Painting Paris
Our Painting Workshop in Paris with Danielle Kimzey brings together aspiring and experienced painters for an intensive week of urban sketching and painting, hands-on sessions, one-on-one guidance, and in-depth discussions on the art of painting. Our program is inclusive and intentionally small and takes place in the middle of artistic Paris, rich with history and inspiration.
Participants will engage in daily painting sessions in artfully selected locations, exploring various techniques and styles, and receive feedback from Danielle Kimzey during one-on-one meetings. Our painting retreat is open to painters who want to strengthen their skills, develop a greater understanding of art, and forge a path to showcasing their work. We take your art seriously and place the highest importance on teaching the craft of painting so that students can produce meaningful and memorable pieces. Our mission is to bring your artistic vision out of the wilderness and into the community, and for a week every June, we think there is no better place to do this than in the heart of Paris, France.
Lodging at the Hôtel Trianon Rive Gauche
Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 6 days, 5 nights at the Hôtel Trianon Rive Gauche. The 4-star hotel sits in the heart of artistic Paris, near galleries and art studios, and is a short walk from the Jardin du Luxembourg. Free Wi-Fi included.
Instructor Danielle Kimzey
Danielle Kimzey, with her MFA in Painting from the University of Iowa and a recipient of the Mildred Lynch Pelzer Fellowship, enriches the retreat in a remote support role with her international acclaim as an artist. Represented by Galleri Urbane in Dallas, her work has graced galleries from New York to Paris, reflecting her vibrant and explorative approach to art. Danielle's experiences as a bicycle and Segway tour guide in Nice and Paris, coupled with her extensive teaching background—from art appreciation and painting at Dallas College to design at Texas Christian University—offer retreat attendees an inspiring glimpse into the fusion of art, culture, and education. Her dedication to art and teaching and her work appearing in prestigious publications and projects, including architecting a 30-foot-tall Living Wall installation in West Palm Beach, showcases the profound impact art can have on community spaces and individual lives.
Where You Will Go
Painting in Luxembourg Gardens
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Luxembourg Gardens, where you'll paint surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene fountains. Capture the elegance of French horticulture while finding inspiration in the peaceful ambiance that has enchanted artists for centuries. This picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for honing your painting skills and creating memorable works of art.
Painting the Eiffel Tower in front of the Champs de Mars
Experience the iconic Eiffel Tower from the stunning vantage point of the Champs de Mars as you paint this world-renowned landmark. Let the grandeur of Paris's most famous monument inspire your creativity, capturing its intricate ironwork against the vast Parisian sky. This session offers a unique opportunity to blend urban charm with artistic expression in an unforgettable location.
Classical Music Concert at Sainte Chapelle
Enhance your Parisian experience with a magical evening at Sainte Chapelle, where you'll be transported by the enchanting melodies of a classical music concert. The chapel's stunning stained glass windows create an ethereal atmosphere, making this a truly captivating cultural experience. Let the music and the beauty of the setting inspire your artistic soul.
Painting and Lunch in Tuileries Gardens
Enjoy a day of painting in the historic Tuileries Gardens, where manicured lawns, blooming flowers, and elegant statues provide endless artistic inspiration. After a morning of creativity, indulge in a delightful lunch surrounded by the garden's timeless beauty. This combination of art and cuisine offers a perfect blend of sensory pleasures in one of Paris's most beloved parks.
Walking Tour of the Latin Quarter
Discover the enchanting Latin Quarter of Paris on an unforgettable walking tour led by Mike Franz. Wander through narrow, winding streets filled with historic charm and vibrant cafes, while Mike shares fascinating tales of the area's rich literary and cultural heritage.
Painting in Montmartre
Step into the bohemian heart of Paris with a painting session in Montmartre, the historic neighborhood that has inspired countless artists. Set up your easel in the charming streets and squares that once hosted the likes of Picasso and Van Gogh, and let the vibrant atmosphere fuel your creativity. Montmartre's artistic legacy and stunning vistas make it an unparalleled location for capturing the spirit of Paris on canvas.
Here are seven inspiring places around Paris that your painting students can visit with Danielle during the Painting Workshop:
Visit Select Locations in Paris with Danielle
Musée du Louvre
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. Students can explore its vast collection of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, while also sketching the magnificent architecture of the Louvre Palace and its iconic glass pyramid.
Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d'Orsay is renowned for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. The museum’s unique architecture and the artworks inside provide rich material for painting inspiration.
Montmartre
Montmartre, the historic arts district, is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and as the home of artists like Picasso and Dali. Students can paint the charming streets, the lively Place du Tertre, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, all while soaking in the artistic heritage of the area.
Jardin des Tuileries
Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden is a beautiful public garden designed in the formal French style. The serene pathways, ornate statues, and lush greenery offer an idyllic setting for plein air painting.
Seine Riverbanks
The banks of the Seine, with their picturesque bridges and stunning views of iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor painting sessions. Students can capture the vibrant life along the river and the reflections on the water.
Palais Garnier
The opulent Palais Garnier, home to the Paris Opera, is an architectural masterpiece. Students can sketch the grand exterior, the ornate interiors, and the famous grand staircase, drawing inspiration from the building's intricate details and rich history.
