# A Sense of Place Drawing Retreat with Artist Luke Adam Hawker in the South of France Join artist Luke Adam Hawker for a week of drawing, exploring, and slowing down at the beautiful Domaine d'En Naudet in Occitanie, France. This retreat is all about stepping away from the noise of everyday life and reconnecting with your creativity in a meaningful, inspiring way. Together, we’ll dive into drawing techniques that help you really see the world around you—you’ll have the chance to capture perspective, light, atmosphere, texture, and architectural details. Whether you're sketching a quiet corner of a garden or the intricate shapes of an old stone building, drawing becomes a way to be fully present, to breathe a little deeper, and to notice the beauty in the moment. This retreat isn’t about perfection; it’s about building confidence, curiosity, and connection. Throughout the week, Luke will be joined by assistant and fellow artist Laura to help ensure guests feel an extra level of support whether you’re new to drawing or looking to deepen your practice. You’ll leave with new skills, a fresh creative spark, and a sketchbook full of memories. More than that, you’ll come away feeling recharged and grounded, with a deeper sense of how creativity can support you far beyond the page. We’ll find inspiration all around us, from the peaceful French countryside to visits to gorgeous gardens, the medieval town of Albi, as well as a local château winery. We invite you to join us for a truly enriching, transformative experience, both for your art and your well-being. ## Details - **Dates:** September 1 - 8, 2025 - **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France - **Starting Price:** $4,750 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### On-Location Drawing Retreat “When UpTrek approached me about hosting an art retreat, the thought of sharing my love for drawing with a small group of like-minded people; people who are curious, creative, and open to connecting in a deeper way, felt incredibly special. Drawing has always been a way for me to slow down and really see the world and I can’t think of a more beautiful place to share that experience than the south of France. This retreat is about more than just improving your skills, it’s about connecting with others, finding presence through creativity and seeing the world differently, together.”This week-long retreat in the serene countryside of Occitanie, France, will provide you with a solid drawing foundation. Over 8 days, you'll delve into key formative drawing techniques, guided by Luke's expertise. We welcome participants of any and all levels; the goal is to help you become more confident in your skills and artistic choices.Stay in a beautiful French estate, and explore Occitanie during inspiring art trips to a French botanical garden, the medieval town of Albi, and a charming château winery. Join a group of 15 other like-minded artists, savor exquisite local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.Luke Adam Hawker, with his passion for on-location drawing and connecting with the spirit of a place, will guide you through various themes including architectural, nature, and life drawing. Through hands-on and personalized classes, you'll gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of capturing the essence of your surroundings. You'll use drawing as a tool to see the world in a new light. Additionally, you'll receive extra guidance from assistant Laura Mochrie, ensuring that every participant receives support tailored to their needs.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Introduction to formative drawing techniquesBasics of perspective in drawingMaintaining a healthy mindset as an artistCapturing the human form through life drawingExploring texture, tone, light, and shadowArchitectural drawingDrawing on location and capturing a sense of placeUtilizing mood and atmosphere in art to enhance storytellingExperimenting with new drawing methods...and many more.Domaine d'En Naudet, your retreat venue, is a beautifully restored farmhouse offering comfort and charm. This tranquil setting is an artist's haven, providing the perfect backdrop for creativity. During the retreat, you will also visit the meticulously designed French Jardins, the medieval town of Albi, and a local château winery (completed by a wine-tasting experience); all treasure troves of inspiration for your art. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac airport and catch the scheduled 3:00 PM transfer to Domaine d'En Naudet. Once there, ease into your cozy room, allowing yourself a moment to relax and soak in the ambiance. Meet your fellow artists and get acquainted with Luke Adam Hawker, your instructor for the retreat. Embark on a lovely orientation tour, showcasing the estate's highlights: the enchanting garden, the commanding watchtower, and those all-welcoming living spaces. In the afternoon, you'll be treated to handcrafted 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, setting the stage for a day immersed in art. Gather for a check-in over coffee, an occasion to discuss the day ahead.The morning class is an orientation session, providing an overview of the course. Delve into the basics of perspective, essential for bringing drawings to life, and discuss the importance of a healthy mindset in art. Luke will emphasize the need to relieve pressure on yourself and enjoy the creative process.After lunch, the afternoon session beckons you outside. Stroll around the estate, sketchbook in hand, to practice the morning's techniques. Domaine d'En Naudet's architecture, especially the imposing watchtower, offers