PAINTING HOLIDAYS & ARTISTS RETREAT

You have come to www.manzac.com, a website for three traditional, luxury self-catering holiday "gites" in the truly spectacular, peaceful and relaxing countryside of the Ariege in SW France.

Click here to return to the Home Page for more information on this special holiday location in SW France

The detailed programme of art holidays at Manzac d'en Bas for 2010 is at the bottom of this page - please scoll down and have a look!

But In Summary ....

Wed 5th - Wed 12th May : LINDA CADDY - Sketching and Watercolours

Tues 8th - Tues 15th June : CAROLE MASSEY - Watercolours, Acrylics and Pastels

Thurs 17th - Thurs 24th June : DAVID PORTEOUS - BUTLER - Oil Painting with a Palette Knife

Fri 25th June - Fri 2nd July : JANE DUKE - Watercolours and Portraiture

Sat 28th Aug - Sat 4th Sept : ANTHONY BARROW - Watercolours and/or Acrylics

Sun 5th - Sat 12th Sept : MAGGIE READ - Drawing and Watercolours

Wed 15th - Wed 22nd Sept : SUE DEIGHTON - Watercolours and Acrylics

Tues 23rd Sept - Fri 1st Oct : JANET BRADY and PETER DAVIES from BRAMBLES ART RETREAT : Multi Media

Sat 2nd - Sat 9th Oct : SUE TOWNSEND - Watercolours and Oils

Mon 11th - Mon 18th Oct : MARGO PULLMAN - Oils and Acrylics

The peacefulness and beauty of the surrounding countryside and the flexibility of the accommodation make Manzac the ideal location for specialist courses in any number of activities - painting, photography, writing, language courses, yoga retreats, walking and golfing holidays etc etc.

We would be delighted to welcome anyone who wishes to use Manzac D'en Bas as a location for a specialist course either as an instructor wishing to bring a party of students / clients or as a participant. Please contact us on 00335 61 60 71 17 or by e-mail for further information and our pricing structure for specialist courses.

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Specialist courses can take place any time outside the high season, ie during April, May, June, September and October which are often the best times to visit Manzac d’en Bas and the Ariege, as invariably, the weather is cooler and the countryside is at it’s most beautiful. Courses can start and finish on any day of the week, thus enabling participants to take advantage of cheaper mid week flights.


Due to the spacious nature of the accommodation and facilities, course participants are most welcome to bring their husbands / wives / partners with them who can then enjoy a relaxing holiday at Manzac with everything that it and the surrounding area has to offer.

Testimonials for Painting Courses held at Manzac d'en Bas

“We have been planning this trip for over a year and the reality has far surpassed whatever I could imagine! - Much more fun, much better painting, superb food and wine. Great company and conversation. I felt completely at home!” - the course tutor

"The best painting holiday we have been on by far" - Colin

“Thank you so much for a lovely holiday – you’ve looked after us so well, we’ve been able to concentrate on the painting which was so much appreciated. Wonderful place to relax and unwind.” - Sue

“The painting holiday has surpassed all expectation. The food delicious, the wine flowed and the laughter wonderful. I look forward to another time spent with you and your lovely family.” - Gill

"It could have been just another painting week but this one was special." - Geraldine

“Our painting holiday was super and set in such a delightful place. With many thanks to Giles and Louise for being perfect hosts.” - Valerie

"Thank you for all your energy, good spirits, creativity, hospitality, nurturing and support - lovely time with lovely people!" - Annette

"A true get-away-from-it-all and emersion in La France profonde" - Jane

"Difficult to know where to start when describing it as it was all of such a high standard. Giles and Louise are the perfect hosts making everyone welcome and at ease from the moment of arrival. The standard of accommodation and food were faultless and the location in this little known part of France is just delightful." - Colin

"This has to be one of the most relaxing places anywhere. Giles and Louise ... cannot do enough for their guests, definitely going that "one step more" to offer the ultimate service." - Frank

Click here to visit TRIP ADVISOR - a website for traveller reviews and opinions. Read what our guests have said about staying at Manzac d'en Bas

2010 PAINTING HOLIDAY COURSES AT MANZAC D'EN BAS

Here is the list of the painting holiday courses which are currently scheduled for 2010. They represent a selection which we hope will provide something for everyone - different media and different subject specialities.

If you are interested in attending one (or more) of these courses, please contact us for much more information, including prices, on 00335 61 60 71 17 or via e-mail on manzacgites@yahoo.com

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PAINTING HOLIDAY PRICES 2010

The prices for Painting Holidays at Manzac d'en Bas in 2010 are as follows

Price per person per week (7 days all included less two visits to local restaurants)

The all inclusive rate for these holidays will normally be between £700 and £800.

The food, accommodation and transport costs are payable in €€€ while the tutors payments are normally made in £££s

Please note, those participants who share a bedroom will each receive a 12% discount on their food, accommodation and transport costs.

