Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Painting Holidays: Travel Sketching with Rita Sabler"
March 23-30, 2024
 

Have you ever arrived in a new place and been immediately overwhelmed by its unique character and beauty? Join us to delve into the art of Carnet de Voyage. Over the course of a week, we will be putting together a perfect travel sketchbook that truly captures and honors the beauty of the spectacular French Pyrenees mountains. Using ink and watercolour, you will learn the main techniques of sketching ‘on the go’ as we strive to capture the natural environment in spirit and essence. We will be looking at food and traditions, architecture and human activity. Learn to really look and absorb the place with all of your senses to make it yours.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Rita Sabler
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + 450€ tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Postcards from Provence"
May 4-11, 2024
 

This watercolor painting workshop in Provence is open to both beginners and more advanced painters. There will be classes both in basic watercolor techniques as well as specific travel journaling methods. Travel journaling is the complete opposite of how many of us travel these days: taking photos after photos with our phones. Travel Journaling gives us a chance to slow down, to sketch scenes around us, and to add color to our travel journals. Provence is the artist's dream destination. During the days, we will explore Luberon, and its spectacular countryside of vineyards and orchards, fascinating "perched" hill-top villages, outstanding natural produce and the light of Van Gogh and Cezanne. You will see why artists of all calibers are drawn to this alluring area.
 
Location: Bonnieux, Provence, France
Instructor: John Keeling and Lo Peyron Mathews
Cost: $3,590
Sponsor: Alpine Creative Tours
Website, email, 970-846-9000


"Painting in Provence: Watercolor Workshop"
May 11-18, 2024
 

Join David on a Watercolor Journey, in the beautiful Provence. You will be learning the most valuable watercolor concepts and techniques. This workshop will save you countless hours of trial & error by demonstrating approaches in an easily understood manner that will open new doors of discovery and creativity. David will discuss outdoor equipment options, considerations when choosing a composition, value study options to help prepare for the painting process, and provide numerous demonstrations and individual attention. Regardless of your level of experience, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with a handsome work of art, and the skills, concepts, and confidence to take your paintings to a higher level.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: David R. Smith
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"The Provence Experience"
May 11-18, 2024
 

Join us in 2024, as Kathleen Lanzoni takes a group of watercolor painters on this trip to Provence. We will be painting the fascinating towns and beautiful scenery. You will receive personal painting instruction each day. Whether you are a novice or experienced painter, this trip will be fun and an educational experience for all! We will stay in Bonnieux, and we will visit many of the scenic towns in the Luberon area: Roussillon, Lourmarin, l’Isle sur la Sorgue, and Gordes. Spectacular countryside of vineyards and orchards, fascinating “perched” hill-top villages, outstanding natural produce and the light of Van Gogh and Cezanne. You will soon see why we love this area and are excited to take groups to enjoy Provence.
 
Location: Bonnieux, Provence, France
Instructor: Kathleen Lanzoni
Cost: $3,790
Sponsor: Alpine Creative Tours
Website, email, 970-846-9000


"Van Gogh & Cezanne in the Provence"
May 26 - June 2, 2024
 

This retreat will take you to where Van Gogh and Cézanne painted many masterpieces. You will be inspired by the rich locations of Arles, Saint Remi, and Aix-en-Provence. Your Hosts Tali Farchi (NL) and Shay Avivi (IL) are accomplished painters and teachers, providing art instruction to enrich your creative process. They’ll share information about these master's lives and how they worked. The ArtisTTable has hosted hundreds of artists of all levels and backgrounds. During this retreat, we will stay in the center of Arles giving easy access to this historic city. This all-inclusive art retreat boasts delicious meals, exclusive day trips, and lots of art-making. It will be a trip you won't forget.
 
