# Painting Retreat with Artist Nick Alm in the South of France Join artist Nick Alm on a painting retreat in the bright and stunning South of France. Explore a variety of techniques, materials and topics and receive one-on-one tuition throughout the retreat. Discover the medieval city of Albi, birthplace of painter Toulouse-Lautrec, get inspired by one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in France, and enjoy a delectable wine tasting at a 16th century chateau. Stay at a delightful private estate and indulge in gourmet, chef-made meals washed down with some of the best wine the region has to offer. ## Details - **Dates:** May 28 - June 4, 2022 - **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France - **Starting Price:** $3,350 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Painting in the South of France Join artist Nick Alm for a week of painting in the South of France. Nick will perform live demonstrations in watercolor and offer one-on-one tuition throughout the retreat. Guests may paint in the medium of their choice: watercolors, acrylics, or oils.Nick will be focusing on a variety of techniques, materials and topics, including:portraiturelandscapecontrol of the mediumlightdrawingcolorcompositioninterpreting what you see and making decisionsThe painting retreat is open to all levels. Whether you're a professional artist or a complete beginner, the tuition will be adapted to every individual participant.In addition to painting alongside Nick every day, you’ll also have the relaxing afternoons to ask further questions and share your experiences with fellow creatives over a glass of wine. ### Day 1: Arrival Get transferred from Toulouse airport and meet artist Nick Alm and the rest of the art group at Domaine d'En Naudet. Settle in, recharge after the flight and take a tour of the delightful five acres private estate. Discuss the week ahead with Nick Alm and your fellow retreat participants over cocktails and canapés, then enjoy a three-course welcome dinner served with delectable French wines. ### Day 2: Painting at d'En Naudet Portrait/ FigureOn your first painting day, you will stay at Domaine d'En Naudet, drawing and painting either indoors, in the living rooms or spacious barn with high ceilings, or en plein air, on the terrace or in the lush gardens of the estate. Nick Alm will begin by introducing you to the art of portraiture and figure painting with a demonstration. He will explain the challenges of the set up and some techniques to employ. You can paint alongside him or just watch and ask questions. Take a short break to indulge in a delicious lunch served on the terrace and resume your art classes or relax by the refreshing saltwater pool. ### Day 3: Trip to Albi After breakfast at d'En Naudet, embark on a full-day trip to the medieval city of Albi, the birthplace of painter Toulouse-Lautrec. Recognizable by its trademark arched bridge, Albi amazes with beautifully preserved gothic architecture. Explore the old city center on the south bank of river Tarn, stop for impromptu sketchbook sessions, discover the covered market and monumental Gothic buildings, visit Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, or go shopping. You will get transferred to d'En Naudet in time for a lovely three-course dinner washed down with local wine. ### Day 4: Jardins des Martels Landscape/ FlowersAfter a delicious French breakfast, go on a lovely painting trip to Jardins des Martels, a stunning floral park that was listed among the most beautiful in France. Set over 3.5 hectares, the garden hosts over 2,500 varieties of flowers and plants. You will get to explore the mesmerizing botanical garden and sketch in a quiet and inspiring corner. You will get transferred back to the retreat venue for lunch and resume your painting classes until dinner. Alm will be with you the whole time giving tips and feedback. ### Day 5: Painting at d'En Naudet Portrait/ Figure/ LandscapeBy now you have attained some deeper understanding of painting plein air. You can choose to remain at the venue to continue your painting classes on the premises or explore the surrounding countryside, sketching and painting from the landscape. Alm will be painting the figure at the venue as well as giving you personal advice and tuition. Get back to d'En Naudet for lunch and take the rest of the day to rest, enjoy the gardens and the pool or continue working on your paintings. ### Day 6: Château Lastours visit LandscapeAfter a hearty breakfast at the estate, dive into your morning painting classes until lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Château Lastours, a family-owned estate specialized in creating high-quality wines. Visit the 16th century chateau and its gardens, go on a guided tour of the cellar, and take part in a delectable wine tasting. Get transferred back to d'En Naudet in time for dinner. ### Day 7: Painting at d'En Naudet Portrait/ FigureSpend the day at the venue to continue your painting classes with artist Nick Alm and add the finishing touches to your work. Admire each other's work over cocktails and canapés and enjoy a scrumptious farewell dinner with the group. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast and get ready for your transfer to Toulouse airport. ## Instructors - **Nick Alm** - Painter ## Accommodation ### Domaine d'En Naudet ### Shared standard room ### Shared superior rooms ### Single rooms with shared bathroom ### Single ensuite rooms ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/painting-retreat-artist-nick-alm-occitanie-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/painting-retreat-artist-nick-alm-occitanie-france) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*