Pippa Howes  is a well known artist who now resides in southern France. Her Ability to teach art to all levels has been a great addition to Fontaine de Tarrieu and she has a great teaching style and technique which allows inexperienced artists to fell comfortable with how they approach their art.

Art Classes

Have you ever thought about going to Southern France and having an art class? Well now is your opportunity to have a wonderful time at the beautifully restored estate of Fontaine de Tarrieu in the Lot valley, and create some wonderful pieces of art.

This restored estate comprises eight large buildings with an art studio and gallery, its own private restaurant, a private gym, helipad, beautifully restored barns and gites, a large swimming pool and tennis court. The whole property is surrounded by woods, fields and orchards, making it an artist’s idyll in which to paint, draw or etch.

Art classes at Fontaine de Tarrieu are given by our resident professionals who are themselves well known artists and are currently exhibiting at various galleries in Europe. The classes cover oil painting and acrylic, to sketches, watercolours and live models. Courses vary from 2 days up to a full week of art, fun, food and wine.

A typical 2 day course will involve time spent in the studio learning and understanding the basic theory of colours, light, shade and how they interact. Still life and technical demonstrations will enhance your ability to improve your own artwork. The resident artists will demonstrate mixing colour directly onto canvas, building depth and perspective with layers of paint applied in a free impressionist style, or help you learn the basics of live model drawing.

Artists will spend time at various sites on the property visualizing landscapes and start to lay down their first paint on canvas. Instruction on how to use paint knives, hard edges and loose brushwork will be incorporated into the course.

At the end of the course we will be holding an informal exhibition evening whereby local artists will be selling their work. You are invited to the exhibition opening, where your work will be displayed alongside other artists. The evening will consist of wine and canapés and will be in the Gallery.

Our courses are fully inclusive and will provide accommodation in either twin rooms or double rooms. A breakfast is served with fresh croissants, fantastic coffee, yoghurt or just some cereals. Lunch is usually taken at about 12 noon and usually consists of local French dishes accompanied by wine and soft drinks. Evening meals are included in the price and can be a great way to unwind and relax on the terrace or in the orchard for outdoor dinner evenings.

All canvasses, pencils, paints are included in the course. Each guest will receive a welcome pack of their own personalized brushes which they make take home.

Prices below are quoted per person and are inclusive of room and board which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine and other beverages.

2 day course 585 euros

• All meals and wine

• Soft drinks tea and coffee

• All materials such as paints, canvass, sketching pads, pencils and brushes

• Individual gift pack of brushes to use or take home

• Inclusive of airport pickup from Toulouse/Bergerac

5 day course 1280 euros

• Inclusive of room and board

• Wine tasting trip to 3 vineyards

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Tea and coffee

• All materials such as paints, canvass, sketching pads, pencils and brushes

• Individual gift pack of brushes to use or take home

• Inclusive of airport pickup from Toulouse/Bergerac