Click here for access to a Currency Converter

THE 2010 PAINTING HOLIDAY TUTORS AND DATES

LINDA CADDY - Sketching and Painting

WEDNESDAY 5th MAY - WEDNESDAY 12th MAY 2010

Linda Caddy offers tuition in all aspects of painting and sketching.

“During the week we will use a variety of monochrome and coloured media - pencil, graphite, water-soluble charcoal, watercolour pencil, pen and ink as well as Watercolour painting. The emphasis, in both sketching and painting, will be on gaining skills and confidence in techniques and the use of colour.”

The course will suit beginners, improvers and beyond.

Linda Caddy is a trained teacher and has been teaching classes and workshops for several years. Her excellence in Teaching was recognised when she was awarded a special Further Education award for her Art tuition. Linda now runs a large number of sketching and painting days in the Cheshire countryside where she lives, as well as being a regular guest demonstrator at local art clubs. She runs several painting holidays each year in France, Spain and Italy.

Click here to contact Linda by e-mail

CAROLE MASSEY - Watercolours, Acrylics and Pastels

TUESDAY 8th JUNE - TUESDAY 15th JUNE 2010

For much more information on Carole and some examples of her work, please visit her website - www.carolemassey.com

Carole studied art at St Albans and Leicester before following a successful career as a commercial artist running her own design business.

She returned to her first love of painting initially gaining a reputation as a portrait painter. Her subjects have included members of the royal family and show business personalities, including Rolf Harris, the celebrated painter and TV star. Amongst several TV appearances Carole debuted with Rolf on the BBC’s ‘The Big Event’ which featured a giant reproduction of Constable’s "The Hay Wain."

Today Carole is a professional artist, popular tutor and demonstrator whose work is in private collections in Europe, the USA and the Far East. She is an accomplished all rounder working in watercolour, water soluble pencils, acrylics, pastel, water based oils and mixed media.

As a best selling author she has published teaching books on "Figures in Watercolour", "Water Soluble Pencils" and "Flowers in Acrylics", each in several languages (see publications page). She is a professional associate of the SAA and is a regular contributor to their "Paint" magazine.

Carole leads many courses in the UK at the popular locations Flatford Mill, Suffolk, for the Field Studies Council, West Norfolk Arts Centre, Norfolk, Earnley Concourse, Sussex and at the Watershed Studios, Essex. .

In 2009 she will lead painting holidays in Sardinia and Northern Italy, as well as her own popular breaks and painting holidays in Brittany where she now lives.

Click here to visit Carole's website

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DAVID PORTEOUS - BUTLER : Oil Painting with a Palette Knife

THURSDAY 17th JUNE - THURSDAY 24th JUNE 2010

David Porteous-Butler was born in North London in 1945 and his childhood was spent in and around Highgate. He settled in Suffolk in 1978.

David knew from a very early age that his purpose in life was to be an artist and he studied in London under the late Sir Kyffin Williams RA and Anthony Green RA before being offered a place at the Royal College of Art.

Unable to take up his place at the RCA for personal reasons, David spent some time working in the fashion business as a very successful designer. This period heightened his awareness of shape and form before he returned to his true vocation as a painter and sculptor.

David is truly a protégé of, and remained close to Sir Kyffin Williams RA until his death in 2006 He shares Kyffin's fundamental belief that drawing and draughtsmanship are a vital part of the artist’s craft.

His work reveals an honest and direct affinity with his subject that is driven by his love of the natural world.

Like his mentor, he has a passion for the vitality of the landscape and changing light around him. Suffolk provides much inspiration and the English countryside is a true love, although he has also worked extensively in Southern Europe including time in France and Italy. Working with a limited palette, he is always faithful to the truth in what he sees.

His portraits reveal the same integrity, and his sculptures, whether in bronze, stone or marble, are faithful to his belief in a natural and simple beauty in all things. They assume the life and presence of the subject matter, both in their execution and in how they relate to their surroundings.

David’s work is in collections in the UK, France, Italy and the USA. He regularly exhibits in and around the county.

For much more information on David and some examples of his work, please visit his website - www.pbart.co.uk

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JANE DUKE - Watercolours and Portraiture

FRIDAY 25th JUNE - FRIDAY 2nd JULY 2010

Jane Duke is a watercolour artist and portrait painter who is known for her fresh, vibrant paintings and her use of pure, clear colour. Her work has been bought and commissioned by private and corporate clients in the UK and abroad.

Jane is a popular tutor and demonstrator whose weekend workshops are often oversubscribed. Her sympathetic and encouraging approach gives great confidence to both beginners and improvers. She is a firm believer in breaking through the mystique and jargon that surrounds watercolour and sharing knowledge gained through experience.

