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.
