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Tutor-led courses by British Artist David Chisholm BA. NSA
Feel relaxed, feel inspired
We offer unique Artist Workshops and Retreats throughout the year.
All of our workshop courses are tutored by renowned British artist ‘David Chisholm‘ and are tailored to artists of all levels, from beginner to advanced.
Your accommodation is at ‘Le Calme‘, a beautiful Béarnaise Maison on the outskirts of the ancient medieval village of Sauveterre de bearn in southwest France. With stunning grounds and luxury swimming pool, all set amongst the trees with the glorious Pyrenean mountains in the background.
Come a day early for free!
To help you settle in and chillout before the workshop begins.
We offer this free of charge and will include meals and a welcome drink on the terrace with us….
Stay for longer!
Why not stay on for a few extra days or another week…. at a reduced rate!
This will give you the chance of really exploring this stunningly beautiful part of France..
You will continue to have full use of the studio, the pool and grounds and home cooked food if you so wish….
Your tutor and mentor
David Chisholm BA. NSA. is a very friendly, experienced mentor and an excellent calm and relaxed tutor who will put you at your ease….
This is a unique opportunity to work alongside David. He believes in total freedom of expression and his relaxed approach will free you as an artist.
David is an Artist and Sculptor, hailing from the ‘Falmouth School of Art’ and the former chairman of the famous ‘Newlyn Society of Artists‘ whose members have included: Dame Barbara Hepworth I Dame Laura Knight I Stanhope Forbes I Peter Lanyon I Norman Garstin I Walter Langley I Lamorna Birch I Dod Proctor I Alfred Munnings I Bernard Leach I Patrick Heron I Terry Frost…
to name but a few..
There is a wonderful film about the Newlyn School and its artists called “Summer in Feburary” well worth a watch.. For info click here
David is a practicing professional artist and active member of the NSA and exhibits locally in France, the UK and abroad. He has now moved to the warmth and ambience of Southwest France with his wife Helen.
David’s experience and guidance make Retreats and Workshops at ‘Le Calme‘ truly transformative and unforgettable…
Workshops at ‘Le Calme‘
Free yourself! Explore a wide range of artistic forms, numerous techniques, encapsulate passion and expression…
…..the embodiment of emotion in your work
“Davids workshops are unique, exciting, uplifting and enlightening… “
They differ greatly from most art holidays and workshops, offering you a fantastic opportunity, to release yourself artistically, taking you on a journey to help you make your art ‘Real‘ and have meaning and purpose!
Drawing Master Classes I Sculpture I Acylic Rubbing I Charcoal I Chalk I Painting with Oil/Watercolour/Acrylic/Natural/Cold Wax/Encaustic Wax I 2D-3D-2D I Mono Printing I Contemporary I Abstract I Conceptual I Emotional Embodiment I Photographic Work I Methodology
You will be working in the studio at ‘Le Calme‘ and in and around the wonderful grounds, with the Pyrenees mountains as the backdrop.
For those who like working ‘pleinair‘ the beautiful Medieval towns of Sauveterre de bearn, Salies de bearn and Naverenx await you.
Contemporary Techniques
Learn and experience the fundamentals of classical and contemporary art techniques.
David will take you through creative processes, teaching you about methodology and conceptual approaches to work. David will show and lead you through the techniques he uses, building your knowledge to incorporate into your own work.
David is also classically trained and can also show you traditional methods used by the old masters..
Drawing Master Classes
David is a master of drawing techniques. His approach helps you to be free and expressive!
He uses and teaches a conceptual approach which is liberating and gives you complete freedom when creating your work.
David is not interested in realism, accuracy and perspective, he is more concerned with feeling, emotions, mood and passion.
Painting – Oil, Acrylic & Watercolours
Experience techniques of canvas preparation.
Creating an emotive ground which is essentual in setting the mood and ambience of the work.
Approaches to creating your art including the use of sketches preparatory work.
Composition and the importance of contemplation.
Working with a wide range of materials and techniques, for example how to use glazes and scumbling to create unique pieces of art.
Workshops for 2025
Below are the workshops for this year:
24th – 31st MAY 2025
Embodiment of Emotion
passion in art!
This is what Davids own work is all about …
David quotes – “great art is born from emotion, the greater the emotion, the greater the work of art....”
