Join Giacomina Ferrillo for a week-long botanical art workshop in the French Pyrenees of South West France. Enjoy wonderful surroundings, delightful accommodation and delicious meals. This workshop is designed not only to provide basic technical notions and the main tools of botanical art, but also to teach you how to approach various botanical subjects. We will learn to use the ink pen with specific exercises, shadows, colour and how to compose sketchbook pages. We will tackle botanical watercolour techniques by mixing colours, organizing the palette and studying the control of the brushstroke. Thus, over the course of the week, we will create a composition with various botanical subjects different in species, shape and colour, respecting their character and scientific data.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Giacomina Ferrillo
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

If you’re a beginner or looking to strengthen your fundamentals, this all-inclusive (minus airfare) bootcamp-style retreat in Provence is for you. Learn traditional techniques, build confidence, and discover the joy of painting in a supportive, immersive environment. Created by founder Julie Snyder, this workshop includes painting drills, demos, one-on-one sessions, and expert feedback—all designed to help you grow. Work alongside experienced instructors at a historic 13th-century château overlooking the Luberon Valley. Enjoy plein air sessions on the estate and excursions to nearby villages, vineyards, and markets. Whether you’re new to art or transitioning to plein air, this unforgettable experience will elevate your skills while letting you soak up the beauty, culture, and charm of southern France.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Julie Snyder, Shirley Hambrick & more
Cost: $5,250 USD (All inclusive minus airfare)
Sponsor: Workshops in France
Website, email, 818-533-2363

Working from a limited palette, this one-day workshop focuses on ways to create expressive florals on a larger canvas exploring energetic brushstrokes to create a harmonious and vibrant garden scene of flowers. Students will work from their own or provided imagery. Examples of colorful works by Josef Klimt and Joan Mitchell will be shared to inspire your process. A short demo will be shared on color mixing and simplification of form.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Abby Ober
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Join Caleb in the garden as he paints the flowers in bloom. He will walk you through his approach to building a picture, beginning with drawing in larger shapes and building up layers until he has a crisp, detailed interpretation of the subject. If weather is unpleasant, we will meet inside.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Caleb Stoltzfus
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Watercolor is a wonderful painting medium due to its vibrant and translucent nature, quick drying time, and easy set-up and clean-up. Explore this versatile medium a supportive and immersive environment! Focus will be color theory and brush work demonstrations as we explore the basics of color mixing, layering washes and a sense of touch. Learn to incorporate dry media into your painting including color pencil, watercolor pencil, and pastel! Painting from natural subject matter including still life, botanical studies and landscape. Drawing experience is helpful but not required.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michelle Oosterbaan
Cost: $250 or $60 per session
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Join international artist and art educator Wendy Artin at Atelier Clos Mirabel in South West France for a week-long painting workshop. Enjoy painting instruction exploring the finer details of nature through wet washes and colour, light and form. All levels are welcome from complete beginners to professionals. We will spend 5 mornings painting the live model for 2 hours, with poses ranging from 30 seconds to 20 minutes. After personally picking a still life subject from the gardens of Atelier Clos Mirabel, we will paint preparatory sketches and work on longer paintings, experimenting with wet on wet, edge control, composition, shadows, and colour. There will be one free day mid-week for visiting the surrounding area or painting on one’s own.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Wendy Artin
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + tuition & model fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

A relaxing and creative week painting beautiful 'alpine flowers' with floral artist Clare Robinson, devoted to the art of watercolour in the French Alps. The workshop is designed to introduce you to the medium of watercolour, helping you nurture and develop your own style. A relaxed and organic workshop, with everyone working at their own pace. Clare will guide you through the steps to illustrate a variety of seasonal flowers and foliage, experimenting with loose-style and wet-in-wet watercolour techniques, layering, composition, colour mixing and brush work to convey the textures, colours and essence of your flower. Plenty of time to relax and breathe in the fresh Alpine air with gentle forest walks, use of the hot tub & sauna.
 
