Previous retreats – Dominique Sutton

In the Footsteps of Matisse at the Villa Le Reve, South of France.

In the Footsteps of Matisse at the Villa Le Reve, South of France.

22-29th June 2019

Hello my fellow adventurers,

We have such a great trip planned with wonderfull excursions.. Your itinerary includes antique markets, galleries and visits to breathtaking hilltop villages, and lots of painting. The Villa Le Reve is set up as an Artists residence. It is simple comfort with a relaxed friendly atmosphere. We have a wonderfull french chef, Brigitte who caters to all our needs. Guests from across the world have joined Atelier by Dominique Sutton in France, Africa and Australia including painters, photographers, writers, and sculptors, with plenty to do for non-painting partners too.

So who am I

I am Dominique Sutton and I will be your tutor and guide. I am an artist and have extensive teaching experience. I have hosted and taught many workshops and retreats so you are in good hands. Please visit www.dominiquesutton.com for more information.

Itinerary

Day 1- Sat 22nd June 2019

Meet and greet on the morning of the 22nd of June at 10am in Nice (Hotel meeting point to be confirmed)
Arranged transport will collect everyone and proceed to the beautiful Musee Matisse to view masterpieces and works that were painted in the rooms and gardens of The Villa Le Reve. We will also visit the Musee Marc Chagall which houses the largest public collection of the Russian born artists seminal paintings of the old testament scenes.

Following a 40 minute drive to the Villa Le Reve and settling in, we will have a late lunch and warm up drawing in the gardens.

Day 2 Sunday- 23rd June 2019

The Day will be spent exploring and painting the surrounds under the expert guidance of Dominique Sutton

Day 3- Monday 24th June 2019

In the morning we will visit the old antique markets of Nice with lunch in the old town and a walk up to the castle rock and the view of Angel Bay. ( Bring your swimmers)

Day 4- Tuesday 25th June 2019

Drawing and painting with a model at the Villa le Reve. Afternoon free.

Day 5- Wednesday 26th June 2019

Day trip to the gorgeous St Paul de Vence to visit the Maeght Foundation of contemporary art. The Maeght foundation is already famous for its architecture and gardens; it is also home to one of Europe’s richest collections of modern and contemporary art. Lunch at the famous Colom’Dor where Picassso and Leger used to dine.

Day 6- Thursday 27th June 2019

Today we will visit the very beautiful Matisse chapel. In the morning the sun shines through the stained glass windows illuminating Matisse’s work. He called this his masterpiece. After the chapel we can wander down into the old town where Dominique will guide you in walking drawing where we will sketch until a late lunch at the Villa.

Day 7- Friday 28th June 2019

Final day of painting in the area.

Day 8 – Saturday 29th June 2019

Depart at 9.30 to Nice by minibus.

Materials list.

There are three art stores in Vence that stock everything. I recommend:

A good sketchbook, watercolour block A water colour/gouache wheel,
Your favourite brushes,
Rags

Water brushes -these are small plastic brushes that you can fill with water, great for walking and painting out and about.

Acrylics are probably easiest as they are faster drying. The aim of the retreat is to make lots of notes, sketches and small paintings to use as a reference when you get home. Saying that feel free to paint on big canvases as everything can be rolled and posted.

If you prefer to paint in oils ….

They will not let you take oil paints through in hand luggage and I wouldn’t recommend telling them you have them in your checked luggage as some airlines will confiscate them. Black ink and odourless solvent can be purchased in Nice or Vence.

I put everything in a clear tupper ware box as you can use the lid as a palette and it keeps everything secure in your luggage.

Don’t worry too much about bringing materials as everything is available locally.

Catering and accommodation

The accomodation is clean and simple. Each room has a shower and a sink. There are toilets situated next to most of the rooms.

We have a wonderful chef Brigitte who will cater to all your needs. If you have dietary requirements please inform me so she can prepare a suitable menu. I will send out a reminder in May. All meals in the villa are catered for. There will be a few days where will go out for lunch in Vence and at the Colombe d’or www.la-colombe-dor.com in St Paul de Vence.

There are two art studios but we will be mostly painting outside in Matisse’s beautiful gardens. Easels, tables and boards are provided.

There are outdoor umbrellas but please don’t forget to bring a hat as it can get hot.

The beach is a quick bus trip down the hill if you would like to swim.

Dominique Sutton In Previous retreats

Painting the desert- West McDonnell Ranges

Art adventure to the Northern Territory – Mc Donnell Ranges.

Dates: 8th May – 13th May.

This is an exclusive opportunity to spend six days of full creative immersion in the central desert exploring the MacDonnell Ranges. We will be responding to this spectacular, rugged landscape through drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and writing. You don’t need any experience and you can approach the workshop anyway you choose. I will be on hand guiding you through each step of the way.

Guests from across the world have joined Atelier by Dominique Sutton in France, Africa and Australia including painters, photographers, writers, and sculptors, with plenty to do for non-painting partners too.

So who am I

I am Dominique Sutton and I will be your tutor and guide. I am an artist and have extensive teaching experience. I have hosted and taught many workshops and retreats so you are in good hands.

MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory has always stood apart from the rest of Australia with its vast deserts, wetlands, monsoonal rains, red-rock gorges, and raging rivers spark the spirit of adventure in those who visit. These same natural features enabled the local aboriginal people to preserve their traditional way of life and learn about the fascinating culture of the tribes who have thrived on this rugged land for thousands of years. We will explore the wild, empty spaces of the Australian landscape and try to capture the spirit of the land rather than its physicality. We will look at the connection inspired by indigenous painting and storytelling. All that and the opportunity to paint, draw, sculpt, photograph and write your experience.

Workshop

We will be drawing and painting directly from nature – taking daily trips out to sacred sights, looking at how to address the vastness of the landscape, colour, space and composition. We will have a workshop with a traditional indigenous artist to help us understand the land and there will be daily talks and demonstrations. At night we will share and discuss the days endevor over a glass of wine in front of the fire under the stars.

Dominique Sutton In Previous retreats

Art Adventure to Satellite Island

Art adventure to Satellite Island

Dates: 31st August – 4th of September.

This is an exclusive opportunity to spend five days of full creative immersion on our very own Tasmanian Island. We will be responding to this spectacular, rugged landscape through drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and writing. You don’t need any experience and you can approach the workshop anyway you choose. I will be on hand guiding you through each step of the way.

So who am I

I am Dominique Sutton and I will be your tutor and guide. I am an artist and have extensive teaching experience. I have hosted and taught many workshops and retreats so you are in good hands.

Satellite Island.

There is so much or so little to do on Satellite Island. Sleep on the water’s edge at the Boathouse, shuck wild oysters off the rocks, dive for abalone and urchin, cast in a line from a deck chair on the jetty, feed the deer, watch the sunset across the Southern Ocean from Last Glimpse Point, see the Southern Lights, stargaze, light a fire on the pebble beach at Dreamy Bay, explore the island on foot, by kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board, enjoy a long lunch at the Boathouse with just the sound of the water lapping, take the rock shelf walk and collect wild oysters for lunch, fossick for shells, read a book on the Summer House deck, take a picnic to the top of the island with 360 degree views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, roll out a yoga mat at dawn on the Boathouse jetty and in winter sit in front of a crackling fire at the Summer House with amazing views of the snow capped world heritage Mt Hartz mountain range.

All that and the opportunity to paint, draw, sculpt, photograph and write your experience.

Previous retreats3

In the Footsteps of Matisse at the Villa Le Reve, South of France.

Painting the desert- West McDonnell Ranges

Art Adventure to Satellite Island