THE PAINTING SCHOOL OF MONTMIRAL

Letters and images from three students

 

Dear Francis,

Thank you for a really rewarding experience. Though I consider myself an experienced painter your teaching has enriched both my intuitive and analytic repertory. The time with you was a really valuable and, I must say, unexpectedly useful experience which I seem to have stumbled on by good fortune. I must thank you for your generosity in giving of your time and knowledge to myself and all your students.

I think that your six page brochure should put more emphasis on the high professional standard of the School, for beginners and experienced, with its attractive location as an additional bonus.

With my best wishes

Oliver Gollanz.

 

Dear Francis,

I wanted you to know that upon my return to the States, I did confirm that my trip to Montmiral was NOT a dream. I knew it was real from two clues: one, I had a curious mixture of cerulean, ultramarine, cadmium yellow, and orange oil paint smudged on my left ankle. Two: when I woke up at dawn the first morning back at home, I saw color everywhere! Golds were glowing on the windowsill, purples were vibrating in corners, cool blues along the edges of things - it was magnificent. And no two colors the same. I was looking at the same old scene in a totally new way. And I thank you for that. I really appreciated the time you spent with us in Montmiral - it was a great experience that has changed my perception of the world. I wish you ... continued success.

Sincerely,

Anne Meneghetti

 

Dear Francis ...

I had a truly great time with you at your painting school. I don't know where to begin. My gite was very comfortable and spacious and the view from the back far more than incredible. The people were great fun: I think I was pretty lucky with the crowd for although none of them were my age it didn't feel like it. Montmiral is a fantastic hilltop town with spectacular views, buildings and a friendly community. The course directoring wasn't bad either, in fact it was amazing. I was shocked at how much I learnt in so short a time. Francis, I can't thank you enough for making me feel so at home; you're a terrific person, a great course director and, of course, a master at boule. I desperately hope I can return next year.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Edwards