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
“These are the best painting holidays in France in the iconic landscapes of South West France” Well, according to me any way. There’s something enjoyable, actually brave, about coming on an art holiday in France either with a mixed group of friends, maybe knowing one or two are really here for the food and wine, … Read more
Maison du Fort’s guest blogger this month is Karen Gribbin a writer and blogger from the Narrative Nook in Australia A Dreamy Art Escape at Maison du Fort From the moment our group of eight women stepped through the doors of the 300-year-old art house Maison du Fort, we were in for something special. Leesa, … Read more
Maison du Fort The Art House, a grand old home full of warmth and contentment. From the moment we were greeted at the gates of Maison du Fort, we knew we were stepping into something special. Our trip had been 12 months in the making, eight ladies travelling from Antonija Gros Art Studio in Port … Read more
As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been as challenging as it has been rewarding. French bureaucracy, with its labyrinth of paperwork and visa processing, has been a formidable opponent in my quest to set up my business in France. At times, it felt like I was … Read more
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.
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
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
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
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