Normandy, birthplace of the impressionism

Monet, Renoir, Seurat and Sisley led the way.
Throughout the centuries Normandy has brought about and attracted artists. They were inspired by the charming landscape with its numerous small rivers and ‘bocages’. In spring the orchards explode into apple blossom and the hedges are strewn with wild flowers. In summer the orchards are filled with yellow-red apples and in autumn the air is filled with a sharp sour scent when fruit is squashed for cider and calvados. But Normandy offers a lot more; the beautiful beaches with their famous seaside resorts Deauville and Honfleur, the cliffs of Étretat, Rouen and Paris within a two hours drive and plenty of recreational facilities for horse and golf lovers (Le Neubourg has one of the finest golf courses in the land).

A course in letting oneself go in form and colour

Being an artist is in the first place being yourself
The courses, which will be held from June till September, are focused upon letting oneself go in individual drawing- and painting wishes. On the first day every student makes clear where he or she prefers to be coached in. One will choose for painting a portrait, the other for landscape, one for chalk, the other for acrylic. Naturally, wishes can be changed in the course of the week. During this course we will make you confident with several aspects, such as composition, colours, techniques, whereby you won’t become obstructed by the stifling exactness of rules.

Ink, chalk, charcoal, or paint
You will learn to work with several sketch and drawing materials, such as pencil, charcoal, conté, ink and pastel. With paint you can choose from watercolours or acrylic. Upon arrival we will lend every student a painter’s easel and a box containing drawing instruments, sketch materials, rubber, pencils and brushes. Several kinds of paper and paint are included in the price of the course.

When are the classes and when not
In the morning lessons are given from 11.00-13.00 hours. After lunch at about 14.00 hours, the lessons continue till 16.00. Daily there will be at the end of the class a discussion of progress (collective or individual). Also there will be trips to discover the vicinity and to capture it on paper, for instance to the tranquil and small river town Giverny, the memorial place for Claude Monet. On Friday we organize an end presentation of the weeks work followed by a delicious barbecue. Eventually, the main thing of this course is to have pleasure in creating and enjoying.

Discover and push back boundaries

The course will be given by Guus van Lingen. He attended the academy of arts in Groningen and has studied a further two years at the academy of arts in Enschede. Afterwards he worked as an art director and creative director at several leading advertising agencies. Guus stimulates his students at ‘Le Nouillon’ to create following their own perception.

The various techniques he deals with are especially meant to support the expressive process. To find out someone’s interests and to enthuse and inspire people to open up new horizons in creativity… That’s the big challenge. Owing to mixture of techniques, styles and levels there is no talk of competition. Everyone gets all the space needed to do their own thing. A relaxed atmosphere, an inspiring ambience and a holiday.

Talent, passion and desire
For choosing a course at ‘Le Nouillon’ you start from talent, passion and craving. You want to paint, draw or design better. This course can help you with all that. The foundations of the course are based on acquiring knowledge in an experimental way and in developing skills. Moreover you will learn as a student from your fellow students. Together we decide the quality of this inspiring working environment. Le Nouillon is a place for innovation, deepening, research and debate. Your daily involvement is a condition in making the course the centre of a creative holiday.

A ‘Chateau’ as workshop

Trentesix
Château Le Nouillon was built in 1870 by the family Tabourier and since a couple of years occupied by Gerda, Guus and the dogs Mo and MAd. This ‘little’ château is situated on 7 acres of land, with old trees, an orchard and ponds with lots of fishes, turtles and frogs. Recently our street has a name and actually a number… 36.

Cosy caravans
Because we are often asked the question “is there a possibility to stay”, we decided that we would offer students accommodation in pleasant furnished caravans. The caravans sleep four people and are situated on a quite spot. All have a small kitchen and a fridge. Le Nouillon finds favour with its guests because of its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. For those who love to stay in the countryside, in a familial ambience Château Le Nouillon is the ‘workshop’.

When, How and “how much is it?”

The cost for a wealth of knowledge and experience.
You will find through our rates that painting at ‘high standard’ doesn’t have to be expensive. We charge for the five days course £ 230,00 pp, including materials and the use of a painter’s easel.
Wining & Dining: drinks £ 8,00. Supper: £ 12,00 (at these prices you don’t want to do it yourself) The lunch is even free.
Your stay: we charge for a caravan £ 80,00 per week including bedding, gas, water and electricity.

Allô allô
Might there be any questions, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us.

A bientôt,
Guus van Lingen

France

36 Rue de Nouillon
27160 Les Baux de Breteuil
0033 2 32 32 13 67
vanlingen@wanadoo.fr