Painting Provence: An Artist Workshop in France

Come paint in a lovely corner of France - September 2026

Your Instructor: Leslie Jorgensen

Picture yourself in the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, France, where our September 2026 artist workshop awaits you. This plein air workshop takes you to lovely places to paint and provides you with instruction by Leslie Jorgensen, a professional artist and instructor from Salida, Colorado.

Leslie will help you capture the vibrant colors and unique textures of the Provencal towns and countryside.

Mornings begin with a short demonstration by the instructor, followed by independent work with personalized feedback from Leslie. Afternoons can be for additional painting time, and on some days we’ll explore picturesque villages, local markets, and even a visit to a nearby vineyard. 

The group aspects of our workshops are also a significant draw, with like-minded individuals from around the world sharing meals, ideas, and their passion for art. This fosters a supportive and inspiring atmosphere that extends beyond the canvas.

An artist workshop in Provence is more than just a chance to improve your artistic skills. It is an opportunity to live and breathe art in one of the world's most beautiful regions. It's about slowing down, observing the world with a fresh perspective, and allowing the beauty of the surroundings to inspire your painting. 

Whether you're a seasoned artist looking for new inspiration or a beginner eager to dip your toes into the world of painting, the memories and masterpieces created amidst the charm of Provence will last a lifetime.

En Plein Air

After breakfast each morning, we will head out to that day’s location to observe, record, and immerse ourselves in the area. We’ll choose locations that offer diverse architecture and landscapes. 

Leslie, our instructor, will start the day with a demonstration, showcasing her unique viewpoint. During the work session, Leslie will circulate to offer individual support and guidance to each artist. We’ll have group critiques aimed at problem solving and appreciation, as well. You will be responsible for bringing the materials you need for this work.

Students in the workshop can work in any medium. Demos will be done mostly in acrylic.

Change your Perspective

Leslie’s goal is to help you look from a new or renewed perspective and push you to use color in unusual ways. Her work is focused on using the natural beauty of landscapes and shifting the traditional to create unexpected pieces. Leslie thrives on being a part of the landscape, and the joy she gets from painting en plein air is contagious. 

Join us! All media and levels of art experience are welcome!

Our home base for this tour will be the town of Vaison-la-Romaine in the northern part of Provence. It’s in the Rhone River valley.

The town of Vaison-la-Romaine, and the surrounding towns of Nyons and Mirabel-aux-Baronnies, rest in a relatively undiscovered corner of Provence where castle ruins sit side by side with ancient stone villages, where tidy French gardens grow beneath spreading fruit and olive trees.

The surrounding area is the largest grower of olives in France, while also producing apricots and other fruits and vegetables, not to mention miles and miles of grape vines.

Vaison-la-Romaine itself dates from Roman times, with an amphitheater, a full Roman town, and other ruins. Of more recent vintage is the Medieval castle that tops a labyrinth of ancient village streets.