While based at the studio and accommodation, we’ll also venture out to sketch in the picturesque local area—an excellent way to immerse ourselves in the scenery! There’s so
much of interest hidden round every corner of the ancient streets of the local villages, it makes an ideal focus to get to grips with sketching and watercolour painting.
We'll get outdoors and paint the local villages and landscapes in watercolour. It's a great way of seeing the area, absorbing French culture and learning or practicing your painting skills.
Whether you want to learn to use watercolours, practice, improve your skills or gain confidence, I am sure this break will have something for you.
About the retreat
Learn or practice sketching techniques in pencil, inks and watercolours with as much (or as little) help, tips and advice as you’d like from your tutor, local artist Jon Sephton.
You’re guaranteed plenty of personal attention as numbers will be limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Above all, the course is about having fun and getting enjoyment from gaining new skills or practicing this fascinating hobby.
Depending on your requirements, the mornings would be spent learning a new skill, with the afternoons outdoors practicing.
The course cost includes a high-quality A5 sketchbook of watercolour paper by Fabriano— perfect for a variety of techniques and media. I personally use these sketchbooks and can vouch for their excellent quality.I also provide a good supply of fineliner pens,pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and a small selectionof watercolour paints.Students are welcome to bring any materials theyprefer, such as a small watercolour set with acouple of brushes—travel brushes are especiallyconvenient. If you're new to sketching and painting, don’tworry! I can send a suggested equipment listcloser to the time. Outdoor painting andsketching are all about keeping things simple andenjoyable.
Accommodation
Guests will be staying at Haven on the Hill, nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Lalandusse, Lot-et-Garonne, in Southwest France.
Haven on the Hill is the perfect escape for creativity and relaxation. This charming retreat offers comfortable accommodation and a welcoming studio space, surrounded by rolling hills, historic villages, and the picturesque landscapes of Southwest France.Whether you’re here to sketch, paint, orsimply unwind, you’ll find inspiration atevery turn—from the winding streets ofmedieval towns to the breathtaking ruralviews. With its serene setting and warm,friendly atmosphere, Haven on the Hill is an idyllic hideaway forartists, nature lovers, and anyone seekinga slower pace of life.
Costs
The cost of this retreat is 1,216€ per person, based on 2 people sharing a room.
What's included in the price:
- You’re paying for a 7-night twin occupancy, retreat package that covers
- accommodation
- meals ( 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners)
- structured practical tuition sessions
- transportation for transfers and excursions.
It’s an all-inclusive package designed to make your retreat experience seamless, relaxing and enjoyable!
What’s not included in the price:
- 2 evening meals (we cater for allergies, but not nut, dairy free or vegan)
- Flights.
- Travel insurance, visas and vaccinations.
- Optional excursion entry fees.
- Toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, sun lotion and insect repellent.
- Tourist tax (10 euros per person at the time of publishing).
- Additional alcohol, which we sell at cost price. Tab to be settled on departure.
Booking Enquiries and Additional Information
This Art Retreat is organised by Haven on the Hill in conjunction with Jon at Galerie JS.
Please contact Haven on the Hill for further details and to book your place:
All details above are accurate at the time of writing (March 2025), but are subject to change.
