FREDERICK C. GRAFF AWS, NWS, TWSA
EUROPEAN WATERCOLOR AND SKETCHING WORKSHOPS
THE INFAMOUS LAST
FRANCE
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOPS
September 10 – 19 and September 21 – 30
2015
This is an invitation for you to join Fred www.fredgraff.com for his seventh watercolor workshop
in southwestern France. The workshops will be conducted at the beautiful Domaine du Haut
Baran www.hautbaran.com located near the small medieval town of Puy L’Evêque, France. All
of the painting sites are situated along the Lot River, an inspiring and picturesque region of
France. The painting excursions are only a short driving distance from Haut Baran, which is
owned and operated by William and Rosalie Haas, an American English speaking couple.
William’s French heritage and background enables him to serve as our translator, and tour guide
(many students refer to him as a “walking encyclopedia” who can make history come to life).
Painting excursions will include the village of St.-Cirq-Lapopie (voted the most beautiful village
in France), the medieval city of Sarlat, known for its historic architecture and markets, in addition
to many other very quaint and picturesque villages. French easels and stools will be provided for
painting on location. It should also be noted that Haut Baran has indoor studio facilities in
addition to an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. Each workshop will have a limited enrollment of only 7
to 10 students (spouses and friends are welcome). If you are interested in participating, please
contact Fred’s wife Jan to secure your reservation and/or to answer any questions regarding this
last and exceptional opportunity.
(330) 725-7893
fredgraff@earthlink.net
ACCOMMODATIONS
Domaine du Haut Baran is a beautifully restored, historic chateau
that is nestled along the rolling countryside just a few miles from
the town of Puy L’Evêque. All of the bedrooms have been totally
renovated and tastefully decorated, each with its own modern
bathroom facility and private entryway. The living room, which
features a massive fireplace, affords a very relaxing environment
for the evening social gatherings and the adjoining dining room
easily facilitates having all of the scheduled meals together as an
entire group. Depending on the occasion, many of the lunches and
evening hors d’oeuvres are served on the large stone terrace that
encompasses the entire front side of the manor. This terrace
overlooks the flowering gardens, lily pond, swimming pool, and a
beautiful vista. A newly designed studio is easily accessible for
indoor instruction, critiques and is available for the artists to use at
any given time. The studio has ample room and lighting to accommodate all of the artists needs
including an individual table and a French easel for each
participant.
Haut Baran has high speed Internet
available. Laundry services are available at an
additional charge. To view more photo images of Haut
Baran, please visit their website: www.hautbaran.com
MEALS
Each morning will begin with a French continental
breakfast in the dining room of the Haut Baran.
Depending on the schedule, 6 lunches will be prepared
by Haut Baran to be enjoyed either on the premises
and/or packed for painting on location. A few lunches
will be pursued independently at different painting sites.
Participants will thoroughly enjoy 5 different evening dinners at
the Haut Baran, which will be specially prepared by Rosalie and
her highly professional staff. Rosalie has a rich and extensive
background in the culinary arts and takes much pride and delight
in preparing a variety of delicious multi-course dinners with her
personal chef. In order to become more acquainted with other
types of French cuisines, the group will also enjoy eating
together at other noted restaurants in the area.
WORKSHOP INSTRUCTION
Since every student’s painting needs will vary, Fred’s
instructional approach will take advantage of the opportunity at
hand. Fred will paint along with you as well as provide
individual instruction, demonstrations and critiques. Students
have the choice of pursuing other artistic endeavors such as maintaining a sketchbook journal,
individual pen and ink sketches, etc. Fred encourages students to gather as much information in
their sketchbooks so that they have the option of using the preliminary studies for either pursing a
painting on location, developing a painting back at the Haut Baran studio, and/or creating a
painting upon returning home within the comforts of their own studio. Sketchbook renderings can
be executed with either watercolor, pen and ink, colored or grey markers, mixed media, etc.
Painting on-location will be optional and therefore French easels and portable stools will be
available for any interested student.
ITINERARY
Each morning following breakfast, students will
either be transported via van to the designated
painting sites or pursue their plein aire painting on
the grounds of Haut Baran and/or paint in the art
studio. Spouses and travel companions are always
welcome to attend these painting excursions or
may elect to stay at the Haut Baran for a little
relaxation. Optional sightseeing opportunities at
these painting sites will be made available to all
participants (see TOURS). The itinerary on the
following page is a projected example as to what to
anticipate.
It should be noted that due to
unforeseen circumstances, this itinerary is subject to change.
2015 FRANCE WORKSHOP ITINERARY
FLIGHT DAY: Leave USA, to Toulouse Airport. You can choose from any number of airlines
that will fly you into a major European Hub such as Paris, Amsterdam, London or Brussels from
which you can connect to the Toulouse Airport.
1st DAY: Arrival day. Pickup is at noon at the airport. The
Toulouse airport is approximately 2 hours from the Domaine
du Haut Baran. Transfer from Toulouse Airport to Haut
Baran (transfer provided). Relax and enjoy a welcoming
dinner at Haut Baran at 7:30 p.m.
