September 19-23, 2024

Meet Stephanie Bower

Warm up Sketch + Welcome Reception

Wednesday September 18, 2024

We recommend that participants arrive a day or two early so that you have time to get over jetlag and to acclimatize to your new environment. Workshop participants who are on hand on Wednesday September 18, the day before the start of our workshop, are invited to meet in the hotel lobby at 2:00 for a warm up sketch (optional). Stephanie will not be teaching. This is just your chance to do a warm up sketch before the first art class.

All workshop participants and nonSketcher companions are invited to a welcome reception at 6pm.

Below is our proposed itinerary.

Day 1--The Place des Vosges + the Arc de Triomphe

Thursday September 19, 2024

In the morning we will take the metro to the location of Workshop #1 in the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. Originally known as Place Royale, Place des Vosges was built by Henri IV from 1605 to 1612. The square is planted with mature linden trees and crisscrossed with gravel pathways surrounding an equestrian bronze statue of Louis XIII in the centre. In this amazing location Stephanie will teach the first workshop.

In the afternoon, sketchbook in hand, we will explore the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most iconic monuments in Paris OR Stephanie is offering an optional extra Watercolor Workshop! It's up to you how you spend your afternoon.

Day 2--the Luxembourg Gardens + the Cluny Musée

Friday September 20, 2024

In the morning we will walk to the immaculate Luxembourg Gardens, the subject of Workshop #2. With its massive Grand Bassin, monumental Medici fountain, rows of topiary and 106 statues, there's lots to sketch in this gorgeous garden.

In the afternoon we will visit the Cluny Museum, home to artefacts from medieval daily life, the celebrated remains of a Gallo-Roman bathhouse and the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. Here we will wander with our sketchbooks (if you wish). 

Day 3--The Tuileries Garden + the Louvre

Saturday September 21, 2024

Today we will take the metro to the Tuileries Garden for Workshop #3. Created by Catherine de' Medici in 1564, this gorgeous park located near the Louvre features lots of statues, clipped hedges, and the iconic Arc du Carrousel. So much to sketch!

After lunch we will spend the rest of the day in the world famous Louvre, the largest art museum on Earth and the crown jewel of Paris. There's lots to sketch in this museum or you may wish to take a break and just wander.

Day 4--The Musée de l'Orangerie + the Pantheon

Sunday September 22, 2024

In the morning we will visit the gorgeous Musée de l'Orangerie. In addition to the famous cycle of Water Lilies, eight large paintings by Claude Monet which cover the walls of two large oval rooms, the museum presents works by Renoir, Sisley, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, Gaugin and more.

In the afternoon we will walk to the Pantheon, where Stephanie will teach Workshop #4. Built in the late 18th century, the Pantheon was originally intended as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. After the French Revolution, it was repurposed as a mausoleum and burial site for some of France's greatest figures. Its stunning dome, towering columns, intricate sculptures, grand nave and chapels make it one of the most impressive buildings in Paris and will be such a great workshop subject.

Day 5--The Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church + the Eiffel Tower

Monday September 23, 2024

The Saint Gervais Church, one of Stephanie's favorite churches, will be the location of Workshop #5.  Construction of the present church began in 1494 in the Gothic style. The interior of the church is Gothic, while the facade is French Baroque. This workshop is going to be super fun!

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower with sketchbook in hand. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, as the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair, it is one of the most iconic monuments in the world. From the famous steps of the Trocadero we will check the Eiffel Tower off our sketching bucket list or just take some pix and enjoy the view. What a lovely way to spend our last afternoon in Paris.

In the evening we will celebrate an amazing week and new friends with a wonderful farewell dinner (included).

Departure

Tuesday September 24, 2024

It's time to say goodbye but you will never forget the friends you made or the skills you learned during this great week! Or extend your stay by a few days to take in some of the sites you missed.

PLEASE NOTE: THE ORDER OF EVENTS AND SUBJECTS PROPOSED IN THIS ITINERARY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Recommended Workshop Supply List

The workshop supply list can be downloaded from HERE.