Location: Les Coches, Savoie, France
Instructor: Clare Robinson
Cost: £1800
Sponsor: Ski La Source
Website, email, +44 7968058297

Qiang’s approach to still life painting will be demonstrated with particular focus on creating dramatic set ups by observing the light distribution, and using bold and loose strokes to create a powerful and accurate representation on canvas. Using demonstrations and individual assistance, Qiang will explain his process of creating energetic paintings by manipulating values, colors, edges, and brushwork. Personal attention will be given to each student according to his or her current skill level and personal goals in art. The workshop is designed for indoor practice with live settings. For more information, visit qh-art.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Qiang Huang
Cost: $525 Museum members/ $550 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372

Discover the fascinating world of Botanical Art, starting with a walk around the magnificent Clos Mirabel property to choose your subject. A variety of plants will be in bloom including Roses, Hydrangeas, Iris, Lupin, Lilies and numerous fruits and vegetables growing in the Jardin Potager. Catherine will introduce her 10 stages to successfully illustrate a subject. You will carefully observe, measure and draw your subject focusing on form, light and texture. After composing your illustration, we will discuss the properties of watercolours and transparent colour mixing. You will apply several layers from the base tea wash to the dry brush finishing touches, using proper lighting to make your subject come to life. If you prefer, you can use coloured pencils.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Catherine Watters
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + $525 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Don't miss this opportunity to work with renowned painter Bill Scott to explore the sensuous yet thoughtful abstract construction of space in this two-day, intensive studio workshop. Color will be the focus as participants paint from an expansive still life environment with special prompts from Scott. This workshop is designed for intermediate/advanced painters.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Bill Scott
Cost: $395
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Jane Hunt returns for another epic landscape workshop hosted by Workshops in France, this time in the heart of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park. Over nine days, you'll paint majestic lochs, charming towns, and iconic Balmoral Castle surrounded by forested highlands. Jane, an award-winning landscape artist, offers personalized instruction alongside immersive coaching in plein air techniques. The experience includes guided excursions, studio-style demos, and painting time in scenic locations, ideal for both intermediate and advanced painters. Held at a beautiful estate in Royal Deeside, this retreat blends art, nature, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re deepening your outdoor painting skills or seeking inspiration from dramatic Scottish landscapes, this workshop promises transformative artistic growth and unforgettable memories. All inclusive (minus airfare)
 
Location: Highlands, Scotland
Instructor: Jane Hunt
Cost: $6,200 USD (All inclusive minus airfare)
Sponsor: Workshops in France
Website, email, 8185332363

Explore flowers and other natural forms, beginning with line and value drawing and progressing to full-color rendering in watercolor and mixed media.  Topics will include sighting techniques, line quality, tone and value, creation of depth, composition, texture, and basic color. All levels welcome. Tuition includes a $15 materials fee for floral subjects, provided.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Linda Gist
Cost: $465
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Learn the techniques and tools of figure sculpture through demonstration and hands-on sculpting from the model. Explore anatomy, proportion, gesture, and design through the versatility of clay. Personal expression will be emphasized though representational and abstract approaches. Open to all levels and perfect for beginners. Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Colleen O'Donnell
Cost: $230
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

The Light of the Netherlands – Zwolle & Overijssel Art Retreat July 2026 | All-Inclusive Discover the magic of Dutch light that has inspired painters for centuries. This retreat takes place in Zwolle and the surrounding province of Overijssel, where wide skies and flat landscapes offer endless inspiration. The program includes plein air painting, sketching, monotype, and printmaking workshops, as well as unique local experiences not found on a typical tourist path. Since Tali lives here, she will personally introduce you to artists, private gardens, studios, and hidden places in the “arty” scene. This all-inclusive retreat features delicious meals, exclusive day trips, and abundant artmaking. Join us in the Netherlands for an unforgettable artistic adventure.
 
Location: Zwolle, The Netherlands
Instructor: Tali Farchi and local artists
Cost: €3000-€3200
Sponsor: ArtisTTable - Tali Farchi
Website, email, +31 6 24903316