2nd DAY: Breakfast 9 a.m. Painting and instruction at Haut
Baran. Lunch is at Haut Baran. Dinner at a local restaurant
(dinner at your own expense).
3rd DAY: Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Tour day with option of
painting/sightseeing/shopping. Sarlat is located in the
beautiful valley of the Dordogne and is one of the most
preserved towns in France, representing more than 10
centuries of architecture. With lots of shops, restaurants,
street markets, in addition to an art store, it is a
perfect destination to explore. Lunch is in Sarlat
(lunch at your own expense). Sarlat is 1-1/2 hours
from the Domaine du Haut Baran. Dinner at Haut
Baran.
4th DAY: Breakfast 8:00 a.m.
Painting and
instruction at Haut Baran. Lunch at Haut Baran.
Dinner is at local restaurant (dinner at your own
expense).
5th
DAY:
Breakfast
7:30
a.m.
Painting/sightseeing/shopping in St.-Cirq-Lapopie (voted most beautiful village in France). Lunch
in St.-Cirq-Lapopie (lunch at your own expense). A visit to the famous Pech Merle cave en route
to St.-Cirq-Lapopie (optional). This prehistoric cavern extends more than a mile from the entrance
and the walls are painted with dramatic murals dating back 25,000 years BC (tour admittance fee
at your own expense). St.-Cirq-Lapopie is 1 hour
from the Domaine du Haut Baran. Dinner at Haut
Baran 7:30 p.m.
6th DAY: Breakfast 8:30 a.m. All day painting
session at Albas just 15 minutes from Haut Baran.
(lunch at your own expense). Dinner is at a local
restaurant (dinner at your own expense).
7th DAY: Breakfast 8:30 a.m. All day painting at
Puy l’ Eveque. Packed lunch picnic will be
provided. Dinner at Haut Baran 7:30 p.m.
8th DAY: Breakfast 8:00 a.m. All day painting session at Montcabrier, a quaint little village that
overlooks the picturesque valley along the Loire River.
Packed lunch picnic on location. Dinner is at local restaurant
(dinner at your own expense).
9th DAY: Breakfast 8:00 a.m.
All day painting at
Castlefranc. Packed lunch picnic will be provided. Pizza
Night at Haut Baran (at a nominal fee per person).
10th DAY: Breakfast 8:30 a.m. Painting and instruction at
Haut Baran. Lunch at Haut Baran. Farewell dinner at Haut
Baran (includes champagne) 7:30 p.m.
DEPARTURE DAY (11th DAY).
Breakfast 6:00 a.m.
Leave Haut Baran 7:00 a.m. to Toulouse Airport (transfer
provided).
TOURS
William Haas, the host of Haut Baran, most fittingly serves as the group’s tour guide and
interpreter. He is extremely knowledgeable in expounding on all aspects of life and history in
France. His uncanny photographic memory, in addition to having been raised in France by his
grandfather, enables him to accurately expound on many interesting historical facts that pertain to
this region in France. He makes history come to life and thoroughly enjoys sharing these facts at
many of the designated painting sites and landmarks. William will be serving as the coordinator
and interpreter for the dinners scheduled at the selected local restaurants. He will explain the
menu and as a wine connoisseur, he will enlighten everyone about the different regional wines that
best accompany the meal. Special excursions and tours can also be arranged for interested artists,
spouses and friends. If you ever qualify for “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, you would
seriously want to have William as one of your “lifelines”.
PAINTING AND SKETCHING MATERIALS
Obviously, every student’s painting needs are uniquely
different and therefore the following information should
be used only as a guideline as to what you may need to
pack. First and foremost, it should be noted that French
easels, stools, and water containers will be furnished by
Haut Baran. The only basic art supplies that need to be
packed would include: sketchbook, watercolor block,
watercolor paints, palette, brushes, markers, pens, pencil,
eraser, tape, miniature water spray applicator (empty),
and camera.
WHAT TO WEAR
The dress for the workshop will be relatively casual.
Clothes appropriate for outdoor painting and good
walking shoes are recommended. Casual and/or better
dress clothes are suitable for dinner and other special
occasions. The average temperatures for this region in
France during the month of September are usually in the
mid 70’s during the day and low 50’s during the night.
Make note that there is an outdoor swimming pool and
Jacuzzi at Haut Baran.
MISCELLANEOUS THINGS TO DO
In addition to reading or just relaxing around the swimming pool, participants can enjoy a very
scenic and leisurely walk along the country roads that border the Haut Baran. There is an
abundance of beautiful scenery such as old country farms, large chateaus, vineyards, forests,
rolling hills and sun setting vistas. For those who are more ambitious, Haut Baran has a number
of bicycles that can be utilized at a nominal fee.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
1. Ten nights accommodations at Haut Baran (based on double occupancy)
2. Transfers to/from Toulouse Airport, to/from all painting sites, to/from all tour sites, to/from
all restaurants. (airport transfers based on everyone picked up/dropped off at the same
place/time at Toulouse Airport arrival/departure day)
3. All breakfasts
4. (6) lunches
5. (5) dinners at Haut Baran including wine
6. All taxes
7. Translations where needed
8. Guided tours and guide services
9. Internet access
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
1. Airfare
2. Alcohol (other than wine that will be
served at all the evening meals at Haut
Baran)
3. (4) lunches and (5) dinners
4. Some historic tour admittance fees
(optional)
5. Phone calls
6. Laundry services are available at an
additional charge
COST OF THE WORKSHOP
This 10-day workshop will include 9 days of painting, instruction and 4 critique sessions. Nonpainters are welcome to observe painting, instruction and/or critique sessions. A $600. deposit
per person is required to hold a spot in the workshop. No reservations will be held without a
deposit. Credit cards will not be accepted. All checks must be made payable to Fred Graff and
sent to:
403 E. Liberty St. Medina, OH 44256. Please read the Cancellation/Refund section on the
following application form.
