EXCITING NEW LOCATION FOR OUR EUROPEAN LANDSCAPE WORKSHOPS

NEXT SUMMER WE’RE DOING IT AGAIN!

OUR FRENCH LANDSCAPE WORKHSHOP aboard the LUCIOLE 2026 was a SMASH HIT!

Read what are students are saying about the Workshop:

I came home with a better understanding of how a painter observes the landscape. Your lessons on scale, proportion, composition, and color relationships have already changed the way I look at both painting and photography.Thank you for your thoughtful instruction, patient critiques, and encouragement throughout the week. You challenged us to slow down, observe more carefully, and see the landscape in an entirely new way. I know those lessons will stay with me long after the trip itself.  - Steven

I cannot express how amazing this trip was. Nina, you were an incredible instructor. You were patient with all of us, created a warm atmosphere, met us where we were, and provided input in small, perfect doses. It all added up to what I always seek: personal improvement, an increased ability to 'see,' and the inspiration to keep experimenting. I will remember it forever! - Carol

I was impressed with how professional, well-organized and well-presented the teaching was.  It was clear that a lot of thought and organization went into the itinerary and schedule. – Workshop Student

The barge experience was extraordinary - a culinary and wine cruise that surpassed all expectations of service. - Workshop Student

JUNE 28th - JULY 4th 2026 Burgundy, France

Plans are already underway to bring you an even more amazing Art Barge experience in 2027….stay tuned!

Cruise through a beautiful slice of France on the hotel barge Luciole, immersing yourself in a painter’s paradise, combined with inspiring art workshops, expert guidance, and time set aside for your own creative flow.

Burgundy offers a full palette of landscapes, architecture, village charm and waterways. With warm golden light, rustic French atmosphere, and splendid historic sites, there is inspiration for all — from novice sketchers to experienced artists.

Explore the Hotel Barge Luciole HERE and learn about it’s private ensuite rooms, viewing decks, cuisine, and more!

SAMPLE ART CRUISE ITINERARY

Sunday: Arrive in Paris and transfer to your private boat, hotel, and floating studio: the Luciole. The crew welcomes you with a Champagne reception, followed by time to sketch the skyline of Auxerre and a walking tour of the town.

Monday: Morning cruise out of Auxerre to Vincelles, with wide river river-bank scenery and gentle canal stretches on the River Yonne. Afternoon visit to Irancy, set in a natural amphitheater of vineyards and cherry trees, perfect for an afternoon of painting. Wine tasting included.

 Tuesday: Morning Workshop painting  in Vincelles with it’s beautiful landscapes overlooking the River Yonne. Afternoon cruise to Accolay; a lovely town known for it’s pottery…..where we will moor and have additional opportunities to paint!

Evening dinner out with the group in a local restaurant.

 Wednesday: Visit to the delightful market town of Noyers-sur-Serein, officially one of France’s most picturesque villages. Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and flower-decked squares provide characterful subjects. Afternoon cruise towards Mailly-le-Château, cruising by waterfalls, through villages and past châteaux with wonderful sketching opportunities!

 Thursday: Morning cruise past the dramatic Rochers du Saussois cliffs and sweeping river bends where we will stop to paint and draw on the riverbank.

Afternoon visit to Vézelay, with its UNESCO-listed Basilica of Sainte Madeleine.  Included is a private talk by a local historian and time to explore.  We will also spend some time visiting the artist’s village many galleries and other sights.

 FRIDAY: A morning cruise up to Fonenille where we will be guests in a Monet inspired private home and garden…. complete with a babbling brook! The grounds are ours to paint and draw. A lovely picnic lunch will be served.

Afternoon cruise to  Clamecy where we will have further opportunities to paint the lovely weir, bridge and port. Alternatively, visit the medieval town of Clamecy with sketching opportunities a plenty. Evening farewell ‘Captain’s Dinner’ on our private barge!

 Saturday Morning transfer, with departure from the Luciole after breakfast around 9:30.

THE WORKSHOP: Study the views as our floating studio moves slowly through inspiring landscapes with a new composition at every turn! From our beautiful covered deck we can draw and sketch as we drift by. Colored pencils and other black and white drawing materials are ideal for our on-board studies.

Our on-land painting experiences will allow for a much longer immersion using the painting medium of your choice. Students will augment their learning experience with lectures on color, composition, technique and application in both painting and drawing mediums. A suggested material packing list will be available.

Included in the cruise price: All-inclusive six night cruise price:

 - Free return transfer from Paris to the barge, all instruction, lecture and demonstrations from Nina, gastronomic food and carefully chosen wines with a well stocked open bar, all visits, tours and tuition. Our crew of six blends experience with enthusiasm, to create the warm and welcoming atmosphere with which the Luciole is renown.