thanks, I will 'look' and go for it ! .... how fortunate to have so much attention and help from you". Sue & Brian , Canterbury
"A great painting holiday, a truly wonderful 'get away from it all' gourmet and social experience with great art tuition. That wasn't meant to come last, it's just that the rest was such a bonus!" Gillian, Nr Ongar, Essex
"Thank you both for a really great holiday. I have a store of good memories of Suzie's delicious meals enjoyed under the plum tree of Jamie driving us to many a fabulous painting venue and of so many subjects on the 'doorstep' or in the kitchen! Thanks Jamie for your valued, constructive criticism and making it all such fun..."
S. M. Stamford Brook, London
"I just wanted to say thank you again for all you both did to give us such a wonderful holiday we really appreciated all the painting & drawing advice, the wonderful food & wine and not least the music! It was magical, and we both badly want to come back."
B. and L. Berriman, Tamworth-in-Arden
"Back into the swing of the working week and wishing I was back at Le Grand Barbe. I've imported the photographs I took of the various locations to my desktop, so I'm constantly reminded of sunlit avenues of trees and derelict barns whilst earning the pennies for my next visit.
Jamie - a big thank you for such an inspiring week - I felt my painting skills improved enough for me to continue with oils and develop much more with further practice. In fact on Friday we will be in Devon and I have an old barn lined up for an oil painting exercise this weekend.
Suzie - your hospitality and wonderful cooking were very much appreciated by Celia and myself. "
John Washington
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