Every Artist's Dream!

Be prepared for what I am about to tell you! Painting in Monet's Gardens is every painter's dream if you love flowers, gardens, French architecture and landscape. What better way to experience the life of this famous artist than to live in his village and actually paint in his gardens! I have been fortunate to have been twice to experience this. I am about to make you an offer you can't refuse!

Art Study (http://www.artstudy.com/) in Giverny is able to offer us a week of living in Giverny (see the photos above for the house, the sunny kitchen, and the artist studio) at a reduced rate in the early fall. You can read all about them via their website and see that the other workshop sessions are listed. This one would be early September. I have been during that time and the gardens are aglow with dahlias, sunflowers, nasturiums, and the waterlilies! This is THEIR season! I can't guarantee the weather, but it won't be summer and it isn't too cool yet. I remember being quite comfortable painting out. We will have daily access- yes! Daily access to the Gardens to paint!

I have met Cello Bennett and been to her house and toured the studio. I can tell you that she is a very gracious and accommodating hostess. She is carrying on the en plein air experience for artists after the passing of her husband, Gayle, in March of this year. IF you ever thought you would want to see Monet's Gardens and Home, paint the French countryside and small villages, live and eat the French way, and actually paint in Monet's Gardens, this is the time for you!

Because Cello is giving us a reduced rate which includes all meals prepared by our own French chef except 3 lunches and 2 dinners (which will be events in themselves)and includes ground transportation for our side trips to paint around in the area, she is asking that we respond with a YES or a strong MAYBE asap. The deadline I am setting is February 5 for you to respond to me (no deposit yet). I need to tell her we have 7 painters interested! And, you can bring your nonpainting spouse or friend or other! Just remind them that it is a quiet village where they can relax, read, walk, ride bicycles, take photographs, etc. Of course they are welcome with us anywhere we go too! She will give a 10% discount on that second person with you!

This week will be YOUR focus. Bring what you want to work in, Cello will provide easels and turp for work in oils, watercolors or acrylics. I will offer as much or as little direction as you want. Take tons of photos. This is a chance of a lifetime for you as an artist or if you know an artist who might be interested, please tell them to contact me! I know the economy is all we hear about, but it isn't going to get any cheaper and this opportunity may not be offered again and for some of us, we ain't gettin' any younger! ;>)

Email me at: Durindacheek@gmail.com if you are thinking about it, have questions, etc before the deadline of February 5. Feel free to pass this information on to your art groups and friends. I am sure no painter will want to miss out on living every artist's dream!

Dreaming in French!

Durinda