Capturing the colours of a life in France, one magical brush stroke at a time
Bonjour - and thank you for visiting my website!
I am a British artist living in the Languedoc area of the south of France. From the narrow streets of local villages to the vast panoramas of vineyards, mountains & coastline, this area is an endless source of inspiration for me. I have a passion for light and for colour, and I use the wonderful properties of watercolour to create artwork with a unique energy and sense of place.
In addition to developing my own art, I also love teaching, helping and inspiring people to live more creative lives. Do check out my Workshops page for details of upcoming events, holidays and reviews. As a passionate sketcher and the founder of Urban Sketchers Languedoc, my website also includes details of the regular meetings taking place in the 'real' south of France.
Sketching Holidays & Weekend Breaks




Available from my Online Shop



Reviews
I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful morning. It was so enjoyable and therapeutic!
Pam H. - August 2018
Still buzzing nearly a week after Springtime in Paris with Annette. Excelled all my expectations and if you want Paris to get into your soul, and not just be a tourist, this is the way to do it! It’s exciting, exhilarating and enlightening and I recommend a good pair of comfy shoes along with a good quality sketchbook. Annette is not just an accomplished artist, she is an encouraging teacher who also happens to be the best tour guide, bus planner, café connoisseur, reserver of restaurants and much much more! You will never look at Paris in the same way and as a bonus you will meet a special band of brothers. You’ll come home with an extraordinary sketchbook souvenir.
Gillian A. - May 2023
I had a great week learning to sketch with Annette. As an absolute beginner I was a little uncertain and lacking confidence but Annette was super helpful and as the week went on I started to produce some art that I was actually quite proud of. The other students were great company and the whole week was thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Paul W. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - March 2020
I live in southern France and I’m fortunate to have been able to participate in several of Annette’s workshops, from a half-day to several days. I enjoy her style of teaching, not prescriptive and encouraging to all levels. In the course of the last five years I have learned a huge amount about sketching and watercolours from her and I believe I’ve improved hugely. Even though I live here I’ve learned much about the area through Annette’s local knowledge. If you’re visiting the area it’s a great way to get to know it and make some holiday memories. Next month I’m joining her workshops at Collioure further south on the coast. I’m looking forward to it very much.
Frances M. - June 2025
I recently joined Annette’s sketching weekend in Carcassonne. I go sketching every now and then but I’ve always felt a little bit uneasy with watercolour, despite how much I like it. Annette met me where I was at and tailored her guidance and choice of subjects based on what I was keen to experiment with. I got to try many different ways of approaching a watercolour painting, some of which I wasn’t even aware of! Thanks to her excellent guidance, actionable tips, and infectious love for bold colours, I can’t wait to get out there sketching again (with watercolour, of course!). Sketching locations in Carcassonne are excellent, ranging from medieval structures to cute cafes and restaurants. Annette is a lovely human whose passion for sketching and for sharing her craft is truly inspiring. I look forward to joining another one of her workshops in the hopefully not-too-distant future!
Francesca G ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - May 2025
Sketchbook Notes
Charity Christmas Cards 2023
For 2023 I have donated a second watercolour design to the national charity Cancer Support France. Volunteers for this association do amazing work helping English speaking people and their families affected by cancer. This year my design is titled ‘Our … Read More
MiDi magazine – L’art du trait
In July I was contacted by a writer for ‘La Dépêche’ who was compiling an article listing art courses and workshops available across the region. A few phone calls later and we found ourselves chatting by the Canal du Midi … Read More
Joyeux Noël!
Have you been naughty or nice?! I hope that you enjoy a wonderful week of celebration and 2023 brings you much happiness, good health and many many things that you wish for. This festive face was the subject of our … Read More
Urban Scenes with Bright Colour Choices
I’m super excited to be working with Etchr Studio on a second series of Urban Sketching workshops. This free 30 minute class on YouTube is a preview for the longer mini workshop “Dynamic Colour Choices”.… Read More
Make More Art with me & Etchr Studio!
New for 2021 I have partnered with Etchr Studio to give some new online urban sketching workshops – check out the free YouTube preview here! … Read More
Other Links
Online Workshops




























