This type of holiday is named after not a place or a specific technique or medium – but mainly a painter. Have you heard about Paul Gauguin? He is well-known for his friendship with one of the most famous painter there is, Vincent Van Gogh. A French painter, printmaker, and sculptor who sought to achieve a “primitive” expression of spiritual and emotional states in his work. His use of bold colours, exaggerated body proportions and stark contrasts in his paintings set him apart from his contemporaries, helping to pave the way for the Primitivism art movement. He also loved his exotic environments, for he even had a self-imposed exile in Tahiti. But this is not about Gauguin as a person. This is about an extraordinary holiday-experience.

The place where these holidays take place is called Le Pouldu, located in Brittany, France. Le Pouldu is where Gauguin developed what he called his, ‘Sublime and spiritually pure art’ and where for 2 years he put his ideas together resulting in some of his best work. It was in Brittany that such paintings as ‘Christ in the Garden of Olives’, ‘The Vision after the Sermon’, ‘The Yellow Christ’, ‘Harvest at le Pouldu’, ‘Self Portrait with Halo’ and ‘The Loss of Virginity’ were produced. It is also where the themes and techniques of Gauguin's search for meaning and the primitive began.

Everyone participating in “Gauguin Painting Holidays” is accommodated in a large updated traditional Breton House, painted by the aforementioned painter: Paul Gauguin. The venue is on the sunny coast of Brittany, 400 metres from the beach. These painting holidays are so to speak not only a way of improving your painting skills and refuel on energy, but also a way of gaining insight into the mind and personality of one of the most important visionary painters there is – all whilst having fun and relaxing.

On this holiday, everybody will thoroughly enjoy taking part in a small friendly group holiday in a fabulous setting, balancing painting with relaxation and last but not least revelation. The unusual beauty of Le Pouldu with its special blue light, which even intensifies colours, attracted Gauguin to spend some of his most formative years painting here. Remember he loved spending time in Tahiti? Maybe Le Pouldu is the Tahiti of France! It is definitely the place which Gauguin described as ‘Nirvana’ and it tends to have a similar effect on all who come to see, learn and experience this wonderful place and the surrounding area, even known as ‘Painter’s country’.

There is painting on location and at the house, the opportunity to swim and sun on golden sands beaches and to walk the rocky cliffs and forests Paul Gauguin knew so well. The Gauguin Museum next to Marie Henry’s Inn – where he lived – is just a short walk away. Make a visit to the famous town of Pont Aven that has once been inhabited by hundreds of artists! Not to forget the colourful markets and restaurants of that area.

All in all… a place of inspiration. Interested now? The tutor leading this holiday is Janis Fry, a highly experienced artist, and writer who will teach you and improve your skills with passion. Just a small selection of reviews includes sentences like

“The Gauguin holiday exceeded all expectations.”

“I don’t think there was too much you could improve on.”

“Your warm and generous spirit provided a comfortable atmosphere for working and sharing ideas. The house was perfect and I would come again.”

“Janis brought out things in my paintings, I didn’t even know were there!”

Or “I learnt to produce work that was authentic. that only I could produce.” So visit Janis’ website and get inspired! Maybe even want to book a holiday? The next one is taking place just in September!