Location: Arles, France
Instructor: Tali Farchi and Shay Avivi
Cost: 3,100$
Sponsor: Artist Table
Website, email, +31624903316


"Painting in Provence: Watercolor Workshop"
June 1-8, 2024
 

Come and paint in beautiful Provence with Carol Carter. Carol will share her unique watercolor technique, painting from background to foreground, using dynamic and inventive color. Each day in the studio, Carol will share her watercolor techniques while teaching site specific tutorials. The workshop will provide templates, reference photos and materials information. Painting workshop from 9 am to noon followed by conclusion and small critique till about 1pm. In the afternoon, we will visit some villages in Provence that will be the topic of our next day painting: time for photography and sketching. Relax, enjoy, learn a new watercolor technique or two among the camaraderie of other artists while savoring gourmet food and French wines.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Carol Carter
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting in the French Alps: Watercolor Painting Workshop"
June 9-16, 2024
 

Join acclaimed watercolorist and instructor, Margie Samuels, for a magical week painting in the breathtaking French Alps! Each morning will start with a brief review of the watercolor skills that you will be using in that day’s plein air landscape. These lessons, focusing on various techniques, will take your watercolor painting to the next level. Each day participants will be given a “painting challenge,” where you can carry these new skills into the plein air landscape that you are creating. With a maximum size of just 15 students, there will be plenty of opportunity for individual instruction. Each location will include an on-site demonstration by Margie where you will get to see the steps it takes to bring your painting to life.
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Margie Samuels
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting in Provence: Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
June 15-22, 2024
 

There’s a bookshelf in my studio that holds more than 30 travel sketchbooks. Every time I browse through them, memories of a specific place come flooding back — and not just the sights. Sounds, scents and flavours, snippets of conversations with a farmer, the taste of my morning coffee and brioche — it’s all still there, fresh in my mind, the moment I crack open a sketchbook. That’s what I love best about travel sketching. How the act of putting pencil and paint to paper enriches the total experience, and preserves it forever. Come sketch with me in Provence, where we’ll capture this historic region’s beauty and character in our sketchbooks.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Shari Blaukopf
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting in Provence: Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
June 22-29, 2024
 

There’s a bookshelf in my studio that holds more than 30 travel sketchbooks. Every time I browse through them, memories of a specific place come flooding back — and not just the sights. Sounds, scents and flavours, snippets of conversations with a farmer, the taste of my morning coffee and brioche — it’s all still there, fresh in my mind, the moment I crack open a sketchbook. That’s what I love best about travel sketching. How the act of putting pencil and paint to paper enriches the total experience, and preserves it forever. Come sketch with me in Provence, where we’ll capture this historic region’s beauty and character in our sketchbooks.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Shari Blaukopf
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Atelier Provence and Barcelona Art Tour 2024"
June 25 - July 6, 2024
 

A unique art workshop/art tour open to artists of all levels and media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.). Seven days of plein-air painting, art history/theory lectures, and gastronomy in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence followed by four days visiting Barcelona’s top art sites and enjoying Catalan cuisine. The price of CAD 4475 per person (around US$ 3350) includes instruction,11-night double accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 6 healthy lunches, 6 gourmet dinners including wine, transportation from the Manosque train station to our lodge, transportation to all painting sites, TGV train ticket Avignon-Barcelona, transportation and entrance fees to all sites on schedule (Cézanne’s studio, La Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, Miró Museum, etc.). Limited single rooms for a supplement of CAD 850 around US$ 650.
 
Location: Alpes de Haute-Provence, France
Instructor: Prof. Yves M. Larocque
Cost: US$ 3350
Sponsor: Walk the Arts
Website, email, 800-611-4789


"French Village Art Immersion"
June 26 - July 6, 2024
 

Join us for a 10-night French village art immersion experience in the beautiful and diverse Occitanie region in the South of France. Cristina Metelli and Catherine Mackenzie will provide instructions and guidance, inviting you to explore realistic and expressive drawing and oil painting techniques in-studio and outdoors. We will start with a one-day in-studio workshop, followed by sketching and painting in beautiful nearby locations. Our en plein air sites will include Mediterranean fishing ports, rustic villages, the Canal du Midi and the stunning Haute Languedoc. For fun and inspiration, we will visit local artists, galleries, wineries and produce markets, and include some free time for relaxation, exploring the local village, or continuing your own painting in-studio or by the pool.
 
