An amazing 11 day experience of art instruction, yoga, cooking classes, wine tastings, excursions & much more!
The Arts
The ideology of the arts program is built on two essential ingredients of the creative process: first, the need to slow down and clear the mind as the first step to observing sensitively and reflecting carefully. Second, understanding and learning the potential of the media and of your creative self and responding honestly to the subject and/or the environment.
The arts workshops offer personalized and comprehensive instruction in the areas of drawing and painting. The emphasis is on observation and working plein air, using live models, still lives, picturesque villages, and especially the surrounding landscape as subjects. Participants work in a wide range of media, including pencil, ink, charcoal, water colors, pastels, acrylic and oil. Participants are grouped by experience to provide individualized instruction at all levels, from beginning to advanced. All materials and equipment are included and participants who concentrate in the arts are provided with individual studio space.
Wellness
The wellness program draws on the natural beauty of Dordogne to immerse you in a tranquil environment which enables you to release stress and discover your inner strength. Yoga enables you to focus on techniques which inspire you to breathe more deeply into the present moment. A daily series of practices and exercises provides a blend of physical movement, mindfulness, and meditation for all levels, with individual accommodation offered as necessary. Using the art of visualization, you will develop the skills to direct your breath to create ease and a more spacious body to awaken in the morning and to unwind in the later afternoon.
AWE is excited to introduce a daily section of “Living Your Best Life” with our highly trained Guide that will bring your through a personal journey of what your best life looks like and how to carry that forth.
In addition to the above mentioned, participants will also take time for relaxing walks in the countryside, forests or swimming in the pool to provide a sense of well-being and start to create a healthy balance in your life.
French cuisine and wine
Experience a sense of place and connect with the local culinary offerings of Dordogne. Shop at local farm markets to prepare meals of the region. True to the spirit of the artistic heritage of the region, participants explore simple techniques to create fresh, authentic, casual meals to be shared each evening for dinner.
The focus of the cooking workshop is to use ingredients from local sources to create bistro style meals while developing entry level culinary skills. An introduction to the charcuterie (smoked and cured meats) and cheeses of France during orientation sets the stage for delights to come.
Naturally learning about and pairing the world class French wines is integrated into the experience. Look forward to gathering, cooking, eating and sipping like a local…you will go home feeling like an epicurean explorer.
