# Watercolor at the Chateau Art Retreat with Artist Jenna Rainey in France Join Jenna Rainey for an enriching art retreat in the tranquil French countryside. This immersive experience is designed for artists of all levels, offering the chance to refine skills, overcome creative hurdles, and connect with fellow artists. With Jenna's guidance, demonstrations, and personalized instruction, you'll explore the world of watercolor painting.Paint amazing floral and landscape pieces against the backdrop of charming medieval towns like Montpezat-de-Quercy and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. Experience genuine French culture with a family winery wine-tasting and a visit to a stunning botanical garden. Stay at a majestic 18th-century château. By the end of the retreat, you'll leave home with a portfolio of gorgeous paintings and memories that will last a lifetime. ## Details - **Dates:** June 9 - 16, 2024 - **Location:** Auty, Occitanie, France - **Starting Price:** $4,350 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Watercolor Art Retreat Discover a transformative art retreat led by artist Jenna Rainey in the serene French countryside. The retreat is designed to nurture your creative spirit, break down mental barriers, and foster self-exploration. Jenna's daily art sessions, personalized guidance, live demonstrations, and individual instruction will help you explore the world of watercolor painting. This retreat is open to all levels of experience, offering a supportive community where you can grow into your best artistic self.Immerse yourself in the beauty of Occitanie's landscapes, capturing vibrant florals and plein air scenes in watercolor. Engage in mindful artistry, experiment with color theory, and compose captivating pieces. Discover charming medieval towns like Montpezat-de-Quercy and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, experience authentic French culture with a wine tasting at a family winery, and wander the paths of a paradisiac botanical garden.Your classes will cover topics such as:Crafting loose florals and landscapesApplying mindfulness to creative processesMastering color theory and palette selectionUsing hue, contrast, and consistency to your advantageCreating a cohesive compositionEngaging in plein air painting sessions inspired by various scenic backdropsOne-to-one tuition and support that fits your artistic needsLetting go of your inner critic and developing your artistic identityCapturing striking reference photosDigitizing your artwork and boosting your social media presence...and so much more.Your retreat venue is Château Dumas, a magnificent 18th-century château. Relish delectable French cuisine, share insights with fellow artists, and create lasting memories. Lastly, you'll learn all about the art of wine and food pairing with the guidance of a sommelier, during one of your evenings at the retreat venue.Please be aware that this retreat is not suitable for participants with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven terrain. Moreover, certain rooms at the venue are only accessible via stairs, and moving between your accommodation space and the studio may involve a short walk. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive via the 3:00 PM transfer from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport at Château Dumas. Settle in your cozy room, freshen up then join Jenna Rainey and your art group for a welcome tour. Then, gather in the dining area for a three-course dinner with Jenna and fellow artists, accompanied by delightful French wine. This is your chance to chat, make friends, and talk about the exciting art-filled week ahead. ### Day 2: Art at the château Get your day going with a tasty breakfast at Château Dumas. Join Jenna indoors in the studio or outside in the beautiful French gardens for the first class of the retreat. Start by getting familiar with the course plan and setting your own artistic goals.In this class, you'll get to know your art tools and some basic techniques while making lively and colorful floral paintings. Don't worry, watercolors are flexible, so feel free to play with different brushstrokes. After a light lunch, keep on learning and finding your artistic style during the afternoon class.Later, enjoy a calm walk in the verdant garden, drawing inspiration from the plants and flowers, or simply relax by the saltwater pool. As the day winds down, come together with Jenna and the other artists for a gourmet three-course dinner, paired with wonderful French wine. ### Day 3: Montpezat-de-Quercy trip The third day of the retreat begins with an inspiring visit to the fortified village of Montpezat-de-Quercy after breakfast. Stroll along the quaint cobblestone streets and draw inspiration from the rustic half-timbered houses. