French Art School Tour Spain and Morocco
October 18-31, 2016
What is French Art School?
French Art School is a new concept of engaging in art and touring
for creative inspiration and fun inspired by French and European artists and
beautiful locations. The last tour of Paris and the Creuse region of France
earlier this year, was a great success. Numbers of guests are limited to 8 so
we can stay in unique places.
The French Art School Tour scheduled for October 18-31 takes in
·
Madrid,
Marrakech & Barcelona.
French Art School Tours are
distinctive because they allow you to live like a local in distinctive charming
accommodation where you can also paint and express yourself creatively with
Jacqueline showing you easy and productive techniques, inspired mainly by French artists and artists native to the countries we visit. You will create a
minimum of 10 artworks on your tour and have plenty of inspiration to continue
to build your body of work when you get home.
There are daily classes where possible on tour and prior to your
trip you get a value added bonus of an e-course specific to this tour and its
inspirations so you are warmed up to what we will be doing before you even leave
home. You will be able to refer to these useful notes and art tips long after
the tour finishes. You can even start your paintings before you leave home.
Your tour leader and art tutor, global art teacher and mentor Jacqueline
Coates, a practising artist of 28 years, and a well-seasoned travelling artist
with a home and studio in France as well as the Barossa Valley, understands the
practicalities of painting and travelling with a limited luggage allowance. She
supplies all the art materials and has several techniques to help you capture
the magic and to make it fun.
This particular trip is inspired by the French artist Henri Matisse, Spanish Impressionist
painter Joaquin Sorolla and French
Impressionist and Orientalist Jacques
Majorelle, with many other art inspirations along the way from the Prado in
Madrid to Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, new art talent in the galleries
along Las Ramblas and the Barcelona
food markets, Gaudi and Picasso. And of course we have plenty
of room at our unique locations to paint our own artwork.
'You don’t have to be born with a creative bone
in your body. I love seeing the joy with my students when they see they can
have this too.
When touring we have the chance
to paint and tour, engage with inspiration, local colour, texture and
atmosphere capturing it while we are there.
........there is no better
way to take in and appreciate a place than being an activated artist on tour!”
.................Jacqueline Coates
THE
ITINERARY FOR
FRENCH
ART SCHOOL TOUR; SPAIN AND MOROCCO
October
18-31
Inspired by Henri Matisse’s two visits to Morocco in 1912 and 1913
and his colourful paintings of Moroccan still life and interiors, figures in
interiors, the distinctive Moorish architecture and exotic gardens, a
smorgasbord of painting opportunities awaits us.
In Marrakech we will visit the former home and studio of Jacques
Majorelle, a French Impressionist painter, whose house and garden was stunningly
renovated by Yves Saint Laurent. We will also visit lush exotic gardens and the
fascinating souks. Our Riad supports us to feel like Arabian princesses.
In Madrid we will visit the Prado Museum, home to the largest
collection internationally of works by Titian, El Greco, Rubens, Velasquez and
Goya with the focus on Baroque painter Velasquez.
In Madrid sketch and watercolour in the magnificent Botanical Gardens.
French Art School appreciates the stunning work of Spanish
Impressionist painter Joaquin Sorolla. Visit
the Museo Sorolla, the former studio and mansion of Joaquin Sorolla, an artist
excelling in fluid and captivating paintings of people and landscapes, especially
women and children, and of Andalusian gardens influenced by Moorish features.
The museum also has his garden maintained as he designed it and houses some of
his own collections.
Tuesday
October 18, 2016 Madrid
Arrive to Madrid and meet at our hotel, The Hesperia, located on the city’s
most chic avenue, the Paseo de la Castellana. The Hesperia
Madrid Hotel has 2 Michelin stars and is
designed by Pascua Ortego. It’s close to Plaza Mayor, Gran Via, &
Peurta del Sol. Nearby streets are home to Spanish high street names such as
Zara, Pimkei, Bershka, Fnac and El Corte Ingles.
The
hotel has a Michelin two star rating and many restaurant options. Breakfast is included
(international buffet).
We will meet up and visit the Prado Museum. The Prado has the
largest international collection of Spanish art. We will look at the paintings
of the Spanish royal family by Velasquez and Goya’s controversial La Maja
Desnuda then enjoy free-time to roam the Museum.
