# Historic Towns Travel Sketchbook Retreat with Artist Rod Moore in France

Explore the picturesque Occitanie region of France and craft a stunning travel sketchbook during a weeklong art retreat with artist Rod Moore. Elevate your sketching skills, whether you're picking up a sketchbook for the first time or seeking to expand your repertoire of techniques. Under the guidance of your instructor, employing his acclaimed Moore Method of Painting, you'll study the essentials of sketchbook art. Explore layout and design, infuse more depth and atmosphere into your works, and learn to take amazing reference photos. The retreat offers an inclusive environment for artists of all levels, focusing on overcoming creative hurdles and enriching your portfolio.Taking place at Domaine d'En Naudet, a historical estate, this retreat promises a blend of structured learning and plenty of on-location painting sessions. Benefit from daily classes, personalized tuition, and art trips to medieval towns like Albi, Rabastens, and Castres. Alongside 15 other fellow artists, enjoy exquisite local cuisine, a wine-tasting experience, and the serene countryside, making this artistic journey a true feast for the senses.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 9 - 16, 2025
- **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,250
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Travel Sketchbook Retreat
Experience an extraordinary art adventure with Rod Moore set in Occitanie's serene French countryside. This weeklong art retreat will take your sketching skills to the next level, help you break through your creative blocks, and reinvent your artistic process. Suitable for all experience levels, Rod's method will give beginners a solid starting point and help intermediate painters widen their portfolio of techniques. By the end of this retreat, you'll have created a stunning travel sketchbook, inspired by the bucolic landscapes of Occitanie, the many medieval towns you'll visit, and the tranquil natural surroundings.Benefit from daily classes, one-to-one tuition, and three art trips featuring your instructor's unique technique, The Moore Method of Painting. With Rod's expert guidance, you'll cover all necessary sketchbook basics as well as delve into more complex subjects and effects and learn to take superb reference photos. You'll spend plenty of time painting and sketching on-location, either on the grounds of your venue, Domaine d'En Naudet, or during your art trips. You'll visit several stunning medieval towns: Albi, Rabastens, and Castres, featuring well-preserved medieval architecture and loads of distinctively French charm.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Sketchbook basicsDesign and layoutSimplifying complex scenes for spontaneous sketchingFinding the magic in the subjectSketchbook materials: inks, pens, brushes, watercolor, and gouacheUsing tone to create depth and atmosphere in your sketchesAdding movement and life to your sketchesTaking amazing reference photos when out and aboutDeveloping quick on-location sketches into larger studio sketchesSketching from reference photos...and many more.Domaine d'En Naudet, your retreat venue, is a beautifully restored countryside estate. This peaceful setting is an artist's haven, providing the perfect backdrop for your creative sessions. Beyond your daily classes with Rod, you'll delight in chef-made French cuisine every day, take part in a wine tasting experience at a family winery, and form lifelong friendships with 15 other likeminded artists.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac airport and catch the scheduled 3:00 PM transfer to Domaine d'En Naudet. Once there, settle into your cozy room, allowing yourself a moment to relax and soak in the ambiance. Meet your fellow artists and get acquainted with Rod Moore, your instructor for the retreat. Embark on a lovely orientation tour, showcasing the estate's enchanting garden, the commanding watchtower, and those all-welcoming living spaces. In the afternoon, you'll be treated to cocktails, bite-sized canapés, and a sumptuous three-course dinner, all thoughtfully paired with delicious local wines.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Begin your second day at Domaine d'En Naudet with a delightful breakfast, then gather for a check-in over coffee with Rod to discuss the day ahead.During the morning class, Rod will demonstrate the basics of sketching in ink. Start with a couple of easy warm-ups designed to loosen your style. Next, dive into the nuances of tone and values as you practice the art of contrast. The session features a hands-on exercise with a still-life subject, utilizing elements from Domaine d'En Naudet. Additionally, you'll learn to paint from reference using Rod's captivating photos from Provence.Take a break with a light lunch, then continue your classes in the afternoon. Step outside for an exciting plein-air class focusing on the buildings and landscapes at the venue. Rod will guide you as you sketch eye-catching subjects, like the old watchtower and the traditional architecture of the gîtes. As you prepare for an upcoming art trip to Albi, Rod will share invaluable insights on how to efficiently pack your materials for an outing. Throughout the session, Rod will be available for tailored feedback.During the afternoon leisure time, immerse yourself in the tranquility of the gardens or go for a swim in the saltwater pool if the weather's favorable.As dusk falls, reconvene for a three-course dinner, thoughtfully paired with a glass of local wine. Share your experiences and impressions about your first full day in France with your art group.

