Workshops in France

Intimate setting in the heart of Bergerac’s Old Town.

Reserve your palette

Still Life Workshops in my Home.

Step into my home studio in the historic heart of old town Bergerac for six full days of dedicated oil painting, shopping, and l'art de vivre (the art of living).

We will kick off our week together with a champagne apéro on the first night to toast to our creative journey ahead. There will be two shopping days, one in a medieval town just a train ride away!

Throughout the week, you can focus entirely on your art—all high-quality painting supplies are fully provided. To keep your creative energy flowing, fresh coffee, drinks, and snacks are available daily. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, you will receive personalized guidance in an intimate, inspiring setting.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

  • The Evening: Enjoy a French apéritif with Champagne while you meet Kelly and fellow artists.

  • The Vibe: A relaxed, celebratory evening in old town Bergerac to unwind from your travels, connect with your creative community, and toast to the six days of experience ahead.

Day 2: Studio Set-Up & Composition Demonstration

  • The Morning: Settle into the studio and watch Kelly demonstrate how to set up a still life and block in the composition.

  • The Midday: Lunch on your own. You can eat at any of the charming restaurants within a few minutes' walk of Kelly's home in old town Bergerac.

  • The Afternoon: Step up to your own easel, arrange your elements, and begin your first composition with Kelly’s hands-on guidance.

Day 3: Sarlat Market Day Excursion

  • The Journey: Market day in Sarlat. We will go by train to the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat to enjoy their famous open-air market, lunch, and shopping.

  • The Experience: Take a break from the easels to gather fresh inspiration. We will wander through historic, honey-colored stone alleys, sample regional specialties, and enjoy a leisurely French lunch together.

Day 4: New Beginnings & Local Dining

  • The Morning: Set up a new still life and watch Kelly demonstrate in the studio, diving deeper into color choices and lighting.

  • The Midday: Lunch on your own. You can eat at any of the charming restaurants within a few minutes' walk of Kelly's home in old town Bergerac.

  • The Afternoon: Come back to the studio in the afternoon to paint your own new setup with one-on-one instruction.

Day 5: Deepening Your Practice & Independent Dining

  • The Morning: Continue with your second painting. Watch Kelly demonstrate advanced rendering, finishing techniques, and how to capture fine details in the studio.

  • The Midday: Lunch on your own. Take another opportunity to eat at any of the charming restaurants within a few minutes' walk of Kelly's home.

  • The Afternoon: Come back to the studio in the afternoon to paint, refine your still life, and receive tailored, one-on-one coaching.

Day 6: Bergerac Market & Sunset Farewell

  • The Morning: Immerse yourself in the local culture at Bergerac’s vibrant open market and explore the charming independent shops around the historic center.

  • The Midday: Gather together for a delicious, celebratory lunch in town to toast to our week of creativity.

  • The Evening: Celebrate the end of a magical week with a boat tour, drinks on the river, watching the sunset over the Dordogne.

  • The Morning: Au Revoir. Stop by for a hug and a coffee if you wish before you head off on your travels or your journey home.

Day 7: Farewell & Departure

What’s Included

  • All Art Supplies: Professional-grade oil painting materials are fully provided. Just bring yourself and an apron!

  • Expert Instruction: Personalized, small-group guidance and daily live demonstrations by Kelly.

  • Excursions & Travel: Round-trip train tickets to the medieval town of Sarlat and local boat tickets (subject to weather and boat company schedules).

  • Daily Hospitality: Unlimited coffee, tea, fresh water, and snacks available in the studio throughout the week.

What’s Not Included

  • Travel to Bergerac: Airfare, train connections, or car rentals. Most guests choose to fly into Bordeaux (BOD) or Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and take the train or drive to Kelly’s home in the heart of Old Town, Bergerac.

  • Travel Insurance: Baggage, accident, cancellation, or travel insurance. We strongly recommendpurchasing "cancel for any reason" insurance to protect your financial investment.

  • Meals & Drinks: Daily meals and alcoholic beverages (outside of our Day 1 Champagne welcome apéritif).

  • Art Shipping: Shipping your completed oil paintings back home. There is a convenient post office located just a short walk from the studio.

  • Personal Expenses: Passport or visa fees, telephone calls, and any independent shopping or souvenirs.

  • Optional Outings: Any extra tours, excursions, or transportation if you choose to roam off the official schedule.

  • Unspecified Items: Any other items or activities not explicitly listed as included.

  • Accommodation: Visit Airbnb or your favorite app to book a place in Old Town. I will send out a list of favorites very close to my home.

Cancellation Policy