# Expressive Oil Painting Retreat with Artist Jennifer Brandon in France

Join artist Jennifer Brandon for an inspiring art retreat in the stunning Dordogne region of southwestern France. Designed for those passionate about capturing the essence of animals, this retreat offers a blend of hands-on practice, personalized guidance, and in-depth demonstrations.Throughout the week, you'll focus on creating expressive canine portraits using oils to bring your subjects to life. You'll also explore sketchbooking basics during your art trips to local medieval towns, like Issigeac and Beynac-et-Cazenac, or the colorful local market in Eymet. Artists of all experience levels are welcome, but those with experience in oils or similar mediums will benefit most from this retreat.Set in a charming historic estate, this retreat provides the ideal environment to refine your skills while enjoying the tranquility of the French countryside. Enjoy exquisite local cuisine and form lasting connections with a small group of fellow artists. By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with not only beautiful artwork but also unforgettable memories of your creative journey in this idyllic part of France.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 7 - 14, 2025
- **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,750
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Expressive Oil Painting Retreat
Join artist Jennifer Brandon for an immersive retreat in the picturesque Dordogne region of southwestern France, where you'll explore the art of expressive canine portraits. Over the course of a week, you'll dive deep into the world of oil painting, perfecting techniques that bring your subjects to life with soulful expressiveness.This art retreat welcomes artists of all experience levels, though you will benefit most if you have experience with painting in oils or similar mediums. In addition to your daily classes, you'll have the opportunity to explore two breathtaking locations in Dordogne: the medieval town of Issigeac and the picturesque Beynac-et-Cazenac. Your venue is just a short walk from the charming town of Eymet, where you're free to visit cozy cafés and shops during your downtime.Jen’s sessions are expertly crafted to refine your skills, offering a mix of hands-on painting, live demonstrations, and personalized guidance. Unlock the secrets of oil painting and canine portraits, with sketching activities woven into the art trips, using a variety of tools like sketchbooks, water pens, watercolors, and pencils. Learn essential techniques such as how to choose the best reference image, find the gesture of your subject, and start a painting without the fear of a blank canvas. With Jen’s guidance you will learn how to stay loose, avoid overworking your painting, build your layers with purpose, and gain the confidence needed to know when your painting is complete. Explore how to map out values, choose a strong underpainting and background color. Create a captivating pet portrait that depicts the soul of your subject through expressive eyes and exciting brushwork.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Setting yourself up for success by understanding lighting and perspectiveFinding the gesture of your subjectAn approach to sketching that enhances your expressive painting approachA sure-fire way to start your painting off strong & avoid “painter’s block”Choosing a strong underpaintingMapping out the value story of your pieceApplying layers without overworking your paintingIncorporating “lost edges”Expressing the soul of the animal through captivating eyesAssessing your painting and having the confidence to know when it's done...and many more.Your accommodation will be in an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in Dordogne’s culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals and savor the local wines through a cheese and wine-tasting experience.

### Day 1: Arrival
Catch the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat venue, a historic 25-acre estate in Dordogne. Once there, settle into your comfortable room, freshen up, and get acquainted with Jennifer Brandon and your fellow retreat participants. Enjoy a guided tour of the estate, exploring communal areas, gardens, terraces, the heated pool, private woodland, and the picturesque pond.Your evening concludes with a delightful welcome dinner, accompanied by fine French wine, offering the perfect introduction to your week ahead.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast, setting the stage for a full day of artistic discovery. Join Jen for a morning check-in and learn more about the plans for today.Dive into your first session, where Jen will introduce her approach to oil painting and to finding a unique vision for her next piece. Learn how to set up your palettes and create an environment that fosters success in your painting process. Jen will explain the importance of choosing a strong underpainting that will influence the background of your work. Watch her demonstration on identifying the gesture of the subject and translating that onto the canvas. By the end of the morning, you'll have completed the early stages of your painting.In the afternoon session, map out the value story of your painting and continue to refine your work with dedicated practice time. Later, you'll be introduced to the sketchbook process, with Jen providing one-on-one assistance. This short intro will prepare you for the upcoming art trip.As the day winds down, enjoy some leisure time to relax and reflect on your progress. The evening culminates in a delightful three-course dinner, expertly crafted by the in-house chef and paired with local wines, allowing you to unwind and connect with fellow artists.

