Lavender and sunflower fields with a master artist in one of the most beautiful region of Provence!
Welcome fellow artists and travelers!
Susan and I would like you to be our special guests for a unique painting workshop in the most beautiful area of Provence: Luberon.
My name is Mathieu Brousses, I have been hosting painting workshops in Provence and all over France for the past 8 years, let me tell you all about our all-inclusive Art Experience with the talented and passionate instructor
Here is our home-away-from-home in Provence for 10 days and 9 nights.
Now let me introduce you our itinerary
Upon your arrival, I will personally pick up the entire group at the MRS airport. After some refreshments, we will drive to our Luberon guest house. You will instantly feel at home in this very quiet and french atmosphere. We will then settle in with a local wine and a fresh seasonal lunch. Our dear cook will be preparing the welcoming dinner. This first day is all about settling down, resting after a long trip and getting to know each. As a group of passionate artists and remarquable people, your enthusiasm and your adventurous spirit are the best recipe for a unique and memorable Art Experience!
The chronological order of the following itinerary is subject to change according to the weather, to the calendar of cultural and traditional events, to our specific desire and energy as a group and to the incredible diversity of beauties Provence has to offer. Please consider the following as a gourmet menu we will choose from!
* Please note Lavender and sunflower blooming season can vary of a few days/weeks every year *
* We can not guarantee a full bloom during your stay *
Isle sur la Sorgue, water is poetry, water is life
This « island city » lies at the foot of the Vaucluse plateau in the plains of Comtat Venaissin. The river Sorgue surrounds the city as if to hug it. Walking along the canals you will notice how they run between the narrow ancient streets. Its colors are nature’s green and the bright reflection of the water shining from the several canals running through its center. Also, magnificent mansions have been converted into art galleries, in particular the famous Maison René Char.
There are little bridges to cross and great wheels to look at with mossy blades turning in the river. Antique lovers and art collectors will be gratified by the nearly 300 permanent antique dealers and second hand shops here. L’Isle sur la Sorgue hosts antiques’ fairs twice a year that have given a worldwide reputation to this small city. More than 500 antique dealers and second hand dealers gather here to show their treasures to customers from all over the world.
Arles, a city with an exceptional heritage
The two-tiered Roman Amphitheatre (les Arènes) sits in the town center of Arles. It was used 2000 years ago for chariot races and gladiator battles; nowadays you can enjoy plays and summer concerts or bullfighting and bullraces. The site is most often called an Amphitheatre however we’re using the term Roman Arena, to reduce the confusion with the nearby Roman Theatre.
Arles is surrounded by an environment of exceptional beauty: the banks of the Rhône river, the arid plains of Crau, the Alpilles and the untamed land of Camargue. The lights and colors you will find here are the reasons a famous
Vincent made it its adoptive town…
Fontaine de Vaucluse, emerald and mysterious water
The village of Fontaine de Vaucluse is squeezed into the sharp end of a narrow valley and takes its name from the beautiful and mysterious spring feeding the river Sorgue. This spring comes from deep underground – nobody knows how deep. In the 50s, Jacques Yves Cousteau came with a submersible to explore the depths but did not find the bottom. Since then a probe has made it to a sandy bed at a depth of 308 metres (1010 ft) but the spring itself comes from somewhere even deeper.
It is said that all the rainwater from the Luberon and other surrounding mountains comes out of this one source, making a catchment area of 1100 square km (425 sq. miles). For most of the year all you can see is a deep blue pool of water at the bottom of towering cliffs. But during spring or very heavy rainfall it lives up to its name, with water gushing out at 200m3 (52,000 gallons) every second – this is one of the largest springs in the world.
Oppède-Le-Vieux, perched and majestic
Oppede is one of the most authentic and preserved villages of the Luberon. Definitely one of my favorite!
Built on a rocky spur, in a rugged setting of forests, combes and rocks, it contemplates a landscape of vineyards, olive trees, oaks and always keeps an eye on the villages perched around…
The mineral gem is located on the northern flank of the Luberon and its old village is a perfect balance between ancient mansions, nature and light, a place between mysteries and history. A timeless village. From their overlooking position, the castle and collegiate church take you to a journey in the Middle Ages.
A very preserved village, only accessible from the compulsory parking lot of the Jardins de Sainte-Cécile. In these gardens you will find 80 species of trees, shrubs and plants of the Luberon. After walking through the streets of the old village, you will discover a spectacular ensemble: the Collégiale Notre Dame Dalidon and the ruins of the castle.
St Rémy de Provence – St Paul de Mausole & a famous Vincent
The monastery St Paul de Mausole is best known for the fact that Vincent van Gogh stayed from May 1889 to May 1890. During this period he painted 140 oil paintings and more than 100 drawings. To name a few: «The Irises», «Starry Night», «Olive Orchard», and «Wheat field with Cypress».
A masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque art, the 11th -12th Century cloister backs onto the chapel, in pure Romanesque style. The garden is a gem of beauty and simplicity. The quintessence of picturesque.
Les Baux de Provence, just breathtaking!
Today we spend the day at les Baux! One of my favorite and one of the most beautiful villages in France set atop a rocky outcrop crowned with a medieval ruined castle overlooking the olive tree plains to the south. Find your favorite view and paint under the tree shades. For lunch: we will have a beautiful picnic seated on comfortable folding chairs! In the afternoon we will discover the amazing and unique «Carrières de lumières».
The monumental (click this link –>) « Carrières de Lumières » host extraordinary multimedia shows which are unique in the world. Like walking in a dream of lights nested in an ancient and mysterious temple. Shows are renewed every year! Next year program is not yet released (keep in touch!)
The street markets of Provence, a whirlwind of colors, tastes and fragrances!
One of the highlights of a trip to Provence is always going to be the rich array of open-air markets. These are held in every town and just about every village of Provence.
The market is the link between two of the France’s identifying traits – the glory of the countryside and the importance of food. The market embodies the deep-rooted French belief that the best food goes from field to plate in the shortest amount of time. The markets of Provence are an explosion of colours, scents and sounds, an invigorating experience even if you are not buying anything.
Markets are full of fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, meat and fish, olives, oil, honey, wine, everything for the perfect picnic, but also fabrics, soaps, crafts, clothes and gift items.
In Provence, markets take place in practically every village on a weekly basis, and more often in towns and cities. They are almost all in the morning from 7/8am to 1pm.
St Rémy Street Market is on Wednesday mornings
It is a 15mns ride and it is well worth it!
Let’s not forget we also have an amazing guest house to get some well deserved rest
Every 2 days of excursions and walking around Luberon and its wonders we will welcome a nice and slow day at the guest house!
Paint, read, take a stroll, snooze! It’s all up to you.
The breakfast and lunch will be at the guest house and we might go to a local restaurant in the evening.
You have to picture this place with the hypnotic sound of the cicadas of Provence
Plateau de Valensole, where sunflowers and lavender hug the sky
Every year anticipation builds as the lavender fields of Provence start to gain their telltale purple glow. From around mid-June to mid-August the region is awash with the sight and smell of lavender – it’s truly a spectacle not to be missed. Among the best lavender fields in Provence are those in the Valensole Plateau. It’s here you’ll find endless stretches of fragrant rows peppered by stone huts and token trees.
This place really is a treat for photographs and painters are while you explore the region in search of lavender, you’ll often see the fields divided by sunflowers!
optional : Roussillon, spectacular ochres!
Situated at the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries; just walking its streets is a stunning experience! In Roussillon a quirk of nature has set the landscape ablaze with ochre, a natural pigment in the rock ranging from soft gold to burnt orange, russet red and burnt sienna brown.
It’s said that there are 17 different shades of ochre in the village – Roussillon is a village for serious photography. A walk up to the top of the village rewards you with a viewpoint indicator and a marvelous panoramic view from the Luberon to the Monts de Vaucluse. On the way back down you can drop into any number of art galleries and discover work by local artists.
We could also visit the conservatory of pigments at L’Usine Mathieu (not me!). The stages of the washing process, the kiln and the mills were restored to help visitors understand the steps in the treatment of the mineral, from it extraction to its shipment throughout the world.
optional : Aix en Provence, in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne
We will paint on Cezanne’s grounds and visit his graceful city, the delicate Hotel Caumont and the collection Planque. As a city of art and culture Aix possesses a wealth of superbe architecture that has been carefully preserved and restored. We can either paint in the city or drive to the country side depending on your moods! Aix was the capital of Provence in the 15th century, wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today.
Protected by the Montagne Sainte Victoire which rises to 1,011m. Aix is surrounded by a countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. Aix was the inspiration to many of the greatest writers and painters : Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral, Zola and Cézanne (these last 2 had a close and tempestuous friendship!). Known as is the city of a thousand fountains you will easily get why when you stroll its beautiful streets.
Please meet your art instructor: Susan Kuznitsky
Discover the art of Susan
A bit about Susan
Susan Kuznitsky is an accomplished, award-winning artist and a gifted teacher, comfortable working and teaching in oil, pastel and various drawing media. Her representational style is arresting, perceptive and dramatic without being staged.
After studying at American Academy of Art in Chicago, her hometown, Susan moved to Woodstock, New York, where she became the studio assistant for Master Artist Albert Handell. For the next two years Mr. Handell not only taught her about pastels and oils, but also how to teach.
Moving back to Chicago in the mid 1980’s Susan began painting at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art with another living Master Painter, Richard Schmid. In the early 1990’s Susan married and moved to the Pacific Northwest where she raised her family. She has and continued to paint and teach locally, nationally and internationally.
