La Bonne Etoile Artists Retreat was specifically developed to assist artists and writers who would benefit from an experience in another culture, along with a time of seclusion and solitude. But through the years it has developed into more....a community of friends. La Bonne Etoile Blog has been designed to expand the richness of that community by continuing the quest to create and recreate together.
2011 Workshop Calendr
MARGARET DYER "Painting the Figure in Pastel"
June 12-19 First Session, June 19-23 Normandy/Honfleur Excursion, June 23-June 30 Second Session (Students are welcome for double session) all levels www.margaretdyer.com
URANIA CHRISTY TARBET "Painting the gardens of France"
July 16-28/30, Monet's Garden and Honfleur Add-on July 12, 13, 14, all mediums and levels www.uraniachristytarbet.com
LYN DIEFENBACH "Oil & Pastel in the French Countryside"
exploring landscape, still life and portraiture. August 20-September 4, all levels welcome. www.ldief.com
MARY KATHRYN MASSEY, OPA, AA "Still life in Pastel and Oil"
September 17-28 (Bonus Days September 28-Oct 1) www.masseyfineart.com
Kathryn Rose Nichols is a print designer and professional photographer who visited La Bonne Etoile for the first time in June 2010 for Margaret Dyer’s workshop. She has returned to La Bonne Etoile in August 2011 as staff for the Lyn Diefenbach workshop. In addition, Kathryn will be heading up changes in the website and blog. What better way to help others learn to blog than to share the next three weeks with everyone. We are delighted to have Kathryn with us, we know you will enjoy getting to know her too….Kippy & Jerome
See Kathryn’s artwork at http://www.facebook.com/ArtworksbyKathrynRose
Upon my arrival to France, Kippy and I were famished. She picked me up from the airport, and our first order of business was food. We stopped at a place called Buffalo Grill, which I believe to be the French take on American steak houses. They even had paper American Indian head dresses for the kids… The food was horrible. (Ha! If that’s not enough to get your attention, I don’t know what is! Keep reading Kippy…)
Any one who has been to La Bonne Etoile, and France, knows that the dining is a wonderful experience. From the setting of the table to desert, it’s always a unique and beautiful experience. So a word of advise when visiting France… avoid ordering American type food, i.e. Buffalo Grill! We declared to never eat French gone American again… it is strictly traditional fare from here on out. Well, except for our italian lunch in Paris that was divine, but I’ll get to that later.
After getting myself rested up, it was off to Paris to take care of some business, get a haircut and tool around the city. 36 hours in Paris… ah! I could spend years exploring this city. Jerome and Kippy’s Paris apartment is a dream come true. The back window looks over the Basilica Val de Grace, where we watched the sunset and sipped wine.
On Saturday, after our Italian lunch (I’m still getting to that), we went to Montmartre which is the highest point in Paris. It was quite the adventure getting there! The perspective from this point of the city was refreshing… when visiting Paris it’s easy to get lost “in the trenches”, but going up to Montmartre allows you to look down upon this beautiful city’s landmarks. Montmartre was once covered by wheat fields and wind mills. I would have liked to seen it then… One of these windmills became famously known as The Moulin Rouge (or Red Windmill).
Okay, and back to our italian lunch. We found a great little pizzeria/ristorante close to Fontaine Saint-Michel, called l’isolotto. It was divine! Now, I am not a tomato eater… Kippy ordered the bruschetta which had tomatoes and olives on it. I ate it and loved it. We also shared the house pizza. Kippy and Jerome are convinced that I just haven’t had good tomatoes before. Perhaps. Either way, my palate is opening up even more since I’ve been here. I even ate a whole cherry tomato straight from the garden last night!
Today, we cleaned up the studio and I made flower arrangements for the guest rooms at La Bonne Etoile. Our instructor Lyn, arrives any minute now. I took a peek at a book of her artwork that is up in the studio… unbelievable! I am so excited about the week to come.
There are times in our lives that become ‘defining moments’. Such an experience happened to me from May 29 to June 13, 2010. Through the diligence and computer savvy of my significant other, who found this particular workshop, I will be forever grateful.
At the time of discovery of this experience, I was 66 years old, have been using charcoal for my drawing experiences throughout my life, but only on an in-and-out basis, never a sustained effort. At my tender age of 66, soon to be 67, I involved myself in pastels for the very first time. It is with this background, and a major degree of trepidation, that I spoke with Kippy Hammond, the artist/director of La Bonne Etoile Artist Retreat of the possibility of attending. She assured me that Margaret was first and foremost, an outstanding artist, but also, just as committed to teaching. It was emphasized that Margaret takes people where they are and is prepared to help them move forward; in fairness, I do possess some basic drawing skills. After our discussion, I was assured I would be fine attending. Trusting her judgment and her knowledge of Margaret’s approach to teaching, I made the commitment.