Location: Roujan, France
Instructor: Cristina Metelli
Cost: 2550 Euros
Sponsor: Cerulean Studio
Website, email, +61408858320


"Painting Holidays: Trees of Indian Miniature Painting with Samantha Buckley"
June 29 - July 6, 2024
 

Join Samantha Buckley for an exciting painting workshop exploring the traditional techniques of Indian miniature painting. The park and gardens of Atelier Clos Mirabel including century old trees, will inspire your artwork and provide a relaxing setting for this week-long creative retreat in South West France. During this course, students will discover the traditional techniques of Indian miniature painting, focusing in particular on the wonderful world of trees. Exploring the pattern, texture and colour, students will learn how to prepare and burnish their paper in the traditional Indian way, as well as make paints from pigments. The delicate technique of Prataj (shading) will also be taught using the very fine Indian squirrel hair brush unique to this art form.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Samantha Buckley
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + £400 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Watercolor Sketching Workshop in France"
August 10-17, 2024
 

Join Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling in Giverny and have a creative life experience. You’ll enjoy inspiring locations such as Monet’s garden, daily painting demonstrations, personalized instruction, and encouraging support from Cindy and Theresa. We show you how to simplify and design your subject, draw confidently, jazz up your colors, paint with serendipity and experiment with new techniques. Create colorful paintings en Plein Air with an emphasis on celebrating your own unique point of view.
 
Location: Watercolor Painting Workshop, France
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Watercolor Sketching Workshop in France"
August 17-24, 2024
 

Join Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling in Giverny and have a creative life experience. You’ll enjoy inspiring locations such as Monet’s garden, daily painting demonstrations, personalized instruction, and encouraging support from Cindy and Theresa. We show you how to simplify and design your subject, draw confidently, jazz up your colors, paint with serendipity and experiment with new techniques. Create colorful paintings en Plein Air with an emphasis on celebrating your own unique point of view.
 
Location: Watercolor Painting Workshop, France
Instructor: Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting in the French Alps: Watercolor Painting Workshop"
August 31 - September 7, 2024
 

The wonderful views and landscapes of the French Alps seem to be just made for watercolor. All the incredible villages, lakes and mountains are just begging to be caught on the tip of your brush. Moving from place to place, we will find the best locations to create vibrant and sunny watercolors. Every day will be a discovery for you—and a new opportunity for painting in watercolor. In addition to traditional watercolor techniques, I will introduce you to my personal methods and secrets. Join us for relaxation and enjoyment of the French Alps with a very rich and informative workshop in the open air.
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Michael Solovyev
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Illustrated Watercolor Journaling"
September 7-14, 2024
 

Just imagine….200 year old olive trees, charming hilltop villages, bustling outdoor cafés and window boxes overflowing with colorful flowers. Now, put yourself in the picture, sitting at a little café with your sketchbook and paints, sketching a window across the way, with its lace curtains, blue shutters, and red geraniums. Can you see it? Can you feel it? Well, why not experience it? Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday in Provence, a region famous for its stunning scenery and clear light which has captivated artists through the centuries. In this week-long workshop, we’ll relax and enjoy long autumn days sketching in this stunningly beautiful part of France. Capture once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the pages of your watercolor journals!
 
Location: Fontaine de Vaucluse, France
Instructor: Leslie Fehling
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Illustrated Watercolor Journaling"
September 14-21, 2024
 

Just imagine….200 year old olive trees, charming hilltop villages, bustling outdoor cafés and window boxes overflowing with colorful flowers. Now, put yourself in the picture, sitting at a little café with your sketchbook and paints, sketching a window across the way, with its lace curtains, blue shutters, and red geraniums. Can you see it? Can you feel it? Well, why not experience it? Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday in Provence, a region famous for its stunning scenery and clear light which has captivated artists through the centuries. In this week-long workshop, we’ll relax and enjoy long autumn days sketching in this stunningly beautiful part of France. Capture once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the pages of your watercolor journals!
 
Location: Fontaine de Vaucluse, France
Instructor: Leslie Fehling
Cost: $3,990
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting Cruise: Italian Riviera and France"
October 3-12, 2024
 

5-star Painting and Cultural Cruise - Italian Riviera and France! 9 nights: from Barcelona to Rome. All Mediums | All Levels | Non-Painters | Independent Painters. Welcome to our exciting painting cruise across three countries! Embark on an extraordinary 5-star Mediterranean cruise, an artistic journey that unfolds from Barcelona to Rome. This luxurious voyage includes enchanting stops along the picturesque Italian Riviera and captivating destinations in France. As you sail through azure waters and experience the opulence of a 5-star cruise, immerse yourself in unique painting adventures at each port of call. Ports of Call: Barcelona, Marseille (Provence), Nice, Santa Margherita (Portofino), La Spezia (Cinque Terre, Florence, Pisa), Naples and Rome.
 