Her Zoom classes and mentoring sessions have become very popular. Susan is an IAPS Master Pastelist as well as a Signature member of the Pastel Society of America, the Pastel Society of the West Coast and the Northwest Pastel Society. She is also the founder and honorary member of the Chicago Pastel Painters (formally the Midwest
Pastel Society).
« My life’s work is to leave the world more beautiful than I found it. I look for light and beauty. It is everywhere…even in the ordinary. My job is to translate this onto canvas or paper and share it. I have been blessed to have studied with some of the greatest artists of our time. It is my joy and my responsibility to pass along what was given to me by these masters.”
A bit about me: Mathieu
your host, interpreter, guide, driver, jack-of-all-trades french friend!
I was born and raised in Arles, Provence. I studied biology and film making. After 10 years in Paris working for the movie industry and television networks I came back to Provence to enjoy life, my wife and son, rebuild and live in a 200 years old house near Aix en Provence. I know Provence and its people like the back of my hand. With Wendy Higbee Carando I co-founded the Provence Art Experience in 2015. Art is part of my everyday life. I will be doing everything so you have a memorable stay: a unique experience!
What I want the Provence Art Experience to be
A thoughtfully tailored adventure for a small group of passionate artists led by an attentive considerate guide-interpret-driver-friend through the beautiful and secret Provence.
One of my artist participant (whom I today call my friend) once told me
“You literally hand-carried us through Provence!”
The sentence stuck with me ever since.
Participants of Provence Art Experience painting workshops tell me I am a provider, a caretaker.
There is no secret about it. I love to meet people, I love to share with them the Provence I know and cherish.
I love to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Is your folding chair ok? Do you have enough shade? Would you like a bottle of water? Would you like some more wine?! Our mini-van is a bit high to step in? Let me put this little stool here!
A Provence Art Experience is nothing like a crowded tour bus.
Nobody will impatiently tap their wrist-watch to tell you to hurry and run because the bus is leaving.
You will not be an anonymous number in a crowd of 50 people. You will be my guests.
And – in my book – guests are always of honor.
You will be a part of an all-inclusive tailored private experience with fellow artists and your artist instructor.
I want to keep it this way so we can get to know each other. You get to discover French Culture and “art de vivre” with someone born in Provence – in love with Provence – and eager to share it with you!
Sharing is really the main idea. The meals together are always heartwarming and special moments, breakfasts at the guest house with fresh croissants and anything you might like with it, lunches at small cafés in the most beautiful typical villages or gourmet dinners with our talented and friendly chef at the guest house or in a delicious restaurant.
We will discover the treasures of Provence, in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne. On the small meandering back roads of this enchanting country we will visit old, typical villages and just enjoy the lights, colors and atmospheres.
I also make sure you get the rest you need because 9 days of immersion can be intense!
You will have your alone time to replenish your energy so you get to do and see more.
Provence Art Experience is the way to discover Provence like no where else.
Ultimately the most appropriate persons to talk about the Provence Art Experience are the artists who experienced it:
You can read their enthusiasms and the extremely sweet reviews they wrote on Facebook, they really are heartwarming for me:
The Experience is ALL INCLUSIVE
The pricing of our painting workshops – as you can easily compare with other offers – is more than reasonable for an all-inclusive private tailored journey in Provence.
We aim to offer you a memorable journey you will remember dearly – a unique artistic, cultural, gastronomic and immersive experience.
Your Provence Art Experience includes:
-your lodging in one of the carefully chosen beautiful guest houses we work with in Provence (check the itineraries)
-All your meals with beverages: breakfasts, lunches and gourmet dinners by our chef or in local restaurants!
-All airport transfers as well as everyday local transportation,
-The organization of the plein-air sessions and lessons by the artist instructor,
-The outdoor activities,
-The wine tastings,
-The tickets for the latest events, art museums and must-sees on the itinerary
-My 24/7 attentive and considerate presence as your host, driver, interpret, guide and provider of all you might need!
It does not include:
-The airfare tickets
-Your travel and airfare ticket insurances
Due to the variability in the dollar/euro exchange rate in the past years and to secure the higher level of services we are proud to offer for your Provence Art Experience – we now base the price on the Euro.
Our main goal is to offer the same level of service and quality for the lodging, the meals, the transportation, the tickets for the must-sees and everything else we pay in Euros here in France.
To secure your spot, please fill and send us this following application form
You can also find the PDF version here or I can send you a version at your email address or
you can download this one here, fill it and send it to mathieu.brousses@gmail.com
To pay your deposit, please follow this link to our PayPal secured payment page and select deposit 1,200 euros
I can also send you via email a PayPal invoice you can pay with a credit/debit card or a PayPal account.