RETREAT TO THE CHÂTEAU
A PAINTING WORKSHOP | SEPTEMBER 2023
3,995 €
SEPTEMBER 2nd - 9th, 2023
RETREAT TO THE CHATEAU
Led by Master Painter Johanna Spinks
An experience unlike any other
At The Lady of the Chateau, we provide a unique experience that combines art and hospitality. With daily painting classes and beautiful candlelit meals, you can transport yourself to another era and enjoy the long-forgotten delights of a slower pace of life.
Learn from a master painter
Our painting instructor Johanna Spinks will guide you through each step of your creative journey. From teaching classical techniques from edges, value, composition and color to setting up inspired french still lifes, landscape compositions, portraits and more, you’ll develop your art and connect with the chateau environment in a completely unique way.
Unlock new perspectives
At The Lady of the Chateau, we believe in unlocking new perspectives. Step out of your daily life, meet a group of kindred spirits, and explore a new culture, cuisine, and creative process with us.
Meet Your Instructor
JOHANNA SPINKS
Master Painter
Johanna Spinks is a British born, Los Angeles based portrait artist whose work
hangs in museums, galleries, and private collections all over the world.
Mentored by the late Everett Raymond Kinstler N.A. who painted eight
presidential portraits, Johanna’s style can be best described as classical oil
portraiture with a contemporary palette knife twist.
Over her 25 year portrait career, her work has received recognition from the United States Congress, The California State Senate, and multiple Oil Painters of America National shows.
Visit her website at:
https://www.johannaspinks.com/
WHAT SETS HER APART
The Portrait Society of America awarded Spinks a Certificate of Recognition for her dedicated volunteer work as its’ California State Ambassador, a three year term. In 2008 Johanna was awarded The Daler-Rowney “Excellence in Painting Award at OPA National.
Johanna has painted notable sitters from Kip Forbes to Kevin Costner and has five portraits in the permanent collection of The Players’ Club of New York including Norman Rockwell, Rex Harrison and actress Angela Lansbury. In addition to her vast portfolio of commissioned work, Johanna has worked on three widely-celebrated public portrait projects in the cities of Ventura, Malibu, and Charleston, each time working with a different local newspaper, with each sitter being interviewed alongside a painted life sketch. The 58 paintings that made up the “Face of Ventura” now sits in the permanent collection of the Museum of Ventura County and earned Johanna a Mayor's Art Award for "Artist in the Community" 2012.
The “Face of Malibu” comprising 61 oil portraits painted from life, and the subsequent “Face of Malibu Rebuilds” ,17 watercolor portraits and interviews by conducted by Spinks capturing people who their lost homes in the Woolsey Fire resulted in Johanna receiving a Dolphin "Citizen of the Year" Award 2019 for her artwork contribution to the community. “The Face of Malibu “and “The Face of Malibu Rebuilds “ were accepted into the permanent collection of The Boone Special Collections.
FEATURED IN
THE NEW YORK TIMES
AMERICAN ARTIST MAGAZINE
WHERE WOMEN CREATE
Open to Artists of all levels
All-Inclusive
Intimate Class Size
All Levels Welcome
All-Inclusive
Intimate Class
Size
Dearest Future "Retreat To The Chateau" Workshop Attendee,
The Lady of the Chateau offers such a special combination of history, beauty and sanctuary from the demands of the modern world. I am delighted to weave into this magical place a painting retreat with an itinerary that draws inspiration from the past.... from the Lady who would have lived in this chateau her lifestyle, her pursuits, her dreams.... We will immerse ourselves in a bygone era, painting, creating, conversing together, and of course dining on delicious chef cooked meals in candlelight! It will be a feast for all the senses.
Every morning we'll have a coffee circle in the courtyard for those that wish, to regroup from the day before and set the day’s intention. We will chat about a different aspect of the chateau to infuse each day with a deeper appreciation of the history that surrounds us in this special place.
My aim is for each student to do one sketch a day instructed. A three hour session in the morning from 9 to 12 . Lunch break. Then a three hour painting session in the afternoon finishing at 4.30 giving all artists time to take a break and have free time to paint after that, uninstructed. There will be daily painting demonstrations. We will cover all aspects of painting from drawing, values, edges and composition to color. We will paint and sketch the landscape, castle, still life, florals, interiors and a life model.
I create in not only oils, but also watercolors with ink and conte/charcoal for sketching and I am happy to teach all three during this painting retreat. I use my watercolor sketchbook as a journal and highly recommend it for your trip. We will all work off the same set-ups but each artist can work in any of these three mediums.
