Dear lovely Nicole Yesterday was so fabulous.  I sailed home, so relaxed. Could feel my back so relaxed and this morning, no pain in my neck and shoulder. You are a genius! Can't tell you how much I loved and appreciated the chance to have a go with clay. Maybe it's the therapy I need to relax? And of course it was wonderful to see where you live and work - bliss on a stick!
September, 2009: I choose the medium of charcoal on paper to focus on for my week with Nicole Durant in Mortola, Italy. When I arrived, Nicole presented a plan for the week that included many options for learning, but as each day unfolded the original plan changed. I was able to try the lessons that seemed most appealing to me on any given day. Nicole began by taking me through art exercises that gave me an understanding of the fundamental principals of drawing for perspective, color and shape. Â For example, in one lesson, I practiced drawing human anatomy, as I was focused in particular on portraiture and life drawing. We also took the lessons outside of the classroom to the hillsides of the Italian and French Riviera, drawing from an easel on the slopes of a mountainside overlooking an Italian Village that was nestled above the shoreline. From that hillside I learned the concept of perspective and how to bring the layers of the village out in the picture. I also learned about nature and the principal of the golden ratio. Nicole also explained the fundamentals of art while we looked at sculptured pieces in the urban setting of Nice. And, she recommended art galleries and museums across the Riviera for me to visit. Midway, I had decided that I would like to try another medium and Nicole suggested sculpture. Nicole integrated me into two of her classes; one at the art school in Menton, and the other in her Italian Villa setting. The artists were supportive and inspiring in their dedication and focus. I was never self-conscious for my lack of experience and Nicole shepherded me every step of the way. I left with a clay bust I produced that sits in my living room, as a reminder of this week. I feel that I not only have a greater appreciation of art, but I also a better understanding of the parameters for what makes art good. by Dede from Switzerland Breathtaking views adorable efficient space that was perfect I arrived and Nicole met me at the bus. And the adventure began. The little village of Mortola Superior is fantastic. I stayed in the first flat of the little village complex of 30 families. It was charming. Efficient and not extravagant at all. Suited my needs perfectly. There was a tiny terrace with a spectacular vista. I dined here many a day with my ipod music on and relaxing mesmerized by the ocean. It was compact and everything I needed was there. I can not say enough about the stay and Nicole. Fabuloso!!! by Elisa from Concord, Mass on 6/11/2010 for a stay in 5/1/2010 
Testimonials
Nicole Durand Créations, 29 via Moretti, Mortola Superior, 18039 Imp, Italy • French # 33 608177897 •  Italian # 39 18438421
Dear lovely Nicole Yesterday was so fabulous.  I sailed home, so relaxed. Could feel my back so relaxed and this morning, no pain in my neck and shoulder. You are a genius! Can't tell you how much I loved and appreciated the chance to have a go with clay. Maybe it's the therapy I need to relax? And of course it was wonderful to see where you live and work - bliss on a stick!
September, 2009: I choose the medium of charcoal on paper to focus on for my week with Nicole Durant in Mortola, Italy. When I arrived, Nicole presented a plan for the week that included many options for learning, but as each day unfolded the original plan changed. I was able to try the lessons that seemed most appealing to me on any given day. Nicole began by taking me through art exercises that gave me an understanding of the fundamental principals of drawing for perspective, color and shape. Â For example, in one lesson, I practiced drawing human anatomy, as I was focused in particular on portraiture and life drawing. We also took the lessons outside of the classroom to the hillsides of the Italian and French Riviera, drawing from an easel on the slopes of a mountainside overlooking an Italian Village that was nestled above the shoreline. From that hillside I learned the concept of perspective and how to bring the layers of the village out in the picture. I also learned about nature and the principal of the golden ratio. Nicole also explained the fundamentals of art while we looked at sculptured pieces in the urban setting of Nice. And, she recommended art galleries and museums across the Riviera for me to visit. Midway, I had decided that I would like to try another medium and Nicole suggested sculpture. Nicole integrated me into two of her classes; one at the art school in Menton, and the other in her Italian Villa setting. The artists were supportive and inspiring in their dedication and focus. I was never self-conscious for my lack of experience and Nicole shepherded me every step of the way. I left with a clay bust I produced that sits in my living room, as a reminder of this week. I feel that I not only have a greater appreciation of art, but I also a better understanding of the parameters for what makes art good. by Dede from Switzerland Breathtaking views adorable efficient space that was perfect I arrived and Nicole met me at the bus. And the adventure began. The little village of Mortola Superior is fantastic. I stayed in the first flat of the little village complex of 30 families. It was charming. Efficient and not extravagant at all. Suited my needs perfectly. There was a tiny terrace with a spectacular vista. I dined here many a day with my ipod music on and relaxing mesmerized by the ocean. It was compact and everything I needed was there. I can not say enough about the stay and Nicole. Fabuloso!!! by Elisa from Concord, Mass on 6/11/2010 for a stay in 5/1/2010 
Testimonials
Nicole Durand Créations, 29 via Moretti, Mortola Superior, 18039 Imp, Italy  • French # 33 608177897 •  Italian # 39 18438421