Musée Rodin
Set in a beautiful mansion and surrounding gardens, the Musée Rodin showcases the works of the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin. Students can paint the elegant sculptures, the lovely rose garden, and the tranquil scenes around the museum grounds.
These locations offer a diverse mix of indoor and outdoor settings, ensuring that your painting students will find plenty of inspiration throughout Paris.
SCHEDULE:
Exact schedule may change slightly between now and the trip. The final schedule will be sent to participants a few weeks before the trip.
**Sunday**
- Meet-and-greet picnic
**Monday**
- Painting in Luxembourg Gardens
- Walking tour
- Group dinner (restaurant TBA)
**Tuesday**
- Painting the Eiffel Tower in front of the Champs de Mars
- Early group dinner
- Classical music concert at Sainte Chapelle
**Wednesday**
- Painting and lunch in Tuileries Gardens
- Walking tour of the Latin Quarter
- Group dinner (restaurant TBA)
**Thursday**
- Painting in Montmartre
- Wine tasting
- Group dinner (restaurant TBA)
**Friday**
About Your Program Support Staff
Remote Support: Mike Franz
As Co-Founder & Operations Director of Side Door Travel, Mike Franz brings a wealth of experience to the retreat. Having served as the General Manager and Tour Guide at Fat Tire Bike Tours in Paris for seven years, Mike's tours have been highlighted on Rick Steves-Paris, The Independent-UK, and the television show 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. While in Paris, Mike lived in the 2nd, 6th and 15th arrondissements. After his tenure in Paris, Mike taught government, economics, and public speaking for ten years at Headwaters High School in Austin, Texas, where he was honored with a teacher-of-the-year award after just his first year. His profound understanding of Parisian culture and history and his educational background ensure a rich and insightful travel experience.
Remote Support: Blake Kimzey
As Co-Founder & Executive Director of Side Door Travel, Blake Kimzey embodies Paris's creative spirit, having lived in the 15th, 18th, and 14th arrondissements. His early days as a bicycle tour guide in Paris deeply influenced his creative path, leading him to found WritingWorkshops.com and earn an MFA from UC Irvine. A celebrated author, Blake's fiction has graced the pages and airwaves of NPR, Tin House, McSweeney’s, VICE, and many more, with his collection Families Among Us published by Black Lawrence Press. Blake is involved in bringing the heroics of Polish underground figure Jan Karski to the silver screen, with a dramatic WWII movie set for production in 2024. His deep connection to storytelling and the Parisian landscape enriches the narrative of every Side Door Travel experience.
How late can I sign up?
You can sign up for this retreat until all spots are full. Once the retreat is full, enrollment will be closed. You can join our waitlist or be notified when the trip is back on the schedule by entering your contact info under the "Sold Out" button at the top of this retreat web page.
If I want to attend the retreat with a friend, spouse, or partner and we share a room, can we get a discount?
Yes, if you attend with a friend, spouse, or partner and share a room we can give you a discount on the price. Inquire with Mike@SideDoorTravel.com for details.
Are Payment Plans Available?
You can opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm or Shop Pay at checkout.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Given the intimate nature of our destination retreats and our own non-refundable deposit schedule as organizers, our refund policy is as follows:
90+ days before your trip, tuition payment minus a $900 deposit is fully refundable.
60+ days before your trip: 50% of your tuition is refundable.
30+ days before your: 25% of your tuition is refundable.
Less than 30 days before your trip: no refunds can be offered.
Are Scholarships Available?
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to offer scholarships for this retreat. However, we do have payment plans available at checkout.
I have a question not answered here.
Please contact us and we’ll reply promptly. You can call us at 888-688-5411, chat with us (lower left of your screen), or send an email to Mike@SideDoorTravel.com.
Terms & Conditions
Side Door Travel is dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants during our retreats. These events are not places for behavior that is inappropriate, off-topic, disruptive, abusive, or illegal. Inappropriate behavior includes any conduct that undermines the integrity of the retreat, such as written, verbal, or physical abuse or threats; the use of derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures, or actions; any form of harassment, racism, sexism; or any other targeted comments that may violate local, state, federal, or international laws or cause harm to another participant. This applies before, during, and after the retreat, whether in person at the retreat location, at associated events, through the Side Door Travel website or social media channels, during any online components, or through any other method of communication.
Side Door Travel reserves the right, at its discretion, to take appropriate action against any individual(s) or group(s) that do not meet the standards set forth in this Code of Conduct, including, without limitation, revoking admission without refund. During in-person sessions, we expect all attendees to adhere to public health guidelines relevant to safety, hygiene, and any identified pandemic-level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19), such as social distancing, handwashing, staying home if feeling unwell, and other disease prevention measures. If you observe or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please contact Side Door Travel. We are committed to assessing the situation and responding promptly. Notifying Side Door Travel does not substitute for notifying local law enforcement of suspected legal violations. All such suspicions should be reported to local authorities. For emergencies, dial the local emergency number immediately. Non-emergency local law enforcement contact details will be provided in the retreat materials. By registering for the retreat, participants agree to abide by these terms and contribute to a welcoming and productive environment for all.
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