Work with David who will lead you through the approaches, preparatory work, the processes and stages. Expression and freedom of your own feelings and emotions through your art.
A fascinating week from Joeseph Beuys to Rodin…
14th – 21st JUNE 2025
Conceptual Art
about the idea!
A weeks workshop exploring how to manifest a thought or idea through your art. This is the most important thing about the artwork…
The materials and techniques that the artist has used are less important or not important at all. The artwork is simply a vehicle for encouraging the viewer to think about an idea….
A fascinating week from Maurizio Cattelan to Du Champ…
5th – 12th JULY 2025
Contemporary Abstract
art today!
The Tate describes it in a nutshell “When an artist has either ‘removed (abstracted) elements from an object to create a more simplified form’ or produced something which ‘has no source at all in external reality“
Work with David, learn how to create abstract art, utilizing many contemporary techniques..
a captivating and ever-evolving genre that allows for infinite possibilities of self-expression and interpretation. David invites you to visit the boundaries of creativity…
16th – 23rd AUGUST 2025
Expressive freedom in art
free yourself…
The freedom to express yourself through art is a beautiful and wonderous thing!
During this week we will not be concerned with conventional methods and techniques or how accurate we can sculpt, draw or paint……
IT IS TIME TO LET GO….
This workshop is not about your civil rights and government constraints! Its about releasing yourself from your own constraints and inhibitions.
David will help you liberate yourself through your art practice and find the real you!
You will surprise yourself expressing your innermost feelings and emotions through your art…. its liberating and rewarding.
6th – 13th SEPT 2025
Drawing Masterclass
a charcoal journey…
Explore experimental drawing techniques and be inspired by experimental drawing processes and the work of contemporary artists.
From preparatory sketches and research through to a series of final drawings, you will work from observation, personal research, and imagination.
We will experiment with image making drawing materials, mixing media and collage.
By the end of this workshop you should be able to :
- Draw with confidence and freedom using a variety of different methods.
- Draw and record, explore, and self-express.
- Use sketchbooks to develop your ideas and make decisions on how you want your work to develop.
- Use a variety of drawing materials and processes.
- Make a series of of drawings forming a cohesive and relevant body of work.
20th – 27th SEPT 2025
Contemporary Techniques
art today!
In this workshop we will look at numerous techniques and mediums of artists today.
How various materials are used and and the journey many of todays emerging artists go on to achieve their own style.
2D/3D/2D. – Encaustic wax – Cold wax – Oil – Acrylic – Ink – Stencil – Print – Painting – Drawing – Collage – paper – canvas – any and all materials ……the combination of all or none! The list is endless
…a rejection of traditional values and norms.
An embrace of experimentation and innovation.
A focus on abstraction.
A commitment to progressivism.
A willingness to challenge conventions.
a captivating week of creativity and exploration…
Your accommodation
‘Le Calme‘
A beautiful Bearnaise Masion set amongst the trees in 2 acres of tranquil parkland, with its terraces and beautiful pool which all have magnificent views over the Pyrenees mountains. ‘Le Calme‘ sets the perfect ambience for Artist Retreats and Workshops in Southwest France to relax, enhance your art skills and engage with other artists.
The house has two ensuite twin bedrooms for guests, each overlooks the gardens and mountains. There is a communal living room with TV and Pool table with access to the terrace, gardens and pool area.
David and his wife Helen are your hosts, together with the house dog ‘Joy’. They also live in the house and are on hand to help and chat and serve home cooked meals, using all local produce and French/Bernaise recipes. There are easy chairs to sit relax and chill out… Also the pool area is wonderful for total calm and peace, where you can swim at anytime and relax and look out over the mountains. It really is heaven!
The Artist Studio
The Studio at ‘Le Calme‘
Personalised Attention
At ‘Le Calme‘ we understand that every artist has unique goals and needs.
With no more than 4 artists David offers the tailored attention you need to help you reach your artistic potential.
Small Groups
At ‘Le Calme‘ we have an excellent artist to mentor ratio, with no more than 4 artists/guests at any one time.
