sunflowers

The Manoir’s Blog

LETTERS FROM THE LOT

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Our new creative workshops for 2026 in South West France

Over the Christmas period I’ve been happily busy creating new workshops I’m really excited about. In 2026, I’ll be hosting not only my full week summer art retreats and holidays but also eight creative workshops in the first 6 months of 2026 here at the Maison du Fort in Lot-et-Garonne, South West France, and I … Read more

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The Petite Gallery – Monsegur

If you have been following my portrait paintings and would like to see the finished pieces together with these amazing artists work then please join us at the Petite Gallery in Monsegur from 11 October to 17 November A really exciting exhibition exploring portraiture – a wonderful way to spend an autumn afternoon.

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August 24 guest blog by Tony

I visited Maison du Fort in July 2024 for a week’s art retreat.  I knew Leesa quite well beforehand as we’d lived in the same village in Sussex, UK and I’d attended some of her workshops and exhibitions. But apart from that I didn’t really know what to expect.  I’d never been on an art … Read more

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July 2024

It’s been a while since our last blog… we have been absolutely up against it preparing for our first art retreat in June for nine guests.  The Studio was completed in March and was looking fabulous for our first holiday family to come and have a lovely art day and lunch with us. So at … Read more

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December 2023 – winter round up

NOVEMBER – SOURCING & MAKING So, I have found the house to be a treasure trove of beautiful vintage furniture, linens and crockery. However, there are gaps. The family took a few treasured, or actually expensive, items (an amazing painting from the office – that I was hoping they would over look – fat chance!) … Read more

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September 2023 – a year completed already

I can’t believe we have come to the end of our first year in France. What a year it has been! So, the arduous task of renewing visas for work begins and I’m waiting on the French Government to OK my business plan – which is like starting completely again and forecasting over 5 years … Read more