Penny’s work has appeared in children’s books, book covers, advertising, posters, and videos. She’s worked with wonderful clients including Flow Magazine, Oprah Magazine, Starbucks, Crate & Barrel, Target, Penguin Randomhouse, Design*Sponge, Quarto Publishing and Simon & Schuster.

Penelope works from her studio in Indianapolis, where she lives with her writer husband and artist-in-training teen. Find Penny online at www.penelopedullaghan.com and check out her Instagram page at @penelope_dullaghan

Activities will include:

• Participate in printmaking workshops with Penelope and develop your unique creative skills

• Enjoy daily delicious meals prepared with fresh products and care by chef Mathieu and Maria

• Take strolls around unbeaten paths in the beautiful nature of Provence through the hills overlooking the old town

• Visit the littoral, the islands, and its breath-taking coves

• We will take you through the alleys of the historic center of Hyères, this magic city where numerous writers and painters have come to find inspiration since the dawn of time. Artists such as Edith Warton, RL Stevenson, Noailles, Picasso, and Jean Cocteau amongst others, contributed in their time to shaping the rich art heritage of Hyères

• Visit our coloured markets, discover and taste Provençal specialties

• 6 Nights / 5 Days

• 8 to 10 participants

• We ask for a 30% non-refundable deposit of full booking upon reservation and the remaining at the latest on March 31st 2025

• 6 nights accommodation

• 6 gourmet dinners & wine

• Daily delicious breakfasts and lunches or picnic

• Cooking & Baking workshops

• Visits, including transportation

• Aperitifs and snacks

• Airfares to France

• Airport transfer

• MANDATORY travel insurance (participants should suscribe to a travel insurance that covers the balance paid to Simple Life in Provence and book “flexible” flight tickets with cancellation options)

Join us for an unforgettable week-long Printmaking Retreat in the stunning heart of Provence! Each day, we’ll draw inspiration from the beautiful surroundings, enjoy some sightseeing, and then channel that creativity into making art. You’ll learn three fun and unique printmaking techniques—linocut block printing, the blotted line technique, and the transfer line technique—each offering its own distinct charm and texture. No experience? No problem! Beginners are more than welcome, and Penny will guide you through every step. Plus, you’ll be treated to amazing meals that showcase the flavors of the region. By the end of the retreat, you’ll head home feeling refreshed and ready to create, with the skills to print your designs on notecards, journals, tea towels, fabrics—you name it!

Here’s the plan for each session:

Workshop 1 - Introduction to Linocut Printmaking. This workshop is the perfect introduction to the art of linocut! You’ll get hands-on with buttery-soft linoleum blocks, learn to handle the carving tools like a pro, and practice the oh-so-satisfying skill of making clean, expressive cuts. Penny will kick things off with a demo, sharing tips and tricks to help you along the way. Together, we’ll dive into the fun of seeing the world in “positive and negative space”—a game-changing concept that will transform how you think about composition. By the end of the session, you’ll have your very first striking print to take home—a one-of-a-kind keepsake from your creative adventure!

Workshop 2 - Two-Color Block Printing. Next, we’ll level up your printmaking game with a two-color block printing workshop! Building on what we learned in the first session, we’ll dive into the magic of layering colors and using multiple blocks to create bold, dynamic prints. Penny will walk us through designing with two colors in mind and share simple, practical techniques for registration (aligning your blocks) to get that perfectly layered look. You’ll have fun experimenting with color combinations, layering effects, and adding depth to your artwork. By the end, you’ll have in your portfolio, a gorgeous two-color print that shows off your growing skills!

Workshop 3 - Blotted Line Technique. In our third workshop, we’ll dive into the Blotted Line Technique, a unique printmaking method inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic 1950s illustrations. This process involves drawing with India ink to create delicate, broken lines with a wonderfully textural quality. (And don’t worry—this technique is incredibly forgiving, even if drawing isn’t your strong suit!) Drawing inspiration from our sightseeing adventures, you can capture the graceful landscapes and timeless charm of Provence—or take your design in a completely different direction. With its playful unpredictability, this technique creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind prints you’ll treasure as a keepsake from your creative journey.

Workshop 4 - Transfer Line Technique. In our fourth workshop, we’ll dive into the playful world of monotype printing with the Transfer Line Technique, inspired by Swiss/German artist Paul Klee’s innovative approach from the early 20th century. (Fun fact: his work has been a big inspiration for Penny’s illustrations over the years!) This method is all about expressive, immediate results. The lines it produces are fractured and delightfully imperfect, making every print beautifully unique. We’ll start with simple drawings, experiment with continuous lines, and even explore adding color to bring extra depth and personality to your prints. It’s a chance to embrace spontaneity and create one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects your unique style!

Workshop 5 - Block Printing for Repeat Patterns. In our final workshop, you’ll get to design simple (or complex, if that’s your style!) motifs that can be repeated and arranged to create a beautiful, textured pattern. We’ll also explore a fun traditional technique for crafting a seamless repeat pattern that adds a professional touch to your designs. You’ll learn how to ink your blocks and apply them to fabric, creating custom repeat patterns on textiles like tea towels and totes. Imagine all the amazing things you’ll be able to print! This session is the perfect opportunity to experiment with fabric printing and use your time to finish up any projects from the week, leaving with your own collection of artwork to take home.

3:00 pm: Check-in and welcome aperitif

7:00 pm: Welcome Provençal dinner

9:00 am: Delicious breakfast

10:00 am: Workshop with Penny

1:00 pm: Lunch at the villa

2:30 pm: Workshop with Penny

6:00 pm: Dinner Picnic at the renowned Almanarre beach

8:00 am: Delicious breakfast

9:00 am: Provençal cooking workshop with the ladies from the village

12:00 pm: Lunch all together; enjoy the typical dishes we made together

2:30 pm: Workshop with Penny

7:00 pm: Summer provençal dinner

8:00 am: Delicious breakfast

9:00 am: Boat ride to Porquerolles. Visit of the island and the village

1:00 pm: Picnic at the “silver beach”

2:00 pm: Hop around the different bays and coves of the islands, swim, relax time

5:00 pm: Boat ride back to Hyères. Down time at the villa

7:00 pm: Summer provençal dinner

9:00 am: Delicious breakfast

10:00 am: Workshop with Penny

1:00 pm: Lunch at the villa

4:00 pm: Wine tasting and vineyard tour

7:00 pm: Summer provençal dinner

8:00 am: Delicious breakfast

9:00 am: Visit a typical Provence market, take a stroll through Hyères famous "remarkable" garden

1:00 pm: Lunch at the villa

3:00 pm: Workshop with Penny

7:00 pm: Aperitif with mini exhibition of the week’s work then dinner prepared by the chef

9:00 am: Delicious breakfast and chill time

11:00 am: Check out and goodbyes