### Day 3: Art trip to Issigeac
Following a delicious breakfast, grab your sketchbook and join the group for a morning trip to the picturesque village of Issigeac. Dating back to the 6th-century, its narrow, winding streets and half-timbered houses offer a glimpse into the past.Find a cozy spot—perhaps at a local café near the 13th-century church of Saint-Félicien—where you can immerse yourself in capturing the charm of this historic village. Take in the sights and sounds around you, using the unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere as your muse to fill your sketchbook. There are many quaint buildings to draw inspiration from, such as the quirky "Mushroom House" or the unique "Maison des Têtes".After enjoying lunch at the venue, head back to the studio to continue working on your oil paintings. This afternoon is all about refining the details—starting with adjusting the values in your work to bring out depth and clarity in your composition. Focus on your focal point, ensuring it stands out with precision and intention. Jen will guide you through a detailed demo on painting a canine nose and walk you through her expressive painting process. Learn how to infuse emotion into your work and capture the essence of your subject with authenticity.The evening wraps up with another three-course dinner prepared by the venue chef, paired with wine.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Begin the day with a refreshing breakfast, then regroup over coffee for a brief check-in. Gather in the studio and further explore the expressive world of animal portraiture, focusing on capturing your subject's essence through its eyes. Jen will emphasize the eyes’ crucial role in conveying the soul and emotion of the animal. Dive into the process of creating captivating eyes that steal the show! As the morning progresses, shift your focus to the middle tones of your painting, working on integrating the eyes seamlessly with the rest of your piece. The balance between style and technical skill becomes paramount, as you bring cohesion to your work. Jen will offer personalized guidance to ensure your painting reflects emotional depth.After lunch, return to the studio for an afternoon dedicated to refining your morning’s work. Add any finishing strokes and subtle touches that breathe life into your canine portrait. If you find yourself moving swiftly through your first piece, challenge yourself by starting a second painting.Regroup in the gardens for a special event: a wine and cheese-tasting experience. As a quintessential part of French culture, you'll try out the delicious varieties that made the Dordogne region famous. Afterward, gather again for a chef-made dinner.

### Day 5: Trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
After breakfast. embark on a scenic journey to the enchanting village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, Beynac is home to the imposing Château de Beynac, a fortress that has stood the test of time since the 12th century. As you explore the narrow cobblestone streets and meander through the village, you'll feel as though you've stepped back to a bygone era. Take plenty of photographs to capture the breathtaking views of the river and gather inspiration. Break for a light lunch in the village, perhaps at a local café overlooking the banks of the Dordogne, before moving on to on-location practice time. In the afternoon, find a peaceful spot in the town or by the river for some sketchbooking. There will be an optional plein-air painting session should you want to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings.After a fulfilling day of exploration and creativity, return to the venue. Unwind and enjoy some leisure time before gathering for a delightful three-course dinner, thoughtfully paired with local wines, and prepared by the in-house chef.

### Day 6: Trip to the French market
Start your day with a relaxing breakfast before heading out to the picturesque Eymet Market. The village of Eymet is a leisurely 15-minute walk away. Bring your sketchbook along if you wish, and take some time to capture the lively scenes, colorful stalls, and local atmosphere. A beloved tradition, local French markets offer an authentic peek into this region's countryside life.After your market visit, return to the studio and finish up your previous painting or start a new alla prima piece. Drawing from the vibrant experiences of your week’s excursions, translate what you’ve seen onto your canvas. Jen will offer one-on-one guidance on portraying your travel experiences in your sketchbook and then bringing the market sketches to life on your canvas. This day offers a flexible schedule with plenty of freedom to experiment with new techniques or subjects as you see fit.Conclude the day with a mouthwatering three-course dinner, washed down with delightful local wine.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Start your final day of the retreat with a nourishing breakfast, then gather in the studio for a reflective morning session. Continue where you left off the day prior, either diving deeper into your alla prima painting or adding finishing touches to your other works. Jen will be on hand for one-on-one troubleshooting, offering personalized guidance to help you overcome any lingering challenges in your work. Discuss how to bring the practices you've learned here back home, ensuring you can continue your creative journey with confidence.After a light lunch, reconvene for a special afternoon session. The day will culminate in a mini-exhibition, where you'll present your sketches and paintings, sharing the story of your artistic evolution during your time at the retreat. Learn to package and present your artwork, so you leave the retreat with not just finished pieces but also the knowledge and skills to sustain your creative practice well into the future.As evening draws near, come together for an exquisite farewell dinner, celebrating the connections made and the artistic journey shared. Toast to your progress and your unforgettable experiences in France!

### Day 8: Departure
After a final breakfast with Jen and your retreat family, it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll depart for the Bergerac train station at 9:00 AM, arriving around 9:45 AM, ready to return home with a heart full of memories and inspiration.

## Instructors

- **Jen Brandon** - Oil painter, illustrator, and art instructor

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate

### Shared standard room

### Shared superior room (female only)

### Single standard room

### Single superior room

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/expressive-oil-painting-retreat-artist-jennifer-brandon-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/expressive-oil-painting-retreat-artist-jennifer-brandon-france) to make a reservation.

*Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*