Drawing in the Dordogne
Draw from nature. Be inspired by cave paintings and ancient landscape. Relax and rest into a new rhythm.
The Dordogne valley has been a place of mark-making for thousands of years. The cave painters of Lascaux traced bison and horses by firelight, capturing something essential about the world around them.
We come to the same landscape this September to draw. Using charcoal and natural materials we will experiment with making our own marks, as we explore what we see, and express what we feel.
"I'd love to live like a river flows, carried away by the surprise of its own unfolding"
— John O'Donohue
What’s Inside
Each day moves between movement and making.
We begin with qigong (mindful movement) led by Katie, waking up our body with breath, meditation and gentle movement in the garden, weather permitting. Then we go out into the local landscape, to walk, explore, visit caves, make notes, written and visual. We draw from nature, inspired by the patterns and rhythms of the natural world: sunlight through walnut leaves, flickering shadows, ripples on water.
Back in the studio we draw intuitively, from memory, full bodied and gestural. Large-scale charcoal drawings that layer and change and keep going over many hours and days. We will be making smaller drawings too. Sometimes drawing into the evening, in low light, from dreams, from the imagination, from the landscape half-remembered.
Drawing here is a process, not a product. A way of understanding and a record of passing time.
Sergeac sits on the banks of the Vézère river, deep in one of the most quietly beautiful parts of France. The week is designed around rest - settling into a new rhythm, earthing and grounding, finding a sense of place. Walking, contemplating, being in touch with nature.
As the poet John O'Donohue’s quote above says, there is something in this landscape that carries you, surprised by its own unfolding.
We're staying at Gîtes L'Enclos in the grounds of an old stone farm house, in the hamlet of Sergeac, on the banks of the Vézère. The accommodation is in both gîtes and the main farm house, set in beautiful parkland gardens, with views over the lower garden, the Vézère river and the valley beyond. There are two heated pools, and room for you all to have your own room (or share with a friend or partner and save £200 each). The studio is a converted barn just outside the gates of the property and for our sole use during the holiday.
There is plenty of space for unwinding, relaxing by the pool, or sitting outside in the shaded terraces. Ten minutes from Montignac and the Lascaux caves, this peaceful and tranquil location is well placed for everything we'll visit during the week.
General Schedule
September 1st - ARRIVAL day (Flights and pick up time tbc)
September 8th - DEPARTURE day (Flights and drop off time tbc)
MORNING TEACHING 9.30am - 1pm
Each morning after breakfast there will be some mindful movement (a walk by the river, qigong in the woods) to get into the creative flow, before heading to the studio to draw, with guided exercises to inspire and motivate
LUNCH 1 - 2pm
AFTERNOON TEACHING 2.30 - 4.30pm* (followed by free time 4.30pm - 6.30pm or vice versa)
Afternoons will be flexible, to go at your own pace, guided by Katie. There will be time for you to pursue your own work in the studio, or go back outside if you wish, with more time for dedicated 121 tuition. Individually you can choose to relax or explore in the afternoons and work in the studio later in the day or after dinner. As a group we may agree to rest one afternoon and have a tutored evening session after dark, by candlelight. On other evenings you are free to use the studio space, untutored.
EVENINGS from 6.30pm
Evenings will be relaxed and sociable, with drinks and dinner outside where weather permits. A paella night, a barbecue, a meal in the local restaurant, all will be offered as part of the holiday. And of course some local wine to enjoy.
EXCURSIONS
Excursions will be offered to places of interest including prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux, a nearby monastery, and a local market. These will be optional, with details and timetable to be decided.
Total cost is £1995*
It includes: tuition, some drawing materials, accommodation, all food and drink including one meal out, transport to and from airport and transport for trips out
Not included: flights to France, entry to caves and museums, your own art materials
*£200 reduction if you choose to share a room (bring a friend or partner) making the total cost £1795 each
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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How do I book?
To book please email Clare at and she will send you bank details for payment of the deposit to secure a place
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, you can pay with a deposit of £500 to secure the space. The remaining balance of £1495 is due by 31 July
You can discuss payments and instalments with Clare
What is the refund and cancellation policy?
In order to secure your space and ensure we can deliver a course of the upmost quality for a small group of individuals, the deposit is non-refundable unless there is an unforeseen major change in circumstances.
Full payment is due by 31 July, after which there will be no refunds unless someone can be found to fill your place.
We suggest you take out your own travel insurance to cover for all eventualities.
