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And welcome to our wonderful community of artists.
Workshops in France hosts unique and spectacular retreats and workshops for artists in France, Italy and Scotland.
Our experiences are created by artists for artists and are designed for daily painting and full cultural immersion. Join us and you will paint with a group of like-minded artists in some of the most beautiful locations in Europe.
Take a look through our available workshops below or feel free to ask us anything you’d like to know:
[email protected]
2024 Workshops: With instructors
Jane Hunt and Michele Usibelli • Debra Huse and Lisa Skelly • Rose Frantzen • Joseph Zbukvic and Lisa Wang •
David Shevlino and Sarah Sedwick
2025 • The Dutch Cruise - Quang Ho & Adrienne Stein • Dave Santillanes
Joseph Zbukvic and Lisa Wang
September 13 - 21, 2024
$5,700
Sign up now to register for the Joseph Zbukvic and Lisa Wang Workshop in a brand new location in the Languedoc. This part of France is visually stunning and unspoiled.
David Shevlino and Sarah Sedwick
October 3—11, 2024
$5,500
2024 Workshop Art Retreats: Uninstructed
Under the Tuscan Sky Retreat
Aug 29—Sept 6, 2024
$4,950
Mighty Mini Art Retreat
September 24—29, 2024
All prices are in USD
2025 Workshops: With instructors
Aldo Balding • Vanessa Rothe • Dutch Cruise • Jennifer McChristitan & Mike Hernandez • Joseph Zbukvic and Lisa Wang • Ron Hicks • Dave Santillanes
Dutch Cruise Early Notification
Prices TBA
Imagine yourself experiencing the best of Paris with your incredible artists and experienced art guides followed by a painting retreat in a château for 7-days on a painting trip to engage with contemporary masters and learn from these artists: Quang Ho, Adrienne Stein, C.W. Mundy and Vanessa Rothe.
Dave Santillanes
$6,100
You are invited to join us for a 9-day workshop with Dave Santillanes, one of today’s most accomplished plein-air artists. Dave returns after a highly successful and sold-out workshop with rave reviews in Provence 2023. Due to the demand, we invited Dave back to lead another extraordinary plein air workshop. This time, in our newly discovered location in Southwestern France.
Jennifer McChristian & Mike Hernandez
Prices TBA
Join instructors Jennifer McChristian and Mike Hernandez for a one of a kind workshop in Scotland. Spend 9 Idyllic days painting the landscape on the east coast of Scotland while learning from two accomplished painters.
2025 Workshop Art Retreats: Uninstructed
Petite Retreat in Fontainebleau
May 13—18, 2025
$4,400
Lavender Season
June 20—28, 2025
$5,100
Under the Tuscan Sky Retreat
Sept. 14—20, 2025
$5,100
All prices are in USD
Online Workshops
Quang Ho Online Workshop.
Recordings are now available from this Workshop
Watch these recordings for 6 months from purchase date.
Virtual Workshop With Master Painter, Quang Ho
Recordings Available.
Order Now
Enjoy 6 months of recording access from the purchase date.
This is a unique opportunity to learn from Quang by looking over his shoulder and watching him paint while he shares his vision and the process of creating a masterful painting. Watch demos, an art talk with Quang, painting assignments, paint-alongs, Q and A sessions and learn from his critiques of participant work.
What’s it like at Workshops in France?
Amy shares her experience painting at the château with Workshops in France. Amy attended a workshop with instructors at the chateau near Avignon.
Guest Reviews
I've always believed in "designing my life" rather than waiting for something to come around the corner. In that regard, I decided to make a left-hand turn in my life and do something completely different after teaching piano since I was 16 years old. I was at a turning point, and while pursuing the internet came across an ad for Workshops in France. It was a brave and bold move to come to Provence on my own not knowing what to expect and with no real skills.
Luckily it went far beyond my expectations, and I enjoyed a wonderful ten days in a beautiful chateau outside of Avignon, eating gourmet French meals, quaffing interesting wines and interacting with artists from around the world. As a newbie I received lots of inspiration just looking over people's shoulders; everyone was willing to share their expertise and Julie was a great mentor. This needed to be repeated and become part of my yearly activities. The format suited me; I loved exploring new villages and finding the perfect spot to while away a few hours totally absorbed in painting. I have made some really good friends. that I continue to stay in touch with them. I am now signed up for my fifth Art Retreat [with WIF]. and at each one I feel I grow artistically and am always wanting more. It's become part of my life with so many benefits!
Brenda S, BC, Canada, 6-time attendee, ‘15, '16, '17, '18, '19, '21
My stories from this incredible adventure are as expansive as the poppy fields. I am grateful for the chance that Workshops in France gave me to explore and grow and stamp 30 [years old] as one heck of a year! I am also grateful for a husband who supports my dream and wanted to help put a cherry on top of this trip with all that Paris had to offer...
I want to thank you and your team for such a wonderful 10 days at the Chateau. You looked after us so well..answered every question and met every need.
I learned so much from Daniel that I have been painting like a mad woman since I returned home! I have been able to incorporate what he taught us and it has made such a difference to my work. I feel better informed about what I am doing..and he taught me to look at models and still life differently.
So.. please pass on my thanks to everyone. It was a remarkable experience and a time I will cherish….. Thank you.
Thank you personally for your part in one of the highlights of my life. The experience was fun, productive, enriching, and just what I needed. You girls certainly have it all together and do a wonderful job of organizing, entertaining, and executing a perfect event. I enjoyed every day.
Gayle R., FL, USA, Tim Horn Workshop, '18
The workshop in France was an incredible experience.
We all stay at the same chateau and it was just like one big family. Julie and Shirley go above and beyond in the hospitality. If you have I dietary issue they handle it beautifully.
I learned so much from Quang Ho, it was truly a great experience. I would highly recommend going to Workshops in France.
I remembered looking at the literature for Workshops in France at one of the Plein Air Conventions...
So glad we decided on going with Julie and her great support crew, Shirley, Celeste, Kirsteen and Janice!! All artists and up for anything! They would take us to different, amazing locations to paint after the workshop which I will cover in future posts.
Another word about Workshops in France. Julie and her crew take the stress out of painting in France! Especially if you are thinking of doing it for the first time. We loved the locally sourced food and wine! You really only have to concentrate on making great artwork. They do all the rest!
2018 will make my third visit to Provence with Julie, Shirley and their wonderful helpers.
I love every aspect of this true holiday. Meeting a variety of different artists, sharing ideas and learning so much from all of them, painting at whatever pace and whenever you wish are the foundations of the retreat. Add that to being driven about to stunning villages and landscapes, being wined and dined in luxury and you have a holiday you want to keep returning to. I cannot recommend the retreat more highly.
Super! Loved all of it. You did a great job picking various sites to paint which also provided a touring experience.
Would love to take another workshop — just for the whole experience. I have enrolled in a French class and am currently enjoying my Art History class. (next week we cover a chapter which has Van Gogh….. and I can say “I’ve been there!”)
Lucy L. GA, USA, Tim Horn Workshop '18
Overall experience was enjoyable, surprising, enticing, comfortable, exhilarating, wistful, and hilarious.
There were so many interesting combinations of friends already formed and people ready for new experiences and conversations. The personal issues, heartaches, joys and personalities made for a wonderful adventure. I found Julie to be the Boss, organizing the days, determining the routes and moves, and executing the plans. Her business mind salted with humor and a keen eye kept the caravan moving and hitting the best spots. Shirley was the Consiglieri, listening, advising, picking up the straggling ends, working smoothly, keeping a light funny touch on all things absurd and important.
Peggy P., WY, USA, France 2018 & Scotland 2019
