Family, Mother and Daughter, Betsy and Lindsey in Southern France
It’s a Family Affair at Workshops in France
You know that our experiences in France are so much more than mere travel.
So, what could make them even better? Bring a family member!
You would have so many stories to share for years to come. We love it when guests arrive with the important people in their lives as we know it will enrich their experience. We’ve had mothers and fathers with daughters and sons, grandparents and grandchildren, sisters, spouses, cousins up for an adventure, and naturally, significant others. Of course, coming with a friend is fun too, as your shared experience will fuel many an excursion in the future.
Want to create some family memories that will last?
Our instructed workshops and art retreats are a wonderful blend of artistic inspiration, education and fun as we also take time to introduce you to our favorite places. No matter where we are, be it France, Italy, or Scotland, you will not only paint in some spectacular spots, but also get a taste of the local culture, and experience some off-the-beaten-track gems. What would be better than to share this with a family member?
Family, Grandfather and Granddaughter, Dave and Kara enjoying Southern France. Dave below, dances for joy when painting in Cucuron. Kara above, at the same location.
Inspiring Generations: Kara and Dave, Granddaughter and Grandfather.
Kara and her grandfather Dave came to France with us to paint. They not only had a wonderful time with the group but also made some special memories, including seeing Dave dance for joy every time a brush stroke did what he wanted it to! It was a treat for everyone!
Later, Kara let us know this:
“We had a great time, and I am happy to report the trip truly inspired both of us. Dave has been painting every day since our return and I’ve started up in classes and weekend painting jaunts. Thanks again for everything!”
— Kara B.
Dave, resting in the garden at Cezanne’s Studio at Aix-en-Provence, and with his granddaughter, Kara dining out in Southern France.
Not All Family Who Travel Together Are Artists
Many of our family plus ones or their spouses happen to be non-painters. They will enjoy the experience equally as there is much to do for non-painting partners at Workshops in France. They go on all excursions as part of the WIF family. The workshops and art retreats are completely inclusive and when we paint they tend to explore…
Read our blog on what non-painting partners can expect.
Sherry and Katharine, Mother and Daughter!
On our last trip to Tuscany, we had 2 sets of families. Firstly, a charming family of four Brazilians arrived to enjoy the experience. Luciana brought her mother, her son and his fiancée. Her mother, Ana Lucia, got to make art with her grandson Bruno, and Molly, her future granddaughter-in-law. This entire trip, with its shared language of art, will be a memory that won’t be forgotten. Even though art making was quite new for some of the family, they embraced the challenge and took home original pieces that captured the time and place.
On the same retreat, another mother and daughter, Sherry and Katharine, who spent 10 days together in Italy and shared a memorable, happy and creative experience! Katharine said,
“I joined Workshops in France in Tuscany, thinking it would be a nice way to spend time with my mom and get some painting done. It was, but it was so much more. The trip was completely life-changing. I had indescribable experiences with fellow artists who see the world the way I do. Artists of all generations, from all over the world. Painting with them in breathtaking locations seemed to amplify the beauty. I was able to soak in the gorgeous locations, people, food, and experiences purely and completely. I have made lifelong friends. The Workshops in France team works hard to protect that time.
I will never forget the time we all ran up a hill of the vineyard to marvel at the moonlight!”
-Katharine
Families, Mother and Daughter, Sherry and Katharine in Tuscany
7 reasons why traveling with family on one of these adventures is awesome!
1. You will build memories that you can share.
2.Your bond will be strengthened through your shared experiences.
3. You will learn things about each other you never knew.
4. Traveling with someone is always much more rewarding.
5. You will build a travel foundation once you go on a journey together for the first time, you’ll know how amazing it can be and will want to do it again and again.
6. You might see a fun side of your family member you never saw before.
7. Discounts, baby!
Family, Cousins attending the Carol Marine workshop together in France.
Families, Mother and Daughter, Betsy and Lindsey in Southern France
Keep in mind that we have a friends and family discount on all our art retreats — and if you bring a non-painting partner or friend to an instructed workshop, there’s a discount for that.
Want to know more? Contact us at info@workshopsinfrance.com
Blogger: Shirley Hambrick
Shirley Hambrick is an award-winning stained-glass artist and painter. She has lived in Scotland, Spain and the USA. Shirley is part of the Workshops in France team and attended over 30 of these trips. She writes about her adventures.
Being Scottish, she was trained at Edinburgh College of Art and Design. Shirley teaches in the West Virginia area and you can some of her beautiful work here.
If you are curious about the other activities we offer non-painters and artists alike you should read Non-Painters at Workshops and Art Retreats. We also explore the region and go to places like Les Baux where Vincent van Gogh’s works were projected up to 30ft tall in Tech, Art and a Starry Night, and the quintessential open-air market experience of the vide-grenier, French for flea market – or an authentic treasure trove for us in Soup Tureen or Chamber Pot?
Check out more blogs about art workshops, tips and hacks for artists traveling in France and Scotland.
Do you measure up?
Does the idea of coming to an art retreat scare you? Over the years we have heard people say that when they first came to one of our workshops or retreats that they were nervous. Their nervousness stemmed from things like flying, traveling alone, and the general...
Tim Horn Workshop in France
Tim Horn’s plein air workshop in Provence is at our château near Avignon. Tim Horn is an internationally admired and collected artist who specializes in landscapes, rural scenes and man-made objects, including cars. Most of all, he is a painter of light.
Traveling with Art Supplies
The Workshops in France team has taken the mystery out of traveling with art supplies. The TSA has imposed rules about traveling with all kinds of things, including paints. Every now and again, your bag might be the one that is chosen for a random search, but if you do as we do, you shouldn’t encounter any problems.
