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.
What's included
Not included
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:
The 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.
Swedish painter Nick Alm has received numerous international honors and awards, such as the "Exceptional Merit Award" from the Portrait Society of America, the First Place Prize in ARC's international salon, and two William Bouguereau Awards.
From London, Florence, and Barcelona to Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and New York, Alm's paintings have been widely exhibited since 2008.
Klassic Magazine named him "the Rembrandt of the 21st century".
"I aim to communicate what is inherently and universally human, transcending cultural codes and trends. It's not my goal to criticize society; instead, my work addresses itself primarily to the inner world of the individual." (Nick Alm)
For more information, visit Nick Alm's website or follow him on Instagram @nickalmart
During the painting retreat with artist Nick Alm, you will stay at Domaine d'En Naudet, an elegant private estate set on the hills of Tarn, the "Petite Toscane" in the South of France. Providing stunning views over the French countryside, Domaine d'En Naudet finds itself in a tranquil setting, surrounded only by captivating endless fields. The 5-acre property consists of the main house, a large guesthouse, the watch tower, a spacious reconverted barn, a saltwater swimming pool, Jacuzzi and hot tub, plus terraces and gardens. Classes can be carried out indoors, in one of the large rooms generally used for workshops or in the spacious reconverted barn with high ceilings. Weather permitting, courses and workshops are also held in the shaded gardens.
During the painting retreat with artist Nick Alm, you will enjoy scrumptious meals inspired by the Occitan and western cuisines. Freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, all meals are included except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Albi. Cocktails and canapés are served with the welcome and farewell dinners. Water, coffee and tea are available throughout the day and some of the best wine in the region will be paired with the three-course gourmet dinners.
The painting retreat with artist Nick Alm takes place at Domaine d'En Naudet, a delightful 5 acres property located among the "Petite Toscane" countryside of Teyssode, a beautiful village in the Tarn department of Occitanie in the South of France. The retreat venue is conveniently close to Albi and Toulouse.
How to get there:
The retreat venue is located approximately a 52 minutes' drive from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and a 49 minutes' drive from Toulouse Matabiau train station, the main train station in Toulouse that has a direct connection with Paris.
Is this retreat available to all levels?
The painting retreat with artist Nick Alm is open to all levels. Whether you're a professional artist or a complete beginner, the tuition will be adapted to every individual participant.
When is the painting retreat available?
The retreat takes place between May 28 - June 4, 2022.
Are there any check-in and check-out hours?
Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 03:30 p.m. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes.
I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?
Yes. All diets are catered for if announced in advance.
How do I get to the retreat venue?
The retreat venue is located approximately a 52 minutes' drive from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and a 49 minutes' drive from Toulouse Matabiau train station, the main train station in Toulouse that has a direct connection with Paris. Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included.
What should I pack?
Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.
What art supplies do I need for the workshop?
A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Nick Alm will be provided upon booking, once the retreat becomes guaranteed. Nick will perform live demonstrations in watercolor and offer one-on-one tuition throughout the retreat. Participants may choose to paint in their preferred medium.
What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in late May, early June?
The weather in Teyssode is sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 26°C / 79°F during the day that drop to around 15°C / 59°F at night.
How many people are to be expected on the painting retreat?
Maximum 15 participants.
Do I need a visa?
Guests traveling from the US, Canada, UK, EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter France for tourist purposes without a visa. Please contact us for further guidance.
Are there any age restrictions?
No restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.
What language is used during the painting workshop and other activities?
The retreat is available in English.
Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?
Unfortunately, the retreat venue is not well suited to host people with limited mobility.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.
Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?
UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artist or by UpTrek?
If the retreat is canceled due to COVID-19, other force majeure events, or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or artist Nick Alm's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.
What happens if the retreat takes place but I cannot attend due to COVID-19?
If the retreat takes place, but you cannot attend due to Covid related circumstances outside your control, please notify us as early as possible and UpTrek will refund the total cost of the retreat.