Creative Artist Retreat with Carne Griffiths

After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll begin the day by stepping outside with sketchbooks in hand to embrace the timeless practice of “plein air” drawing. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Charente countryside—sun-dappled fields, winding paths, and timeworn stone buildings—we’ll explore expressive mark-making using graphite on textured watercolour paper. The aim is not to capture perfection, but to respond instinctively to the shapes, light, and movement of the landscape. There will be time to wander, pause, and sketch at your own pace, with gentle guidance and one-on-one support throughout the morning.

We’ll return to La Cour de Husson for a nourishing lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon session in the studio. Using your morning sketches as a foundation, we’ll begin to develop them further through loose, intuitive colour work. With a playful palette of inks, washes, and even brewed tea, you’ll experiment with layering, texture, and tone—allowing your drawings to evolve. As the day winds down, we’ll gather for a short group reflection, sharing thoughts, discoveries, and works-in-progress over a drink before another tasty dinner.

Today we’ll head outdoors to gather inspiration—wandering through the countryside and villages to observe the intricate forms, rhythms, and repetitions found in nature’s design. Flowers, seed heads, leaves, and tendrils will serve as our muse as we sketch, photograph, and collect ideas for pattern and composition.

Back in the studio, we’ll explore the ancient art of ink-making using walnuts from the trees in the gardens of La Cour de Husson. You’ll learn how to create your own earthy ink from natural materials, connecting your creative process to traditions of the past.

In the afternoon, we’ll shift focus to a humble but powerful tool: the fountain pen. Often overlooked, it offers surprising versatility for expressive drawing. We’ll explore how it can be used not only for precise linework but also as a means of adding rhythm, texture, and abstract flair. You’ll experiment with adding colour through loose, gestural mark-making, layering ink and tone to build depth and interest.

As the day closes, we’ll take time to reflect on the richness of small details, the elegance of simplicity, and the power of subtle marks. Then, as always, we’ll gather for another beautiful evening meal—our hands stained with ink, our sketchbooks brimming with inspiration.

We begin the morning with a fresh page in our sketchbooks and an open mind. Today’s focus is on freedom and flow—exploring the world of automatic drawing. With gentle prompts and guided exercises, you’ll learn to quiet the inner critic and let your hand move intuitively across the page, responding to music, mood, and the moment. This liberating approach can unlock unexpected forms and ideas, revealing hidden rhythms in your creative voice.

As we explore this spontaneous style, we’ll also experiment with alcohol-based painting techniques—watching colours bloom, blur, and merge in beautiful, unpredictable ways. The fluid nature of the medium echoes our theme for the day: letting go of control and inviting in chance.

After a leisurely lunch, we’ll dive into the art of layering – learning how depth, texture, and emotion can unfold gradually on the page. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on practice, you’ll explore how transparent washes, overlapping marks, and varied materials can build intensity and richness in your work. We’ll also begin incorporating new media—charcoal, pastels, collage elements, or anything that calls to you. This is a chance to follow your instincts, mix techniques, and push your artwork into new territory. Whether you’re refining your final piece or exploring freely, this session encourages bold, personal expression.

This morning, we shift our energy toward bringing everything together. With sketchbooks full of inspiration and a head full of ideas, we’ll head outdoors once again to begin early studies for our final pieces. Whether it’s a favourite view, a recurring motif, or a pattern discovered in a flower’s fold, you’ll start to build your composition with intention.

We’ll gather to discuss plans for each person’s final artwork—sharing thoughts, offering support, and sparking new ideas. The morning will be rich with experimentation as we layer inks, teas, and alcohols, blending our week’s discoveries into something uniquely your own.

After lunch, we’ll take a break from the studio for two special outings. Firstly, a visit to a local cognac distillery. Nestled among vineyards and golden sunflower fields, the distillery offers a fascinating glimpse into the heritage of this iconic spirit. You’ll tour the cool, aromatic cellars where barrels quietly mature, and learn about the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

From there, we’ll continue to Angoulême for a visit to the Musée du Papier, set along the banks of the Charente River. This beautiful museum celebrates the region’s long and storied history of papermaking. As artists, paper is our constant companion—this visit offers a rare chance to understand its origins, from raw material to finished sheet. Through interactive exhibits and historic machines, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the medium you’ve been working with all week.

We’ll return in time for a relaxed evening and a delicious shared meal, filled with stories and reflections from the day.

Our final day of the course is devoted to completing your artwork—bringing together the threads of inspiration, technique, and emotion that have woven through the week. This is your time to fully immerse yourself in the finishing stages of your final piece.

You’ll have space to reflect, refine, and respond to your work—guided as always by gentle support and feedback. It’s a time for thoughtful decisions, subtle adjustments, and the satisfaction of watching your vision come fully to life.

As the day unfolds, we’ll introduce embellishment techniques to add a final flourish—delicate touches that can elevate a piece from beautiful to unforgettable. You’ll experiment with gold leaf, applied with precision using a dip pen, and explore how shine and contrast can draw the eye and add meaning. Whether used sparingly or boldly, this golden detail becomes a quiet celebration of all you’ve created.

In the afternoon, we’ll come together one last time to share our work where. There’s no pressure, only encouragement, reflection, and a sense of accomplishment.

As the sun sets on our final evening, we’ll raise a glass to a week well spent—full of discovery, connection, and the magic of making art in this beautiful corner of France.

After a rich and inspiring week of creativity, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. There are no scheduled activities—just the luxury of time and space to unwind.

You might choose to stay close to home, lounging by the pool with a book, sketchpad, or simply your thoughts. Relax in the sun and soak in the quiet rhythm of the day as you reflect on all you’ve created.

For those who feel like exploring, the surrounding area offers charming villages, riverside walks, and tucked-away cafés—perfect for a slow wander or a final sketch. Perhaps a visit to a local market or a peaceful stroll through the countryside will provide that last dose of inspiration.

This is your day to relax, recharge, and take in the beauty of where you are. No pressure, no plans—just the gentle closing note to a memorable week of creativity.

In the evening, we’ll gather one last time for a relaxed farewell meal.

Following a relaxed breakfast, we say our goodbyes—though we hope it’s only a à bientôt. You’ll leave with a sketchbook brimming with memories and inspiration, until we meet again on another painting holiday in France!