FAQs

Click HERE for answers to frequently asked questions.

For more information about this vacation package contact Brenda Murray Studio56Boutique@gmail.com.

Tour Includes

• A welcome reception and farewell dinner
• All art classes
• Admission to the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, The Cluny Musée and the Musée de l'Orangerie
• a 5-day Paris metro Pass

Tour Excludes

• Flights to/from the area
• Hotel
• airport pick-up and drop-off
• Meals (except those listed above)
• Painting supplies
• City taxes payable by guest at check out
• Tips and gratuities
• Porterage/luggage handling
• Travel insurance
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Items not explicitly specified in the inclusion list

Prices in USD

$2099.USD Workshop Participant

$1499.USD NonSketcher Companion (such as partner or travelling buddy)

NonSketcher Companion tickets include the same attractions and meals as the Workshop Participants with the exception of the art classes.

To reserve your spot in this workshop, a $500USD nonrefundable deposit is required for Workshop Participants and a $300USD nonrefundable deposit is required for nonSketcher Companions 150 days prior to the start of the workshop. The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the start of the workshop.

To make a deposit, please scroll to the bottom and click BOOK NOW.

PLEASE READ OUR  REFUND POLICY.

Bring a Friend and Get a Discount

Here's how it works. You and your sketching buddy register for the workshop with your deposits. Then send us an email and tell us you are registering with a sketching buddy. You will each be refunded $50USD after the start of the workshop if the workshop sells out with 15 tickets.

The small print: This discount code cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount code and it can only be applied to 2 Workshop participant tickets if the workshop sells out with 15 participants.

Accommodation

Stephanie and Brenda will be staying in a large hotel located in the Latin Quarter just steps away from the metro. This hotel is modern, recently renovated with 24-hour reception, bilingual French/English staff, an elevator and includes breakfast. It has free cancellation up to 24 hour prior to arrival.

Information about the official hotel of this workshop will be sent to all participants after they have made their deposit. Participants can stay in this hotel or book into another nearby hotel or Airbnb if they prefer. 

How to Make a Hotel Reservation

Before you make a hotel reservation, click the blue BOOK NOW button below to ensure you have a spot in this workshop.

After you have secured your spot in this workshop, you will be sent information about the hotel with instructions for how to book a room. 

Travel + Medical Insurance

Last minute cancellations for any reason are nonrefundable therefore protect your investment in this vacation by purchasing travel insurance. Click HERE for a list of US travel insurance providers. Some credit card companies may also offer travel insurance if you paid for your trip using that credit card.

Travel Tips

 Please check HERE for Studio 56 Travel Tips.

Pedestrian Friendly?

Participants in this vacation package must be fully mobile, able to walk 15 minutes and manage stairs. We will be making full use of a Paris metro pass (included) but walking up to 15 minutes and stairs are unavoidable.

Covid-19 Vaccinations

The instructor and tour manager are fully vaccinated against covid-19. This tour will be following all locally recommended protocols. Please check the covid protocols required for France by clicking HERE and check back close to the date of departure as the protocols may change. 

Your Tour Manager

Participants will be accompanied by Studio 56 owner, Brenda Murray. Brenda is a Canadian artist and arts advocate, the founder of Urban Sketchers Waterloo Region and a former Urban Sketchers Board member. A seasoned traveler, Brenda has traveled to Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Cuba, England, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea (resident for 4 years), Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA (35 states). Brenda will be on hand to assist the instructor and to ensure that everything runs smoothly. She has completed the St. John's Ambulance Emergency First Aid - CPR C - AED training. Learn more about Brenda HERE. 

For More Information

Email Studio56Boutique@gmail.com or call Brenda Murray at 519-572-1757.

How to Register for this Workshop

To guarantee your spot in this exciting vacation workshop, participants must pay a deposit by clicking the BOOK NOW button below.