Dinner at leisure. You might like
to explore the Mercado de San Miguel with Jacqueline which is a unique and
colourful market for dining out with tapas and bars open till midnight and a
great selection of Spanish wines.
Wednesday
October 19, 2016 Madrid
After
breakfast we head off Madrid’s flower markets at Mercado de las Flores de
Madrid, Plaza Tirso de Molina to check out the local flower markets. Take your
camera!
Then
we head to the Botanical Gardens in Madrid where we will paint from the comfort
of the outdoor café, enjoying a coffee as we sketch and make watercolours of
our surrounds. Meander through the exquisite gardens.
Session 1; Watercolour and
sketching. Lunch at leisure.
After
lunch we visit the Museo De Sorolla, the former mansion home and studio of Joaquim
Sorolla, an outstanding Spanish Impressionist Painter. The Museum is surrounded
by an Andalusian style garden designed by the artist himself and maintained in
the same style today.
Free
time. We’ll be painting in Marrakech so enjoy exploring this wonderful city.
Evening
at leisure.
Thursday
October 20, 2016 Madrid to Marrakech
Following
breakfast at the hotel you will check out and be transferred by private vehicle
to Madrid International Airport. Depart
from the hotel at 8.45am. Our Flight departs 11.45am arriving Marrakech 12.50pm
Afternoon
at leisure to settle in and explore your beautiful fully serviced Riad with
staff within the walls of the Medina, our home for the following 7 nights.
It’s
an easy distance to all the attractions and a safe neighbourhood being located in the Kasbah
district in the Royal Quartier. Behind us is the Royal Agdal Gardens and the
Ourika Valley beyond, to the front The Saadian Tombs where past Sultans are
buried, the Kasbah Mosque then the Jemaa el Fna and world famous Souks.
To the side of us is the Palace of Hassan II and the other side the
Palace of Mohamed VI (the current King) with the Koutoubia Mosque beyond (the
centre of Marrakech. In short we are in the best area of Marrakech.
Enjoy
free wifi, a sun terrace and a splash pool.
In
the early evening a Moroccan welcome dinner has been prepared for us at the
Riad.
Friday October
21, 2016 Marrakech
After breakfast at the Riad we are off on a guided
private half day walking tour
To enjoy the local architecture and significant
buildings, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian Tombs. Then
we tour the Jemaa el-Fnaa square where you can see snake charmers and henna women
plying their trades. Wear comfy shoes. Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon we will have our first painting
session in our new surrounds and produce some gorgeous work. Inspired by the
paintings of Matisse we will paint keyhole doorways, Riad interiors, Arabian
gardens and Moroccan produce from the Berber markets over the coming week. We
have so much inspiration to paint.
Session 2; Paint a
Moroccan Rose Demo and Prac warm up easy peasy painting session
Session 3; Enjoy an
informal tutorial regarding the life and works of Jacques Majorelle and
Moroccan refreshments during our break
Session 4; Explore the
colours of Morocco in this colour mixing exercise to get you warmed up!
Then Paint a Moroccan Medina scene with figures
Demo and Prac
Aperitifs at the Riad then evening at leisure.
Dinner own arrangements. Perhaps explore the wonderful options in our own
neighbourhood?
Saturday
October 22, 2016 Marrakech
Visit Jardin
Majorelle, the home and garden once belonging to French Impressionist
artist Jacques Majorelle who was a
Frenchman smitten with Marrakech. Later Yves Saint Laurent brought the property
back to life.
Today it has a beautiful 12 acre botanical garden,
host to more than 15 bird species including toucans. The Islamic
Art Museum of Marrakech is housed there and includes a Berber collection of
textiles and artifacts, jewellery, much of it from Yves Saint Laurent’s collection, and paintings by Jacques
Majorelle.
There is a charming café at the gardens for lunch
if you choose.
Afterwards we visit the beautiful Hotel Mamounia and provide a stylish
afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the incredibly exotic Morrocan Garden complete with orange
grove, tiled pathways and arches, and fragrant flowers. Afternoon tea will be
at your own expense. Bring your camera!
Return to the Riad for another painting session.
Session 5; Make your
own easy peasy pomegranate print tea towel to take home!