I will be forever indebted to their part in assuring me that I should attend. I will try, as best I can to describe the incredible experience that I had in Fontaine-Fourches. After my odyssey from upstate New York, USA, and arriving at Charles DeGaulle Airport in Paris, as I sat waiting to be picked up, the fears of once again ‘what am I doing?’ raised their ugly heads. But at this point there was no turning back. Upon my arrival at La Bonne Etoile, all my major concerns where dismissed. I was greeted warmly first by Kippy, who then introduced me to Margaret, whose greeting was as sincere, and my thoughts all reinforced the fact that I had made the correct decision. Then I was introduced to Asti, a student from Germany and Eva, our model from Paris. After all the pleasantries, I headed to my room for a mid-afternoon nap to try to adjust to the six hour difference in time that I had just experienced. I awoke to conversation and laughter. Little did I realize that these would be major parts of my experience for the workshop. The conversations we ultimately had were an integral part of the entire experience. I was surrounded by people whose main focus in life is art. This fact alone made for an exhilarating environment.
Kippy and her partner Jerome did everything possible to make everyone feel at home. I can say unequivocally, they are two of the most kind, caring people that I have had the pleasure to meet. If you had a need, they did everything in their power to meet it. They simply took care of everything. For two weeks, my focus could be solely on learning how to paint in pastels.
I could have taken a workshop with Margaret in the Hudson Valley, N.Y., USA, in August 2010. But I wanted the complete experience that I suspected France had to offer. Our setting at La Bonne Etoile, Fontaine-Fourches, France, was a country side home, with manicured grounds inundated with flowers. Everyday we ate our meals out doors on the patio indulging in fine French cuisine. The most joyous time was during our evening meals that usually began at 9 pm. We had multiple courses, wine throughout and ended each meal with salad and a variety of cheeses. The meal was the centerpiece, but as equal a joy was the conversation during the meal and after. Generally our meal and conversation concluded around 11:30 pm each evening. When there was a question about France and its history, Jerome played the part as the resident historian. He was very willing to share his expansive knowledge. The laughter I alluded to earlier was a continued part of the evening experience. We had such a range of topics at our disposal given the international background of the participants. Everyone had something unique to contribute. Beyond the art venue, my cultural exposure was broadened.
Along with the pastel instruction, the staff arranged for our exposure to the facets of French life. We ran the gamut from small country side towns to the city whose name is synonymous with fine art and culture, Paris. Besides our days in the studio, our breaks were filled with trips to experience the daily life of France. We took bike rides to the Seine, attended a medieval festival, were with the locals at their many brocantes in neighboring towns, and of course our trip to Paris. No matter what town in France that we were visiting, I was always able to find bakeries to satisfy my desire for what I believe are the finest pastries to be found anywhere.
At the conclusion of the first week a vernissage was scheduled. Besides the fun of having our work on display, partaking in the wine, champagne and cheeses, we met many of the local residents that are friends of La Bonne Etoile. All were warm and engaging and those whose English was as limited as my French made every effort to communicate with our group. All of my expectations for this trip had been met and surpassed.
I could continue, but my message is loud and clear: if the opportunity presents itself for you to attend any one of the many workshops La Bonne Etoile arranges at Fontaine-Fourches, don’t hesitate. It is my significant other that deserves the accolades for finding this opportunity for me. If you are thinking about doing something similar, I can only hope that this encourages you to do so. Kippy and Margaret are to be commended: they made a wonderful combination. Kippy and Jerome provided everything relative to a magnificent environment and Margaret’s instruction was brilliant. I have not one iota of regret, only joy that I have done this.
The February edition of Pastel Journal has a great article about Margaret Dyer’s 2010 workshop at La Bonne Etoile. Written by Meg Bortin, who attended the workshop, the 6 page beautifully illustrated article has us all on cloud nine. Be sure to pick up a copy…or order online. Here is the link:
We are very pleased with the response to the 2011 Workshop Calendar. It looks like we will be having quite a few full houses, so if you have been giving thought to joining us…jump off the fence and email us quickly to reserve your spot.
Also…new this year…Chez Kristina, our new cottage is finally open. We have just been accepted into the Gites-de-France vacation rental program and are very excited about being able to offer this as additional guests quarters. For fun….here are two slideshows….Before and after….Enjoy and grab a week or month on the calendar.
Wow!! 10 years. We are so blessed to have been in the midst of so many memories. I can’t think of any better way to have lived my life than to have shared it with all of the artists and friends who have visited La Bonne Etoile. Jerome and I express this good fortune before, during, and after each new encounter.
2011 looks to be a grand year with Margaret Dyer, Urania Tarbet, Lyn Diefenbach returning and Mary Kathryn Massey visiting La Bonne Etoile for the first time. Here is the first look at our full calendar….pick a workshop and join us.