Cost of Watercolor Workshop (Participant) . . . . . . . $3,975.
Cost for (Non-Participant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,690.
If you request a single room there is an additional $1400. room fee supplement.
APPLICATION FORM
On the following page is the application form. If you have any questions regarding this
application or anything else that pertains to this Last France Watercolor Workshop, please feel
free to contact Jan Graff via email at fredgraff@earthlink.net or call (330) 725-7893.
FREDERICK C. GRAFF EUROPEAN WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP AT HAUT BARAN
FRANCE
September 10 – 19 and September 21 - 30
2015
For reservation information please call Jan Graff (330) 725-7893 or email Jan at: fredgraff@earthlink.net
form (circle the appropriate workshop date above) and a deposit of $600.00 USD (per person) to:
Mail reservation
Jan Graff, 403 E. Liberty St. Medina, OH 44256. Please make checks payable to Fred Graff.
Name
M F
Address
City
State
Zip
Country
Phone:
Cell Phone (optional):
Email:
Roommate request:
YES or NO
Are you a participating student: YES or NO
Name
M F
Address
City
State
Zip
Country
Phone:
Cell Phone (optional):
Email:
Roommate request:
YES or NO
Are you a participating student: YES or NO
Accommodations: If you are a couple, would you prefer a room with
2 beds
1 large bed
All single guests will share a room with twin beds. If you want your own room the single supplement is $1400. USD
Please state if you are willing to have a roommate. If so, we will make every effort to pair you up with someone.
DEPOSITS: A deposit of $600.00 USD per person is required with your registration. Deposits can be paid by personal check or money
order, payable to Fred Graff and mailed to: 403 E. Liberty St. Medina, OH 44256. Following receipt of your deposit, you will receive
confirmation of your deposit and the remaining balance owed. The workshop enrollment is limited and therefore we encourage you to
register early.
PLEASE MAKE NOTE THAT YOUR $600. DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 1, 2015 (See additional
Cancellation Policy below)
BALANCE: The balance of your trip is due by April 30, 2015. This balance must be paid by personal check or money order, in dollars
USD, payable to Fred Graff & mailed to 403 E. Liberty St. Medina, OH 44256.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Refer to the following timeline regarding our refund policy for both participants and non-participants:
After May 1, 2015
After June 1, 2015
After July 1, 2015
50% of the total workshop price is refundable.
25% of the total workshop price is refundable.
NO REFUND
If we must cancel the workshop, all payments received to date will be refunded and this constitutes full settlement. We are not
responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any trips (even cancelled trips), such as airline tickets, travel delays, flight
cancellations or health problems. This workshop will be held regardless of world events.
Travel insurance is highly recommended, and should be arranged by you.
Responsibility Clause: Domaine du Haut Baran (DDHB), employees, Fred and Jan Graff, affiliates, successors, or assigns is not liable for any negligent or
wilful act or failure to act, of any person, third party or entity which is to, or provides goods or services including but not limited to: transportation companies, equipment
suppliers, food service providers etc., I acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in this trip with the knowledge of the inherent risks and dangers involved including
but not limited to: negligence on the part of DDHB, its employees, Fred and Jan Graff, physical exertion, forces of nature, transportation failures, consumption of alcohol,
risks with food or impure water, civil unrest terrorism, criminal activity, wild or other animals, failure of equipment accident or illness without means of evacuation or
availability of medical supplies or services or adequacy of medical attention once provided, and lost/stolen/or misplaced luggage or property. I hereby agree to be
responsible for my own welfare and accept any and all risks of delay, unanticipated events, inconvenience, illness, injury, emotional trauma or death. I hereby release and
discharge forever DDHB, its employees, and Fred and Jan Graff, from and against any and all liability arising from my participation in this trip. I agree that this release
is legally binding upon me, all members of my family and all minors travelling with me, my and their heirs, successors, assigns, and legal representatives, it being my
intention to release DDHB and employees, Fred and Jan Graff, successors, affiliates, and assigns from any and all liability to the maximum extent by law. I acknowledge
that to participate, I will require a legal passport, and that DDHB reserves the right to remove me or any participant it judges incapable of meeting the rigors of activities or
who detracts from the enjoyment of the trip by others. I will follow all safety rules presented to me either written or oral by Domaine du Haut Baran (DDHB).
Signature
Signature
Date:
Date: