# The Story of a Portrait Art Retreat with Artist Juliette Belmonte in France

Join artist Juliette Belmonte for an inspiring art retreat in the stunning Dordogne region of southwestern France. Explore storytelling through art and enhance your unique creative expression. Blending hands-on practice with personalized guidance and immersive experiences, the retreat is best suited to artists with prior painting experience.Over the week, you'll create expressive, layered artworks using acrylics and mixed media. Through Juliette's daily classes, detailed demonstrations, and individual feedback, tap into your playful side and discover your unique artistic voice. Incorporate elements from your surroundings to craft elaborate narratives for your pieces. Beyond your classes in the studio, you'll draw inspiration from art trips to nearby medieval towns like Issigeac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, and the vibrant market in Eymet, weaving these experiences into your work.Taking place at a historic estate dating back to the times of Napoleon, the retreat offers the perfect setting to refine your skills while enjoying the romantic charm of the French countryside. Savor exquisite local cuisine and forge lasting connections with a small group of fellow artists. By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with beautiful artwork alongside a deeper understanding of your personal style.

## Details

- **Dates:** October 11 - 18, 2025
- **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,700
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Narrative Portraits Art Retreat
Join artist Juliette Belmonte for a transformative retreat in the picturesque Dordogne region of southwestern France, where you'll explore storytelling through art and discover your unique creative voice. Dive into the world of acrylics and mixed media, perfecting techniques that seamlessly blend traditional painting with unexpected materials to create expressive, layered artworks.This art retreat is designed for artists with prior art experience, ideally with an established painting practice and eager to build on their skills. In addition to your daily classes, you'll explore three breathtaking locations in Dordogne: the medieval town of Issigeac, the picturesque village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, and the vibrant market town of Eymet. Incorporate elements from your surroundings into your art, adding a touch of local flavor to your visual storytelling.Juliette’s classes are expertly crafted to refine your skills, offering a mix of hands-on practice, personalized guidance, and insightful demonstrations. Try out creative exercises to loosen up and tap into your playful side, experiment with intuitive mark-making, and incorporate unexpected materials into your work. Juliette will guide you in creating narratives through the use of personal objects and imagery, as well as developing effective self-critique and self-inquiry techniques to refine your art.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Combining traditional painting techniques with mixed materials seamlesslyIntuitive mark-making and writing, using your immediate surroundings to tell the story of your art—the story of the nowUsing unexpected materials and incorporating them into your work as a means of expression and visual storytellingTranscending the limitations of a photo reference by combining references, altering, and personalizingEffectively and mindfully integrating non-traditional media into your artExploring color as a means of storytellingCreating narrative and engagement through the use of personal objects and imageryLearning to effectively self-critiqueSelf-inquiry as a means of editing...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
Board the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat destination—a historic 25-acre estate nestled in the Dordogne region. Upon arrival, settle into your comfortable room, refresh yourself, and meet Juliette Belmonte, your instructor. Enjoy a guided tour of the estate, exploring communal areas, gardens, terraces, the heated pool, private woodland, and the picturesque pond.Your evening wraps up with a delightful welcome dinner accompanied by fine French wine, offering the perfect introduction to the week ahead.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Start your day with a nourishing breakfast, setting the tone for a full day of artistic exploration. Join Juliette for a morning check-in to discuss the exciting plans ahead.Tap into your playful side with a couple of fun warm-ups. Make big, expressive marks on paper, working on multiple substrates to create unique foundations for your artwork. Make a creative mess in a non-judgmental environment, freely expressing yourself without constraints. By experimenting and finding ways to make your work unique to you, you'll better define your style.After a leisurely lunch, the afternoon class will focus on further developing your work. Take what you've created and find inspiration to turn it into something more refined. Juliette will offer one-on-one guidance, discuss your goals, and provide hands-on support as she explains more technical aspects. With personalized feedback rather than formal demonstrations, you'll have the space to explore and grow.As the day winds down, you'll prepare for tomorrow's trip to Issigeac, discussing how the trip will tie into your ongoing work. Enjoy some free time to relax and reflect on your progress. The evening culminates in a delightful dinner, prepared by the in-house chef and paired with local wines.

