# Paint Your Vacation Art Retreat with Artist Lindsay Weirich in France

Join artist Lindsay Weirich for a once-in-a-lifetime art retreat in the romantic landscape of southern France. Create your very own travel sketchbook, and capture the essence of Occitanie using watercolor, pencil, and waterproof pens in splendid illustrations. Grow your artistic confidence and practice painting florals, still-life, landscape, food, and architectural pieces while documenting your adventure.Stay at a gorgeous private estate, featuring traditional French gîtes, expansive private gardens, and saltwater pools. Explore the picturesque French countryside through art trips to lush French Jardins and the historical town of Albi, and savor the bounty of Occitanie with a visit to a historic château and vineyard. Indulge in mouthwatering French cuisine with chef-made meals every day, accompanied by premium local wine.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 13 - 20, 2024
- **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France
- **Starting Price:** $3,950
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Travel Sketchbook Retreat
Join artist Lindsay Weirich for an inspiring art adventure in the picturesque countryside of Occitanie, in the South of France. This week-long retreat is ideal for those looking to capture the essence of a wonderful destination in a unique way - through a gorgeous travel sketchbook. Using watercolor, pencils, and waterproof pens, Lindsay will teach you all there is to know about creating amazing sketchbook pieces and choosing elements that make a trip truly memorable. Her encouraging style of teaching and the one-to-one tutoring time you'll get with Lindsay will take your art skills to the next level. By the end of the retreat, you'll have crafted and completed your very own travel sketchbook recording your adventures in Occitanie.Lindsay will hold daily classes covering plenty of plein-air painting (but also some quiet time in the studio), touching on all the essential skills of a travel sketchbook artist: sketching quickly and on the go, elements of architecture and perspective, painting landscapes en plein-air, floral still-life, food illustration, and looking at the world with an artistic lens. You're welcome to join regardless of your level; Lindsay will adapt her teaching to your needs.Some of the things you'll gain from this retreat number:A newfound sense of confidenceMore comfort in mixing colorsSketching quickly and more decisivelyAn improved speed and accuracy for drawing on locationA strong sense of instinct and decision-making abilitiesValuing your artistic voice more deeplyLasting friendships and connectionand many more.In addition to creating alongside Lindsay every day, you'll explore the picturesque French countryside with trips to lush French gardens (Jardins), the historical town of Albi, and a family-owned vineyard found on the grounds of a typical French château, featuring a special wine-tasting event. You'll also have plenty of leisure time to enjoy the premium retreat venue, Domaine d'En Naudet, with its extensive gardens, refreshing pool, and imposing watchtower, and you'll delight in the cuisine of Occitanie with chef-made meals and local wine.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac airport for a 3:00 PM transfer to Domaine d'En Naudet. After settling into your comfortable room, embark on an orientation tour of the estate, including the picturesque garden, watchtower, living spaces, and pools. The retreat officially begins with a delicious welcome, featuring exquisite cocktails, mouthwatering canapés, and a three-course dinner paired with French wine. Connect with fellow artists and your instructor, Lindsay Weirich, as you prepare for an inspiring artistic journey.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Start your second day of the retreat with a delicious breakfast to fuel your creativity. Meet for a relaxed check-in session over coffee, where you can share your experiences and aspirations with fellow participants.The morning will teach you the art of creating your own sketchbooks, helped by Lindsay's demonstrations. This engaging activity serves as an icebreaker, helping everyone embrace a learning mindset and leave their mental blocks behind.After the morning session, enjoy a satisfying lunch to rejuvenate and connect with your fellow artists. In the afternoon, delve into the world of quick sketches, learning techniques to capture the essence of a scene with speed and spontaneity. The class culminates in plein air painting in the breathtaking gardens of Domaine d'En Naudet, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings and translate their beauty onto canvas.Following the afternoon class, take some leisure time to relax, explore the estate, or soak in the inspiring atmosphere. In the evening, gather for a memorable three-course dinner, thoughtfully paired with a glass of exquisite French wine. Savor the flavors, engage in meaningful conversations, and reflect on the artistic growth and connections made during this exciting first day of classes.