This 3-Day In-Studio workshop is designed for beginner students, intermediate students and advanced students. The instructor has limited the size to ensure that this type of workshop style will be the most beneficial for every student.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Adam Clague
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Come join us for an enjoyable watercolor journey! At the beginning of the class, I’ll begin with a demonstration that showcases the various techniques used in watercolor painting. Don't worry if you're new to this, as I’ll provide personalized lessons on different tips and techniques to enhance your painting skills. Not only will you learn and improve your artistic abilities, but you'll also have the chance to meet new people and create lasting memories. So come and join us for a delightful and enriching experience in the world of watercolor! All levels are welcome. Bring your own supplies or rent a Lender's Kit ($15 payable to the instructor).
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Gerilyn Gaskill
Cost: $42 ($35 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Join botanical artist and experienced tutor, Mary Dillon, for an immersive botanical art retreat where you’ll explore the beauty of summer blooms and refine your artistic skills in a serene, stunning setting. Connect with fellow artists, discover new watercolour painting techniques, and let the vibrant surroundings inspire you. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to create, relax, and grow — all while surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of south west France. Everything about being in Clos Mirabel is special. From the warmth of your welcome by the family and team at Clos Mirabel to your first view of the Pyrenees, your beautifully appointed accommodation and the most delicious variety of locally sourced foods, you know that this will be a week for you!
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Mary Dillon
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + 600€ tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

In this intensive weekend course, students will complete two to three small oil paintings while exploring a range of techniques for rendering complex surface qualities. Through focused exercises, participants will develop methods for organizing the flowing structure of draped fabric, capturing the intricate patterns of wood grain, and conveying the reflective sheen of metal. The course will also address the challenges of depicting transparency in glass and the subtle, shifting character of water both on surfaces and within vessels such as glasses or vases. This class presents valuable information for painters of all subject matter. Previous drawing and painting experience is strongly recommended.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Join our group of expressive artists for this full day of creativity in beautiful wine-country Niagara-on-the-Lake. This workshop will focus on some basic fundamentals, exploring composition, colour with painting, collage and expressive brushwork. The studio is bright and spacious, with a limited registration of 10 people. Outdoor painting may be an option, weather permitting. In this workshop, you will learn how to plan work as well as work intuitively to create a loose and confident painting which speaks to your unique style. All GOLDEN Artist quality paints and mediums are included along with a 16” x 20” canvas. A healthy artisan lunch is included, along with all beverages. All participants will take home up 2-3 pieces of art.
 
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
Instructor: Sandra Iafrate
Cost: $198. early booking
Sponsor: Gate Street Studio
Website, email, 289-696-2789

During this one-day intensive workshop, Beth shares her unique technique with students. Beth will do a demo and show how she uses photography and simple apps on her phone to simplify forms enhance value and emphasize composition. She will also discuss how to pick objects that make an exciting still life set up. Students are encouraged to use water mixable (soluble) oils to get the most out of the workshop. Beth will have paint for her students to try as well as one of her prepared painting panels, brushes and other supplies for you to use during the workshop. This workshop is for all level of painters.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Beth Bathe
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Two masterclasses in one workshop. Experience an exceptional artistic journey in the heart of Western Sicily with internationally acclaimed watercolor masters Igor Sava and Ekaterina Sava. Hosted at the elegant Salinara Sicily estate, this exclusive plein air retreat blends fine art, refined hospitality, and the timeless beauty of the Sicilian landscape. Limited spots available.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Igor Sava & Ekaterina Sava
Cost: Starts at € 2500
Sponsor: SALINARA - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

Join Samantha Dion Baker for a fun week exploring the joys of sketching and watercolour. Create your own original artwork and discover a beautiful area of South West France. This workshop at Atelier Clos Maribel explores the art of seeing and storytelling through drawing, no matter your experience level. From abstract sketches to detailed renderings, there’s no right way to capture your world. Through hands-on exercises, you will get familiar with tools and materials, practice blind contour and continuous line drawing, as well as experimenting with colour, line, and composition. You will learn to organise your thoughts by creating meaningful visual narratives and challenge yourself to draw in new ways – all while capturing your adventures with confidence and creativity.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Samantha Dion Baker
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + $579 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Students will work on four different studies of fruits using Prism Colored Pencils. Learning by example, the students will complete four drawings by blending colors, shading and following reflection of light patterns. Become a better painter when learning basic shading and blending of colors! Bristol Paper will be provided.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Joan Guerriero
Cost: $36 ($30 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Award-winning watercolorist Marc Folly leads an immersive 9-day workshop in the scenic Languedoc region of Southwestern France. With his masterful control of light, color, and unconventional subjects—from sunlit interiors to industrial settings—Marc offers a poetic and bold approach to watercolor painting. The workshop is all-inclusive (minus airfare) and includes château-style accommodation at a historic olive-mill estate, meals and ground transportation. Expect daily demos, guided exercises, group critiques, and personalized one-on-one feedback under Marc’s expert instruction. Enjoy excursions to hilltop villages, markets, vineyards, and private vineyards as painting inspiration. Whether you're experienced or simply seeking creative expansion, this retreat promises artistic growth, camaraderie, and deep immersion in one of France’s most captivating regions.
 