This week at Manzac will include portraiture and still life work as well as painting the beautiful surroundings of the local area. Always the emphasis will be on keeping paintings fresh and bright. The small group size means that tuition can be tailored to suit the needs of the individual and no-one will be left out. All abilities are welcome and all materials and equipment are supplied.

For much more information on Jane, some examples of her work and to read some comments from past students, please visit her website - www.janeduke.com

Click here to visit Jane's website

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ANTHONY BARROW - Watercolours and/or Acrylics

SATURDAY 28th AUGUST - SATURDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2010

As well as being a professional artist Anthony runs his own watercolour, acrylic and oil painting classes, he provides demonstrations and workshops in the Lancashire and North Cheshire areas for private art organisations and still teaches part time for the Adult and Community Learning Sector.

Anthony does not like to produce work in any one particular style. He is forever experimenting with mediums and surfaces. His portraits for instance are not just about capturing a likeness but more about the spirit, what lies underneath, like a memory.
He prefers to work from life wherever possible or back in the studio from sketches and photographs. Each painting is an exploration, an exciting adventure whether it be figurative, landscape or abstract, the work changes as the process of painting progresses with each brush stroke, but for him there comes a point where his personal feelings, his history concerning the subject matter takes over that is the point when he believes he is creating something unique. He likes to use a variety of mediums -acrylic, oils, watercolours, pastels etc each process reveals different techniques and ways of representation, the surfaces and the tools he uses to apply the paint also have a profound effect on the image but spontaneity is his main ally. He cant spend too long over an artwork if he does he looses the initial excitement.


Anthony is a member of NAPA, the National Acrylic Painters Association and MIFL, Member of the Institute for Learning. He is predominantly a figurative painter with a prolific output, which often overflows into the disciplines of landscape, still life and abstract painting. Chiefly commissioned based his vast experience and natural talent for capturing the underlying character of his sitters have led to numerous projects, he has exhibited throughout the UK and has work in private collections across Europe and the USA.

In 2005 he won 1st prize in the prestigious Art of Love Exhibition at the Oxo Tower Wharf in London with his painting “The Others”
September 2007 he won the Daler Rowney best British painting category at the NAPA 23rd International Exhibition, held at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms in Shropshire.

Early in 2007 he was invited to appear in the BBC 2 program “Rolf on Lowry” a televised event where he worked alongside Rolf Harris in the reproduction of Lowry’s painting of ”Piccadilly Gardens” in Manchester.

More recently (2008) he was commissioned by Tote Sport to produce eight portraits of celebrities using the horsehair of the 2006 Grand National winner Numbersixvalverde. The finished paintings where exhibited at Aintree over the three days of the Grand National event they are now to be auctioned off to raise money for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Imagine Appeal.

In late 2008 he was 1st prize winner of the landscape/urban category at the SAA Artist of the Year Competition in Waterperry, Oxfordshire.
In 2009 he was the 1st prize winner in the figurative category of the SAA Artist of the Year award the work was exhibited at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

Click here to visit Anthony's website

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MAGGIE READ : Drawing & Watercolours

SUNDAY 5th SEPTEMBER - SUNDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2010

Maggie was trained at Surrey Institute of Art & Design where she studied Graphic Design and Illustration. She worked as a freelance illustrator for several years before having a family and re-launching her career as an Art Tutor in Adult Education. She continued to paint and accept commissions for portraits and illustrations. She is founder/leader of Pirbright Art Club in Surrey and regularly organises & runs exhibitions, outdoor painting days, workshops, holidays and private classes.

Experienced in teaching most media, Maggie's strengths are in pencil & charcoal drawing; watercolours; pen & wash and pastels. She is skilled in showing students how to acheive interesting compostion & prepare sketches for paintings. Her demonstrations are clear and colour-mixing is kept simple. She demonstrates to art groups & societies as well as in her regular classes. Figures & portraits, landscapes, buildings & still-life are among the many subjects Maggie teaches.

Running two consecutive courses at Manzac each Autumn - Maggie hopes to give students more confidence in their drawing/painting skills when working from nature and the outdoor environment. The courses are structured to cover drawing and composition; pencil/pen & wash drawing; watercolour painting and using pastel with watercolours. Artists of all abilities are welcome - the many varied painting subjects in wonderful locations ensures that each will find inspiration and success!


For much more information on Maggie and some examples of their work, please visit her website - www.maggieread.co.uk

Click here to visit Maggie's new website

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SUE DEIGHTON - Acrylics, Oils, Artisan Oils

WEDNESDAY 15th SEPTEMBER - WEDNESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2010

Sue holds demonstrations and workshops in Acrylics, Oils and Watercolours. Her workshops include "Paint in the Impressionist Style" using Artisan watersoluble oils and "Improve Your Drawing" using both graphite and coloured pencils.

