# Mixed Media Art Retreat with Artist Jeanne Oliver in France

Embark on an extraordinary art retreat with artist Jeanne Oliver in Occitanie, France. Whether you're a beginner or you're looking to level up your skills, you'll benefit from Jeanne's insightful demonstrations, daily classes, individual feedback, encouragement, and invaluable advice. Dive into the world of mixed media as you create a stitched sketchbook, study abstract landscapes, still life, and florals, and learn to look at your environment through an artistic lens.The retreat will take place at the charming Domaine d'En Naudet estate, where you'll savor exquisite local cuisine, enjoy premium amenities, and form connections with 15 other fellow artists. Set your creativity loose, fill your sketchbook with lifelong memories, and experience authentic French culture.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 15 - 22, 2025
- **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,200
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Mixed Media Art Retreat
Join artist Jeanne Oliver for an unforgettable art retreat taking place in romantic Occitanie, southern France. The weeklong adventure features inspiring daily classes with Jeanne, plenty of one-to-one feedback, demonstrations, hands-on practice sessions, and the chance to free your creative spirit. Using mixed media (graphite, charcoal, watercolor, gouache, dyes, and many more), you'll craft a gorgeous stitched sketchbook filled with tranquil scenes of the French countryside. All levels of art experience are welcome, from complete beginners to intermediates looking to reinvent their creative process.In addition to your daily classes, you'll visit three gorgeous locations in Occitanie: a magnificent French garden, the medieval town of Albi, and a majestic château vineyard. Jeanne's insightful classes are ideal for anyone looking to break free of their inner critic and connect to their surroundings more deeply. You'll study abstract landscapes along with still life and florals. Most importantly, you'll form lifelong friendships with 15 other artists, with whom you'll grow, learn, laugh, and explore beautiful France.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Creating a stitched sketchbookLearning to see the lines and forms in your surroundingsQuickly capturing still-life, landscapes, and florals with contour sketchingWorking with simple tools (graphite and charcoal)Layering watercolor and gouacheSimple and effective color mixingBasic composition principlesPreparing your art materials for an on-location sessionCreating natural dyes, inks, and making linocut printsHow to become more experimental in your art...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 Jeanne, you'll delight in chef-made French cuisine every day, relax by the pool, and bond with your supportive art group.

### Day 1: Arrival
Land at Toulouse-Blagnac airport and catch the 3:00 PM transfer to your venue, Domaine d'En Naudet. Unpack, settle into your room, and soak in the ambiance. Meet your art group and get introduced to Jeanne Oliver, your instructor for the retreat. During an orientation tour, discover the estate's enchanting garden, the old watchtower, and the comfortable living spaces. Celebrate your arrival with cocktails, bite-sized canapés, and a delicious three-course dinner, all paired with local wines.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Start your second day at Domaine d'En Naudet with a tasty breakfast, then join Jeanne for a check-in over coffee to discuss the day ahead.The first class will take place in the bright studio at the venue. You'll start by creating a stitched sketchbook with Jeanne's guidance; this way, your art journal will be truly unique. Afterward, Jeanne will introduce you to your materials (charcoal, graphite, watercolor, and gouache), explaining more about the properties of each medium. Get your creative flow going with a couple of warm-up exercises in watercolor and gouache, teaching you more about color mixing.Take a break with a light lunch, then continue your classes in the afternoon. The second art session of the day will be a gentle introduction to loose florals. Set out into the lush gardens of the venue and look for inspiration among the blooming flowers. Jeanne will demonstrate her approach to contour sketching and applying watercolor washes. You'll also learn to create a portable art studio, preparing you for the next day's art trip.Relax in the late afternoon, 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 French jardins
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, grab your portable art studio, and set out on a half-day art trip to a gorgeous botanical garden. You'll reach your destination after a short transfer.Immerse yourself in the beauty of the meticulously designed jardins, strolling amidst the vibrant flora. Develop your sketchbook and capture reference photos, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking landscape and botanical elements around you. This a good opportunity to practice yesterday's lessons about painting florals.Refuel with a refreshing lunch back at the venue, then join Jeanne in the gardens for an afternoon class on abstract landscapes. Follow Jeanne's demonstrations on capturing line and form in the landscape using graphite and charcoal. Practice your new skills and find an eye-catching subject to portray, inspired by the rustic countryside surrounding Domaine d'En Naudet.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 4: Art classes at the venue
The next day starts with a delicious breakfast, followed by a check-in over coffee with Jeanne and the first workshop of the day.You'll continue practicing your abstract landscape skills. Finish up your sketches in graphite, then begin layering watercolor and gouache with Jeanne's guidance. Explore the grounds at the venue in search of inspiring subjects or use reference photos. Try out different angles and scenes; maybe it's the old watchtower that captivates you, the hills stretching endlessly beyond, or the golden wheat fields.Take a break with some tasty lunch, then rejoin your group for the afternoon class. It's time to let your creativity loose! Jeanne will show you how to make your own inks from charcoal, and how to create dye using natural elements. You'll experiment with dyeing fabric and you'll also tackle some mark-making exercises in your sketchbook. If you run into any roadblocks, your instructor will be there to give you an extra hand.In the late afternoon, enjoy leisure time as you wish. Gather with your art group for a sumptuous dinner paired with a glass of French wine.

### Day 5: Art trip to Albi
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, prepare 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.Jeanne will give you a list of artistic "invitations" - subjects to search for, or techniques to practice. You may take on Jeanne's challenges and keep working on your sketchbook, or wander and explore at your own pace.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 the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, featuring an extensive collection of the painter's works. Later in the afternoon, you may join Jeanne for an art session in the Palais' lush garden. The vibrant flowers are a great subject for experimenting with color.In the evening, return to the venue for a three-course dinner, delightfully paired with a glass of local wine.

### Day 6: Art at the venue & wine tasting
Your morning starts with breakfast and a coffee check-in, then it's back to the studio for another creative session.Jeanne will introduce you to the wonderful art of linocut. She'll show you how to craft a couple of carved linoleum stencils. Applying the natural dye you created a day prior, stamp your prints onto paper or dyed pieces of fabric. Spend the rest of the class adding your prints to your art journal.Return to Domaine d'En Naudet for lunch, then prepare for a relaxed afternoon at a nearby château winery. Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of French wine-making as you learn about the intricacies of the process. The highlight of the visit is a delightful wine-tasting experience, savoring the unique flavors of the region.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, where you'll learn more about drawing still-life subjects in graphite and charcoal. This is where your toolset of techniques comes together; during the afternoon session you will use your previous still life sketch as inspiration and learn how to sketch with paint and layer with watercolor and gouache.Lunch will be served before the afternoon class. Wrap up your paintings and add those finishing touches, then prepare for a special event—a mini-exhibition of the pieces created during the retreat. This optional gallery showing is a great opportunity for you to give and receive constructive feedback from your peers, and to boast about your achievements.As the day draws to a close, come together for an exquisite 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 Jeanne 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 estimated arrival time of 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- **Jeanne Oliver** - Artist, teacher, author, and art business consultant

## 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/mixed-media-art-retreat-artist-jeanne-oliver-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/mixed-media-art-retreat-artist-jeanne-oliver-france) to make a reservation.

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