Aperitifs on the terrace. Dinner own arrangements.
Choose from any of the marvelous recommended restaurants and cafes in our
locale.
Sunday October
23, 2016 Marrakech
After breakfast, we will learn to cook the
authentic Moroccan meal in our very own kitchen under the guidance of a local
cook. Learn about how to use the herbs
and spices, and their importance in Moroccan cuisine. Take home tips you can
use in your own cooking. Enjoy the end result of these beautiful spices and
produce being prepared tonight at dinner!
After our demo let’s go rug and Moroccan slipper shopping
in the Medina, and see what else we can find?!
Rest of day at leisure or have a relaxing free
choice paint back at the Riad.
Session 6; Late
afternoon Aperitifs on the terrace and an informal chat about Matisse in
Morocco and some images of his Moroccan still life interiors as inspiration for
own work. Optional sketching and watercolours at leisure at the Riad or relax
on the sun terrace with a book.
Our specially prepared meal is served!
Monday
October 24, 2016 Marrakech
This morning we visit the Berber food market and
look for beautiful produce to paint, then enjoy a studio style day at the Riad
with a delicious local lunch provided while we create, with Matisse as our
inspiration.
Session 7; Painting
Pomegranates, with water based oils
Session 8; Painting Moroccan
flowers, with water based oils
Afternoon tea supplied.
Evening Aperitifs on the terrace.
Dinner own arrangements. Try one of the many
choices of excellent local restaurants to savour the flavours of Morocco!
Tuesday
October 25, 2016 Marrakech
Today I demonstrate a fun and quick technique which
is a little bit Impressionist in style so we will paint a few paintings featuring
Moroccan gardens.
Session 9 Paint a
Moroccan Garden 1
Enjoy a Light lunch at our home
Session 10; Paint a
Moroccan Garden 2
Aperitifs on the terrace
Evening at leisure. Dinner in the neighborhood
anyone?
Wednesday
October 26, 2016 Marrakech
Day at leisure or choose an optional activity ;
·
Day trip to Essaouira. Visit this ancient port on
the Atlantic Ocean. On the way see how the famous Moroccan Argan oil is made at
a women’s cooperative
·
Half day spa including lunch at a Riad in the
Medina of Marrakech. Enjoy a traditional
30 minute hammam, a traditional wrap, an exfoliating scrub, a clay and orange
blossom cleansing treatment, and moisturising treatement. This is followed by a
relaxing massage with Argan oil before enjoying a sumptuous traditional
Moroccan meal of several courses.
·
Day trip to the Atlas Mountains 3 valleys through
Berber Villages
Enjoy
stunning scenery including the snow capped mountains, a waterfall, fruit
orchards and Berber houses built from adobe and stone. See the Berber women
extracting Argan oil.
Or chill out
at our gorgeous Riad and have a relax, or fit in some more shopping!
Dinner own arrangements and evening at
leisure.
Thursday
October 27, 2016 Marrakech to Barcelona
Today
you will say goodbye to your gorgeous home and travel to Barcelona via Madrid.
We transfer to the airport.
On
arrival in Barcelona you will be transferred by private vehicle to your city
based private villa.
Our home
for the next 4 nights is a spacious Spanish villa with a large restful garden and
terraces, just 10 minutes from the city center of Barcelona. After we arrive we
refresh and enjoy dinner at home.
Friday
October 28, 2016 Barcelona
After
breakfast, you will see see the sites of this beautiful city on a hop on hop
off bus tour. The tour will allow you to
visit the sites you want and for as long as you want. During the tour we will have a skip the line
pass to the Sagrada Familia, a large Roman Catholic Church designed by Spanish
architect Antoni Gaudi. As amazing on
the inside as it is on the outside.
Afterwards
visit the food markets on Las Ramblas.
Take
the opportunity to enjoy a lunch of tapas or amazing seafood prepared in front
of you and take in the atmosphere. If you still have energy to burn stroll the
Las Ramblas and pick out exquisite Beaux Arts architectural details and enjoy
the shops.
Return
to our villa for aperitifs and antipasto.
Saturday
October 29, Barcelona
After
a leisurely breakfast we enjoy a studio session
Session 11; Paint a Barcelona
café or night scene
Session 12; Paint Spanish figs
or other market fruits
We
head into Barcelona for the afternoon and evening, strolling the gallery end of
Las Ramblas and finding dinner out!