MARGARET DYER “Painting the Figure in Pastel” June 12-19 First Session, June 19-23 Normandy/Honfleur Excursion, June 23-June 30 Second Session (Students are welcome for double session) all levels www.margaretdyer.com
URANIA CHRISTY TARBET “Painting the gardens of France” July 16-28/30, Monet’s Garden and Honfleur Add-on July 12, 13, 14, all mediums and levels www.uraniachristytarbet.com
LYN DIEFENBACH “Oil & Pastel in the French Countryside” exploring landscape, still life and portraiture. August 20-September 4, all levels welcome. www.ldief.com
MARY KATHRYN MASSEY, OPA, AA “Still life in Pastel and Oil” September 17-28 (Bonus Days September 28-Oct 1) www.masseyfineart.com
This is Margaret Dyer’s last post after her workshop at La Bonne Etoile. Keep scrolling down to follow her delightful blog from beginning to end as she experienced France and La Bonne Etoile for the first time. We look forward to Margaret returning in June 2011…..JOIN US.
Now that I’ve caught my breath, I have to talk about La Bonne Etoile.
I’m naturally scared of everything. So it was a big step for me to go to France all by myself. But Kippy prepared every detail for me and all the artists who attended the class. Kippy, an American artist who has lived in France for over 10 years, and Jerome have turned a 250 year old farmhouse in the village of Fontaine-Fourches into a beautiful, cozy home with room for 8 guests. Lunches on the patio, elegant dinners at the dining room table, good French food and wine, excellent company, a lot of laughing, all while surrounded by the beautiful French farmland and wild poppy fields. La Bonne Etoile is about an hour from Paris and a half hour from some incredible medieval sites. Kippy and Jerome made my first visit to France all that I had hoped for. If you’re looking for a place to take an art workshop (if you’re interested in attending mine next year, let Kippy know so she can keep you on her email list) and experience France with all details handled for you, look here: http://www.labonneetoile.com/about.html.
Master Pastelist, Margaret Dyer conducted her “Figure in Pastel” workshop at La Bonne Etoile June 2010. Join Margaret as she shares her three week experience in France on her day-to-day blog by signing up to receive notification of new posts on the La Bonne Etoiile Blog with one of the methods displayed in the right hand column of this screen. The following is reprinted with permission
I am in Fontaine Fourches, France. About an hour from the Charles de Gaulle airport, past fields of winter and spring wheat, young sugar beets and miles of the yellow flowers of canola beans. I’ve spent the day with Kippy Hammond in her home and studio, resting from my trip overseas, and planning for the workshop which begins Sunday. Kippy and Jerome have friends staying over, two couples and two 10 year old twin boys; they’ll be leaving by the time our class begins. We dined this afternoon on the patio on grilled pork kabobs, cucumber, tomato and green pepper salad (OK, those of you who know me know that I only ate the tomatos), fresh cheeses from the region and French wine. We spent the evening with a fire in the fireplace to take the chill out of the thunderstorm outside, a candle lit dinner and lots of wine. Some of the topics of conversation: French table manners-bread goes on the upper left side of the plate or on the table cloth next to the plate; wine and water glasses are side-by-side at the top of the plate, not at the upper right like ours; forks are placed face-side-down when setting the table. I learned how to fold a huge piece of lettuce in my salad with a fork and knife, and how to properly cut different kinds of cheese. And there seemed to be great confusion over the phrase ‘petite chou,’ an affectionate phrase which the Americans at the table could not understand. Chou is cabbage.
The surprise at dessert was petite chou, a sinful pastry filled with cream. I ate the entire thing.
Rhett Butler comes to mind tonight, when he said, “I want to see if somewhere there isn’t something left in life of charm and grace.” I found it, Rhett.
Master Pastelist, Margaret Dyer conducted her “Figure in Pastel” workshop at La Bonne Etoile June 2010. Join Margaret as she shares her three week experience in France on her day-to-day blog by signing up to receive notification of new posts on the La Bonne Etoiile Blog with one of the methods displayed in the right hand column of this screen. The following is reprinted with permission
The town of Fontaine Fourches has a population of about 500.
La Bonne Etoile is the name of Kippy’s and Jerome’s home.
My bedroom window.
Not much to do today; things will pick up once my students arrive on Sunday. I took a walk in the town with my camera. Fontaine Fourches is very small, just a few blocks of homes, several hundred years old, very close to the street, each with their gates shut tight. If you peek behind the gate, you’re likely to see gardens and children’s plastic toys, geraniums on windowsills and lace curtains in windows.
After an afternoon of working in the studio with Kippy, she on her pastel, me on mine, we went to dinner at Chantel’s and Paul’s home a few blocks away. As it has been at every meal so far, the hostess appointed seats for each of us, making sure never, or almost never, to seat husband and wife together.