Location: Moulin in Languedoc, France
Instructor: Marc Folly
Cost: $5,600 USD (All inclusive minus airfare)
Sponsor: Workshops in France
Website, email, 818 533 2363

We are delighted to welcome back Billy Showell to teach her second botanical art retreat from Atelier Clos Mirabel. Centered around ‘Autumn Finds’, in this workshop you will be painting found seeds, chestnuts, leaves and cones in all of the beautiful colours that the season of autumn has to offer. With Billy’s expert guidance, you will learn to lay out your chosen botanical findings in a range of stunning compositions, whilst also mastering the skills and techniques needed to paint a unique botanical portrait. Billy prides herself on providing equal help to beginners, intermediates – and those wanting to jump to the next level. We look forward to seeing you there!
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Billy Showell
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + £550 for tuition
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

In this workshop, students will work in the Alla Prima method to paint three still-life paintings, one each day. Alla prima translates to “in the first” and is a wet-into-wet painting technique. Students are encouraged to bring their own props to create meaningful paintings. Each morning, the instructor will do a demonstration, and in the afternoon, students will work on their paintings and receive individual critiques. An emphasis on mark making, painting loosely, expressive color, and making a picture will be discussed. All levels are welcome.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Todd Casey
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Join Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling for their workshop at the stunning Salinara Art Farm in Sicily. Discover an endless variety of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, joyful and welcoming people, traditional foods, and excellent local wines. There will be plenty of opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Cindy and Theresa will provide daily painting lessons, personalized guidance, and inspiring demonstrations. They’ll share techniques for sketching and simplifying your subject, playing with color and water, adding texture and composition, and enhancing your watercolor journal pages with writing and creative expression. The workshop will conclude with a review session and discussion of participants’ works. Limited spots available.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Theresa Goesling and Cindy Briggs
Cost: Starts at € 3200
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email, (+39) 339 77 57 062

Join UK Artist Jenny Muncaster for a fun filled creative retreat exploring and developing your skills in mixed media. Jenny is a professional artist whose work is mainly focused on mixed media and acrylics. Jenny is committed to making creativity available to everyone. During this week-long painting holiday, she will introduce you to different techniques using a whole range of wonderful art materials. Combining traditional & non-traditional methods & tools for exploring line, painting, print, texture & collage in your work. Using these new skills, capture & interpret your subject matter to create totally original artwork inspired by the beautiful surroundings of Clos Mirabel in the French Pyrenees.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Jenny Muncaster
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + £400 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Join master watercolorists Joseph Zbukvic and Lisa Wang for an immersive, all-inclusive (minus airfare) nine-day artistic retreat near the Côte d'Azur. Set on a picturesque vineyard estate minutes from the Mediterranean, the workshop begins with a two-day indoor masterclass led by Lisa, teaching how to create emotive, spontaneous images from photo references. This transitions into four plein air painting days under Joseph’s expert instruction among hilltop villages, estate grounds, and coastal vistas. Expect daily demos, group painting sessions, individual critiques, and supportive coaching all included—plus estate accommodation, meals and ground transportation. Non-painting partners welcome. Whether you’re advancing your watercolor practice or seeking fresh inspiration, this retreat offers transformative learning in stunning southern France.
 