### Day 3: Art trip to Issigeac
After a hearty breakfast, join Juliette and your fellow artists for a morning trip to the enchanting village of Issigeac.With roots dating back to the 6th century, Issigeac's winding streets and half-timbered houses offer a captivating journey through time. Immerse yourself in the village's unique atmosphere, perhaps settling in a quaint café near the historic church of Saint-Félicien. Juliette has prepared an exercise to help you capture the essence of your surroundings, encouraging you to gather impressions and ideas for your art.Return to the estate for lunch, savoring delicious local cuisine. In the afternoon, head back to the studio to dive deeper into your creative process. Discuss the morning's experiences with Juliette and the group, and weave the trip's influence into your portraits, enriching them with narrative depth. Juliette will offer one-on-one feedback, guiding you through technical aspects and helping you refine your abilities.As the day comes to a close, relax and unwind with a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the venue's chef, paired with exquisite local wines. Share reflections on the day's adventures with your peers.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Start your day with a delightful breakfast, then join Juliette over coffee for a brief morning check-in, followed by the next class. Today's focus is on exploring advanced mixed-media techniques to enhance your artistic storytelling. Juliette will show you how to design a personal background to better tell a story through your portraits.Experiment with selecting a color palette that truly resonates with you. Fine-tune your material choices and techniques to make your colors more sophisticated. Juliette will guide you in analyzing color palettes drawn from your environment. Using references from your previous trip, narrow down the elements that most interest you. You'll be able to make confident decisions about what you want to develop or finish in your artwork. Toward the end of the class, dive into advanced mixed media techniques such as layering different materials, incorporating textures, and experimenting with collage elements like fabric or found objects.After a leisurely lunch, change your focus to storytelling through art. Use your unique experiences to inform what resonates with you artistically, combining the many techniques you tried out during the morning class. Juliette will offer personalized feedback, ensuring your artwork reflects your personal journey.As the day winds down, regroup in the gardens for a special event: a wine and cheese-tasting experience. Embrace this quintessential part of French culture as you sample the delicious varieties that make the Dordogne region famous. Afterward, gather for a delightful dinner prepared by the estate's chef, allowing you to unwind and share insights with your fellow artists.

### Day 5: Trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
After a hearty breakfast, gear up for an inspiring art trip to the Dordogne River and the enchanting village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of France's most beautiful destinations. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Beynac boasts the imposing Château de Beynac—a 12th-century fortress that stands as a testament to time and has been featured in films like "Revenge of the Musketeers" and Luc Besson's "Joan of Arc."As you begin your day in Beynac, meander through the village's narrow cobblestone streets lined with flower-decked houses. Take photos and gather ideas from the medieval buildings and stunning views that characterize the village. Pay close attention to the atmosphere and surroundings. Engage all of your senses: notice the textures of ancient stone walls warmed by the morning sun, listen to the gentle sounds of village life awakening, and inhale the fresh scents of local bakeries. Reflect on your personal reactions and emotions and how they can guide your artistic decisions moving forward.Pause for a light lunch at a quaint café in the town center, overlooking the tranquil Dordogne River. Afterward, wander through different parts of the village or make your way to the imposing Château de Beynac, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The cinematic history of the castle might inspire your upcoming work.After a day filled with personal discovery and inspiration, return to the estate to unwind. 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
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a pleasant 15-minute stroll to the lively Eymet Market.Browse the many stalls and find inspiration among the trinkets, produce, antiquities, and delicacies sold here. Keep an eye out for something that resonates with you—perhaps a unique color, an intriguing shape, a captivating texture, or even an unconventional painting tool. Grab an eye-catching item to later incorporate into your artwork and allow the market's atmosphere to inspire your creative process.Return to the studio for an afternoon of creative exploration. Juliette will guide you on how to tap into your market experience and weave it into your painting in non-obvious, non-linear ways. You'll learn to use your observations to inform and guide your work. Incorporate elements of storytelling and your personal signature to make the piece truly your own. Focus on making your art a reflection of your journey and your experiences.Conclude the day with a delectable three-course dinner, complemented by fine local wine.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Begin your final day with a hearty breakfast before gathering in the studio for a reflective morning session.Use this time to wrap up your artwork, adding any finishing touches to your pieces. Juliette will guide you through thoughtful questions to help you decide if your paintings feel complete or if they need further refinement. Discuss the main takeaways from the retreat and discuss how to apply these insights to your artistic practice back home.After a light lunch, reconvene for a special afternoon session. The retreat culminates in a mini-exhibition, where you'll showcase your artwork and share the stories behind your creative journey. This closing circle offers an opportunity to reflect on your progress, receive feedback, and celebrate the artistic growth you've achieved during your time here.As the day winds down, join your fellow artists for an exquisite farewell dinner. Celebrate the connections made and the unforgettable experiences shared in the beautiful surroundings of France. Raise a glass to your accomplishments and the creative journey you've embarked upon.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Juliette and your retreat companions before it's time to part ways. Departing at 9:00 AM, you'll head to Bergerac train station, arriving around 9:45 AM. As you journey home, you'll carry with you a heart full of inspiration and unforgettable memories.

## Instructors

- **Juliette Belmonte** - Multimedia portrait artist

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate

### Shared standard room

### Shared superior room

### Single standard room

### Single superior room

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-story-of-a-portrait-art-retreat-juliette-belmonte-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-story-of-a-portrait-art-retreat-juliette-belmonte-france) to make a reservation.

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