### Day 3: Art trip to Albi
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, gather your art supplies and embark on a scenic journey to the medieval town of Albi. Immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage as you explore iconic landmarks, such as the Basilica of St. Cecilia, a mesmerizing example of Gothic architecture. Take a leisurely stroll across the Pont-Vieux bridge, where panoramic views of the meandering river await. While exploring the town with you, Rod will explain his process of taking reference photos. Try out different angles and types of lighting, and make note of the most inspiring vistas.For lunch, find a quiet spot on your own in one of Albi's riverside restaurants. The trip continues with a visit to the Palais de la Berbie. Once a grand fortress, it now hosts an extensive collection of Toulouse-Lautrec's works, offering a deep dive into the life of this iconic artist. Later in the afternoon, join Rod for a sketching session in the Palais' lush garden. He'll host a group demonstration on sketching on-location, with the imposing fortress as your subject.In the evening, return to the venue for a three-course dinner, delightfully paired with a glass of local wine.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
The next day starts with a delicious breakfast, followed by a check-in over coffee with Rod and the first workshop of the day.The morning class introduces sketching in watercolor, starting with a vibrant demonstration of Rod's techniques. As you explore the delicate balance of water and pigment, Rod will guide you through crafting your sketchbook layout. Learn what to include on each page to make your sketchbook more than a collection of drawings, turning it into a visual story of your artistic journey. The session is designed to refine your composition skills and infuse your sketchbook with personal meaning.Take a well-deserved break with some tasty lunch, then reconvene for the afternoon class. Using your photos taken in Albi, practice sketching from reference and sharpen your observation skills. Rod will share his insights on portraying a complex cityscape, focusing on the subtleties that make each scene unique. Whether it's the play of light and shadow or the intricate details of an architectural feature, this class is about translating your surroundings into gorgeous watercolor sketches.In the late afternoon, enjoy leisure time as you wish, perhaps finding a cozy nook to sketch or reflect, or simply unwinding with a stroll through the peaceful gardens. Gather with your art group for a sumptuous dinner paired with a glass of French wine.

### Day 5: Art trip to Rabastens
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then prepare for an art trip to the medieval town of Rabastens. You'll reach your destination after a scenic 30-minute drive.A charming town, Rabastens is known for its impressive stone bridge stretching across the river Tarn. Rod will teach another class about on-location sketching in watercolor. Set up your materials in one of the squares and follow his demonstration. Next up, the view of the bridge is not to be missed; if you wish, you may join Rod for an architectural sketching session featuring this impressive monument. You may also explore on your own, wandering Rabastens' cobbled streets, capturing a variety of street scenes in your sketches or reference photos. The red-bricked houses and medieval architecture will make a wonderful addition to your travel sketchbook.Enjoy lunch on your own at a cozy bistro in town, then continue exploring Rabastens. Another intriguing subject for your sketches is the Église Notre-Dame-du-Bourg, an imposing cathedral featuring Gothic architecture, colorful murals, and intricate carved features.You'll return to the venue in the evening. Spend your free time by the pool or chatting with your fellow artists, then get ready to enjoy a well-deserved dinner paired with a glass of wine.

### Day 6: Castres trip & wine tasting
Your morning starts with breakfast and a coffee check-in to discuss your next exciting art trip. You'll head out to Castres, a quaint medieval town only 30 minutes away from Domaine d'En Naudet.Known as "the little Venice of Languedoc", Castres is celebrated for its picturesque riverside houses mirroring the Agout River's calm waters. Rod will guide you through a demonstration on sketching the city's distinctive buildings, studying their unique architecture. Following this, he'll move on to painting water reflections, utilizing the serene views along the riverbank as perfect subjects. Spend the rest of the morning sketching, or explore Castres' rich heritage, winding alleys, and lively markets.Return to Domaine d'En Naudet for lunch, then prepare for a relaxed afternoon at a nearby family winery. This experience will immerse you in the local winemaking traditions, including a guided tour and a wine-tasting experience.You'll get back to the venue in the late afternoon. The day ends with a delightful three-course dinner, the perfect time to unwind and share your experiences with your fellow artists.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
On your final day at Domaine d'En Naudet, begin with breakfast and a coffee check-in. Dive right into the morning class, featuring an engaging demonstration from Rod, showcasing the versatility and richness of gouache as a medium. Spend the rest of the class painting from your own reference photos in gouache. Throughout the session, Rod will provide individual feedback, offering personalized advice to enhance your technique and artistic expression.Lunch provides a moment of relaxation before the afternoon class. This session is special—a mini-exhibition of the pieces created during the retreat. Share your work with fellow artists and receive valuable feedback. It's a celebration of your growth and a chance to appreciate the diverse talents of your peers.As the day draws to a close, come together for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the connections made and the artistic journey shared at Domaine d'En Naudet. Toast to your progress and to your unforgettable experiences in France!

### Day 8: Departure
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Rod and the art group, it's time to bid farewell and exchange any last contact details. Prepare for your transfer to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, scheduled for 10:00 AM, with an arrival time of 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- **Rod Moore** - Impressionist artist and teacher

## Accommodation

### Domaine d'En Naudet

### Shared ensuite attic room

### Shared standard ensuite room

### Shared superior ensuite room

### Shared bathroom - single room

### Single ensuite room

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/historic-towns-travel-sketchbook-retreat-artist-rod-moore-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/historic-towns-travel-sketchbook-retreat-artist-rod-moore-france) to make a reservation.

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