After a long career in academia and IT, I started a second career as a visual artist in early 2025. In the 1980s, I received a broad education in all aspects of visual art, painting and printmaking. After studying at the Graphic Arts College and completing teacher training in drawing and crafts, I earned my first-degree teaching qualification in drawing and painting at the Academy of Visual Arts in Amsterdam. Over the years, I’ve specialized in working with acrylics on (often) large canvases.

Have you always wanted to paint with oils or acrylics on a large canvas? Learn to paint a landscape in watercolour? Or paint an expressionist portrait of someone you love? Would you enjoy spending a week immersed in painting or drawing, in a beautiful and inspiring setting, with a small group of fellow artists? Then one of the two painting weeks I’m leading in June 2026 could be just the thing. Join me in central France for a week in June and enjoy the peace, inspiration, beautiful surroundings and wonderful hospitality at b&b La Villonnière!

The approach during a painting week is flexible and tailored to each individual, so if you’d like to take an afternoon off or go for a walk in the area for a day, you can. The workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced painters. All materials, techniques and formats are welcome. Whether you prefer to paint from observation or try your hand at an abstract canvas or an expressionist portrait, anything goes in the workshop.

We have a large garden at our disposal where you can enjoy painting, and there are some wonderful options nearby for an inspiring day of painting: we can use the picturesque church in Parnac or visit beautiful painting spots in the area. I’ll come by during the day to help and offer tips, and at the end of each afternoon we’ll review the results together. I’m always happy to talk about painting techniques, art history and art appreciation, as well as the theory behind painting, such as colour theory and the use of materials. And, if I get the chance, I’ll naturally do a little painting of my own in between...

For practical information, prices and booking, visit the website of b&b La Villonnière.

• Dates (two workshops): June 14–21, 2026 and June 21–28, 2026.
• Flexible, individual guidance from an experienced, qualified artist.
• Wrap up each day together with a review, theory and lots of tips.
• Delicious food and a beautiful B&B; all you need to bring is your own materials (paint, brushes, canvas, paper, field easel).
• Small group (4–7) participants; great fun, and you’ll learn from each other.
• Central France: you can get here in a day (791 km from Utrecht).