Another French lesson: what we Americans call the entree is le plat principal (main course) in France. The salad, at every meal so far, has been served after le plat principal. After the salad, usually a platter of cheese is brought out.
Le plat principal this evening was le boudin. I picked up enough in conversation to know not to ask what I was eating. In fact, twice Jerome knowingly shook his head when I started to ask. It was a very black sausage, very sweet and absolutely yummy, with a side dish of baked apples and sauteed onions. Bread on the table. And of course wine. Then a salad with cheese was served; strawberries for desert. We played with French/English flash cards, figuring out the translations to such sentences as, “The pig is cold in the winter.” Back to Kippy’s and Jerome’s in the cool dark night, with a full moon hiding behind the clowds.
Boudin, wikipedia and Kippy told me later, is blood sausage. No meat. Just blood. But the consistency of very soft meat. It crumbled when I sliced the sausage. And it was delicious. I would have had thirds, but didn’t want to look crass.
Merci beaucoup, Chantel and Paul, d’un dîner délicieux!
Tomorrow morning we go to market to buy vegetables. A photo op for me!
Master Pastelist, Margaret Dyer conducted her “Figure in Pastel” workshop at La Bonne Etoile June 2010. Join Margaret as she shares her three week experience in France on her day-to-day blog by signing up to receive notification of new posts on the La Bonne Etoiile Blog with one of the methods displayed in the right hand column of this screen. The following is reprinted with permission
This morning we went to market. I am proud to say that when a gendarme came up to me and asked me (in French) why I was taking so many photographs, I was able to relpy, “Je suis un artiste. Je suis américain. Je ne parle pas français très bien.” She then asked me if I was using my photographs for the papers (which I understood), and I told her no, I pulled out one of my picture post cards and gave it to her. “C’est bon. ?” I asked, and she said “C’est bon..” And she left me to continue my shooting. Kippy was impressed, she later told me, that I was able to communicate like that. I got hundreds of photos, some of which will make beautiful paintings.
Back to La Bonne Etoile, lunch on the patio with friends. What a tough life they lead here.
I’ll be glad when Sunday arrives and I can actually work. I’m feeling very guilty being non-productive. Sunday evening we hope to have an audience to watch me demonstrate painting a pastel from a nude model. We’re hoping there will be quite a few locals there, filling up space. Then there will also be a reception. Monday, students and I get to work. But until then, there’s some serious eating to be done.
We had dinner at Caroline’s and Serge’s, about a 20 minute drive from here, in a home which has been in the family for generations. It was a family gathering with about 20 people; I definitely felt like a fish out of water, not understanding what anyone was saying, and not knowing anybody. My sister Catherine says you can drink as much French wine as you want and you won’t get drunk. I don’t know if that’s true, but it certainly helps you understand French a whole lot better. By the end of the evening I was laughing and getting along just like family. I suspect it may have been the gracious people who made me feel at home, moreso than the wine. And OK, some of them did speak English.
Some more French things I’ve learned:
After dinner Caroline came out with what looked like a huge cheesecake. It was cheese, brie. So soft, it almost spilled when you cut it. Mmmmmmm. I was told that cheese has a ripe time. There are people who know how to gauge when it will be ripe for special occasions.
French men are incredibly polite and considerate. The people are soft-spoken and gracious.
It’s way too late for me to be up. Kippy and I go to the airport tomorrow to pick up a student, then to PARIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Master Pastelist, Margaret Dyer conducted her “Figure in Pastel” workshop at La Bonne Etoile June 2010. Join Margaret as she shares her three week experience in France on her day-to-day blog by signing up to receive notification of new posts on the La Bonne Etoiile Blog with one of the methods displayed in the right hand column of this screen. The following is reprinted with permission
The first student has arrived: Asti from Germany. Kippi, Asti and I spent time photographing some Parisian streets. It’s been heavily overcast all day-not ideal for our photos. Ideally, I’d love to have bright sunshine, later in the afternoon or early in the morning, with long cast shadows. But Paris doesn’t think we need that, so we’ll find other contrasts in our imagery.
The model has arrived: Eva has lived in Paris all her life. She’s an actor and has modeled for Parisian artists and art schools for years. She’s got some totally cool costumes to wear for us, some totally cool music to play while she poses, and I suspect some totally cool stories to tell.
Here are Asti, Kippie and Eva at La Rotonde.
I think I may be experiencing jet lag. That or I’m just not used to late evenings and so much wine. I crashed early today, as soon as we arrived back at the house, I told Kippie not to wake me for dinner if the aromas didn’t wake me, dragged myself up the stairs and climbed into the bed. Woke only to post this; everyone is asleep right now. I hope I can get back to sleep.
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