perfect subjects for honing your skills.During leisure time, lose yourself in the tranquility of the grounds, perhaps finding solace by the saltwater pool or indulging in quiet reflection in the gardens.As dusk falls, reconvene for a three-course dinner, thoughtfully paired with a glass of local wine. Share experiences and impressions about your first full day in France with fellow artists. ### Day 3: Art trip to French gardens Wake up to a refreshing breakfast and join for a coffee check-in, a chance to align on the day's creative endeavors. The morning unfolds with an outdoor session in Domaine d'En Naudet's own gardens, where you'll workshop capturing the essence of trees and the natural environment. Embrace the challenge of translating texture, tone, light, and shadows onto paper. Luke will guide you, offering bespoke advice and feedback to refine your technique.Post-lunch, set off on an art trip to the exquisite French jardins. Let the beauty of these gardens fuel your creativity as you sketch their intricate design. It's an opportunity to apply your morning lessons to the real world, drawing and photographing to your heart's content, surrounded by nature's splendor. Luke will be on hand to give you some tips about drawing on location.Return to the comfort of Domaine d'En Naudet as the evening draws in, ready to enjoy a well-deserved dinner and reflect on the day's artistic journey. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue Day four dawns with a delicious breakfast, followed by a check-in over coffee to share insights and set goals. The morning class introduces life drawing, capturing the human form with a model as your guide. It's a chance to observe and translate the complexity of anatomy into your artwork, a skillful dance of observation and execution.Lunch offers a moment to relax before the afternoon class begins, focusing on the architectural features of Domaine d'En Naudet. You'll learn to capture the character and details of the estate's structures, from the sturdiness of stone to the narrative of weathered wood.Leisure time can be as active or restful as you desire. Wander the grounds, indulge in a book by the pool, or continue to practice your drawing in the peace of the countryside. As the sun sets, the day culminates in a three-course dinner, an occasion to savor flavors as rich as the day's experiences. ### Day 5: Art trip to Albi Start the day with a nourishing breakfast before setting off on an artistic expedition to the medieval town of Albi. Here, you'll be enveloped in a world rich with history and stunning Gothic architecture, like the awe-inspiring Basilica of St. Cecilia. Wander across the ancient Pont-Vieux bridge, capturing the meandering river and Albi's picturesque cityscape in your sketches and photographs.Enjoy a riverside lunch in one of Albi's quaint restaurants, followed by 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.The day's highlight is a drawing session in the Palais de la Berbie's lush flower garden. This serene setting, with its storied past, is perfect for creating your own masterpieces under Luke's guidance and alongside your fellow artists. 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 On the sixth day, start with breakfast and a coffee check-in to discuss your progress and plans. The morning class, held at Domaine d'En Naudet, will focus on capturing a sense of place, combining all the lessons learned so far. You'll explore how to convey atmosphere, lighting, and mood in your drawings, with Luke offering personalized guidance to enhance your skills.After lunch, prepare for a relaxed afternoon at a nearby château winery. This experience will immerse you in the local winemaking traditions and the château's grandeur, providing inspiration for your sketches. The visit includes a guided tour and a wine-tasting session, offering a taste of the region's exquisite flavors.During leisure time back at the Domaine, relax in the tranquil surroundings, continue practicing your new skills, or simply enjoy the estate's amenities. The day ends with a delightful three-course dinner, a perfect time to unwind and share your experiences with fellow participants. ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue On your final day at Domaine d'En Naudet, begin with breakfast and a coffee check-in. This day is a culmination of your artistic journey at Domaine d'En Naudet. The morning class is your final drawing session, a chance to revisit older artwork and experiment with newly learned techniques, applying fresh insights to your creations.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 within your group.The retreat concludes with a three-course farewell dinner. Revel in the friendships formed and the artistic journey shared. As you dine, reflect on your experiences and the inspiration you've gathered in this picturesque setting. Toast to your creative endeavors and a fond farewell to a memorable artistic retreat. ### Day 8: Departure After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Luke 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 - **Luke Adam Hawker** - Artist ## Accommodation ### Domaine d'En Naudet ### Shared ensuite attic room ### Shared room - shared bathroom ### Shared superior ensuite room (female only) ### Shared bathroom - single room ### Single room - adjacent bathroom ### Single ensuite room ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/a-sense-of-place-drawing-retreat-artist-luke-adam-hawker-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/a-sense-of-place-drawing-retreat-artist-luke-adam-hawker-france) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*