Sunday
October 30, Barcelona
Today you have a day of leisure.
Perhaps you’d like the optional tour, of
travelling to Montserrat for the day with a relaxing lunch and a wine tasting.
Montserrat
is the most important mountain in Catalonia. A unique massif famous for its
gothic shapes, beautiful views.
Visit
the monastery, the holy cave or walk to the top of the Cavall Bernat and enjoy
a 360º view of the area at 3000ft above sea level.
After
Montserrat visit The Oller del Mas Castle , one of the most important and
beautiful wineries in the region. Located in an impressive Castle that dates
back over a thousand years old, some of its walls are still 10th century
originals, the winery reigns over 1000 acres of land.
Lunch
is served with an exquisite regional menu topped with wines produced
organically from the vineyard. After lunch meander through the winery with your
guide an enjoy wine tasting paired with local cheeses.
This evening feel the passion of flamenco at
the Palacio del Flamenco in Barcelona. An excellent way to learn more about the
cultural heritage of Spain during an hour of Flamenco dance and local
traditional music. Dinner included
Depart Oct 31
Barcelona
Today you will depart the villa and make your way back to
Australia or if you want – continue on to other parts of Europe or the United
Kingdom. Contact Karen at ECM Travel for
ideas on additional for travel or stopovers in Dubai or Asia.
COST - $6,765 inc GST – twin share in the Riad and Villa.
LIMITED SINGLE ROOMS AVAILABLE IN THE RIAD AND VILLA FOR AN
ADDITIONAL $600
·
2 nights Madrid - SINGLE room – with breakfast Hesperia Hotel
·
return transfers Madrid to hotel in mini vans if arriving on
the same flights as the main body of travellers
·
tranfers to visit Museo Prado, flower markets and botanic gardens
·
Flight Madrid/Marakech on Iberia *
·
return transfers Marrakech to Riad
·
Private Riad - 7 nights Marrakech TWIN SHARE ROOM – TWO BEDS IN A ROOM SHARING WITH ONE
OTHER LADY
·
Breakfast daily in Marrakesh
·
Cooking lesson in the Riad in Marakkech
·
Walking tour of the Kasbah
·
Flight Marakkesh/Madrid/Barcelona on Iberia *
·
4 nights in a private villa Barcelona TWIN SHARE ROOM – TWO BEDS
IN A ROOM SHARING WITH ONE OTHER LADY
·
return transfers Barcelona to Villa in mini vans if departing
Barcelona on the same flights as the main body of travellers
·
Hop on Hop off Bus Tour in Barcelona
·
Skip the Line entrance to La Familia Sagrada
·
Some lunches and dinners
·
Farewell dinner at a Flamenco Show in Barcelona (drinks not included)
·
Art classes with Jacqueline Coates
·
Art materials
·
E-course provided by Jacqueline to provide you with cultural
background information prior to the tour, and painting tips.
NOT INCLUDED:
·
International airfares – it is recommended to fly with Jacqueline
for ease of airport transfers
·
Visa or passport fees
·
Items of a personal nature
·
Meals will be at your own expense at certain times during the tour
and your final itinerary will reflect those which are included but a good
indication is given here
·
Optional tours – these can be pre-booked prior to departure
·
Tips to guides and drivers – at your discretion
PLEASE NOTE:
·
Accommodation in the private Riad and Villa is limited to 2 single
rooms – all other rooms will be twin share.
There is a $600 supplement to book a single occupancy room in Marakkech
and Barcelona.
·
Accommodation in Madrid is in a single room for all travellers
·
Airfare allowance for the flights to Marakkech and return is based
on current rates – should these airfares not be available at time of booking a
surcharge may apply. Once you have
booked and paid your deposit these flights will be confirmed and ticketed.
·
International airfares are not included and we suggest you contact
Karen at ECM Travel as soon as you decide to join the tour. Currently there are great specials to Europe
in the market place!
Max of 8 guests
FOR
BOOKINGS:
CONTACT
KAREN CABA AT ECM TRAVEL – (03) 8682 8895 OR ECMTRAVEL@LIVE.COM.AU.
For a booking form and full terms and conditions