# Watercolor Art Retreat with Artist Emily Olson in France

Join artist Emily Olson for an inspiring watercolor retreat in the picturesque Dordogne region of France. Focus on still life, portraiture, landscapes, and sketchbook studies as you explore the charming villages of Eymet, Issigeac, and Beynac-et-Cazenac, drawing inspiration from their textures, light, and natural beauty.Set within a historic estate, this retreat offers daily sessions with Emily, featuring watercolor demonstrations, personalized feedback, and time to refine your work. Share meals and connect with like-minded artists in a supportive and creative atmosphere, leaving with new skills and artwork inspired by this stunning region.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 27 - October 4, 2025
- **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,600
- **Category:** Painting

## Program

### Watercolor Art Retreat
Join artist Emily Olson for an inspiring retreat in the picturesque Dordogne region of southwestern France. Immerse yourself in the art of watercolor painting, exploring themes of still life, portraiture, landscapes, and sketchbook studies. With Emily’s guidance, you’ll capture the essence of this stunning region, translating its timeless charm and natural beauty into dynamic, personal artwork. This retreat is open to artists of all levels, providing a supportive and encouraging environment where every participant’s creative journey is celebrated.Guided by Emily’s thoughtful teaching, you’ll explore foundational watercolor techniques, including palette selection, water control, brushwork, and composition. Through daily classes, Emily will help you build your skills and confidence, whether you’re mastering the fundamentals or refining advanced techniques. You’ll have the opportunity to work on value studies, layering, and color mixing, bringing depth and vibrancy to your work.Explore three enchanting locations—the medieval town of Issigeac, the storybook village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, and a stunning French market—each offering unique inspiration for your paintings. From capturing the interplay of light and shadow on cobblestone streets to sketching the lush landscapes along the Dordogne River, Emily will guide you in turning real-life scenes into expressive works of art. The topics covered during your lessons will include:Basic water control, controlling your watercolor when working uprightPainting in a sketchbook, on-locationPainting from life, whether that's a still life setup, a model, or the landscapes of DordogneFocusing on valuesNarrowing down complex pieces to simple shapesCreating strong compositionsDefeating artist's block and finding inspirationSketching and painting on the goColor mixing and working with a cohesive palette...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
Catch the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat venue—a stunning 25-acre historic estate in the heart of Dordogne. Upon arrival, settle into your cozy accommodations, take a moment to unwind, and meet Emily Olson, your instructor for the week. Start your experience with a guided tour of the estate, showcasing its charming communal spaces, beautifully landscaped gardens, sunlit terraces, a heated swimming pool, serene woodlands, and a tranquil pond. The day concludes with a warm welcome dinner featuring exquisite French cuisine and fine wine, setting the tone for an inspiring and unforgettable week ahead.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, energizing you for a creative and fulfilling experience in watercolor art. Over a cup of coffee, connect with Emily and your fellow artists as you review the day's plan.Dive into the morning class as Emily introduces the essentials of watercolor painting, from tools and palettes to fundamental techniques. Through engaging exercises, you’ll explore water control, washes, and color mixing, gaining confidence with each step. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, Emily's clear demonstrations and supportive guidance will ensure you feel at ease as you build a strong foundation for your creative journey.After a satisfying lunch, shift focus to your sketchbook practice. Using the estate's scenic surroundings as inspiration, you'll begin filling your pages with studies of still life, landscapes, or preliminary ideas for larger works. Emily will offer personalized tips and feedback as you explore composition, brushwork, and layering techniques.Take some time in the late afternoon to unwind. Stroll through the estate’s gardens, reflect by the pond, or relax by the pool, letting the serene atmosphere spark your creativity. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring delicious, local flavors and French wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to Issigeac
Following a delicious breakfast, grab your sketchbook and join the group for a morning trip to the picturesque village of Issigeac.With a history dating back to the 6th century, Issigeac’s winding streets and half-timbered houses exude a timeless charm. As you explore the village, take time to soak in its unique character, perhaps enjoying a moment at a cozy café near the historic church of Saint-Félicien. Capture the essence of its architecture or intricate details that spark your creativity, snapping reference photos to inspire future work. Along the way, discover unique treasures that could become focal points in your still-life compositions or cherished mementos of your visit.Back at the venue, enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring local flavors, reflecting on the morning’s discoveries and the inspiration you’ve gathered.In the afternoon, join Emily for an immersive watercolor session. She will demonstrate techniques for capturing landscapes, guiding you through the essentials of drawing and composition. Begin with thumbnail sketches and value studies to refine your artistic eye, then progress to distilling scenes into monochromatic paintings that emphasize form and structure. Emily’s thoughtful guidance will help you transform your morning observations into compelling studies, setting a strong foundation for your creative journey.As evening approaches, gather for a delicious dinner, sharing your progress and creative insights with fellow artists. This is a perfect time to connect, reflect, and prepare for the artistic journey ahead.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Start your day with a delightful breakfast, setting a calm and welcoming tone for the creative work ahead. Join Emily and your fellow artists for a casual coffee check-in.The morning art class focuses on techniques for still life. Refine your compositions, define strong focal points, and explore the nuances of creating depth in your work. Emily’s thoughtful feedback will help you navigate challenges, whether you're studying light and shadow or capturing the intricate details of your subject. This is also an opportunity to experiment with smaller-scale studies, honing your attention to fine details and subtle contrasts.Pause for a leisurely lunch, savoring local flavors and reflecting on the morning’s progress. In the afternoon, step outside to explore the estate’s scenic grounds. Emily will guide you in capturing the sweeping beauty of the French countryside, interpreting the grace of trees, gardens, and natural landscapes onto your canvas. Transition from the fine details of still life to the broader perspectives of landscape painting, developing a deeper understanding of composition and form. Emily’s personalized feedback and group critiques will help you refine your techniques and gain confidence as you expand your artistic focus.Regroup in the gardens for a special event: a wine and cheese-tasting experience. As a quintessential part of French culture, you'll try out the delicious varieties that made the Dordogne region famous. Afterward, gather again for a chef-made dinner.

