Art Holidays in a stylish 17thC farmhouse east of Toulouse, France

There is a magical atmosphere at En Olivier - the panoramic views of the rolling landscape surround this 17th century farmhouse with the Pyrenees and Montaigne Noir mountains in the distance, these views do not fail to inspire. Courses are designed for both beginners and more experienced painters. Each year we invite a number of professional tutors to run courses at En Olivier. Courses include full board en-suite accommodation, all drinks, alcoholic or otherwise, tuition and use of art materials. Meals are provided by our local chef Monsieur Hervouet. There is a house car for those who want to explore. There is much to paint from the grounds of the two houses and the car is there for those who wish to go further afield.

We have four tutors to run the courses at En Olivier, all of whom are professional artists and exhibit their work worldwide. Arthur Neal, Tony Rothon, Victoria Gamberoni and Vince Tutton each offer a different programme dealing with the many varied ways of making paintings in the landscape.

The courses are run on a workshop basis which gives both the beginner and the professional painter time to experiment with different painting and drawing techniques using all mediums. During the day each of the tutors will give time to help each person with their own particular needs. All the tutors are very popular, sensitive and experienced teachers and painters.

As well as teaching the rudiments of painting Arthur Neal and Tony Rothon will be painting alongside the students and will demonstrate colour mixing and application of paint. Victoria Gamberoni and Vince Tutton will describe how to structure a picture and ensure the balance of composition and how to tackle the landscape in all mediums.

During the courses we visit the local market which is large and colourful,lots to buy and lots to paint. We also organise trips to the Toulouse Lautrec Museum in Albi and the Bemberg Collection in Toulouse when requested.In the evenings we have a discussion in the studio and review the work and at times watch a documentary on a variety of artists at which the tutor will also give a talk.

All prices are per person in £ sterling and include full board en-suite accommodation, all drinks, alcoholic or otherwise tuition and use of studio and a comprehensive supply of art materials. Lunch and dinner are provided by our local chef Monsieur Hervouet with the exception of one evening meal at a local restaurant to which you are invited as our guests. The price does not include travel fares.

All rooms are en-suite with a shower and/or bath and of a very high standard at both En Olivier and Montplaisir en Rose a beautiful Manor House nearby. Prices vary according to luxury or standard rooms and participants on the course sharing or taking single occupancy or sharing with a non-painting guest.

There is lots to do for the non-painting partners or friends - the house is within half an hour from Toulouse, Castres and the market towns of Revel and Lavaur. And we are within an hour from Lautrec, Gaillac, Albi, Cordes, and Carcassonne. There is plenty of walking in the immediate area and in the mountains. There are three golf courses within half an hour and tennis and horse riding nearby. We have a swimming pool and plenty of places for everyone to paint / read / sleep / sunbathe without disturbance, and even indulge in a massage with our local masseuse whilst not forgetting the delicious gourmet French cooking provided by our local chef Yannick Hervouet.

We are located 30 miles east of Toulouse in the South West of France. The most convenient airport and train station to use to reach Olivier Art is at Toulouse.