Artist in Residence Program vs. Painting Workshops - What to Expect

An evening ‘Artists Origins’ in the salon.

Have you ever wished for time to just work on your skills? Time to dream, learn, be inspired, and “refill the well” of your creativity? I have been doing that exact thing for the last two weeks, and have two more weeks ahead of me, here at Chateau Orquevaux. I’m taking part in an Artist in Residence program for four weeks. I applied with my husband Ron as a collaborative team, (we are working on a book together). As it turns out, only 10-15% of the applicants are accepted to come…so I felt quite humbled at the talent that came among our fellow members.

From the first day, we began our work, taking a new topic to write and paint about each day. I had personal painting goals along with accomplishing work for our book. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked on anything as complicated as I have here. I just haven’t had the energy. The first three days I worked ‘en plein air’ (out in the open air, from life).

The following two days I worked from life (after gathering a bouquet of wild flowers in a large old mustard jar). One of the paintings in my Orquevaux studio, and the second flower painting outside of my cottage in the village (La Maison de Jardinier).

Next, I wanted to paint indoors from some photos that I had taken here on site; of new friends, of rooms and experiences. I work from photos when I teach my online Zoom classes. I’ve found that years of working plein air/from life, helps me make better choices when working from photos. I essentially use them as a jumping off point….no one needs a “copy of a photograph”!!! The artist needs to bring their interpretation.

I teach several methods of teaching watercolor painting to my students, to allow them to choose what suits them best at the time. But I had never felt like ‘painting is breathing’ type of experience like I had after 30 years oil painting……Until now! I think I have uncovered that process that I love best for me in watercolor.

Getting the time to focus on what serves me best, what feels natural, what do I want to explore….this has been the biggest rewarding part of being here. Also- input from the other artists. We come together at meals and in the evenings - and sharing some time and conversation has allowed for trading of insights and even some collaborations within the group.

On one of the days, I painted friend and fellow artist Alexandra Schmeling in her studio space. There is a fabulous painted textile of “Esther’s Bath” on the wall behind her work table. We shared the beautiful space as I painted her working there.

So each day, I ‘move the needle’ just a bit, by exploring new techniques, and getting comfortable with the one that serves me best. I seem to have two slightly different methods, but they both are a variation on ‘direct painting’ (which is going in directly with a brush, no pencil drawing first). On the more detailed paintings, I draw in the biggest masses with my brush, using Raw Sienna, which is transparent and non-staining. It is easy to lift off if you’ve made a mistake.

Now, how do I compare workshops to a residency? They can be quite similar…but where a residency is self-guided (you are responsible for making your own work happen). A workshop can be a real burst of inspiration, as an instructor guides your efforts! Whether you are starting something new, or continuing on to expand your techniques, or just going to paint and work in the company of other artists, or have time for yourself exploring a new place and a wonderful endeavor….a workshop might be just the thing you need!

I am spending time honing my craft, so I can help you do the same with yours! A teacher should always be learning new things, and improving their own skills in order to share new things with their students. I’m hoping you’ll join me in my Tuscany workshop this September so that you can do that, too!! Please send me any questions you might have about this trip. The link for registration is below: