The Joy of Painting Colour and Light
Painting, Sketching & Colour in the South of France — An Immersive Artistic Retreat in St-Paul-de-Vence
Set in St-Paul-de-Vence, one of the oldest and most celebrated centres of French art and culture, this immersive workshop offers a rare opportunity to sketch, paint, and learn directly in the landscapes that inspired generations of great artists. Surrounded by medieval villages, olive groves, dramatic hills, and Mediterranean light, you will experience painting not as an isolated studio exercise — but as a living, breathing practice rooted in place, history, and observation.
Over the course of the workshop, we will work outdoors and in the studio, combining location sketching, plein air painting, museum visits, and structured studio sessions. You will learn the complete creative process — from selecting materials and sketching on location, to developing finished paintings back in the studio — while building a strong technical foundation in colour, tone, composition, and paint handling.
Each day is designed to balance practical skill-building with artistic exploration and cultural inspiration. We sketch in the countryside and historic streets, study master paintings in nearby galleries and museums, and enjoy the rhythms of life in Provence — from local cafés and markets to the unique atmosphere of this extraordinary region.
How to turn inspiration into painting
In this workshop, you will learn how professional artists work with this kind of rich visual environment, moving step by step from outdoor observation to finished studio paintings.
Rather than focusing on isolated theory, you will be guided through the full creative process: finding strong subjects in the landscape, deciding what is worth recording, gathering visual information through sketchbooks and studies, and transforming those raw observations into resolved paintings back in the studio.
You will learn how to:
- Find inspiration and strong motifs in natural and urban environments
- Choose what to observe, simplify, and record when sketching outdoors
- Use sketchbooks effectively for composition studies, tonal notes, colour ideas, and visual research
- Translate outdoor studies into structured studio paintings
- Build paintings step by step with clarity and purpose
- Strengthen composition, tone, colour relationships, and spatial depth
- Develop confident brushwork and painterly decision-making
- Understand how master painters approached observation, preparation, and construction of their work
Each concept is introduced practically and applied immediately through demonstrations, guided exercises, and your own projects. You will work closely with me throughout the process, receiving individual feedback and professional insight at every stage.
By the end of the workshop, you will not only have stronger technical skills — you will understand how to think and work like a painter, from the first spark of inspiration in the landscape to the completion of your own finished paintings.
Each concept is introduced step by step, demonstrated clearly, and immediately applied through guided exercises and personal projects. You’ll receive individual feedback and one-to-one guidance throughout, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
An Immersive Artistic Experience
By the end of the workshop, colour will feel more natural, controllable, and expressive — and you will have a deeper connection to both your own painting process and the artistic heritage of southern France.
Dates: 13th – 15th October 2026, with an optional fourth painting day on Friday 16 October for those who would like to continue painting and exploring ideas further.
Studio Location: IBC Hall, Vence, France
If you would like further information about the course, please contact me on:
andrewkinmont@hotmail.co.uk
Testimonials from previous courses
“As a novice painter I was slightly apprehensive but needn’t have been. Andrew’s workshop imparted invaluable insights and knowhow from his many years of experience and was packaged in a very hands-on and pragmatic approach. The workshop environment (a mix of studio and outdoors) was supportive, relaxed and enjoyable throughout. The workshop outcomes have given confidence in how to compose harmonised and impactful paintings, whilst also ensuring many of the pitfalls that a novice might commonly encounter are avoided. I highly recommend the workshop to others, even those at the start of their painting journey” – Nigel W
“I have just completed Andrew’s 3-day course, and I can thoroughly recommend it. He is unafraid of sharing all the tips and tricks he’s learnt along the way, backed up with clear practical demonstrations. There were no frills in the sales department, in fact most of us are going home to pare down our art corner. Challenging, relaxed and supportive, Andrew includes the whole group and consistently gets around everyone to inspire and progress your painting whatever your level” – Lynne W
“I found our 3-day painting retreat to be the most helpful learning experience about painting that I have ever had. Andrew passed on his knowledge from his own experience which was enlightening. He was generous with his advice and information. The venue was great and having three days to immerse myself in painting (and the glorious countryside) was such a treat. Our group gelled together and was comprised of all skill levels. I felt encouraged and supported by Andrew and by the other painters. The main thing I have taken from the course is how to use my sketchbook and how to harmonise my colours. I have been put off painting over the years, and this has turned me round giving me the confidence to keep going” – Jill T
“Andrew’s courses are a breath of fresh air. He offers clear and insightful tuition, demystifying so much about colour theory, tone and composition, enabling you to learn the fundamental principles needed to produce effective paintings. I have learned more in the past year from Andrew than at any other point in my painting journey. He is so helpful and supportive and knows how to build confidence in his students, no matter whether they are beginners or more experienced painters. I highly recommend Andrew’s courses and workshops!” – Lucy S
“Andrew’s course was an absolute joy to take part in. The venue was excellent for both studio work and for the stunning scenery on its doorstep, a really friendly group of fellow artists made the days great fun. Andrew teaches brilliantly, in a way that cuts through everything you have known to focus on the essential tools needed to take your painting journey forward. I would never have thought that I could gain so much from just three days, a really productive experience” – Charlotte F
“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I think the venue and location were excellent but obviously the success of a course depends on the person leading it and I think Andrew did a fantastic job. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and expertise” – Christine O
“Many thanks again for such an enjoyable and thought-provoking few days. I really got a lot from the course, particularly the way you brought together tone, composition and colour harmony. It has already changed the way I’m thinking about approaching landscapes” – Andrew B
“Thanks for such an excellent course. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much; lovely to be amongst people who enjoy painting and to have time to fully immerse ourselves in landscape painting” – Elaine H
Andrew Kinmont 