Portrait painting course for beginners France
Are you a beginning painter or do you have no painting experience at all, and would you like to learn how to paint portraits? Then the portrait painting course for beginners at Le Val de la Bonne Vie (in France) is for you. During this course you will learn the basic techniques for making a portrait, and you will learn skills regarding building up a painting and the use of color. The weekend starts on Thursday afternoon/evening and lasts until Sunday after breakfast. The course consists of two days of drawing and painting (Friday and Saturday) and is supervised by Gwen van Houwelingen. Below are some examples of the portraits she has painted. More of her work can be found on her own website, www.gwenvanhouwelingen.com.
Course guidance by Gwen van Houwelingen
Portrait painter Gwen van Houwelingen: “For me, the most important thing about a portrait painting is to capture at least some part of the character or emotion of the person I’m painting. That’s why I think it’s important to know something about this person, and not just copy a pretty picture. In order to be able to translate the essence of a person onto the canvas, it is important to have some basic knowledge and skills about materials, proportions and use of colour. In this weekend course I will pay attention to these different skills, and I will also share how I go about making a portrait myself, in order to offer you some tools to become more confident in portrait painting. My goal is to help you create something that you are proud of.”
Practical information
During this portrait painting course we paint with acrylic paint. We invite you to bring several photos or videos of one or more people who mean something to you, based on which you would like to make your painting. You can also work on a self portrait, in this case you don’t necessarily have to bring any pictures, but we can take some on the spot. We will then decide together which one is most suitable. There are a maximum of 6 participants, so there will be plenty personal attention for everyone. The course includes materials and all meals are also included.
DATE for portrait painting course
The course is scheduled for Thursday October 2 to Sunday October 5, 2025. If you would like to benefit from a fully catered weekend but would rather work independently in the studio, then an art weekend might be for you. During an art weekend, Gwen will also be present from time to time for tips and advice, but no course will be given then.
All inclusive weekend
You arrive on Thursday afternoon or early evening, and are welcomed with a delicious dinner. Here you can get to know the hostess and host, the teacher and the other participants. After a wonderful night’s sleep in a relaxing environment and an extensive breakfast buffet, the course starts on Friday morning. After a morning of hard work, you are called for lunch that has been prepared for you. Then quickly back to work, after which dinner will be ready. Saturday looks the same again, with the exception that at the end of the day Gwen has a short chat with everyone to discuss how the weekend went for you and, if you want, gives you some tips about the work you have done. On Sunday morning there is a final breakfast buffet after which you leave for home again. During the course there will also be plenty of snacks and drinks, this is all included in the price. We only ask for a contribution for beer and wine.
Prices (includes the course, material, three nights stay and all meals)
| 1 person | 2 people | |
| Standard room | 367,50 | 630,- |
| Large tandard room | 382,50 | 660,- |
| Room with private bathroom | 412,50 | 675,- |
| Large room with private bathroom | 427,50 | 705,- |
If cost is an issue and you would still like to come, please send us a message or email us at reservations@levaldelabonnevie.fr and we can discuss a possible discount.
Sign up for this portrait painting course
Do you have any questions or would you like to register? Send a message using the form below. The journey to Le Val de la Bonne Vie is approximately 600 kilometres from Utrecht. Would you like to carpool, please let us know and we will see if there is a possibility! It is a bit more difficult but certainly also possible to travel by public transport, for more information please send us a message.