painting light in oils
Join me in the Pyrenees for my week-long painting retreat, with locally-sourced food, stunning grounds, a large studio space, and easy access to mountain views for boundless artistic inspiration.
DATES
October 30 – November 6, 2027
PRICING
Tutor’s fee £600, accommodation from €1,895 (approx. £1625)
LOCATION
Pau, France
LEVEL
All abilities
MEDIUM
Oils
ACCOMMODATION
Luxurious 18th century estate
I’m beyond excited to be returning once again for a week-long painting retreat at Clos Mirabel in 2027. Working with Rachel and Xavier to bring this experience to you is an absolute pleasure. They bring a quiet luxury that makes everyone feel at home, with delicious and locally-sourced food and wine, a beautiful estate, and fantastic studio space for us when we aren’t making the most of the ever-changing views of the Pyrenees.
THE RETREAT
During the course of the week, I’ll run studio sessions working from photographs, focusing on light, colour, and atmosphere, with individual feedback throughout. I’ll give demonstrations for you, going into detail about my process and tools. We’ll also paint en plein air, both on the grounds at Clos Mirabel and in the mountains, producing a variety of work from observational sketches to finished pieces. All the way through, I’ll be there to provide tailored support and feedback as you learn to think about values, depth, and light in new ways, building compositions and
developing your eye. See below for the full itinerary – with a mix of studio, plein air and work on location, be prepared to bring back a wealth of new subjects, skills and above all special memories to treasure.
A week in the pyrenees
DAY 1
saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards
Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel.
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner
DAY 2
sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Landscape painting in the studio, from photographs, specifically looking at colour, composition, tone and brushwork. Short demonstration for students to work from.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Studio work with individual tuition throughout the day
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
DAY 3
MONDAY
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Landscape painting en plein air at Clos Mirabel – beginning with a demonstration. Quick sketches based on observation – looking at the difference in colour, how to achieve painterly depth.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Afternoon – studio work from sketches with individual tuition
5.30 – An evening talk on prominent local landscape artists
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
DAY 4
TUESDAY
8.30 – 9.15 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – Depart Clos Mirabel
10.00 – 12.45 Day out working en plein air in the mountains, with the large vista looking south. Quick sketches based on observations, followed by lighting, colour, depth and texture and the economy of brushwork to get as much information as quickly as possible.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at local Auberge
2.30 – 4.30 Plein air painting/sketching in the area of lac de Castet
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Please note this programme may be subject to change depending on the weather.
Please ensure you bring sensible walking shoes, layers, waterproof jacket, water bottle, sunscreen and a hat.
DAY 5
WEDNESDAY
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest wine tasting in a local vineyard, exploring Pau or beyond.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
DAY 6
thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Studio work from photographs and sketches of the mountains/village. Demonstration, followed by individual tutoring.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Studio work with individual tuition throughout the day
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
DAY 7
FRIDAY
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Free day of painting at Clos Mirabel, with individual tuition throughout. Working either en plein air, still life, or from our photographs and sketches.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Free day of painting at Clos Mirabel, with individual tuition throughout. Working either en plein air, still life, or from our photographs and sketches.
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the Atelier and aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
DAY 8
SATURDAY
Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
practical information
What’s Included
- Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Jenny Aitken
- Spacious art studio equipped with portable easels, chairs, and drawing boards
- 7 nights of accommodation at an 18th century estate
- Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, outdoor hot tubs, terraces, and gardens
- All meals except Wednesday lunch
Good to Know
- Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a raincoat, a coat for chilly weather, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.
- I will provide a detailed list of art materials before the retreat takes place. You can request for Clos Mirabel to order in paints and materials on request if you prefer.
Travel
From the UK there are direct flights available to Lourdes, a 45 minute drive from Clos Mirabel. Alternatively you can fly to Pau, transferring in Paris.
Accommodation
Beautifully restored 18th century manor with a variety of rooms or studios with kitchenettes.
Food
Everything is homemade with great attention to detail and when possible with produce from the Clos Mirabel permaculture garden. Breakfast is a buffet of local and regional produce. Lunch is often served on the terrace or as a gourmet picnic on location. Dinner is a four course meal with selected wines from local producers. Apéritifs are available each evening before dinner. Contact the venue in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.
ready to join us?
France · Oct 30 – Nov 6
Booking is managed by Uptrek.