Location: Côte d'Azur, France
Instructor: Joseph Zbukvic & Lisa Wang
Cost: $6,100 USD (All inclusive minus airfare)
Sponsor: Workshops in France
Website, email, 818 533 2363

Join Ùrsula Romero at Atelier Clos Mirabel for a week-long botanical art workshop in the French Pyrenees ~ South West France. Focusing on leaves, we will explore the drama that can be created through thoughtful lighting and clever glazing. You will have the exciting opportunity to capture the dramatic autumnal colours of leaves in an idyllic setting. From yellowing deciduous leaves to luscious evergreens; the countryside and gardens that surround our course venue are abundant. We will start with a short talk about leaves – their taxonomy, physiology and how to paint them larger than life. And you will learn how to tackle trickier things, such as the translucency and hairs, as well as realistic colors. This course is suitable for all levels.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Úrsula Romero
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + 450 € tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Join acclaimed plein air artists Josh Clare & Bryan Mark Taylor for an immersive, all-inclusive (minus airfare) painting retreat in Provence, near the Côte d’Azur. Set at a charming historic moulin nestled in the stunning countryside, the workshop blends the emotional resonance of Clare’s expressive light-filled scenes with Taylor’s dynamic cityscape and landscape expertise. Over eight inspiring days, expect guided plein air sessions, daily demos, group critiques, and individualized instruction designed to deepen your understanding of light, atmosphere, composition, and narrative. Included are accommodation, meals, ground transportation and excursions across villages and vineyards. Non-painting partners are welcome too! Whether you’re expanding your technical skills or seeking creative revitalization, this French experience promises artistic growth and memorable immersion in beauty.
 
Location: Provence, France
Instructor: Josh Clare & Bryan Mark Taylor
Cost: $6,150 USD (All inclusive minus airfare)
Sponsor: Workshops in France
Website, email, 818 533 2363

This 6-day workshop in Western Sicily builds strong painting and composition skills while encouraging artists to explore surrounding themes and develop visual narratives. Drawing inspiration from the landscape, atmosphere, and daily experiences of Western Sicily, participants will translate observations and moods onto the canvas through a thoughtful, selective use of mixed media. Artists will learn to balance intention with experimentation to create cohesive, expressive work that reflects their personal voice and artistic vision. Desired outcomes can range from representational to abstract, and materials may include one or more media. The workshop emphasizes a clear understanding of methods, materials, and tools, empowering participants to continue developing confident, independent work long after the workshop concludes.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Sandra Iafrate
Cost: $2998. Early booking fee
Sponsor: Sicily Artist Retreat
Website, email, 289-696-2789

