THAMON RETREATS
Surrounded by the Limargue, a particularly soft and beautiful microclimatic area of rolling hills within the rockier Causse, Thamon Retreats, based among the stone buildings of an old working farm, offers tuition for those who wish to learn the art of meditative icon painting.
Residential icon painting courses at Thamon have been designed to meet the needs of the individual rather than the group with generally no more than two or three taught at any one time. However, school or larger groups may be accommodated locally by arrangement.
THE STUDIO
Tuition by Lynda Miller Baker offers icon-painting courses to meet all requirements, residential or non-residential.
Icon Painting:
The painting studio faces South and West with wonderful light. Tuition is provided for the beginner or for those with some experience.
Old wood panels are supplied. Tuition includes:
1. Preparation of panels;
2. making and application of gesso (two weeks minimum stay);
3. mixing of pigments; egg tempera; glaze and
4. application of gold leaf.
Materials:
A basic range of pigments and other materials are provided.
It is recommended that guests bring their own brushes and other personal tools, although these can be purchased locally. Gold leaf can be supplied at additional cost.
Contemplative walks on Thamon's own land and daily periods of silence contribute to what for some becomes a memorable and refreshing experience.
Opportunities to assist on the farm, to get one's hands dirty, to touch base, are recommended to add to the experience, although this is not of course compulsory.
A tent can be provided for those who wish to experience a night or nights 'sauvage', perhaps with a wood fire burning, beneath the stars.
Your hosts Lynda Miller Baker and Howard Baker are respectively icon painter and writer.
Both share work about the farm, although Lynda's forte outside of the studio is the preparation of delicious but simple organic fare; seasonal produce from the garden is used when available.
Together they offer a broad spectrum of talent and experience with the emphasis perhaps on those things which help one rediscover that which in this modern stress-filled age is an increasingly elusive thing, the sense of wholeness that comes of being at one with the earth and the sky.
The retreats/courses are for individuals only, although others wishing to accompany those taking the courses can be accommodated at Thamon or elsewhere nearby.This could well suit those who wish to follow different activities during their holiday while remaining in fairly close contact; ie. "You walk/fish/go potholing/canoeing… while I paint and relax at Thamon".
more.. | Contact Us | What is Thamon?