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Will I have my own room?
Yes. You will each have your own room most are ensuite (or shared bathroom with one other). There are 8 available bedrooms, most are double, one is a twin with two single beds so you could come with a friend, or share a double with a partner - you would each pay £1795 instead of the full price). -
What are the travel arrangements?
Included in the price will be your transfer from the airport as long as you arrive on the recommended flight, or arrange to meet Clare (our host) at Bergerac Airport on Tuesday 1 September.
You will be told which flight to book once we have enough bookings.
You are responsible for booking your own flight. Flights are not included in the price.
During the holiday travel for all group trips to nearby sites of interest included.
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What shall I pack for my personal comfort?
For your personal comfort please bring:
• small rucksack for art materials when walking and on trips
• sensible shoes for walking on rough terrain (trainers are good enough, walking boots are not necessary unless it is your preference)
• lightweight shoes/sandals for around the house and terrace
• swim suit and pool towel
• sun protection, sun cream, sun hat, scarf/shawl
• mosquito repellent optional
• lightweight clothes for warm days
• warm clothes for the evenings (socks, fleece, scarf, shawl - layers)
• raincoat just in case (check forecast before travel)
• money if you want cash (for the market), although any meals out will be paid for and most shops will now take card
• there will be one dinner out in the local restaurant, included, plus other cafe/market opportunities
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What excursions and meals out can I expect, and are they included in the price?
All travel is included in the price (apart from your flight). A meal out is also included. Museum/cave entrance ticket is NOT included. Proposed excursions (all are optional, although the caves are not to be missed!)
A trip to nearby local caves. There are some very close to the village, but we should also visit the famous caves of Lascaux, a short drive away
An evening meal in the local village
A trip to a nearby Monastery
A trip to a local market
Walks in the landscape around the gÎtes and studio
There may be additional stops on the way to or from the airport depending on the flight times.
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What art materials are provided and what shall I bring myself?
NB This list may change. Email Katie on katiesollohub@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Please bring the materials that you most prefer to use for drawing on a large and small scale, and what you can easily travel with, including a selection of the following:
A sketchbook and/or notebook
charcoal (lots, willow, scene painters)
black and white chalk (coloured chalks if you want colour)
pens, pencils, graphite, and any other dry drawing materials
a water-soluble graphite pencil and water brush pen
any small watercolour sets and brushes for portable work
an eraser, pencil sharpener, pritt-stick
loose paper for larger drawings, or a large sketchbook. A1 if you can manage it - or a roll of A1 cartridge paper
masking tape and or bulldog clips
fixative or hairspray if you are checking in hold luggage
Provided on site:
• there will be large studio tables, 1 each
drawing boards - small and large
there may be additional paper for you to buy from Katie (to be confirmed)
• we will try making some ink from local materials (eg walnut ink)
• pots for water and ink can be sourced from the kitchen recycling
extra fixative
When you say we can work large, how large? How will I get my drawings home?
A1 is a great size to work at, and still manageable in a hold sized suitcase if rolled up (and placed diagonally)
If Katie is able to provide larger paper, this will be an option. You would then have to consider how to get it home - one option is make one group bundle of rolled drawings, and check it in as additional baggage on the return flight. To redistribute on arrival in the UK. This has worked for Katie’s groups abroad before.
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What can I expect at mealtimes?
Food is lovingly prepared by our hosts at the property. A mixture of cultural flavours with the local cuisine.
They will try and cater for most requirements where possible, providing alternatives if you are vegetarian or have intolerances.
Severe allergies cannot be catered for as there is only one kitchen, cooking on a domestic scale, so foods will be prepared and stored in shared conditions.
Please talk to Clare to discuss this further by emailling hampshireartstudio@gmail.com
House and Pool - What is provided?
• all meals and wine are included. If you would like spirits we ask you bring your own duty free and mixers will be provided
• please send any dietary requirement to Clare before the course
• meals out are included
• transport on organised trips are included, museum entry is not included (approx 10-25 euros).
• towels will be provided for bathroom use but please bring your own for the pool
Toiletries, shampoos, soaps, hairdryers are all provided so no need to bring any unless you have a preference.
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What is the weather like at this time of year?
The weather should be pleasantly warm and not too hot at this time of year. It can be cooler in the early mornings and evenings, and can be unpredictable, with occasional rain.
There is plenty of indoor space, and alternatives to being outside. It is advised you check the weather prior to packing so you know what to expect.