Join award winning Botanical Artist Jarnie Godwin as she returns to Atelier Clos Mirabel for her autumn inspired ‘Abundant Autumn’ Botanical Art Retreat. Enjoy expert tuition, wonderful surroundings, delightful accommodation and delicious meals.
About this course:
In her second botanical art retreat at Atelier Clos Mirabel, Jarnie Godwin will focus on some of her favourite and most loved autumn finds. In the ‘Abundant Autumn’ workshop you will be exploring and painting rose hips, seeds, chestnuts, leaves, and Jarnie’s most loved acorns in all of the rich, vibrant, and beautiful colours that the season has to offer.
Your botanical art retreat will begin by taking in the enchanting grounds of Clos Mirabel, where you will source the most intriguing and inspiring found subjects. Curiosity is the key, as you open your mindset to look for character and presence in your subjects.
During the week, Jarnie will take you through her own techniques to mix a wealth of vibrant colours including pure, natural greens, rich neutral browns and soft complex greys with just your primary hues. Using a limited palette, you will explore, play and experiment with colour mixing and layering clean, and vibrant watercolours. Take your practice further as you learn how to manipulate and form natural texture, pattern and contrast using wet into damp, and dry brush techniques. Jarnie will also demonstrate how to deal with mistakes with her successful techniques for troubleshooting.
There will be plenty of time for Jarnie to offer dedicated one-to-one tuition to all students, supporting and encouraging you every step of the way. Each day introduces new opportunities to pick up ideas and techniques for your own practice through Jarnie’s unique and relaxed teaching style. Her experience as a teacher informs Jarnie’s warm, knowledgable, and approachable tuition, as she aims to inspire, and empower her students to develop their own style and skill with confidence. This will make for a relaxing, fun and inspiring week away at Atelier Clos Mirabel ideal for all.
Outline Programme of your Botanical Art week with Jarnie Godwin
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards
Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Introduction to the workshop by Jarnie followed by a walk in the grounds to find your subjects
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Getting to know your subject. Observation, planning compositions, lighting your subject, and sketching thumbnails.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Jarnie will demonstrate her watercolour mixing and painting techniques before you make a start on your paintings. Jarnie will be on hand to guide you.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Continuing to paint your piece with Jarnie’s guidance to help you
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Jarnie will demonstrate a range of details, and textures. Here she will introduce her techniques for introducing wider and more dynamic contrasts.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting your final piece with Jarnie on hand to help you
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – day off
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest enjoying wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Q & A focus on troubleshooting. Followed by demonstration of techniques by Jarnie. Continue you painting, or start another study.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting your final pieces. Jarnie will be on hand to help you.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Looking at the finishing touches. Jarnie will guide you through the fine details, glazing, and completing the painting.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Finishing off your final piece. Jarnie will be on hand to help you.
6.00 – Ending our week with a relaxed exhibition in the studio over apéritif
7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
Non-painting guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-painting guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable. Click here for more information.
The Art Studio offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