### Day 5: Trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
The fifth day of your retreat begins with a hearty breakfast, preparing you for a full day of creative exploration at the Dordogne River and the historic village of Beynac-et-Cazenac. Known for its medieval architecture and breathtaking landscapes, this village, with the imposing Château de Beynac—a 12th-century fortress—as its centerpiece, offers a wealth of inspiration for your art.Spend the morning strolling through Beynac’s cobblestone streets, lined with flower-adorned houses and steeped in history. Take in the village’s atmosphere, snapping reference photos and noting the textures, colors, and unique charm of the surroundings. Wander past the grand Château de Beynac, and let its medieval architecture and dramatic presence spark ideas for future works. Absorb the interplay of light on stone walls, the patterns of the flora, and the vibrant life of the village as you gather inspiration for your art.Pause for a light lunch at a café in the heart of the village, overlooking the tranquil Dordogne River. Take this moment to recharge and reflect on the impressions of the morning. In the afternoon, settle along the riverbank for a plein air sketching session. With the serene water and lush landscape as your backdrop, Emily will guide you in capturing the essence of the scene through thoughtful compositions. Emily’s guidance will help you refine your techniques, experiment with layering, and bring depth and character to your work.Upon returning to the estate, take some time to relax and recharge. In the evening, gather with fellow artists for a delicious dinner, sharing insights and reflections from the day.

### Day 6: Trip to the French market
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a pleasant 15-minute stroll to the lively Eymet Market.Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you explore a variety of local produce, trinkets, and unique finds. If you’d like, this can be the perfect opportunity to capture inspiration from the surrounding colors, shapes, and textures. Take some reference photos or make a quick sketch of anything that catches your eye. Focus on urban landscapes, Emily will guide you through the process. Begin with value studies, capturing the play of light and shadow in monochromatic strokes. Once you’ve laid a solid foundation, transition into adding color, bringing your value sketches to life with vibrant tones and dynamic compositions.Pause for lunch, giving yourself time to recharge and reflect on the morning’s work. In the afternoon, dedicate time to refining your pieces, incorporating feedback from Emily as she provides individual feedback and answers questions. Use this session to deepen your understanding of the techniques covered earlier and continue building on your work, whether you’re enhancing your compositions or exploring new ideas inspired by the morning.Wrap up the day with a relaxed three-course dinner shared with fellow artists. Reflect on the day’s accomplishments, exchange insights, and enjoy the camaraderie of the group as you prepare for the days ahead.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Begin your final day with a hearty breakfast, setting the tone for a reflective and creatively fulfilling morning session.The morning class focuses on portraiture, offering the unique opportunity to observe a live model as Emily demonstrates the art of capturing human expressions and features in watercolor. Learn essential techniques, from building structure and proportions to conveying depth and emotion. Emily will provide personalized feedback throughout the session, and the group will discuss strategies for continuing your watercolor practice after the retreat, along with ways to stay connected and draw on the inspiration and techniques developed here in your future work.Pause for a relaxed lunch before participating in an engaging Q&A session with Emily and your fellow artists. This interactive discussion is a chance to seek guidance on specific techniques, share experiences from the week, and gain further insights into the creative process. Conclude the day with a mini-exhibition where you’ll showcase your work, share the journey behind each piece, and celebrate the progress and accomplishments of everyone in the group. Emily will offer final individual feedback, highlighting the unique growth and artistic achievements of each artist.As evening falls, gather with your fellow artists for a warm farewell dinner. Celebrate the creative milestones, new friendships, and lasting memories of your inspiring journey together.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Emily and your fellow artists before it's time to part ways. Departing at 9:00 AM, you'll head to Gare 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

- **Emily Olson** - Watercolor artist and teacher

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate

### Shared standard room

### Shared superior room (female only)

### Single standard room

### Single superior room

## Book This Retreat

Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-art-retreat-artist-emily-olson-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/watercolor-art-retreat-artist-emily-olson-france) to make a reservation.

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