You can expect to leave with six different painting studies of six different set ups throughout the chateau. These will most likely not be finished paintings, but color studies, although if you wish to devote your week to the completion of just one or two finished works, I will be very happy to support you.
Please join us at whatever level of art appreciation or art practice you have! We welcome all dreamers, romantics and history lovers. Art is for everyone, and I love welcoming beginners onto the journey. Much the same for advanced artists, I am excited to welcome you to this incredibly inspiring place where your creativity is released from the interruptions and demands of home and work, and you get to be free to dream and create. I can promise you a once in a lifetime creative adventure.
Sincerely,
Johanna Spinks
%20(1).jpeg)
"Morning Estuary" Oil. 16x 20" Martha Stewart Landscape Collection
By Johanna Spinks
THE
FRENCH VILLAGE
THE
CHÂTEAU
THE
FARMHOUSE
The Farmhouse Stay
3,250 €
10% TVA TAX Not Included
We offer the complete workshop experience with overnight accomodations at the charming bed and breakfast just to the north of Chateau de Puy Vidal. Our neighbors- a lovely french couple- live there, manage their farm, and run 2 lovely guest bedrooms.
Surrounded by the same beautiful scenery as the Chateau, you will awake to views of rolling hills, chirping birds, and a classic french breakfast.
We will provide a daily shuttle to transport between this B&B and the Chateau where all workshop instruction, meals and activities will take place. It is also very walkable, a lovely 8 minute walk, and there are also bicycles provided if you prefer to bike back and forth.
To complete your workshop experience, choose between the charm of an authentic french village, the rustic beauty of a farmhouse B&B or the magic of our Chateau bedrooms at Puy Vidal.
The Château Stay
3,995 €
10% TVA TAX Not Included
The French Village Stay
3,250 €
10% TVA TAX Not Included
The village package offers the opportunity to experience a taste of french village life each morning and evening as you return to this charming Bed and Breakfast in the heart of La Rochefoucauld, our nearest village. A walkable, timeless village, you will get a taste of french village life.
This Bed & Breakfast, called Le Patio, is an artistic place, with musical events, an independent bookstore, a cafe and a restaurant on the weekend. It is a perfect match with the atmosphere of this Painting Workshop.
All bedrooms are centered around a beautiful inner courtyard, right in the main street of the village, and just steps to the river and our most famous magnificent Chateau de la Rochefoucuald which is open every day for tours.
We will provide a daily shuttle to transport between this B&B and the Chateau where all workshop instruction, meals and activities will take place.
RETREAT TO THE CHATEAU
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
A LETTER FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
ART SUPPLIES KIT €350
Oil Paints, Canvases, Charcoal Pencils, Palettes
(Brushes not included, must bring your own)
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Airport pick-up
Train fare
JOIN US THIS SEPTEMBER
In order to keep painting instruction intimate and focused, we have limited artist places for this retreat.
Some words from previous
Painting Retreat Guests...
Day 1
Une promenade dans le Jardin:
The Garden Promenade
A landscape day featuring a Garden View of the Labyrinth and the Chateau
Lesson focus:
"Paint your Greens"
Color of Greens demo
Day 2
Thé de l’après midi:
Afternoon Tea
A still life day featuring afternoon tea.
Blue and white china, patisserie, teapot, teacups, strawberries
Lesson focus:
“The Value of Values”
Still life demo
Day 5
Le Salon - Interets Créatifs:
Creative Interests
Interior Day.
Two chateau interior options will be chosen- the salon or smoking room, reflecting the daily creative life of the Lord and Lady of the Manor.
.
Lesson focus:
“Nail The Drawing”, the importance of a good drawing start.
Demo.
Day 6
Promenade des Amoureux:
Lovers’ Walk
Garden View of maze, cherub statues, gateway roses, a parasol, jackets, top hat, bonnet, and books left somewhere as if two lovers had just walked away.
Lesson focus:
“Edges-Make Room for Them”.
Demo of roses in garden.
Evening bonus extra: Plaisirs du Soir:
Evening Pleasures
A demo sketch of chateau lit up at night
whilst serving a signature Lady of the Chateau cocktail
Day 3
La Toilette:
The Lady of The Chateau’s Boudoir
MODEL day.
Lady of the Chateau model getting ready for the day
near a ‘vanity’ set up holding mirror, hair brush, perfume bottle...
Lesson focus:
“Creating A Mood”.
Figure demo
Day 4
Jour de Marché:
Market Day
A day trip to local village farmers market. Painting set ups of fruits, vegetables and flower stalls.
