Allow us to introduce our recent Oil Painting instructor, Greg Decker. A professional painter and educator for thirty years, Greg has taught at MoMA and The Metropolitan Museum in NYC. He has spent extensive time in France after being highly influenced by 19th century impressionist painters such as Camille Corot, Daubigny and many others that lived and frequented the region of Valmondois.
We sat down with Greg and asked him why he choose to participate in France with Friends as one of our instructors and what makes this experience so special. Check out what he had to say below.
“What makes France With Friends so special?”
I am delighted to be teaching with France With Friends and to be painting together in the lovely village of Valmondois.
There are other trips available to France, some which are based in small towns like Valmondois, some which involve landscape painting as well. But this is different. I have known Amelie de Gaulle for many years, through her work as an interior designer (I consider her a very fine artist, and more of an ‘interior architect’ as she is so well-trained).
When she began to design this trip, I realized that it would be something very special. She is, after all, Amelie de Gaulle, and brings a particular family history to this experience. The family de Gaulle is rooted in Valmondois, in the countryside and the people.
The countryside. Where artists such as Daubigny, Daumier, Corot, van Gogh and many others have lived and painted.
Daumier’s studio is located in downtown Valmondois, and the surrounding landscape is lush, beautiful and produces a uncharacterized wonder of light. I know this from experience, having painted in the fields and woods surrounding this charming French town.
The Workshop Experience
The 10 day experience provides the opportunity for a small group of people, interested in painting and art history to join together to create and be inspired.
Some with little or no painting experience, some with more. Painting with oil paints, discussing those paintings constructively, and reviewing local art history in the region!
You can paint a little, or a lot! I am an inspired teacher and will be available all ten days, painting right alongside you. Our time not spent with brushes in our hands will lead us to museums in Paris (such as the Musee d’Orsay) and other attractions around the Parisian Countryside region.
France With Friends provides a fine opportunity for keeping a journal, with drawings, notes, thoughts, which we could all share in our group exhibition at the end of ten days.
There will be food, there will be wine, there will be the family de Gaulle. And there will be France. With friends.