Painting Workshop in France

June 16 - 23, 2025

Many years ago, I was an art student studying in Paris. Like many before me, I discovered and fell in love with the daily farmers markets and local cheese shops, the used book vendors lining the Seine, the buskers of the Latin Quarter, the stylish people strolling through the Tuileries Garden, the heavenly wine, and the amazing art found in the galleries and museums. Such a feast for the senses! I have been back to France many times since studying there in 1984, but I have never hosted a painting workshop there until now. I’m very excited to announce my first painting workshop in France in June 2025. We’ll stay and paint at an amazing Medieval chateau set in a beautiful region of Brittany near the city of Quimper.

+ pricing

$3,900 Private Accommodation / $1,400 Non-painting Partner

This includes:

  • Seven nights accommodation in one of the chateau rooms with ensuite bathroom
  • Three meals a day, including wine
  • All art materials
  • Full use of painting studio and other chateau facilities
  • Painting instruction, lectures, demos, and critiques
  • Half-day guided tour of nearby place of interest—to be determined
  • Pick up and drop off at the main train station of Quimper

  What isn’t included:

  • Airfare to France

  Payment Schedule:

  • $630 nonrefundable deposit (painters)/$360 nonrefundable deposit (non-painters) to hold your place, due no later than January 7, 2025
  • 50% due 30 days after signing up (less deposit)
  • Full payment (remaining balance) due 60 days after signing up

  Cancellation:

  • After February 1st, 50% refund
  • After March 1st, no refund

Travel insurance is recommended in case something happens either before the workshop or while you're in Europe. I use Allianz, which is not very expensive and offers great coverage.

For remaining balance, call me at (828) 774-8431 or email dpskinner@earthlink.net

+ location

The workshop takes place in and around a beautiful 13th-century manor surrounded by lush forests in the heart of Brittany. Originally built to house the Knights Hospitaller, a military religious order, the manor still has its ancient watchtower and battlements. Within the ramparts there is a beautiful flower-filled garden, and along the grounds a tranquil river flows. The manor offers a spacious interior for our group, with several large fireplaces and cozy areas for relaxing or enjoying a cocktail in the evening as we chat about the events of the day. Brittany is a unique part of France and, as with all my workshops, there will be a guided tour that introduces you to the culture of the area.

+ studio and art supplies

The spacious studio where we’ll paint features a wall of sliding glass doors and a nice view of the garden and the small lake at the property’s edge. I will have a full range of professional-grade acrylic paints, canvas panels, brushes, palettes, latex gloves, buckets, and easels for you to use. I’ll also have sketch pads and chalk pastels available for working outside if inspiration hits you. Since we will mostly focus on landscape imagery, it’s helpful if you have an iPad or other tablet so that you can take photographs of the area to then use as source material for your paintings. I will also provide photographs of the area for inspiration.

+ food and lodging

Since this workshop takes place in France, a country that prides itself on its amazing culinary tradition, you can expect a week of delicious food. Each day you will be served three amazing meals along with lovely French wine for dinner. There will be vegetarian options for those who want them. Cocktails are not included but can be purchased.

The bedrooms at the manor are all tastefully decorated with en suite bathrooms and can accommodate either single participants or couples. Each room has either a shower or bathtub, and you can request your preference.

+ logistics and itinerary

The manor is located in northwest Brittany about 15 minutes from the charming town of Quimper, a city with an old town filled with half-timbered houses and a gothic cathedral. We are about 7 kilometers from a gorgeous coastline. There is a 3 ½-hour train from Paris to Quimper for those who want to fly into Paris and don’t want to rent a car. Once you arrive in Quimper, I will pick you up and drive you to the manor. If you want to add time in France either before or after the workshop, renting a car is a great option since there are wonderful things to see on a road trip around Brittany and to and from Paris.

+ what to pack

The weather in Brittany should be around 70 degrees during the day and the mid-50s at night. Bringing layers is a good idea, along with a light raincoat or umbrella. As with any trip, check the weather forecast before you leave and add items that seem necessary.

I’m assuming all of you will have phones for taking pictures, and as mentioned before, having a tablet to display any photographs you’d like to paint is certainly helpful. When traveling I usually just use my Verizon international plan, but there are other options available depending on what phone you have. Also, we’ll use WhatsApp for communicating with the group while in France, so make sure to install that app on your phone.

As mentioned earlier, all art supplies are provided, but you should feel free to bring favorite brushes and the paints you’d rather work with instead of the acrylic paints provided.

Testimonials from Former Workshop Participants

“David is a master painter and terrific teacher. His workshops are inspiring and incredibly fun. During our weekend, David generously shared his own painting techniques and process and gave ample personal attention to each artist present. The experience recharged my own painting practice, and I look forward to showing up again soon! ”
— Kathryn Lewis, NC
“I recently had the opportunity to take David Skinner’s workshop and all I can say is WOW! I couldn’t stop thinking about all we learned and couldn’t wait to go back the second day. David is an excellent teacher. He was able to go to each workshop participant and work with them directly based on their level of experience and what he/she wanted to achieve.”
— Carol King, NC
“I’m a newbie, three-year acrylic painter and because of my love of David Skinner’s work I jumped at the chance to take a two-day workshop with him in his Asheville studio. It was worth every penny and effort I made to attend. David as a person and an artist is the warmest, most easygoing, friendly, passionate, and enjoyable person. He is completely forthcoming and generous about all he has learned, and I really believe that regardless of how long or short a time you have painted, David would serve you well as a teacher.”
— Mary Jamieson, NC
“Taking an art class from David Skinner was a fantastic experience! His encouraging and approachable style to painting made the workshop environment most creative and collaborative. His personal feedback and dialog helped the entire class. I can’t wait to take from him again in the future.”
— Amy Wilbanks, GA
“David’s class was one of the best I have ever had! He was particularly kind and encouraging, and even though I am normally an oil painter I felt I learned a lot with the acrylics and look forward to using them some more. Thank you, David, for an enlightening experience!”
— Maudie Huff, GA