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Collegiate Church of St. Martin, adorned with vibrant Flemish tapestries, as it offers a wealth of ideas for your floral and landscape pieces.Following this, you'll be transferred to Château de Haute-Serre, where you'll enjoy a leisurely lunch on your own. Later, you'll head to the premium family winery to discover the intricate process of crafting some of the world's finest French wines.During the guided tour of the scenic estate, you'll capture reference photos that will inspire your future floral creations. After the tour, indulge in a unique wine-tasting experience, featuring the domain's Appellation d'Origine Controlée (AOC) varieties, including the signature rosé "Douceur du Palais".As evening approaches, return to the venue for a delectable three-course dinner paired with wine. Reflect on the day's creative insights, unwind, and rejuvenate for the days ahead. ### Day 4: Art at the château Begin the fourth day with a tasty breakfast alongside your fellow artists. Then, join Jenna in the gardens for an outdoor painting class. Learn how to arrange elements in your art, drawing inspiration from Château Dumas' serene surroundings and lush gardens. Find graceful shapes in vines, leaves, and flowers spread across the orchards and walnut groves. Jenna will guide you in composing your artwork, offering insights to tackle creative challenges. Discover a new artistic perspective and work on intricate details that will enhance your paintings.After lunch, head back to your workspace to explore painting delicate, vintage-style floral elements, inspired by your visit to Montpezat-de-Quercy and the wine tasting experience at Haute-Serre.Later in the afternoon, take a break by the pool or chat with fellow artists in the gardens. Gather on the terraces for a chef-made dinner, enhanced by a glass of wine. ### Day 5: Art at the château Following breakfast, begin the day's watercolor classes either indoors or outdoors in the gardens. Jenna will delve into color theory, covering mixing, understanding temperature and tones, and creating contrast to make your paintings pop.After lunch, the afternoon class will guide you in becoming an observant explorer of hues and consistency. Jenna will provide personalized guidance and demonstrations as needed.Enjoy leisure time to relax, then gather with your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner, paired with a glass of fragrant French wine. Share your creative journey and experiences, building anticipation for the upcoming trip to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. ### Day 6: Saint-Antonin trip After breakfast and the morning check-in, set off for a captivating adventure with Jenna and your fellow artists. You'll visit the medieval town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, a place of historical and architectural wonder. Meander through the enchanting cobblestone streets adorned with centuries-old buildings. Discover the medieval decor, intricate doorways, and rustic facades that whisper tales of the past.Enjoy a delicious lunch at a charming local bistro on your own, followed by a visit to breathtaking botanical gardens, brimming with colors, textures, and natural grace to spark your imagination. Explore a tapestry of flora from around the world, each plant telling its own unique story through colors, delicate patterns, and shapes. Capture the dance of light and shadow, the interplay of textures, and the harmonious blend of colors through sketches or reference photos.As the day winds down, return to the venue for a delectable three-course dinner, shared with Jenna and your artistic companions. Enjoy this delightful culinary experience, thoughtfully paired with fine French wine. Reflect on the day's travels, share your experiences, and relish the company of your art group. ### Day 7: Art at the château Kickstart the final day of the retreat with a hearty breakfast. In the morning class, Jenna will guide you through refining your artwork using the techniques you've acquired so far. Her personalized guidance will help you overcome any creative obstacles. Discover invaluable insights into digitizing your art and building a robust online presence. Jenna will also answer any questions on seeking inspiration, optimizing layout, and capturing your art through photography.Post-lunch, come together with your fellow artists for a vibrant group exhibition, led by Jenna. Here, you'll proudly present your accomplishments and engage in a meaningful closing circle. This is your moment to forge deeper connections with your artistic companions, exchanging constructive feedback and celebrating each other's progress.The retreat culminates in a grand farewell dinner, shared with the group. ### Day 8: Departure The departure day starts with a delicious breakfast. Say your final farewells to your art group, and board the 10:00 AM transfer to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (arriving at the airport at 11:00 AM). ## Instructors - **Jenna Rainey** - Illustrator, Watercolorist, Surface Designer ## Accommodation ### Château Dumas ### Shared standard ensuite room ### Shared superior ensuite (single bed) ### Shared superior ensuite (double bed) ### Shared bathroom - single room (single bed) ### Shared bathroom - single room (double bed) ### Shared bathroom - single superior ### Single standard ensuite ### Single superior ensuite ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-at-the-chateau-art-retreat-artist-jenna-rainey-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-at-the-chateau-art-retreat-artist-jenna-rainey-france) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*