Location: Mediterranean Cruise, France
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: see website
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865


"Painting Holidays: Painting in the French Pyrenees with Peter Keegan"
October 12-19, 2024
 

Join award winning artist and tutor Peter Keegan for what promises to be a delightful week of painting. Peter will both demonstrate and guide painters in the different ways they can create landscape paintings filled with colour, light and expression, using the magnificent views of the French Pyrenees mountains as well as the gardens and grounds of the beautiful Clos Mirabel estate as inspiration. Peter will cover many of the essential aspects of painting and drawing including creating strong compositions, understanding the power of tonal values, how to achieve rich colour harmony and how to loosen up your brushwork. Peter will be working in oils and gouache but artists are welcome to work in either oils, acrylics or gouache paints.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Peter Keegan
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + £550 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Watercolor Painting Workshop"
May 8-15, 2025
 

Join me in Carmel and Pacific Grove, where we’ll experience the wild beauty of rugged Pacific shores, the enchanting fairy-tale cottages, and historic Mission architecture that make this place so unique. I’ve designed this workshop to give you confidence sketching wherever you happen to be. I’ll show you how to keep your watercolour sketches loose, fresh and vibrant. And I’ll share my techniques for capturing the beauty that surrounds us, so you can savour it for years to come.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: David Daniels
Cost: $3,790 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Plein Air Painting in Provence, France!"
May 15-22, 2025
 

Join me for an amazing week of plein air painting in magnificent Provence, France! This is ‘Red poppy season’ and we’ll explore and paint the exciting spring colors of glorious Provence. I’m super excited to teach you painting in such an inspiring place! We’ll paint flower fields, countryside villages, waterways and hillside castle towns, quaint, flower-filled alleyways, medieval churches, fountains and ancient archways. We’ll paint our impressions, dine exquisitely, share gorgeous sights and creative companionship, all while learning and growing our craft. I will share my methods for creating successful paintings with loose brushwork and exciting color harmonies. I will demo in oil primarily, but am proficient and happy to help with watercolor, acrylics and pastels as well.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Maggie Hellmann
Cost: $3,940 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting Holidays: Plein air Painting Masterclass – The spirit of the Pyrenees Atlantiques"
May 17-24, 2025
 

A well-established contemporary plein air painter in Canada and the USA, Marc Grandbois offers his vision of personal expression through the beauty of nature. This class focuses on how to paint in plein air. Every student is led to better transpose his emotions related to place and time, into an image and to understand the subjective power of colors and gesture in painting. Marc will give a two-hour demonstration each morning en plein air in the Clos Mirabel park and surrounds. A large interior space will be available in case of bad weather. There will be a group critique on the last day for work to be shared by the group, creating both a supportive and exponential effect for future work.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Marc Grandbois
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + 450€ tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
May 26 - June 2, 2025
 

Join me for one week of sketching with watercolor in beautiful Provence! Drawing while traveling is the best way to experience and remember a new place. Traveling is also a perfect opportunity to learn or hone your drawing skills. When we see new sights everything strikes us as unusual, memorable and inspiring. We have a natural desire to admire new vistas, taste new flavors, inhale unusual aromas and record these sensations through taking photos, but also through drawing and writing. For me, drawing while traveling is instinctual, and I am eager to share my passion to fully immerse yourself in a new place through the practice of travel sketching.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Rita Sabler
Cost: $3,940 before Nov 30th
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting in the French Alps: Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
June 4-11, 2025
 

The wonderful views and landscapes of the French Alps seem to be just made for watercolor. All the incredible villages, lakes and mountains are just begging to be caught on the tip of your brush. Moving from place to place, we will find the best locations to create vibrant and sunny watercolors. Every day will be a discovery for you—and a new opportunity for painting in watercolor. In addition to traditional watercolor techniques, I will introduce you to my personal methods and secrets. Join us for relaxation and enjoyment of the French Alps with a very rich and informative workshop in the open air.
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Shari Blaukopf
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting in the French Alps: Travel Sketching in Watercolor"
June 11-18, 2025
 

