Painting Retreat May 24th-30th 2025

Immerse yourself in surrounding beauty and explore your creativity in the beautiful South-West France on this painting retreat!
Portrait Painting Day

Transform Your Creativity: Painting Holidays in France

Embark on a transformative journey with our painting holidays in France, specifically designed for those looking to enhance their skills in oil portrait painting. Set in the stunning Béarn des Gaves region, these retreats offer a unique blend of artistic instruction and relaxation amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Experience the Art of Oil Portrait Painting

Our workshops focus on the techniques of oil portrait painting, providing you with the tools to create stunning artworks. You will learn to work from both photographic references and live models, mastering essential oil painting techniques that will elevate your artistry. Tailored for all skill levels, our expert instructors will guide you through each step, ensuring a supportive and enriching experience.

Immerse Yourself in Scenic Surroundings

Your retreat takes place in the picturesque village of Laàs, where charming accommodations await. Surrounded by nature’s tranquility, you can disconnect from daily stress and fully immerse yourself in your creative process. The peaceful countryside serves as an inspiring backdrop for your artistic endeavors.

Indulge in French Culture and Cuisine

Enhance your painting holiday with authentic French experiences. Enjoy meals made from seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients while exploring traditional markets. Discover the rich culinary heritage of the region, sampling local specialties that will tantalize your taste buds. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to visit nearby historical sites, such as the medieval town of Navarrenx, deepening your connection to French culture.

All-Inclusive Retreat Package

Our painting holidays in France are designed for your convenience. Each package includes comfortable accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, all necessary painting materials—such as canvases, brushes, and paints—along with expert guidance from skilled instructors. Enjoy delicious meals featuring regional delicacies, allowing you to focus entirely on your art without any distractions.

Unwind and Connect with Fellow Artist

After a fulfilling day of painting, relax in your cozy lodging and reflect on your work. Engage in meaningful discussions with fellow participants, sharing insights and inspiration that enrich your artistic journey. This retreat not only fosters personal growth but also creates lasting connections within a community of passionate artists.

Join us for an unforgettable painting holiday in France that promises to rejuvenate your creativity and enhance your skills. Book your retreat today and take the first step towards unlocking your artistic potential in one of the most beautiful settings in Europe.

The Week

Arrival day

Arrive at the hotel for a relaxing evening and a welcome meal. Decompress and meet the other members of the group. The accommodation is in the Auberge/Hotel of the village. We live in a rural area, surrounded by beautiful countryside. This really is a relaxing place and guests will have a truly French experience. Each room has ensuite bathroom or shower.

Painting day one

  • 8.45am – 9.45 am – A continental breakfast awaits you. Transfer to the studio in Laás to start the day.
  • 10 am – 12.30 pm – We will start with a drawing lesson exploring proportions and planes of the human head. Exploring how to build up tone using one colour.
    12.30 pm – 1.45 pm – Lunch at our local French restaurant.
  • 1.45 pm – 4.45 pm – Working from photographic reference we will work on a small painting to understand the principals of oil painting. We will prepare the canvas and continue to develop the underpainting. Looking at how to see tonal ranges in a portrait we explore how to set up a work space and oil palette developing colour mixing and creating flesh tones. Students will learn to mix solutions for painting and how to use them. Getting ready for our next day of painting.
  • 5pm – 5.30pm Drinks
  • 7.30 pm – A three course meal for dinner, followed by your own relaxation time.

Painting day two

  • 8.45 am – 9.45 am – A continental breakfast awaits you.
  • 9.45 am – 10 am – Transfer to the studio
  • 10 am – 4.45 pm – Day of painting in the studio in Laás. Kate will teach you the next steps to successfully create a portrait using layers to build up your piece. This will give you the confidence before we work with a life model.
  • Lunch 12.30 – 1.45 pm Picnic by the river and the opportunity to swim.
  • 1.45pm – 5.30pm  Continue painting
  • 7.30 pm – Dinner at the hotel followed by your own relaxation time. Opportunity to play Pétanque.

 

Painting day three

  • 8.45 – 9.45 am – A continental breakfast awaits you.
  • 10 am – 12.30 pm – Working directly from a model we create a painting from life. Developing colour studies of the subject, we will explore the narrative in portraiture.
  • 12.30 pm -1.30 pm Buffet style light lunch.
  • 1.30 – 3.30 pm – Students continue to develop colour studies from the model.
  • 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm – You will take a photo of the model and develop your own concept.
  • 5 pm Freetime
  • 7.30 pm Dinner at our house.
  • 9 pm Drinks and an artist talk. Local artists will come and discuss their work with you.

Painting day four

  • 8.15 am – 9 am – An early breakfast
  • 9.30 – 11am – Visit to the morning market in Salies de Béarn. Taking a break from painting we will explore the thermal town and its traditional French market.
  • 11.30 am – 12.30 pm – Return to the studio. Prepare your canvas for our final painting.
  • 12.30 pm – 1.45 pm -Lunch in a local restaurant
  • 1.45 pm – 5.30 pm – Sketching out your painting and underpainting.
  • 5.45pm-7pm- Visit a walled village and the local art galleries.
  • 8 pm- Dinner at the restaurant

Painting day five

  • 8.45 am – 9.45 am – Breakfast at the hotel
  • 9.45 am – Transfer to the studio
  • 10 am – 12.30 pm – Continuing to work on our final painting we will begin to build up layers adding glazes.
    Students will develop their own art piece exploring the narrative in portraiture.
  • 12.30 pm – 1.45 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant.
  • 1.45 pm – 4.45 pm – We will discuss glazing and how to explore further techniques in your painting.
  • 5 pm – Transfer back to hotel
  • 7 pm – A beautiful three course meal to celebrate the end of the course.

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Pricing

What’s included:

1,600 euros per person (this is based on a solo traveller if you would like a quote for sharing with a friend please let us know) 

Non painting partners 50% reduction (lunch not included for non painters)

Included: All meals, accommodation in a double room with ensuite bathroom, painting materials and 5 days of art tuition.

What's not included:

Flights or travel to the hotel, insurance. Additional drinks or alcoholic beverages.

Non painting partners:

We are happy for non painting partners to come and stay with you at the accommodation. There is plenty to do in the area. Take a look at the tourist board website here for some tips. https://www.tourisme-bearn-gaves.com/en/

We can arrange airport pickups for you and an additional cost. The nearest airport’s are an hour away. Biarritz or Pau. Nearest station Orthez.

We are situated in a rural area with limited public transport. If you wish to we can recommend car hire places for you.

Transfer shared will be 25 euros one way.

 

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