Sue has 30 years teaching experience in Schools, Colleges and Institutes of Further Education, with the last 15 in Community Education. She has recently completed a two-year Consultancy to set up a Teaching Gallery, from the purchase of the property, to the establishment of a retail outlet for art materials, the creation of a portfolio of artists to exhibit in the Gallery, the planning of courses to run in a Teaching Studio (and the furnishing and equipping of the studio), the training of staff to advise on Art materials and the recruiting of tutors to replace her.

She also works as a guest tutor for the British Army in schools in Germany, and gives painting workshops and specialist tutorials with Gifted and Talented Children.

Sue was twice selected for the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy and has exhibited at the Mall Gallery and Open Exhibitions of the RI, RBA and the NEAC. She currently has an exhibition of works executed whilst tutoring in Zimbabwe at Woburn Safari Park.

Sue is a regular guest tutor for Asekela Painting Holidays in Zimbabwe, and has appeared as Guest Tutor for Art Safari painting Holidays in Malawi and Zambia, and is a Professional Associate for the Society for All artists.

Sue has two videos available - "Colour Theory for Flower Painters" and "Landscape Painting using Watercolour". She is a guest presenter for YORK TV and is a regular contributor of features in The Paint Magazine.

Click here to contact Sue by e-mail

JANET BRADY and PETER DAVIES from BRAMBLES ART RETREAT : Multi Media

THURSDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER - FRIDAY 1st OCTOBER 2010

Janet Brady and Peter Davies are the two halves of "Brambles Art Retreat" based in Devon. They like to take guests to beautiful locations to paint. Manzac is their latest choice. "A great location, lovely weather (hopefully!) and good food in beautiful surroundings. Manzac has it all!"

Janet's first love is Watercolour, followed by Drawing, Life drawing and Acrylic seascapes. Her specialism is teaching watercolour with transparent colours producing rich, vibrant paintings of landscapes. Peter teaches Oil, Acrylic, Charcoal Life painting and Watersoluable graphite. Peter loves painting outdoors, the vital experience of battling with nature. They exhibit and sell their work in Devon.

"We teach mixed ability classes from beginners to established painters, all our courses are uniquely tailored to suit the needs of each guest. Loose enough to allow creativity to flourish and structured enough to develop techniques and skills. We are very hands on and teach by example with lots of demos and one to one tuition. We host approx 40 courses with over 250 guests each year."

For much more information on Janet and Peter and some examples of their work, please visit their website - www.blamblesartretreat.com

Click here to visit Janet and Peter's website - "Brambles Art Retreat"

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SUE TOWNSEND - Watercolours and Oils

SATURDAY 2nd OCTOBER - SATURDAY 9th OCTOBER 2010

Sue Townsend is a talented and dedicated artist living in the beautiful Cotswolds of Gloucestershire. Sue's work reflects her love of the outdoors and she uses colour and light to give vitality and variety to her work. Her subject matter however comes from many different sources and is often surprising. Her trips abroad, particularly to Provence in France and Venice and other parts of Italy, give her fresh inspiration everywhere she goes away.

Sue runs classes locally which are well attended and are fun and encouraging. Holidays at home and abroad are organised for people who enjoy painting somewhere different - walking and photography is also on the agenda. Holidays to enjoy and experience.

She is a painter in a contemporary impressionistic style using colour and light to depict her very broad base of subject matter.

She exhibits locally and nationally and has exhibited abroad in France, Majorca and Malta. Her customers are from many different countries including the USA. She travels whenever she gets the opportunity for renewed inspiration.

"A talented and dedicated artist who is well known locally and who has exhibited nationally and in other countries." Paint Magazine

For much more information on Sue and some examples of her work, please visit her website - www.suetownsendart.co.uk

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MARGO PULLMAN : Oils & Acrylics

MONDAY 11th OCTOBER - MONDAY 18th OCTOBER 2010

Margo has made painting part of her life since she was a child. Some years more productive than others but none without a brush in hand. She has painted in various mediums throughout her career but has recently concentrated on oil painting still life, portraits and landscapes. Her paintings strive to capture the essence or soul of a person, place or thing.

Margo earned a Bachelor of Arts from Iowa State University in Art & Design. For 25+ years she worked in the creative field of graphic design as an art director and designer for prominent corporations, wholesale importers and design houses. Some areas of expertise include giftware, advertising, packaging, logos and book illustration. During her career, she continued to study in studio settings as well as en plein air with various mentors.

Seven years ago, Margo chose to concentrate on painting and teaching. Her classes offer a relaxed but informative atmosphere where students decide to work in oil or acrylic. She has participants that have never painted before and others who are getting back into it after a long hiatus. She loves it when her students get into the 'zone' much like athletes do and the hours fly by. Margo's work is in private collections in the US & England. She has exhibited in solo and juried group shows.

For much more information on Margo and some examples of her work, please visit her website - www.margopullman.com

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