Join award winning Botanical Artist Billy Showell as she returns to Atelier Clos Mirabel in September 2026 for this autumn inspired Botanical Art Retreat.
About this course:
We are delighed to welcome back Billy Showell to teach her second botanical art retreat from Atelier Clos Mirabel. Centred around ‘Autumn Finds’, in this workshop you will be painting found seeds, chestnuts, leaves and cones in all of the beautiful colours that the season of autumn has to offer.
With Billy’s expert guidance, you will learn to lay out your chosen botanical findings in a range of stunning compositions, whilst also mastering the skills and techniques needed to paint a unique botanical portrait.
Billy prides herself on providing equal help to beginners, intermediates – and those wanting to jump to the next level. We look forward to seeing you there!
Programme Outline
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 & choosing our plants
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Sketching our studies and perfecting the drawings
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Painting technique practice with demos
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting and demos.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Continuing painting and demos
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 A good afternoon of painting with one to one advice
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Wednesday – Free day (Lunch is not included)
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 5.00 We suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Painting and perfecting
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting and adding more details and drama
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Perfecting our paintings
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Final touches and questions, an informal appraisal of the weeks works
6.00 – Evening exhibition with aperitifs in the studio
7.00 – Farewell dinner – 4 courses in the Manor House
Saturday – Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
Non-participating guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-drawing 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.