The wonderful views and landscapes of the French Alps seem to be just made for watercolor. All the incredible villages, lakes and mountains are just begging to be caught on the tip of your brush. Moving from place to place, we will find the best locations to create vibrant and sunny watercolors. Every day will be a discovery for you—and a new opportunity for painting in watercolor. In addition to traditional watercolor techniques, I will introduce you to my personal methods and secrets. Join us for relaxation and enjoyment of the French Alps with a very rich and informative workshop in the open air.
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Shari Blaukopf
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting in the French Alps: Oil Painting Workshop"
June 18-25, 2025
 

While learning the importance of oil painting techniques (values, edges, composition, etc.), the joy of actually painting France en plein air won’t get lost on Kathie! The enthusiasm for painting the mountains, lakes and chalets with you will be contagious! Kathie will walk through her process of narrowing down the choices of subject matter and then demo before it’s time for you to get your brushes wet too… and she will be right alongside cheering you on with personal instruction and encouragement! There is a reason why you want to paint. Kathie will work to help you tap that desire by throwing herself into the entire experience and beauty of the French Alps!
 
Location: Haute-Savoie, France
Instructor: Kathie Odom
Cost: $3,840 before Nov 30
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-483-5713


"Painting Holidays: Mood & Atmosphere in the Medium of Your Choice with Kevin Scully"
June 21-28, 2025
 

Join Kevin Scully at the beautiful Atelier Clos Mirabel estate in the French Pyrenees for a week of drawing and painting in the medium of your choice. During this painting holiday the emphasis will be on creating work that captures the sense of space and mood of our delightful surroundings, and producing paintings that are both loose in style, and enigmatic in atmosphere. Kevin Scully will be giving plenty of demonstrations as well as providing individual guidance in choosing the right materials, choosing a composition, tonal arrangement, and suitable colour schemes to help you produce some exciting paintings. Whether your favourite medium is oils, watercolours, acrylics, or pastels, the retreat is for painters of all levels of experience.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Kevin Scully
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + €400 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Painting Holidays: Paint Your Bliss! Painting in the French Pyrenees with Kat O’Connor"
June 28 - July 5, 2025
 

This class will encourage you to paint what inspires you. Focusing on elements of the environment at hand – landscape, architecture, food, culture, colour – we will create not just finished paintings but a library of source information for future development. This class is designed to help you get the most out of painting while traveling. Certain things peak each painter’s interest: Mountains in the distance, a garden, or a bowl of fruit. Students will choose their subject matter and Kat will work with each person individually to help them get the most out of their painting time. Group discussions and exercises will focus on finding dynamic compositions that best describe your unique experience of a particular location.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Kat O’Connor
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + $575 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Painting Holidays: Watercolour Landscapes in the French Pyrenees with Micheal Solovyev"
July 5-12, 2025
 

Join international artist Micheal Solovyev for a week of landscape painting on the enchanting Clos Mirabel Estate in the French Pyrenees. During this painting holiday we will study Micheal Solovyev’s watercolour techniques in the studio, and learn the basics of constructing landscape space, colour, and rules for constructing a personal palette. Simultaneously, there will be plein air painting, so that you can fully enjoy the wonderful views of the French Pyrenees! You can always count on the individual attention of a master who will help you learn to convey your feelings using the living language of watercolour.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Micheal Solovyev
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + 600€ tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Painting Holidays: Painting Light in Oils with Jenny Aitken"
October 4-11, 2025
 

Award winning artist Jenny Aitken is passionate about the depiction of light in paint. She has taught thousands of students throughout her career, and recently written a book on the subject, Painting into the Light. During this week long atelier at Clos Mirabel in Jurançon, France, she will cover all her methods and techniques, both in the studio and plein air.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Jenny Aitken
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + £500 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Painting Holidays: Exploring Watercolour with Jude Scott"
November 8-15, 2025
 

Join Jude Scott for a fun week exploring watercolour in the beautiful grounds and surroundings of Clos Mirabel in South West France. On this painting holiday course you will experience topics such as the importance of tone, composition, colour and colour mixing, getting the best results from your brushes with some inventive mark making. Jude will demonstrate landscapes en plein air and look at the foundations of what makes a great landscape and how to demystify the process of achieving the all important, foreground, middle ground and background.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Jude Scott
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


 

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