Painting in the Pyrenees: An Art Retreat
6 days in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Aspet, France
Fri 15th - Thurs 21st Sept 2023: SOLD OUT
Join me in this peaceful chalet in Aspet, France, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, to paint atmospheric landscapes, inspired by the surrounding snow-peaked mountains and forests.
Welcome to this art retreat in France. We’ll meet in Toulouse at 3.30pm will then drive an hour and a half to a small village in the Pyrenees and stay at this cosy and inviting B&B. There will be painting tuition both at the chalet and out on location and you’ll be inspired by the distant mountains and forests. We’ll venture out to visit the cathedral St Bertrand en Comminges and will visit the local market in Aspet. After five days in Aspet you’ll be dropped off once again in Toulouse at 12 noon, to explore the cultural delights the city has to offer on your own before your return journey
NB: Due to the way this chalet is set up, the accommodation options are shared suites only (two private interconnecting rooms and one bathroom per suite). It’s therefore most suited for two friends’ sharing or those who are happy to share a suite with one other.
NB: This workshop might not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Some walking uphill will be required when we venture into the foothills.
NB: It’s recommended that you book your own stay in Toulouse both before and after your retreat depending on your days/times of travel.
The Art Workshop: What you will learn:
You’ll enjoy 3 half days of art tuition with Heidi Laughton, plus time to explore your own practise with guidance.
(Heidi Laughton is a self-taught artist exhibiting in galleries in the UK, with a focus on abstract landscapes. See About for more info)
We’ll explore and sketch outside on location and will take inspiration from the beautiful scenery
You’ll be guided on how to paint abstract landscapes on paper, intuitively and impressionistically
We’ll learn how to be inspired by photographs and will reduce scenes into shapes and tones
We’ll learn to paint expressively and atmospherically, trying out several techniques including working with translucent layers and glazing
We’ll finish with a little display of works
The Accommodation:
Le Grand Chalet is a B&B in Aspet, France. Aspet is one and a quarter hours drive from Toulouse and has a train station (st Gaudens) which is 20 minutes away. It also lies about an hour from the Spanish border. Aspet offers a wide variety of sports including mountain bike trails for all levels and hiking routes through stunning landscapes. The area hosts several stages of the Tour de France each year and of course in the winter there is skiing.
Le Grand Chalet is comfortable and peaceful with a homely feel. The owner is Patsy, a delightful English lady from Bath, UK (who I know well) and we will be well looked after. All catering is included: breakfasts, teas and dinner. Once or twice we may eat out at a restaurant for lunch (not included). There is also a swimming pool at the chalet and its walking distance into the small village of Aspet. The chalet is surrounded by the snow covered peaks of the mountains and at certain times of year you can hear from the balconies, the distant rutting of the stags in the forests
NB: The chalet has stairs but no lift
The Suites:
There are 3 suites: The Isard Suite, The Pastou Suite and the Marmotte Suite. These suites are made up of two adjoining rooms, one double and one with two single beds (which could be pushed together) and one bathroom to share within each suite. (ie you would get a private room to sleep in, but you may have to walk through the other bedroom in your suite to get to the shared bathroom in your suite). The way this chalet is set up with shared suites, it may be most suitable in this instance, for two friend’s sharing or for people who don’t mind sharing a suite with one other. The bedrooms are very comfortable and the bathrooms are modern and clean.
What to Bring?
Please bring your own paints, brushes, mediums, sketch books, paper or small canvasses or panels.
Acrylics, inks or oils depending what your preferred media is. (I will send a more detailed art supplies suggestions list). Drawing boards will be provided.
Please bring an apron or suitable clothing for painting
Please bring a rucksack or something for carrying sketchbooks and paints to locations
I would suggest bringing a sun hat for shade while painting, sun glasses, a water bottle and all usual holiday items.
There is a swimming pool if the weather permits.
camera, phone or tablet for taking photos
Feel free to email me with any questions about what to bring. Please also read my blog article about travelling with art supplies
What’s included?
6 nights accommodation in the chalet in shared suites
Transport to and from Toulouse
Full-board catering at the chalet
A possible picnic out while on a walk
Art tuition by Heidi Laughton. Please note, my forte is atmospheric abstract landscapes using acrylics or oils (not watercolours). Please see my artworks for reference.
A day excursion to St Bertrand en Comminges Cathedral (with a stop to sketch the views)
What’s not included?
Flights
Your own travel insurance (strongly advised)
Lunches out at restaurants e.g at St Bertrand
Art supplies - please bring your own. Please bring paints, mediums, brushes and substrates. A suggestion list will be provided.
Accommodation in Toulouse for the first and last night.. It’s recommended you choose your own accommodation in Toulouse both before and after the retreat if you wish and depending on your flight times or onward journey.
Lunch and any meals in Toulouse
Itinerary
Friday: We’ll meet at 3.30pm in Toulouse and will be driven together to Aspet. All evenings are free for relaxation at the Chalet
Saturday: Morning: We’ll visit the market in Aspet in the morning. Afternoon: Introductory Art Tuition at the chalet with explorative art exercises
Sunday: Slow morning walk (optional) up a steep hill into the mountains for sketching and a picnic (weather dependent). Afternoon: Art Tuition at the chalet
Monday: Morning: Art Tuition at the chalet or at a Barn nearby. Afternoon walking or relaxation or free to paint
Tuesday: Day excursion to the Cathedral St Bertrand en Comminges. Lunch out (not included). We will sketch while out.
Wednesday: Free day for painting at own pace, with guidance. Small exhibition of works.
Thursday: Morning: Return transport to Toulouse. Arrive Toulouse at 12 noon. Free to explore the city on your own or start your onward journey.
NB: The itinerary is subject to change, based on weather conditions or what is deemed most appropriate for the guests at the time.
NB: If anyone would like to extend their holiday, they could stay longer to explore Toulouse, visit the towns of Albi or Carcassonne or even hire a car and drive to the Provence, or down to the coast near Narbonne or Pezenas. From Aspet you could even drive across the border into Spain, or drive to Lourdes in France, the place of pilgrimage. There are many sites and towns of interest to visit in that part of France.
Pricing
The price for this 6 day inclusive art retreat is (£UK):
£1250 per person
A deposit of £400 is required to confirm the booking. The full cost of the retreat must be paid in full by July 1st 2023.
Six participants are required for the retreat to happen (and deposits will be returned if the retreat is not filled). Max 7 participants
How to book:
Secure your place by paying a deposit of £400.
You’ll be required to pay for the full amount of the retreat by July 1st 2023.
Please email with any questions or request a zoom or WhatsApp call with me to chat it through before committing
Please read the full booking Booking Conditions carefully before making payments.
Painterly love from previous guests of Heidi’s art retreats:
If you can’t make the dates of this art retreat but are interested in hearing about future art holidays, please register your interest here and be sure to sign up to the newsletter:
Photos from the retreat in Sept 2023
