Painting in beautiful Provence in the South of France in mid- June... what a wonderful experience this will be!

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Whether you are a seasoned artist... or you have never painted before and have always wanted to learn... join national award-winning artist and instructor Mary Erickson for a fabulous week of plein air painting!

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We'll spend an inspirational week painting in historic stone building villages and in the colorful countryside of Provence... including Saint-Rémy de Provence where Vincent van Gogh painted many of his most famous works.

Each day we'll feed our creative souls. There will be painting sessions in scenic Provence locations... Mary will provide  demonstrations in oils and gouache, and offer individual personal instruction designed to improve your painting skills and expand your art experience... should an artist want to paint in watercolor that's fine, however Mary will only be able to provide limited instruction to watercolor artists... seasoned artists are free to be on their own to paint and enjoy.

You will take home your plein air paintings along with many treasured memories of your South of France painting holiday & creative adventure.

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We'll explore the majestic splendor of Provence... take day trips through the rural Luberon Valley countryside to historic villages... tour UNESCO World Heritage sites.... enjoy delicious French Provencal cuisine and Côtes du Rhône wine.

We’ll be based for six nights in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, the charming medieval village located across the Rhône River from Avignon. Mary Erickson will lead painting sessions in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and in Avignon, the historic and preserved UNESCO World Heritage city that is the gateway city to Provence.

Plus, we'll take day trips to:

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• Provence's Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (France’s Most Beautiful Villages) - to paint in scenic locations personally-selected by Mary - i.e.:  Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Roussillon, Fontaine-de-Vauclaus, Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, Pernes les Fontaines.

• Gordes & Sénanque Abbey - The famous Provence hill-top village; and to the nearby Cistercian abbey, one of the most photographed and painted sites of Provence.

• Saint-Rémy de Provence & Carrieres des Lumieres - The classical Provence village where Vincent van Gogh painted many of his famous paintings; and we'll see the special 2022 "Venice, the Serenissima" art & music multimedia exhibit in a former quarry, which is unique in the world.

The trip includes many extras -- "golden hour" painting sessions with Mary... a welcome reception with Côtes du Rhône wines and hors d'oeuvres... French Provencal cooking class and meal with a celebrated chef... cocktail hour gatherings... and a gala farewell dinner with traditional French cuisine and local Côtes du Rhône wines.

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There will be personal free time for... added individual painting... visiting Avignon's Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénézet and Avignon Cathedral... wandering through Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon discovering their old world charm... shopping in outdoor markets and boutiques... relaxing at outdoor cafes... or to soaking up the Provence sunshine -Provence has over 300 days of sunshine a year!

Optional before breakfast group pleasure walks through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and along the Rhône River are organized for travelers who want some morning exercise before starting their vacation day.

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Non-painter friends and spouses of artists are welcome to join.