# Portrait Painting Retreat with Artist Elly Smallwood in the South of France

Join artist Elly Smallwood for a week of painting in the South of France. Elly will perform live demonstrations in acrylics and offer one-on-one tuition throughout the retreat. Visit a 16th century chateau, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in France, and the medieval city of Albi, birthplace of painter Toulouse-Lautrec. Stay at a stunning private estate and indulge in gourmet, chef-made meals and delectable French wines.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 21 - 28, 2022
- **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France
- **Starting Price:** $3,950
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Portraiture retreat in the South of France
Join artist Elly Smallwood for a week of painting in the South of France. Elly will perform live demonstrations in acrylics and offer one-on-one tuition throughout the retreat. We will be learning how to draw and paint the face with acrylics, in a variety of scales, from photos and from life. Students of all skill levels - from beginners to those with lots of experience are welcome! Every step of the process will be covered and there will be lots of individual assistance and guidance. There will be a focus on using the anatomy of the face and body to learn proportions, and learning how to use large, loose brushstrokes to convey strong emotions. We will also be learning how to take our own reference photos, and Elly will help you come up with your own idea for a painting, take reference photos for it, and bring it to life on canvas. We will go over how to photograph your work and market your work, and many of the practical aspects of working as an artist. How to use charcoal to draw out our anatomy and proportions How to mix all of our colors using only the primary colorsUsing acrylic to paint the faceHow to keep our brushstrokes loose and convey emotionHow to keep our proportions correct in large scale paintings How to take our own dynamic reference photos and create a painting idea from scratch Practical business aspects of working in the art world In addition to painting alongside Elly every day, you'll also have plenty of time to relax, enjoy the stunning French countryside and share your experiences with fellow creatives over a glass of wine.

### Day 1: Arrival
Get transferred from Toulouse airport and meet artist Elly Smallwood and the rest of the art group at Domaine d'En Naudet. Settle in and recharge after the flight and take a tour of the delightful five acres property. Discuss the week ahead with 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
On your first painting day, you will stay at Domaine d'En Naudet, drawing and painting either indoors, in the living rooms or spacious reconverted barn with high ceilings, or en plein air, on the terrace or in the lush gardens of the estate.You will start your first portrait, Elly Smallwood will demonstrate on how to use charcoal to draw out the anatomy, then acrylic to paint the face.Take a short break to enjoy a delicious lunch served on the terrace and resume your art classes. Join the rest of the group for a three-course dinner put together by the in-house chef and indulge in some delectable local wine.

### Day 3: Painting at d'En Naudet
You will spend the entire day painting at the retreat venue. You will be joined by an art model and Elly Smallwood will show you how to paint the entire body and how to use anatomy to figure out proportions.

### Day 4: Jardins des Martels
After a delicious French breakfast at d'En Naudet, go on a lovely 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 paint in a quiet and inspiring corner.Elly will show you how to include backgrounds into your paintings of figures and you will paint each other from life.You will get transferred back to the retreat venue for lunch and continue working on your paintings until later in the afternoon. In the evening, join the art group for a three-course dinner and wine.

### Day 5: Painting in Albi
After breakfast at d'En Naudet, embark on a full-day trip to the medieval city of Albi, birthplace of painter Toulouse-Lautrec. Recognizable by its trademark arched bridge, Albi amazes with beautifully preserved gothic architecture. You can explore the old city center on the south bank of river Tarn, stop for impromptu sketching 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 take reference photos of each other and Elly Smallwood will show you how to compose a painting from scratch.You will get transferred to d'En Naudet in time for a lovely three-course dinner washed down with local wine.

### Day 6: Painting at d'En Naudet
Spend the day at Domaine d'En Naudet and continue your painting classes with artist Elly Smallwood. Start your own painting that you’ve composed from scratch using your own reference photos.

### Day 7: Château Lastours visit
After a hearty breakfast at the retreat venue, dive into your morning painting classes until lunch. Finish your painting and talk about art as business - marketing, gallery shows, the practical, business side of art.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 wine tasting.Get transferred to d'En Naudet, admire each other's work over cocktails and canapés, and enjoy a scrumptious farewell dinner with the group.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast together and get ready for your transfer to Toulouse airport.

## Instructors

- **Elly Smallwood** - Artist

## Accommodation

### Domaine d'En Naudet

### Shared twin / double rooms

### Private double rooms

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/portrait-painting-retreat-artist-elly-smallwood-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/portrait-painting-retreat-artist-elly-smallwood-france) to make a reservation.

*Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*