Our Charming Country Residence for Ten Days Silk Painting in France: Learn beginning painting on silk and see and study the rich history of the Cote d'Or and the Natural Park Region of the Morvan in the region of Burgundy (Bourgogne) of France. [Dates, Details and Registration Form]

Staying in one tranquil setting for the entire time: a French country home situated on the rolling hills and wooded setting of the Morvan overlooking a lake just kilometers away from the charming village of Chaumard.  The location is ideal for brisk walks and superb photographs.  The meals feature beautiful table settings or, weather permitting, eating in the calm garden.  Meals will incorporate many of the regional specialties.  (Special dietary requirements can be catered to.)

The location in the Morvan is easily accessible to our daily trips.  The Morvan is the green timber belt of Burgundy and was designated to be a "Natural Park" in 1970.  The area is Mitterand's heartland.  Resouces have been made available to maintain the rich history of the area.

We paint in Carol’s studio with access to fresh air.  
This studio has been organized especially for silk painting.

Carol Gardyne will teach this special class.  More than a decade ago, during a visit to France, Carol was inspired by the beauty of this country as a venue to teach silk painting.  The tranquility of unspoiled landscapes and villages provides a majestic setting.  Carol spent several years preparing for this experience and will guide you through your ten-day trip.  

She has taught silk painting for the Art & Materials show sponsored by American Artist magazine in Pasadena, California. Carol has a B.S. degree in teaching and also an M.A. degree in Educational Psychology.  In the beginning years, Carol conducted the workshop in a chateau.  Now, Carol and her husband have a home in the Burgundy region.  The Morvan has unspoiled natural landscapes.  It is the ideal setting for learning art, hiking, enjoying the finest Burgundian cuisine and discovering scenery and historic French villages that cannot be enjoyed by large groups.

This trip features an opportunity to learn a new skill while enjoying carefully planned tours of scenic Burgundy. You do not need to have any previous art background or painting experience. Carol plans well balanced days. You paint in her delightful studio between breakfast and lunch. This new awareness of color and form gives focus to the majestic sites we visit. Previous participants were thrilled with the painted silk pieces with which they returned home.  Many have returned two, three and even four times!

Afternoons are spent visiting beautiful cathedrals, fabulous museums, exquisite centuries-old historic buildings as well as outdoor sites. When available, Carol has arranged for special English speaking guides to provide even more information.

In addition, you will have time to browse and shop on your own, perhaps stopping to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee. Throughout your visit you will meet the charming local people and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the markets and shops.

Most evening meals are enjoyed in the Gardyne’s home. If you wish, you may participate in choosing the fresh foods and a bit of cooking.  We dine in other restaurants in the area that feature superb ambience and outstanding regional cuisine.

Visits to some of the jewels in the area Including... Autun, Vezelay, Abbaye de Fontenay, Beaune, Chablis, Noyers-sur-Serein, Mont Beuvray and Chateau Chinon (ville)

Autun - Our closest city. It is the Roman heart of Burgundy and also the most Roman city north of Nimes and Arles. We will explore thoroughly this charming and elegant city.

Vezelay - This tiny fortified village is one of France's architectural gems. It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Burgundy. We will see vineyards and grazing sheep. Perched on a wooded hilltop, Vezelay has the allure and self-sufficiency of a Tuscan town. (St. Bernard, the Burgundian saint, was equally adored in Siena and his homeland.) 

Abbaye de Fontenay  - Founded in 1118 by St. Bernard, it is a Benedictine treasure. This abbey complex presents a virtually complete view of early Cistercian life. Abbaye de Fontenay is a UNESCO designated site.

Beaune - The unofficial capital of the Cote d'Or. The most famous historical site in Beaune is the magnificent Hotel-Dieu, France's most fascinating medieval charity hospital. It is a marvel of Burgundian-Flemish art.

Chablis - Set in the beautiful rolling hills with vineyards visible to our minibus. We will stop for a bit of wine tasting and wander through the town.

Noyers-sur-Serein - One of the most beautiful villages in France.  It looks “postcard perfect”.  We take time to wander along the river and even visit a local potter.

Mont Beuvray - A mountain once inhabited by the Gauls. Bibracte: A museum offers a look at the organization of the ancient city. A fascinating insight into Celtic civilization.

Chateau Chinon (ville) - You will be amazed to see a wonderful fountain by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tingley.  There are two gems of museums in this little village that are worth the visit.

Transportation in microbus (minivan) to and from Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris, France.

• 10 nights in the Gardyne’s home  Two beautiful apartments for at most five participants
• All meals (alcoholic beverages are not included)
• Entrance fees to museums and historic sights
• The cost of all guided tours
• All painting materials needed (silk, stretcher frames, all dyes, brushes, etc.)
• Handouts prepared for sites and villages to be visited
• All travel in an air conditioned microbus

[Dates, Details and Registration Form]