PAINTING COURSES IN SW FRANCE
at
THE CANARD SAUVAGE
NEXT COURSE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 TO TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025
JUNE 2025 PAINTING COURSE - RECAP
Thursday, June 12 to Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Our June 2025 painting course, led by brilliant professional artist-tutor William Wyndham, was a huge success. Students enjoyed an idylllic six-night stay in our French country house, which sits at the top of a steeply-wooded hill in the tiny hamlet of Peyralade.
As well as five full days of tutor-assisted painting workshops, our students were able to experience a rejuvenating and sun-drenched holiday in the beautiful rural department of the Tarn et Garonne. From al fresco dinners to painting sessions by the nearby lake, from dips in the pool to delicious food and local wine, the course was a feast for all the senses.
We are now busy planning our next course which is set to take place later this year. The schedule is likely to be very similar to our June course so please click here to read more about the June itinerary and click William Wyndham to learn more about our tutor.
TESTIMONIALS - JUNE 2025
I arrived at the course with no experience in oils and left feeling confident and inspired to make it part of my life, like I’d always imagined it should be. The group was so open minded and encouraging, everyone brought their own personalities and approaches and there was a consistent positive and supportive atmosphere.
Wilby is a wonderful teacher; humble, laid back and approachable, whilst always gently guiding. He struck the perfect balance between giving us freedom and offering just enough structure to challenge.
Over the week we covered landscapes, portraits and multiple still life in the most romantic atmospheric settings. It felt less like a class and more like being away with a group of friends, with so much conversation and creativity flowing. Lizzie’s hospitality made it all feel like family, the food was delicious and the accommodation just dreamy. I got everything I hoped for and more from this course, and it’s given me the confidence to finally begin painting after so many years of hesitation.
No one could fail to be charmed and inspired by the beautiful traditional farm house and gardens. set amid the French countryside. Rolling hills, deep valleys, lakes and springs, old oak forests. Plenty here to paint and to draw, with the careful attentive tutoring from the very talented Will. His tutoring style gently guides encourages new ideas start to flow.
During the week we all produced many new and exciting pieces of artwork. I had a wonderful and enchanted time being creative. The meals, beautifully prepared and presented by Liz were delicious. I would have missed a wonderful experience had I not been there and would definitely do it all over again.
The lovely house, delicious food and idyllic rural setting were exactly as shown on the website.
The painting course itself exceeded my expectations. and Williams approach was pitch perfect. A good balance of formal and relaxed tuition and encouragement to push ones ability and creative ideas further.
I found myself holding on to every moment, trying to savor it and keep it in my hands for just a little bit because every day and every new experience was so perfect. Lizzy provided such a warm atmosphere and her hospitality knows no bounds. There was an ease in the air from the moment everyone arrived at the house, everyone was under this wonderful spell. I met incredible people and enjoyed such creative, fun, and meaningful conversations with them. The house, landscape, company, instruction, and Lizzie’s delicious (and gorgeous) cooking stunned me. It was a perfect reprieve, I got to see a beautiful place I had never been to while spending most every waking moment making art!
Wilby is an excellent teacher and I surprised myself with what I was capable of making under his instruction. He challenged me and thrilled me with exercises, technique, and approaches I had never tried out before. I would often not even realize how long I had been painting, my brain was nowhere else except in the present and in my artwork! Our daily classes were full of support, full of experimentation and play, and full of undisturbed focus. His instruction was inspiring and left me with so much to think about as I continue making my art. The way I approach a canvas will never be the same!