Art tuition
courses in Pastels
at La Croix Spa

About pastels

The medium of pastel was first discovered in the fifteenth century and has excited artists over the years with its ability to portray light and to stand the test of time in the vibrant intensity of its pigments.

The most famous artists who used pastel are Degas, Delacroix, Millet, Monet, Renoir, Toulouse Lautrec and Whistler.

However pastels are perfect for being able to accommodate artists of every skill-level - from beginner to great master and yet give satisfying results. This makes them a perfect medium for an art holiday.

About the art course

Why not perfect your own pastels skills while at La Croix. We can offer anything from a day's tuition as part of a holiday here - to a full-blown art course lasting five days in which to discover the beautiful Charente in pastels.

Mary, our art tutor, uses pastel to quickly capture the essence of a landscape. It is a versatile and exciting medium and can be applied using fingertips to blend and guide the colours. A real hands-on experience.

Subjects on offer range from landscapes, portraiture, still life, animals to buildings and architecture. For further information about the courses, click here.

About our tutor

Mary has lived in the Charente for 2 years. In the UK Mary was a professional portrait artist for twenty years. She has worked on numerous commissions for both people and pets. She has also sold work through local galleries.

In the Charente, Mary is surrounded by picturesque villages set in wonderful countryside. It is easy to find inspiration around every corner. Why not join Mary and discover the Charente in pastels for yourself!

Mary provides all materials, pastels, canvas, easels, stools and transportation to and from subject sites.

The flexibility of an art course at La Croix Spa

By having your art holiday at La Croix Spa, you really have the option to match all the luxury of the stay at La Croix Spa with your needs and budget as an artist. This is because:
a) you can choose from a day's course up to a full five days course and therefore mix your art with other holiday activities;
b) you can even choose to start with tuition, then focus on developing your own skills and then end with a review and further tuition;
c) you can entirely self-cater - or have home-cooked meals delivered to your cottage.

For further information about the courses and options available, either click here, or contact us!