FULLY BOOKED

Cathy Nichols & Andi Schrader Workshop 26 September – 05 October 2023

ABOUT THIS RETREAT

Expressive Flowers & Blooming Souls – A Painting Holiday in France Celebrating the Artist Within

With Cathy Nichols & Andi Schrader

Serendipity brought artist Cathy Nichols and creativity coach, Andi Schrader together. Delighted by the synergy of what this connection has brought forth, they invite you to join them for a magical week of painting and personal growth in wondrous France.

Our hearts, bodies, minds and spirits are all present when we make art, travel and connect.

John O’Donohue, said in Anam Cara, “Though the human body is born complete in one moment, the birth of the human heart is an ongoing process. It is being birthed in every experience of your life. Everything that happens to you has the potential to deepen you.”

Recognizing the power of art and experience, Andi and Cathy have crafted a beautiful ten days believing your heart and craft will deepen and flourish within you. Open to both curious beginners and accomplished artists, mixed media artist Cathy will take you on a deep dive exploring floral painting, color palettes and the French landscape. You’ll be creating in the wild and in the studio, marveling at what can emerge when one is immersed in a unique and sumptuous landscape. Accompanying the artistic experience, life coach and artist Andi will gently guide you through reflections and personal exploration of values, enneagram types and life stories. Our true selves have much to say in our art, but too often our minds play tricks with us that limit that expression. Personal coaching will be available to everyone with potential to raise awareness of how you can blossom and thrive in your art and life.

This workshop will be intimate with a maximum of 10 guests, allowing for plenty of personal instruction and attention. There can be power, delight and grace when artists create in one another’s presence. Cathy and Andi believe that each participant will grow personally, but also influence the growth of all the others. As the group creates together, harmony and potential fills the space in mysterious ways. If the combination of making delicious art and exploring your inner landscape intrigues you, please join in!

 

At this retreat you will:

 

  • Learn how to create mixed media paintings that express the atmosphere, feeling and memories of your trip to France
  • Create beautiful art while exploring your own creativity as you get curious about your experience under the gentle guidance of a personal coach
  • With ease, learn how to draw, paint and incorporate flowers into your paintings
  • Add unique collage materials inspired by the flavour of local surroundings to your art
  • Notice and grasp colour stories from observation to add to your piece 
  • By layering, create depth, richness and storytelling in mixed media paintings
  • Through coaching prompts and conversations, increase awareness of how your own story affects your art and your presence.
  • Mine the beauty of your true self as your gain clarity through the Enneagram and how this affects your creativity
  • Be surprised by unique touches and gifts that Cathy and Andi will add to your days
  • Experience the beauty and culture of this region
  • Visit many historical villages and some world heritage sites
  • Shop at traditional French markets
  • Enjoy organic, locally sourced foods and wines
  • Meet and connect with artists from around the world

and so MUCH MORE….

Biography

 

Cathy Nichols

Cathy Nichols is a mixed media artist specializing in lush florals set within lyrical layers of text, pattern and colour that combine to create dreamlike landscapes for the viewer to explore. Her goal is to promote a vision of kindness, love and interconnectivity in her work using paper, paint, archetype and, always, a bit of magic. 

A lifelong teacher, Cathy adores nurturing her students and helping them to unleash their creative vision.  In addition to teaching painting workshops and courses, Cathy is the author of Storytelling Art Studio: Visual Expressions of Character, Mood and Theme Using Mixed Media, and the creator of several popular oracle decks used to enhance inner vision and imagination. Her love of stories and passion for teaching began while earning her Master’s Degree in Literature from Colorado State University.

Recently, Cathy fell in love with France while serving as an artist-in-residence at the Chateau Orquevaux. While not dreaming of eclairs, she sells her paintings to collectors worldwide from her studio in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC, and lives in a house filled with music composed by her partner and two teens. You can see more of Cathy’s work at www.cathynichols.com .

 

 

Andi Schrader

Andi Schrader is an international trip guide, artist and professional coach who focuses on helping makers and travellers do the interior work of releasing their creative potential. Combining coaching, art and movement, she strives to connect participants with one another, themselves and their experiences in deep and lasting ways. She is certified through the Co-Active Training Institute, a global leader in coach training. Her practice helps individuals and groups move towards fulfilment and abundance in life. As an artist, Andi is currently focused on mixed media and fibre art, though she has tried just about any medium you can dream of! 

 

Andi loves to travel and her core values of authenticity and creativity guide her life abroad and at home in NE Ohio. Her master’s degree is in educational administration and organisation development. She’s been married to Dave for 38 years, is a ‘bionic woman’ who wears bilateral cochlear implants and loves cheese, vegetables and gorgeous French markets. More credentials, photos and her travel philosophy can be found on her website at www.forestlightcoaching.com .

NOTE:

Partners are welcome and are free to explore the various painting locations at their leisure. Local tips can be provided.  Note that whilst at our accommodation property, activities include walks, communing with nature or the garden, swimming, relaxing or reading. The nearest town is 5 minutes by car.

*A non-refundable deposit of 1000€ Is required (unless cancelled by Perigord Retreats). Travel insurance is therefore recommended.

**IMPORTANT:  Please wait until this workshop is confirmed before booking any flights.

Take a look at some of the excursion locations by clicking here.