Community & Business
14 May, 2026
Young artist’s French adventure awaits
Sophie Twidale has jetted off to north-eastern France after being accepted into the Chateau d'Orquevaux Artist and Writers Residency.
For a country girl from Millmerran, the idea of travelling halfway across the world to paint in the French countryside once felt like a far-off dream, but this year, that dream has become a reality for Miss Twidale.
She applied for the Residency in 2025, not thinking for a moment that she would actually be accepted into the program.
“How was this small town girl lucky enough to be blessed with such an opportunity?!” she said.
The Residency runs from May 13 to 26 at Chateau d’Orquevaux, located in the French countryside, about 270 kilometres east of Paris.
Over the two week period, Miss Twidale will create a new body of work and learn alongside approximately 20 other artists from all over the world.
“We will engage in workshops, have solo and shared studio time, and travel to towns around the region,” Miss Twidale said.
As an artist, the experience represents far more than overseas travel, it is the chance to immerse herself in creativity, surrounded by people who share the same passion for art.
Known for her vibrant acrylic paintings, Miss Twidale’s favourite subjects include mountains and table settings, themes she approaches with a bold and intuitive use of colour.
“The freedom to play with colour excites me and I find these paintings have a mind of their own,” she said.
While Miss Twidale has spent much of her artistic career painting commissioned works, she discovered a renewed sense of creative freedom while preparing for her art exhibition last year.
“I have primarily painted commissions throughout my career as an artist, however I absolutely thrived when painting for my Goondiwindi exhibition last May,” she said.
“I think commissions will always be something I do, as the gift of a meaningful painting that ignites memories and emotions is beyond special in a world where products are often mass produced.”
Currently teaching classroom music from Prep to Year 9 in Dalby, Miss Twidale first began exploring painting as an occupation during her early teaching years in Roma when the COVID-19 pandemic slowed life down and gave her more time with a paintbrush in hand.
It was during that period she began developing an artistic style that is deeply inspired by country life and the resilience of rural communities, much like her hometown Millmerran.
“We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world and I try to create this feeling of ‘home’ in my art,” she said.
As a young girl, Miss Twidale honed her artistic skills under the guidance of respected artist Di Elsden, formerly of ‘Tosari’ at Yandilla.
Her family remains her biggest support network, assisting with storing canvases, taking photos, delivering paintings, critiquing her art and setting up workshops.
A creative flair runs in the family, who are all musically gifted.
Alongside her two sisters, Miss Twidale performs as part of the well-known local trio, the Twidale Sisters, entertaining audiences across the district at community events including the Millmerran Christmas Carols.
Despite the excitement of the Residency, preparing for the journey has not come without challenges.
Balancing overseas travel plans while organising school lessons in advance has kept the busy teacher and artist on her toes.
From the paddocks of Millmerran to the French Château d’Orquevaux, Miss Twidale’s journey is proof that talent and an appreciation for the small things in life, can take a country girl anywhere in the world.
