Simon and Monica
Painting in France is a small independent company that specialises in painting vacations in the South of France. The owners and hosts, are Simon and Monica Roberts an English/South African couple. They and their super friendly Springer Spaniel Millie have lived and worked in the Languedoc since 2011.
They made the move here from the UK in search of a more relaxed lifestyle, and a few more days of sunshine. During your holiday you will be invited to share their love and passion for this unspoilt area of southern France with them.
Simon
After many decades working commercially in a wide range of styles both conventional and digital, but, I now enjoy painting predominantly in watercolour. In my opinion, it is the perfect medium for capturing landscapes; whether en plein air or for adding a splash of colour to a sketch in a travel journal.
My passion for sketching and watercolour was rekindled on a solo motorcycle trip I made overland from England to Kathmandu, Nepal. I kept an illustrated journal throughout the 7 month trip which became the blue-print for my Illustrated book ‘Tea with Bin Laden’s brother” – a cult classic in Adventure Motorcycling circles!
During your painting vacation in the south of France, I’ll be really encouraging you to work on composition and lighting to give your painting that certain extra something. The pure light here is perfect for giving your painting a dramatic feel – which I love. Deep blue skies, colourful facades and the sparkling water of Mediterranean lagoons, as well as cool shadows and dappled shade in a sleepy Mediaeval square.
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Monica
I’m a passionate cook and have immersed myself in the delights of French Cuisine since we moved here 9 years ago. I sometimes run cooking classes and workshops here as well as exploring setting up ‘Foodie Weekends’. These will involve sampling the delights of local suppliers, shopping at the markets as well as cooking local dishes and, and most importantly tasting the local wine.
Whilst here on your painting vacation in the south of France, I’ll be preparing food for you on several occasions either in the form of a chic picnic in amongst the vines or a typically French dinner at our house, in our courtyard garden. Ingredients will of course be fresh and locally sourced – charcuterie, fresh vegetables, a wonderful variety of French cheeses and freshly baked baguettes accompanied by a glass of wine from a local domaine.
Together with the food and painting, we really want to take care of you and give you the full French experience – a holiday to remember!
If you want to find out more about what I am up to in France, why not check out my website.