Barging in Burgundy France
with impressionist’s paris and
monet’s garden in giverny
A Travel Journal painting Workshop and adventure
with artist james wisnowski
October 3 - 12, 2010
France as it should be seen !
Renowned artist, teacher and workshop leader, James Wisnowski,twsa, cordially invites you to join him in a unique plein air painting workshop in two of the most art inspiring areas in France. Learn the art of travel journal sketching while you experience the joy of cruising one of the most beautiful and historic canals of France together. After our six days and nights on the barge. we will then continue our workshop in Paris for three nights. We will set up our easels in the exact locations depicted in famous Impressionists paintings. We will also spend one of the days in Monet's Garden in the quaint village of Giverny, painting his flower garden and water lily pond, along with his house and studio.
This 10-day workshop is designed to meet the needs of both the experienced and beginning artist, through personal, one on one instruction. Jim will show you how to develop a travel journal with sketches using watercolor, pencil, and pen and ink directly from nature. Learn different ways of defining your center of interest and balancing your composition. Learn the use of light and shadow and how to plan for local and reflected color. Discover luminous landscapes through the use of direct and confident brush techniques. Location opportunities include exploring diverse environments from vineyards, gardens, colorful markets, cafes to a serene and natural rural landscape. Students will paint 5-8 hours per day. Each day will an opportunity for instruction on specific elements and techniques. Each day will start with a demonstration, followed by student painting, and critique.
Due to space limitations of the barge, there is a maximum of 5 students.
click here for Barge “The Who Knows” information
click here for Culinary delights of Burgundy and the Who Knows
Meet group at Paris train station for our travel to Dijon. At 4pm our barge hosts will transfer us from Dijon station to “The Who Knows” for Champagne welcome. Time to settle in before dinner on board.
Monday - Oct 4
After breakfast we set sail and head upstream towards Pont d'Ouche. Today is all about cruising with plenty of opportunity to paint, cycle, and walk along the tow-path, exploring the small villages along the route. The Ouche valley is noted for its steep sided tree lined dense deciduous forest, wild boar, deer and birds of prey.
The sedate p
ace continues through the afternoon and we climb through several locks to our destination of Pont d'Ouche our mooring for the night. Its name comes from the canals aqua duct that crosses over the river Ouche and the valley opens out into a wide pastoral scene that France is so famous for.
Tuesday - Oct 5
This morning we will be taken to the wine district of the cotes du Nuits. First we will be journaling our guided visit of the famous Cistercian winery of the Clos du Vougeot, home to the "Knights of the round table of wine tasting". We then venture into the vineyards for painting along with a discussion on the vine, grape and strict growing conditions of Burgundy’s AOC, before doing a wine tasting.
In the afternoon we set sail for Vandanesse en Auxoise. This relaxing cruise takes the barge through several locks, giving you plenty of opportunity to sketch in your travel journal. Opportunity to walk or cycle along the tow-path to find painting locations. Our mooring at Vandanesse is in the shadow of Chateauneuf-en-Auxoise, classified as one of the prettiest villages in France. You can not help but be impressed by the view, truly memorable.
Wednesday - Oct 6
After breakfast our guide drives us to Beaune, the capital of wine production in Burgundy. Quick sketching during a guided visit of the world famous Hospice du Beaune built in 1443.
In the afternoon we visit the Patriarche Pere et Fils, the famous wine cellars in Beaune where our guide’s extensive knowledge of wines comes into play to guide you through the cellars and tastings. With over 4 million bottles at any one time in their underground caves that cover over 4 acres you will not go short for a drop or two. This is an extensive tasting ranging from the simple to the illustrious.
Sketch various locations during the leisurely drive back through the countryside while returning to the barge.
Thursday - Oct 7
This morning Jason drives you the short distance up to Châteauneuf to do a guided visit of this impressive fortified castle with its commanding views of the canal and surrounding area. Behind the château is a fantastic village, surprisingly small considering the obvious importance of the château.
In the afternoon we set sail and head for the summit pound, where we prepare the barge to travel through the Pouilly tunnel, a hugely impressive feat of engineering, built by British prisoner of war during the Napoleonic wars. Our transit takes us around 45 minutes and brings us out at Pouilly en Auxoise our mooring for the night.
Friday - Oct 8
On your final day aboard we revert back to the utter sublime joy of pure barging. From the summit pound at Pouilly, we descend 12 locks in quick succession as we once again head into the Burgundian countryside, with ample opportunities to paint, walk and cycle by the barge.
In the afternoon we spend several relaxing hours lazily gliding through the valley floor to our destination of Pont Royal where the Who Knows moors up and a review of our travel journals which reflect a wonderful week can begin.
Depending on starting point the above barge portion of the itinerary may run in the opposite way.
Saturday - Oct 9
After breakfast we will be driven back to Dijon train station, for our journey back to Paris
Sunday - Oct 10
Spent the day developing your travel journal, paintings various impressionists sites of Paris. Included are Notre Dame, the Seine River, markets of the Latin Quarter.
Monday - Oct 11
Travel to the village of Giverny to visit Monet’s Garden. Spend all day painting his famous water lilies and flower gardens. In the evening return to Paris.
Tuesday - Oct 12
Return home with memories and pictures that will last a lifetime.
MAXIMUM 5 PERSONS Check for availability
Cost of workshop is $4082. (not including airfare)
INCLUDED:
2 meals/day while on barge
6 nights barge accommodations with twin bedded rooms
all ground transportation to/from painting locations during workshop
3 nights hotel in Paris
Monet’s Garden fee
daily art instruction (6-8 hours/day)
NOT INCLUDED:
airfare
transportation airport from/to Paris hotel
If you have any special dietary concerns, special occasions to celebrate or requests, simply let us know at the time of reservation.
For a reservation, a 20% non-refundable deposit is required, with the balance being paid at least 90 days prior to the cruise date. No refunds unless the reservation is resold. Clients are strongly recommended to take out Insurance (including cruise cancellation insurance at the time of booking) for themselves and their belongings.
contact James Wisnowski
1-310-633-3080