Working from still-life we will develop a vocabulary for clearer color thinking, and skills in seeing and using the subtle color changes in white. Color is a perceptual event: a sensation, not a theory. White, as the brightest and highest value, is the master of all the other colors. How does a painter become a colorist? It is not about using bright colors but about handling nuances and seeing color relationships, especially in the use of whites. Those subtle color changes require heightened sensitivity to all aspects of color; value, harmony and complementary, along with careful observation and response, and understanding how color and light function in both human vision and in paint.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Maggie Siner
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Because drapery captures gravity, weight and movement, it does a great deal of the work in making a convincing dynamic composition. Drapery can be manipulated and altered in ways that bodies can never be and yet define the forms of the body underneath. As it covers it also reveals. Fabric retains the gesture of movement, giving life to static forms. Changes of color on each turning plane are subtle, beautiful, and completely dependent on fabric texture. This gives tactile specificity for the sense of touch. Fabric suggests content, drama. Working from visual perception and studying light relationships we will use both still life and figure to simplify and extract the essentials of form and gesture for a unified and dramatic whole.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Maggie Siner
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Join Molly Reeder at Atelier Clos Mirabel for a week-long botanical art workshop in the French Pyrenees of South West France. Enjoy wonderful surroundings, delightful accommodation and delicious meals. In the beautiful French countryside, with a mindful and meditative approach, we will work slowly through the layered process of creating a detailed watercolour, inspired by the lush gardens around us. Our days will start in meditative ritual and will be filled with our own imaginative discoveries. This is a retreat for anyone wishing to feel more rest and depth through the creative process – to allow what is emergent to be felt and seen, and to honour the beautiful land around us through the paintings we create. Beginner painters are warmly welcomed!
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Molly Reeder
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + $450 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Discover the fascinating world of Botanical Art, starting with a walk around the magnificent Clos Mirabel property to choose your subject. A variety of plants will be in bloom including Roses, Hydrangeas, Iris, Lupin, Lilies and numerous fruits and vegetables growing in the Jardin Potager. Catherine will introduce her 10 stages to successfully illustrate a subject. You will carefully observe, measure and draw your subject focusing on form, light and texture. After composing your illustration, we will discuss the properties of watercolours and transparent colour mixing. You will apply several layers from the base tea wash to the dry brush finishing touches, using proper lighting to make your subject come to life. If you prefer, you can use coloured pencils.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Catherine Watters
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + $525 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Explore your creativity and learn to draw and paint beautiful botanicals on a relaxed and inspiring retreat with Gail Jones at Atelier Clos Mirabel, a stunning Atelier in the South West of France. A self-taught fine artist Gail knows just how to make the art of watercolour accessible to everyone regardless of experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Atelier Clos Mirabel, where we will choose Spring flowers from the gardens to observe and paint. Gail will guide you through the process, and help you to create beautiful botanical paintings with richness and depth.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Gail Jones
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + €500 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Join international artist and art educator Wendy Artin at Atelier Clos Mirabel in South West France for a week-long painting workshop. Enjoy painting instruction exploring the finer details of nature through wet washes and colour, light and form. All levels are welcome from complete beginners to professionals. We will spend 5 mornings painting the live model for 2 hours, with poses ranging from 30 seconds to 20 minutes. After personally picking a still life subject from the gardens of Atelier Clos Mirabel, we will paint preparatory sketches and work on longer paintings, experimenting with wet on wet, edge control, composition, shadows, and colour. There will be one free day mid-week for visiting the surrounding area or painting on one’s own.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Wendy Artin
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + tuition & model fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Join botanical artist and tutor Mary Dillon for a botanical painting retreat. Set in the tranquil surroundings of Clos Mirabel in the French Pyrénées, this immersive workshop will help you see and capture the subtle effects of light on form, colour, and texture. Early in the week, you will travel into the mountains to sketch alpine plants in their natural light. Back in the studio, you’ll develop these studies into finished paintings, working step-by-step with Mary Dillon’s guidance. The retreat also offers time to rest, reflect, and enjoy delicious meals in a peaceful, inspiring setting. With beautiful accommodation, a spacious studio and warm hospitality, Clos Mirabel provides the perfect environment to focus on your art and recharge your creative energy.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Mary Dillon
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + 650€ tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Join Lara Call Gastinger as she returns to Atelier Clos Mirabel for her third botanical art retreat. Enjoy using watercolours to capture the colours and textures of the local plants in the south west region of France. Lara will guide you through the process of how to create a botanical painting, starting with sketching and learning the important characteristics of plants. We will seek botanical inspiration from the acreage of Atelier Clos Mirabel and with a trip to the meadows of the French Pyrénées. After the first day of sketching, you will focus on using watercolours to capture the colours and textures of the plants. In the end, you will work on composition and how to create a finished botanical painting.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Lara Call Gastinger
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + $525 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Learn botanical artist Denise Walser-Kolar’s approach to painting on vellum during this five-day workshop at the beautiful Atelier Clos Mirabel in South West France. We will begin by doing some exercises on small bits of vellum to learn technique and to get a feel for painting on this surface. Then, we will explore the grounds to choose painting subjects from the grounds, orchards, and kitchen garden. This class is designed for all student levels. The workshop combines demonstrations, discussion of materials and techniques, and lots of individual attention and feedback. You may also choose to do a Hoefnagel-Inspired painting of the treasures you find in the gardens.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Denise Walser-Kolar
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + $650 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91

Your botanical art retreat will begin by taking in the enchanting grounds of Clos Mirabel, where you will source the most intriguing and inspiring found subjects. You will be exploring and painting rose hips, seeds, chestnuts, leaves, and acorns in all of the rich, vibrant, and beautiful colours that the season has to offer. Jarnie will share her techniques for mixing a wealth of vibrant colours including pure, natural greens, rich neutral browns and soft complex greys with just your primary hues. Using a limited palette, you will explore, play and experiment with colour mixing and layering clean, and vibrant watercolours. Also, learn how to manipulate and form natural texture, pattern and contrast using wet into damp, and dry brush techniques.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Jarnie Godwin
Cost: 1895€ to 2995€ for accommodation + £400 GBP for tuition
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91