Join Artist and Tutor Kat O’Connor as she returns to Atelier Clos Mirabel in May 2028. This workshop is open to students of all levels, from those with basic experience to advanced artists working in watercolour, oil, gouache, or acrylics.
About this course:
Learn to create dynamic compositions in a supportive and restorative environment, no matter what your style or painting subject. Each morning, we will begin with a discussion of a specific compositional possibility, with examples by master painters in a variety of styles and eras. We will then apply those techniques – first in quick sketches and then finished paintings – to our own work.
The grounds of Clos Mirabel provide endless resources for your painting interests – whether that be landscape, still life, or abstraction. Individual and group critiques will strengthen your ability to see and utilise great composition.
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – 1.00 Composition: The Three Basics Explored. Sketching, brief critique of compositional studies. Quick paintings.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 3.30 Studio discussion of sketches with a focus on dynamic compositions. Quick paintings of 2 favourites.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – 1.00 Dynamic Compositions: Utilising Diagonals. Quick sketches, brief critique, painting.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 3.30 On-site painting utilising diagonals
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.30 – 12.30 Painting and/or sketching en plein air at Lac de Castet (Lake Castet)
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at local auberge
2.30 – 5.30 Plein air painting and/or sketching in the commune of Arudy
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – Free day
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce.
Explore Pau or beyond. The Clos Mirabel Team can make suggestions and arrange transport.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – 1.00 Group critique. Colour and Value in Composition.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 3.30 Begin final painting or series, on-site or in the studio.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – 1.00 Work on final painting series, on-site or in the studio
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 3.30 Complete final paintings
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the studio with aperitifs followed by 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast and departure (check-out 11am)
Non-painting guests: We are more than happy to welcome non-painting guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
The Art Studio, has air-conditioning and ceiling fans and offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