Hands-on instruction
David will give you all the space and freedom that you need but will always be there to help and mentor you as required…
Intimate Studio
The small studio has ample wall and desk space for 4 artists. The light in the studio is perfect and numerous windows overlook the trees and grounds
Studio Access
You are free to work ‘plein air‘ in the grounds.The Studio is available anytime day and night.
The pool at ‘Le Calme‘
Bring another artist, partner or friend
Partners and friends are welcome and at a reduced price (please ask for details). We have one twin bedroom and one double.
All guests are free to relax and use all facilities in the house and grounds.
Chilling out on the pool terrace with a good book whilst taking in the view is a complete boon.
There are some wonderful walks from the house (we are surrounded by forests) or walk into the town and visit the medieval church and ancient buildings alongside the cafes, restaurants and boulangeries.
Whilst in the town you can swim in the Glacial river (Gave) and walk around the island.
Immerse yourself in the medieval history of Sauveterre with its famous ‘Pont de la legende‘.
Also in the town opposite the Marie there is a very good tourist information office. Check out https://www.tourisme-bearn-gaves.com/en/
Fun Times
Your Hosts David and Helen…
David is the resident artist.
He and his wife Helen and the house dog Joy also live in the house and will be on hand should you need them…
Prepare to have a great time… these guys will ensure it 🙂
Helen cooks delicious evening meals and David is a mean chef on the BBQ…
As well as an artist, David is an accomplished guitarist and may treat you to a few sing alongs..
The medieval town of sauveterre de bearn
Other Events
We are situated on the outskirts of the beautiful medieval town of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, perched above the Gave d’Oloron and facing the Pyrenees in south west France. It is a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.
en plein air
The Impressionists were known for being fans of plein air painting and drawing. The town lends itself to this…where you can sit and relax whilst drawing/painting amongst the ancient buildings…
Mountains and Basque Coast
2 Day excursions are scheduled into your stay where you can work en plain air or simply just chill out and sight-see this beautiful region of South West France.
Le Pont de la Légende
On an ancient Roman road to Spain (used by the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela) in Sauveterre down by the river you will find the Pont de la Legend, it originally had a wooden draw bridge to span the river. It is the iconic medieval focal point of the town..
Local villages and markets
Salies de bearn is just a few kilometers from ‘Le Calme‘, it is a pretty town whose architecture is worth seeing. Salies is famous for its salt. On Thursdays each week there is a very good market.
Focus on your Art – Relaxation – Culinary Experiences.
Artist Retreats
Peace: Tranquility – Fully Equipped Studio – Incredible views – Large grounds – Swimming pool – En-suite accommodation – Home cooked food
Outside of our ‘Workshops’ dates we are open any time of the year for Artist Retreats. Where you will get full anytime access to the studio, house and grounds.
Creative Enviroment: The beautiful and serene setting of our retreats will enhance your creativity and provide a refreshing break from your daily routines.
All artists are welcome, painters, sculptors, writers etc…
Airport Pick-up from Biarittz, Lourdes or Pau (Transfer time is approx 50mins).
Please note: Our transport is via a camper van. We do recommend you hire a car at the airport for your own comfort..
Peace & Tranquility
The house and gardens are very quiet and peaceful. Perfect for meditation, or nature walks, promoting relaxation and inspiration.
Incredible Views
The Pyrenees Mountains set the backdrop from the house and gardens and are panoramic from the swimming pool terrace. Simply wonderful…
Meals included
Breakfast, Lunch and 3 course dinner are included in the price. Fresh local food and wine are integral to your experience, Delicious home cooked French/Basque dishes by Helen your host (all dietry requirements can be accommodated).
Ensuite accommodation
There are two en-suite bedrooms available for guests keeping the ambience calm and peaceful…
The Studio and Materials
Art materials such as paints, easels, fold-up chairs, boards etc. are included..
Please note : We ask you to bring your own brushes I Paper and Canvas are available at cost price.
Excursions
The mountains the coast or perhaps some ancient grottes with prehistoric cave paintings.. or a Brocante and visit to the market on thursday mornings at the local village of Salies de bearn..
There is an abundance of beautiful places to visit.
Photo Gallery
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Workshops: Prices and Booking
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Residencies/Artist Retreats: Prices and Booking
Ready to Ignite Your Creativity?
Sign up for a Workshop or Artist Retreat with us today!