JANE RILES
PAINTING WORKSHOP
DORDOGNE,
FRANCE, SEPT. 2009
Once again, Jane Riles will
hold her annual painting workshop in the peaceful countryside of southwestern
France in the region called ÒPerigord in Dordogne.Ó Sunshine, heather, winding rivers, fall leaves and clear skies
will provide an inspirational setting for artistic endeavor in the charming 13th
century hamlet of Coulaures, near the market town of Perigieux. The verdant
hills and limestone cliffs of Dordogne are
topped with many chateaux. Jane and her students will have the exclusive use of
a large private chateau, the Chateau de Conty, and its extensive grounds. Build in the early 13th century;
the chateau has an entrance hall bigger than a small house, a large living rooms, formal dining room, farm-style kitchen
and many bedrooms and baths on the second floor. The chateau is 18 miles
northeast of Perigueux, 80 miles east of Bordeaux and within easy driving
distance of some of the highlights of Dordogne, including Sarlat, Rocamadour, Montignac, Brantome and the caves
at Lascaux, that date from prehistoric times. Dordogne is, of course, FranceÕs gastronomic heaven. Foie gras, truffles, walnuts and the golden wines of Bergerac are
regional specialties.
Two sessions of ten days
each in September 2009. Taking reservations now. (Just eight artists, at any
level, per session. $1000. per person, includes accommodations, instruction and
daily continental breakfast. 100
Euros per person to a ÒkittyÓ should cover our Òmeals-inÓ at the chateau. Choose
either 9/4 to 9/14/2009 or 9/15 to 9/24/2009) Call Jane Riles at 619
980-2179 or e mail to janeriles@aol.com
Below are scenes at the
chateau and surroundings.
The chateau at twilight Walnut mill at the chateau Painting the chateau
Painting inside the chateau Perigieux
Two views of Brantome The church just behind our chateau
The river town of Montignac The prehistoric caves at Lascaux
Cottages on the road to our chateau Rocamadour
The Dordogne River itself
SeptemberÕs workshop is
JaneÕs forth in Coulaures, Dordogne.
Last summer Jane held a workshop in Paris and in previous summers, one
near Nice and Vence and three summers in a chateau in Cannes. Jane also teaches
painting in her homes in San Diego and Fort Lauderdale. Naturally, Jane is
fluent in French and in French culture having lived in France for a decade. She
holds a PhD in Romance languages. Here are some comments from artists who attended her past
sessions in Dordogne at the Chateau de Conty:
ÒThank you so much for a treasured experienced.Ó
ÒJane, I want to tell you what a pleasure it was to be with you and get
to know about you while in France. You are a special person and your great
personality did so much to make our group so much fun.Ó
ÒThe best thing I learned by watching you was that I can paint
anything, anywhere at anytime and I donÕt have to fuss and waste time setting
up the perfect still life or scene.Ó
ÒPeople were painting all hours of the day and night. You could paint
before morning coffee or after the evening meal. You could paint in total
isolation with someone or enjoy a lesson with a group.Ó
ÒPainting in the French sunshine is a healing experience.Ó
ÒThe workshop was so well organized that everything feels spontaneous.Ó
ÒThe evening aperitif and dinner hour were eagerly anticipated, with
everyone taking turns cooking.Ó
ÒPlease accept a big thank you. I truly had the time of my life.Ó
ÒI made it home just fine. I put my paintings on the wall. I am proud
of them. I said good morning to all of you when I woke up this morning and I
remembered each of your voices answering me. Thank you for an awesome
experience. I had a GREAT time.Ó
ÒI have been painting since my return, having a great fun with it and
my work is much improved.Ó
CLICK BELOW for JaneÕs
painting site.