Join botanical artist and tutor Mary Dillon for a retreat dedicated to discovering how light transforms your botanical painting. Set in the tranquil surroundings of Clos Mirabel in the French Pyrénées, this immersive workshop will help you see and capture the subtle effects of light on form, colour, and texture.
About this course:
Through structured demonstrations, guided exercises, and personal tuition, you’ll learn:
– How to observe and interpret light on botanical subjects
– Ways to use layering, transparency, and controlled washes to create luminous watercolours
– Practical methods for confident colour selection and mixing
– Techniques to express both botanical accuracy and emotional connection
Early in the week, you will travel into the mountains to sketch alpine plants in their natural light. Back in the studio, you’ll develop these studies into finished paintings, working step-by-step with Mary Dillon’s guidance.
The retreat also offers time to rest, reflect, and enjoy delicious meals from locally sourced produce in a peaceful, inspiring setting. With beautiful accommodation, a spacious studio and warm hospitality, Clos Mirabel provides the perfect environment to focus on your art and recharge your creative energy. This workshop is ideal for artists who wish to deepen their botanical practice and learn to paint with light as their guide.
Botanical Painting Holiday with Mary Dillon – Programme Outline:
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel.
6.00 – An introduction to the course by Mary Dillion over welcome drinks
7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Getting to know your subject…. Choosing, Lighting, Observing, Drawing, Composing.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Return to Studio to continue work with individual tuition
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.15 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – Depart Clos Mirabel
10.00 – 12.30 Morning visit to the higher slopes of the Pyrénées to observe alpine plants in their natural habitat, followed by field sketching.
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at local Auberge
3.30 – 5.30 Studio: Colour mixing and matching, practicing wet watercolour painting techniques and laying the first washes.
6.00 – An evening talk on prominent local landscape artists by Xavier over aperitif
7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Breakfast
10.00 – 1.00 Studio: Mixing greens, painting petals, painting leaves, painting shadows.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Studio: Layering washes for impact
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – Free Day
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
Free day to explore the locality. We suggest 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
10.00 – 1.00 Studio: Learn and practice dry brush techniques. Building form and create texture in your painting.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Studio
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 Studio: The Wow Factor! Finishing with finer details using dry brush techniques. Troubleshooting your painting. Bringing it all together.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Studio
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the art studio of Atelier Clos Mirabel with aperitif
7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out time 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, full of natural light was designed by our Italian architect and offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
