A serious learning experience for all, from complete beginners to professional artists
THE PAINTING SCHOOL OF MONTMIRAL
Drawing and painting workshops / courses in "un des plus beaux villages de France", South-West France.
THE WORKSHOPS / COURSES
After many years of research into drawing skills and the use of colour in painting, the English artist and teacher, Francis Pratt, formerly Cottrell Fellow at the University of Stirling, Scotland, has acquired a unique knowledge of ways in which people use their eyes when drawing and painting. This means that the workshops / courses at the Painting School of Montmiral have much that is new and worthwhile to offer to all who are interested in drawing and painting, whether they are looking for ways of developing their skills or wanting help with their creativity. People of all levels of attainment from complete beginners to professional artists will find something of lasting value from what has been called "the Montmiral experience". On offer to students is an informed and attentive ear capable of offering practical help in a wide range of situations. For example, students will benefit from a visit to the Painting School of Montmiral whether they are: seeking to achieve greater accuracy in drawing, wanting to make abstract paintings, feeling the need for a better understanding of any aspect of colour, looking for more personal ways of expression, experiencing an artist's block, or simply feeling the need for a time of reassessment. Students are welcome to use the medium of their choice.
WHAT THE PRESS HAS TO SAY
Sunday Times: "A singular approach". The Artist: "The course director aims to help people free themselves from habits that are holding them back, to get in touch with their feelings and express their individuality; the personal attention and teaching are exceptional". The Independent: "The course is unique... Francis uses accuracy as a means of introducing ideas about artistic creativity and self expression... His theories on colour are persuasive". Leisure Painter: "The appeal of The Painting School of Montmiral is in the quality and substance of the learning experience". Artists and Illustrators Magazine: "An artist of formidable talent who has carried out research into how we perceive colour and how we draw". BDSA Magazine: "Takes endless trouble to help individuals. All who are serious about painting and drawing should think about going, whether complete beginners or professional artists". David Elliot, B.W.S., in British Watercolour Society Catalogue: "It gave me one hell of a stride forward." Sue Cook, Television presenter: "An experience I will certainly go for again."
For student comments click on Student Comments, and Student Galleries
LOCATION
Castelnau de Montmiral is a very special place. Founded in the 13th century and recently classified as "un des plus beaux villages de France", it is a hilltop bastide town in the Tarn region, South West France. Within its encircling ramparts are many styles of ancient building constructed from varied materials (limestone blocks, oak timbers and ancient bricks), an historic central square, Place des Arcades, the medieval entrance gate, Porte des Garrics, and narrow streets trapping the sky.
The countryside around is exceptionally varied and eye pleasing, with vineyards, fields of sunflowers, cypress and poplar trees and soils of varying colours from white to red. The panoramic view from the studio window of The Painting School of Montmiral extends across the beautiful valley of the River Vere. In one direction rise the heights on which are found the ancient forest of the Gresigne and, in the other, a fertile rolling landscape stretching over the plain of the River Tarn, where lies the Cathedral city of Albi, and into the blue distance beyond.
REASONS FOR JOINING THE WORKSHOPS / COURSES
All who come to study at The Painting School of Montmiral will benefit from Francis' long experience as a caring and supportive teacher. His unique approach is based on a distillation of ideas coming from his life as a practising artist, his work as a teacher and his research at the University of Stirling. As a result, he can provide fresh perspectives on all the better known teaching strategies and show how they can be improved upon in variety of highly practical ways.
The essence of Francis' teachings is to work with each student individually.
He helps them to have confidence in their own feelings, build on existing aspirations and identify and solve problems.
He calls on his unique knowledge of: colour in all its aspects, drawing as a tool for seeing in new ways and the origins of personal creativity.
His workshops cater for all approaches: Accurate representation, personal expression and abstract painting.
Students can work in all mediums: Watercolour, oil paint, acrylics, soft pastels, charcoal, graphite etc.
All levels of ability are welcome: Professional artists, experienced amateurs and complete beginners.
For more detail about what Francis has to offer see the page on teaching and the Course Director.
