Faculty Information:
Peter Evans worked as a professional photographer in the UK and, although having now 'eased down a gear' he is still the "photographer on-call" in southwest France for Associated Newspapers, London*. He has been 'behind a camera' since the age of 11.

His photographs have appeared in numerous 'Glossies', in English national and provincial newspapers, in various French publications and on calendars and postcards. His photographs of the Lot-et-Garonne are in demand and you will often see his images in tourist publications in France.

Pete (as he prefers to be called) has diverse photographic experience, knowledge and interests. At one end of the scale he has created portfolios for a number of models and beauty queens (including a Miss Wales, Miss United Kingdom and Miss World) whilst, at the other, he has produced a 2 metre wide landscape photographed from a light aircraft using a view-camera and 7"x 5" sheet film.

He has also photographed Prince Charles (as an accredited photographer) and the actress Julie Christie (as a friend).

Although experienced in most types of film and darkroom techniques (working in both B&W and colour), Pete has been '100% digital' since 2003. He has also had experience shooting movie film and video.

After making sure that his guests have a good understanding of the basics, Pete also follows the doctrine of 'giving people their head' when it comes to taking photographs. "I cover an extensive list of topics during the week," he says, "but I prefer to give my guidance hands on, while we're actually out working in the field."

Pete firmly believes John Hedgecoe's adage that 'cameras don't make pictures, people do.' As a result, he discourages obsession with equipment and encourages visual awareness. "No-one can really define what makes a good photograph," he says, "what I try to impart is how to avoid making a bad one."

Peter Evans is a registered Professional User with Nikon Europe and a member of the Royal Photographic Society

Other Activities:
Painting tuition by Jill Fellows. Jill has been an artist for many years; with a special interest in watercolour townscapes, she has exhibited and accepted commissions on a regular basis. Jill believes that every drawing and painting comes from within the artist; in other words, each individual has his or her own way of seeing and interpreting what lies before them.

A substantial number of topics is covered during each of Jill's painting and drawing weeks but, because there is no 'right' way for an artist to create an image on paper or canvas, Jill doesn't believe in giving dogmatic tuition. "In any case, group tuition is not a concept we follow here," she says, "We treat each client as an individual. I don't want to be stuck in a classroom lecturing my guests. I prefer to be out and about, helping them to express their own interpretation of this stunning environment from day one - Les Ets Botaniques Latour-Marliac, the nursery where Monet purchased the water-lilies for his garden at Giverny, for example; what better place for inspiration than that!"

Jill therefore uses real-time, practical, "hands-on" methods, being always available to offer encouragement, guidance, and advice with technique as and when needed. This, she believes, encourages individuality and freedom of expression in her guests and makes for a more enjoyable painting experience. "I love being out in the field working with other artists, no matter at what level they see themselves."

Facility Information:
You will be staying "chez nous" in a tastefully renovated, 250 year old Gascon farmhouse set in over two acres of ground. The property is a listed building with some unusual and attractive architectural features.

Situated in a quiet agricultural area opposite the pretty ruined church of St. Juin and close to Le Canal Latéral, La Garonne river, and a unique nature reserve, yet within easy cycling distance of the nearest town. Guests have the benefit of four double bedrooms and five bathrooms and there is some 300 square meters of guest accommodation in total.

We offer our clients the following:

- 4 welcoming en-suite guest bedrooms (each between 17m2 and 20m2 excluding bathrooms)
- Ground floor shower room and w.c.
- Attractive, 40 sq. meter lounge & dining area with large traditional 'cheminée' and wood-burning stove. UK and French TV is provided.
- Original, pantiled 'galerie' (covered terrace) leading to patio, barbecue and external dining area
- 2,500 square meter garden with 'figure of eight' swimming pool
- The swimming pool has a decked sunbathing area, dining area, changing room, refrigerator, and warm water shower. It is equipped with lighting for late night swimming
- 6,000 square meters of woodland
- Pétanque court or 'boulodrome' (boules supplied)
- Cycles and fishing rods available for hire
- Free (and limitless within reason!) wine, coffee and tea
- Full board for seven nights (breakfast, picnic lunch and evening meal)
- We have no modern separate "annexes" etc; all our rooms and facilities are under the same roof.

Notes:
There is a single room supplement of 130 euros per week. Non-participating partners are welcome and are eligible for a 20% discount.

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