At Maison Conti we have a fully equipped etching studio and offer workshops in intaglio printmaking and related techniques. Intaglio images are produced from incised lines below the surface of the plate (generally zinc or copper). Unlike a relief print, for example a woodcut, where the area carved away is non-printing and the untouched surface is inked, an intaglio image is either gouged directly or etched with acid into the plate. The ink is then worked into the image and the smooth surface of the plate is wiped clean and thus does not print. This makes intaglio a very direct method, much like drawing.
The process was first invented by goldsmiths and armorers in the Middle Ages. Decorative motifs were commonly etched into metal by craftsmen. Sometimes the images were rubbed with ink and printed on paper or cloth, not to create a work of art but simply to provide a proof for the patron. During the Renaissance the real artistic potential of the medium was developed. Since then many great artists from Rembrandt to Picasso have used etching as an important means of expression. One need not be a great artist to enjoy the medium. Even simple abstract images are gratifying and surprisingly easy to create using the rich palette of techniques presented in our workshops.
Workshop Program:
Day 1: Arrive at Maison Conti in the late afternoon, get settled in, explore the village. Meet other participants over drinks, gourmet dinner
Day 2:
- 9:00 Breakfast
- 10:00 Instruction in dry point techniques. Make sample plate
- 12:00 Lunch
- 2:00 Instruction in soft ground techniques. Make sample plate
- 7:00 Cocktails
- 8:00 Dinner in the Maison Conti dining room
Day 3:
- 9:00 Breakfast in the Maison Conti dining room
- 10:00 Instruction in hard ground technique. Make sample plate
- 12:00 Lunch
- 2:00 Instruction on sugar lift technique. Make sample plate.
- 7:00 Apéritif
- 8:00 Dinner
Day 4:
- 9:00 Breakfast
- 10:00 Work independently applying techniques learned to create an original work. Print a limited edition on handmade cotton paper
- 12:00 Lunch
- 2:00 Continue independent work
- 7:00 Cocktails and art exposition of work created during the workshop
- 8:00 Dinner
Day 5:
- 9:00 Breakfast Transportation to the train station in la-Ferté-Bernard
Faculty Information:
Nancy Wilson received her BFA from Art Center School of Design in Pasadena. She was a graphic artist for 20 years. Etching has always been one of her favorite artistic pursuits. When she opened her bed and breakfast in France she set up an etching studio.
Other Activities:
Just an hour and a half west of Paris, Maison Conti is an ideal base from which to explore in all directions. Located within the national park of the Perche, Montmirail is surrounded by unspoiled countryside. Home to the famous Percheron horses, the area features gently rolling hills, forest and farmland. It is traversed by several rivers and dotted with small hamlets and manoirs. In addition, the Loire Valley, Chartres, Vendome, Le Mans and southern Normandy are all convenient day trips. Mild weather, absence of traffic and a traditional relaxed way of life make it your perfect escape. The New York Times has called it one of France's best kept secrets... "the last terroir."
Situated at the highest point in the area, Montmirail has been inhabited continuously for thousands of years. During the middle ages it was a strategic location, straddling the border between French and English domains. The local dukes had exclusive loyalties to neither crown, were related by marriage to both, and sometimes mediated between them. So it was that in 1169 Saint Louis of France met with Henry II Plantagenêt and Thomas Beckett at the castle of Montmirail in an attempt to reconcile differences between the English monarch and his archbishop.
In the early part of the 18th century the beautiful and charming Princess Conti, favored daughter of Louis XIV, resided in the castle. She made extensive changes to both the exterior and interior, adding many renaissance elements to the original feudal structure. Today the castle is an unusual blend of the two styles. It was during the Princess’ tenure that Maison Conti was built as a residence for her personal secretary. Today it is regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the village.
From the grounds of the chateau there is a spectacular 360° view of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day the spires of Chartres Cathedral are visible in the distance. Montmirail is an historically preserved “little city of character” without overhead power lines or modern buildings. The architecture is homogeneous, in a palette of soft earth tones, with brick cornices and red tile roofs.
Facility Information:
This enchanting house rests at the foot of the beautiful château of Montmirail in the Perche region of France. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the castle was owned by the Princess Conti, favorite daughter of Louis XIV. The house was built as a residence for her finance minister. In spring 2008 the house opened to the public for the first time as a bed and breakfast.
Maison Conti offers a tranquil and charming setting in one of the most picturesque areas of northern France. Convenient to Paris, the Loire Valley, Chartres, and Le Mans, Montmirail is a classified, architecturally preserved "petite cité de caractère."
Four elegantly appointed rooms are available for your relaxing holiday. Breakfast is included and dinners are offered. We also lead printmaking workshops in our fully equipped etching studio, exceptional courses led by our professional collaborators, as well as tours of the surrounding area.
Notes:
Price Includes:
- 4 nights discounted lodging at Maison Conti
- 4 gourmet dinners including cocktails, three courses, wine and all other beverages
- 4 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- Transportation from the nearest train station
- 3 days studio access with instruction and support
- All supplies
Also see Vacation Schools in:
Art and craft workshop
Europe
France
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