### Day 3: Art trip to French Jardins
Begin your third day of the retreat with a delightful breakfast. Gather for a morning check-in session over coffee, sharing your progress and experiences with fellow participants.Embark on an inspiring art trip to enchanting French gardens. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you sketch, capture photos, and practice the art of floral painting. Take in the vibrant colors, complex details, and serene atmosphere, allowing them to ignite your artistic expression.Return to Domaine d'En Naudet for a satisfying lunch, then dive into the captivating world of still-life florals painting. Using a larger piece of paper, create a botanical illustration, capturing the delicate beauty of flowers in a detailed and expressive manner. Receive one-to-one guidance from Lindsay to bring your artwork to life.After the class, enjoy leisure time to relax and unwind. Take a leisurely stroll through the tranquil gardens, or indulge in a refreshing dip in the pool. Allow the serene surroundings to rejuvenate your senses and calm your spirit.As the day draws to a close, gather for a memorable three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of exquisite wine. Relish the culinary delights of Occitanie while reflecting on the artistic discoveries and connections made throughout the day.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Kickstart your fourth day of the retreat with a delicious breakfast. Join Lindsay and your fellow participants for a check-in session over coffee, where you'll have the chance to ask any questions about today's schedule.In the morning art class, embark on a creative exploration of the venue grounds. Take in the picturesque landscapes of rural Occitanie, searching for captivating elements to add to your travel sketchbook. It could be a vibrant plant in the garden, the architectural charm of Domaine d'En Naudet's tower, or any other intriguing feature that catches your eye. Put your knowledge from the previous day's class on florals into action, capturing the essence of your discoveries in your sketches.After a fulfilling morning of artistic exploration, gather for a satisfying lunch, then move on to the afternoon class, which continues the work started in the morning. Lindsay will be present to provide individual guidance and feedback, fostering a supportive environment for artistic growth. Build upon your previous sketches, refining your techniques and adding depth to your travel sketchbook.Following the art class, enjoy some leisure time to relax, reflect, or explore the serene surroundings at your own pace. The day culminates with a memorable three-course dinner, thoughtfully paired with a glass of exquisite French wine.

### Day 5: Art trip to Albi
Prepare for a captivating full-day excursion to Albi, a medieval city nestled alongside the tranquil Tarn River. After breakfast, pack a small watercolor set and your sketchbook, and embark on a picturesque journey to this historic destination. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage as you explore iconic landmarks like the Basilica of St. Cecilia, a breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and stroll across the Pont-Vieux bridge, offering panoramic views of the meandering river and enchanting cityscape, providing inspiration for sketches and reference photos to use for your classes in the studio.Indulge in a delightful riverside lunch at one of the charming restaurants of your choosing, then visit the Palais de la Berbie, a majestic fortress-turned-museum that houses an impressive Toulouse-Lautrec collection. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of this influential artist, marveling at the captivating paintings.Lastly, join Lindsay and fellow artists to paint in the exquisite garden flowers at the Palais de la Berbie. After a day of exploration, return to Domaine d'En Naudet for a relaxing evening. Delight in a delicious dinner, reflecting on the artistic wonders encountered in Albi. Let the inspiration nurture your creative spirit as the retreat continues.

### Day 6: Art at the venue & wine tasting
Begin the day with a delicious breakfast, followed by a coffee check-in to set the creative tone. In the morning art class, you will delve deeper into still-life painting and sketching, this time focusing on wine-themed elements like glasses, bottles, vine leaves, and grapes. Let your brush capture the essence of these elements, preparing for the afternoon visit to a French château and vineyard.After a satisfying lunch, embark on a captivating journey to the nearby château. The visit includes a guided tour of the magnificent château, the lush vineyard, and the fascinating cellars. Immerse yourself in the world of traditional French wine-making as you learn about the intricacies of the process. The highlight of the visit awaits as you indulge in a delightful wine-tasting experience, savoring the flavors of the region.Return to the tranquil ambiance of Domaine d'En Naudet, where leisure time beckons. Relax, stroll through the gardens, or take a dip in the inviting pool. Let the day's experiences settle as you immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.In the evening, gather for a three-course dinner, expertly crafted to delight your taste buds. Each course will be paired with a carefully selected glass of French wine, enhancing the culinary experience. Savor the flavors, unwind, and reflect on the enchanting moments of the day, knowing that more artistic adventures await in the days to come.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Start your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a coffee check-in to energize you. The morning class will focus on architectural plein-air sketching and painting, where you'll have the opportunity to practice perspective, scale, and composition. Be inspired by the captivating architecture at Domaine d'En Naudet or draw inspiration from the reference photos taken during your trip to Albi.After a satisfying lunch, immerse yourself in the afternoon class. This session allows you to add the final touches to your travel sketchbook or work on any personal projects you'd like to explore. Feel free to let your creativity flow and experiment with different techniques and subjects.In the evening, join a non-compulsory mini-exhibition. Display your best artwork and engage in a supportive environment where participants can provide constructive feedback and celebrate each other's artistic achievements.As the retreat nears its end, gather for a celebratory farewell dinner. Indulge in a three-course chef-made meal paired with exquisite French wine. Relish the flavors, toast to the memories created, and bid farewell to this enriching artistic journey with a sense of accomplishment.

### Day 8: Departure
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Lindsay 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

- **Lindsay Weirich** - Artist and educator

## 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/paint-your-vacation-art-retreat-artist-linsday-weirich-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-your-vacation-art-retreat-artist-linsday-weirich-france) to make a reservation.

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