About the Course
Journalling
‘Souvenir’ is French for memory, and on this enchanting holiday you will work on journaling techniques to record your travels in this magical corner of the Pyrenees. Our daily workshops consist of discovery trips into the spring landscape, sketchbooks at the ready, and a studio practice session to develop skills and further practice. Working with a variety of materials we will encourage you to try new materials, help you set out your unique perspective and develop your journaling style. In this creative week we will explore spring light on the high mountains around us, the blooming landscape and the arrival of the first swallows. We will take in opportunities for rest and reflection, including outdoor hot springs and a contemplative yoga session, to help consolidate your learning.
A range of materials including water colours, multiple pens and pencils and inks, collage papers, digital print options and a blank journal will be provided but please bring any journal based work you wish to develop and favourite materials you especially want to work with.
The programme will include walks in the forest, hot springs, architecture and markets so please check the kit list and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
You will stay in one of our three beautiful stone gites, each with its own kitchen, living room, bathroom and terrace.
Catering using local organic produce is provided so that you can concentrate on your work. Our area has a patchwork of small producers making mountain cheeses, with fruit and vegetables from organic market gardens on the plains. Not forgetting the famous wines of the Languedoc Roussillon from nearby vineyards. This is a region proud of its producers - and we will make sure you will sample local and seasonal foods. Each day starts with a self-service breakfast, a picnic or traditional lunch (depending on activities) and ends with dinner. Bread and snacks will be available.
There will be one meal in a local restaurant (not included in price).
Please contact us about dietary requirements so that we can make sure you’re catered for.
Your Instructor
Lisa Gort
Art, for me, is a way of slowing down and truly seeing the world. After a career spent teaching across the North West, I now focus on guiding others to find their own creative rhythm through nature and observation.
I see every holiday as a creative journey—a chance to step away from the everyday and explore new ways of making. Whether you are a regular at a local craft club or looking to pick up a pencil for the first time, I provide clear, expert guidance to help you develop your skills at your own pace. I am highly experienced in teaching drawing, printmaking, and journalling, and I enjoy adapting these techniques to suit artists of all abilities. Together, we’ll use the natural world as our studio, building your confidence and your portfolio in a relaxed, inspiring environment.