Seeing Begins
During an immersive weekend in the Aude Valley, Dave Giles and Sarah Proudler lead a three-day painting workshop based entirely in the historic hilltop village of Rennes-le-Château.
Working directly from the landscape and built environment, participants will develop sketches and studies into finished paintings on site. Emphasis is placed on observation, composition, mark making, and translating place into image.
This is a rare opportunity to work closely with two experienced artists in a focused small-group setting with demonstrations, critique, and sustained time to observe, edit, and resolve work.
The workshop culminates in a exhibition and reception in Rennes-le-Château presenting work created during the weekend.
Workshop: May 8–10, 2026
Exhibition: Evening of May 10, 2026
Three days of immersive painting Rennes Le Chateau, France with internationally exhibited artist Dave Giles and Sarah Proudler.
The Experience
This immersive small-group painting workshop is set within the dramatic landscape and architecture of Rennes-le-Château, overlooking the Aude Valley.
Over three days we work in a rhythm that moves between direct observation, sketching, painting, and critical discussion. Participants begin by gathering sketches and visual ideas throughout the village before developing these studies into more resolved works.
Each day begins with a demonstration or discussion introducing the day’s focus, followed by guided work on location using sketches and reference gathered in the village and surrounding landscape.
Afternoons are devoted to sustained work time with individual feedback and group critique, helping each participant strengthen composition, clarify color relationships, and develop their work with confidence.
Evenings remain relaxed and informal. Participants may join optional dinners, continue working independently, or take time to enjoy the village and surrounding countryside.
The workshop concludes with a small exhibition and reception, where participants share the work created during the weekend with fellow artists, locals, and visitors.
Participants are encouraged to come prepared to work outdoors for extended periods. The goal is not only to produce new work, but to deepen one’s ability to see, edit, and translate place into image.
About Dave
Dave Giles is the founder of The River Aude Artists Lab in Quillan, France, an initiative devoted to sustained observation, shared practice, and dialogue between artists and place.
He is a multidisciplinary artist working in watercolor, ink, printmaking, oil, and pastel. His practice explores the intersection of landscape, memory, and human presence, often beginning with direct observation and developing into work that balances structure with spontaneity.
His recent exhibitions include a solo presentation at The River Aude Gallery in Quillan and participation in the 20th Salon d’Art d’Axat, with upcoming exhibitions at Art & Patrimoine in Rennes-le-Château and La Confluence Centre Culturel in Couiza. He has previously exhibited in Detroit, New York, and New Jersey.
Based in the Aude Valley, Dave works closely with the regional artistic community through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects. His teaching emphasizes observation, editing, and process, encouraging artists to translate lived experience and environment into image.
About Sarah
Sarah’s work is deeply influenced by nature, its intricate patterns, unusual forms, structures, and rhythms. Fascinated by the paradox of the earth’s strength and fragility, she explores these tensions through personal artistic expression. Her work often reflects the contrast between the rigid structures created by humans and the organic, unpredictable flow of the natural world, embracing experimentation as an essential part of her process.
Born in Thurso, Scotland, Sarah studied at the Glasgow School of Art, where she initially specialized in sculptural ceramics. While living in Malta, she developed a strong interest in printmaking and began shifting toward more abstract imagery inspired by natural forms. Her career in teaching visual arts later took her to Germany, where she continued refining her visual language through mark-making and exploration.
Now living in the South of France with her studio and printing press, Sarah continues to develop her practice, drawing inspiration from texture, shape, and form. Working across ceramics and printmaking, she often uses vibrant color and intricate patterns to express the natural world.
Her work has been exhibited in galleries and art fairs, and she remains passionate about sharing art with others through workshops and collaborations, believing strongly in art’s ability to inspire, provoke thought, and connect people.
What to Expect
We welcome a small group of painters to Rennes-le-Château for a focused three-day workshop hosted by The River Aude Artist Lab.
Set within the historic hilltop village and its sweeping views over the Aude Valley, the program follows a natural progression from sketching and observation to developing finished paintings.
Participants will work with sketching, ink, watercolor, charcoal, pastel, and mixed media, depending on their personal approach.
The emphasis throughout the weekend is on process, observation, and developing a cohesive body of work rather than finishing everything in a single sitting.
The workshop is limited to 10-12 participants to allow meaningful one-to-one engagement and focused discussion.
What We Offer
• Three-day plein-air painting workshop in the hilltop village of Rennes-le-Château overlooking the Aude Valley
• Demonstrations and critique from Dave Giles and Sarah Proudler
• Small group format for focused attention
• Guided sketching and painting sessions in the village and surrounding landscape
• Instruction in observation, composition, tone, and mark making
• Individual feedback and group critique sessions
• Public exhibition of work created during the workshop
• Closing reception with wine, snacks, and live music
• Optional shared dinners and informal artist discussions
Daily Rhythm
• Morning demonstration introducing the day’s focus
• Sketching and painting on location in Rennes-le-Château
• Development of drawings and studies into paintings
• Lunch break (a simple shared lunch will be provided on Saturday)
• Afternoon work session focusing on composition, color, and mark making
• Individual feedback and group critique
• Optional informal evening discussions or independent work time
Workshop hours: approximately 10:00 – 17:00 each day
Travel
• Participants arrange their own transportation to the region
• Detailed arrival information will be provided after registration
• Rental car recommended for flexibility and access to surrounding landscape
Housing
Housing is booked separately and priced according to shared or private preference.
Private accommodations are also available throughout Rennes-le-Château and nearby villages including Couiza and Quillan.
Spouses and non-participating partners are welcome and may be included in housing arrangements.
Rennes-le-Château is walkable, though some streets include stairs and uneven surfaces. A rental car is recommended for participants traveling from outside the immediate area.
The Lowdown
• Dates: May 8–10, 2026
• Location: Rennes-le-Château, France
• Exhibition & reception: evening of Sunday May 10 at the Rennes-le-Château Gallery
• Format: on-location plein-air workshop with structured critique
• Skill level: painters with some prior experience
• Language: instruction in English
• Open to: local, national, and international participants
Materials
• Some basic watercolor paints, brushes, and painting surfaces will be provided.
• Participants should bring a portable easel suitable for outdoor work although some may be available. (Just let us know so we can accomodate.)
• Personal materials or preferred palettes are welcome
• A suggested packing list will be provided after registration
Participants may also wish to bring:
• a small stool or folding seat for outdoor sketching
• hat and sunscreen
• water and insect repellent
Rennes-le-Château has limited shops, so it is best to arrive prepared.
Tuition & Fees
• Workshop tuition: €300
Includes all instruction, critiques, participation in the exhibition, and the closing reception.
• RAAL membership: €35
• Optional Saturday evening meal package: €45
Includes shared dinners during the workshop in addition to the closing reception.
Local participants may attend without the meal package.
• Spouse / non-participating partner meal option: €45
Local partners who do not attend dinners: no fee.
• Reservation deposit: €100 applied to tuition
Your place is confirmed once the reservation is received.
• Balance due: April 15, 2026
Travel and housing are not included.
Cancellation Policy
• Reservation payment is non-refundable
• If you cancel before April 15, 2026, payments beyond the reservation will be refunded
• If you cancel after April 15, 2026, the full tuition is non-refundable
• If your place is filled from the waitlist, we will refund your payment minus the reservation
• If the workshop is cancelled, all payments will be fully refunded