Painting with Impressionists

When all the trees are in bright rich bloom, when the sprigs of fresh green shed their winter brown and delight in rebirth, when dusk lingers just a little longer not wanting to depart, then, is there not, magic everywhere- ripe and full and ready for inspiration!

This relaxing restful week, is spent painting under the direction of expert local Parisian artists in the heart of the Impressionist homeland. Mornings and afternoons are spent in beautiful rural settings in and around Barbizon and the Fontainebleau forest. Many of the landscapes seen are the same painted by: Monet, Manet, Renoir, and the Barbizon school. Breaks for lunch will include delicious picnics, patés, local cheeses, fresh produce and French breads. As an alternative, a picnic stop at a local market is great fun. The purchases become an afternoon repast. As an alternative some days a luncheon buffet will be served in the garden at Papillon Mignon.

There are special sites incorporated in this impressionistic getaway:

*A visit to Barbizon and the present working atelier of the artist Erika Gage on the main street of Barbizon, 71 de la Grande Rue; in addition to the Inn of Father Ganne, there is a tiny museum and one of the preferred bistros of the artists. The murals and paintings are those of the Barbizon school.

The Atelier of Erika Gage       Inside view of Father Ganne  Museum

Two charming ateliers to see are:

*The Maison Atelier of Jean-Francois Millet which is full of photographs and mementos, evoking the artist's career. It is here that Millet painted some of his most famous pieces. 27 de la Grande rue Barbizon.

*The home of Theodore Rousseau in a converted barn situated right next to the chapel of St. Paul.

Home of Rousseau          Garden of the family of Millet

* Recommendation: A side trip to the intriguing Auberge Ravoux, a suggested restaurant for lunch or dinner. Open since 1876, it was the home of Vincent Van Gogh, who lived here and died in the building, July 29, 1890. His room is intact today and the inn is a fun artistic café.

 *A closer restaurant suggestion is the Cheval Blanc where the walls are decorated with paintings from the Barbizon school artists: Bulgari, Corot, Decamp, Rousseau, Courbert, Renoir.

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