Lesson focus:
"“Color in Your Life -Color Theory"
demo on site
Lunch at farmers market
Cognac Distillery Tour
in the Afternoon
8 - 9am: Breakfast
Full breakfast spread in the Blue and White Porcelain Room of fresh croissants, pastries, yogurts, granola, eggs, quiches, coffee, tea, and fresh juices
Morning Coffee Circle
Gathering in the courtyard with Johanna, each day for those that wish, to regroup from the day before and set the day’s intention.
9 - 12pm: Morning Painting Session
Gather for the official set up for the day. Watch Johanna give a demo with a particular lesson focus. Set up and sketch the study.
12:30-1:30pm Lunch
Lunch buffet of soups, salads, sandwiches and more. Eat light to save room for the sumptuous Dinners.
1:30 - 4:30pm Afternoon Painting Session
Return to the morning set up re-energized. Dive into painting, taking your study as far as you can. Johanna will float between students to guide or assist as well as painting her own version alongside everyone.
4:30- 7pm Free Painting or Relaxation Time
Class is released, you may continue your set up, or close up your easel and play a game of billiards, petanques, take a coutryside stroll, or retreat to your room for a nap.
7pm Aperitif Hour
Gather with your fellow artists in the courtyard to cheers with a different house cocktail each evening.
7:30-9pm Dinner
Join your hosts, your instructor and your fellow artists in the formal dining room for three course dinners that will take you through a tour of French classics. Candlelit with soft music, let all the challenges of the easel melt away and learn more about all the people around you.
9:30 Evening Entertainment
Each evening, for those who wish, join your hosts for a classic film projected in the Grand Salon, a costume night promenade, a cognac tasting, or a bonfire night under the stars.
The magic life of the Chateau comes alive at this hour!
Through painting, immerse yourself in the world of the Chateau, different light, colors and textures...
Arrival Day
Meet and greet your instructor, your hosts and your fellow artists over a glass of Champagne!
Welcome packet is distributed and intentions are set for the week.
Evening painting demo by Johanna.
Departure Day
Farewell Breakfast. Bid farewell to your fellow artists over one last meal.
Guests are each driven to the train station according to their train departure schedules.
"I believe the difference between this painting retreat/workshop and other traditional travel or sightseeing trips is that the act of painting helps one deeply engage with one's surroundings. It’s a beautiful experience that I think nothing can ever replace."
- Andres Cabanos, San Diego, Creative Retreat Artist September 2022
"I can't imagine a better place to paint French architecture, interiors or landscapes. There were so many 'Aha!' moments when strolling either through the gardens or through the Puy Vidal rooms we found elements or the exact set ups present in the paintings of the old masters: Shishkin's oaks, Monet's poplars, Curtains of Cezanne."
- Irina G, Creative Retreat Artist September 2022
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Puy Vidal is a privately-owned Chateau owned by the Leach family. They moved to France to make this part of the countryside their family home as well as an inspiring and magical place to invite creative seeking souls to gather together and gain nourishment from the land, the walls, the views. Julia, her partner Caroline, her parents Maruca and Robert, and her sister Penelope are all part of the team, and will all be on-site the full duration of this Creative Retreat.
Ensuring that the magic is happening morning, noon and night, they will join the group at dinner and welcome you to the evening entertainment. Their goal in creating this place was to nurture an ideal environment to retreat from modern life and meet kindred spirits.
.jpeg)
All-inclusive stays from
3,250 - 3,995 €
SOLD OUT!!!
SEPTEMBER 2nd - 9th, 2023
RETREAT TO THE CHATEAU
Led by Master Painter Johanna Spinks
Immersive Château Experience
At The Lady of the Chateau, we provide a unique experience that combines art and hospitality. With daily painting classes and beautiful candlelit meals, you will be transported to another era- enjoying the long-forgotten delights of a slower pace of life. Step out of your daily life, meet a group of kindred spirits, and explore a new culture, cuisine, and creative process with us. A creative family will be born by the end of this week.
Activities and entertainment, day-trips, full use of all common salons and rooms, grounds, gardens, outdoor games, swimming pool, grill space, & more
Learn from a Master Painter
Our painting instructor Johanna Spinks will guide you through each step of your creative journey in morning and afternoon painting sessions at the Château. From teaching classical techniques from edges, value, composition and color to setting up inspired french still lifes, landscape compositions, portraits and more, you’ll develop your art and connect with the chateau vistas, landscapes and interiors in a completely unique way. She will participate full time at the retreat- in addition to teaching she will join the group at meals, day trips, activities and entertainment. Oil painting, watercolour or sketching welcome.
Art support and cleaning supplies provided: Easels, tripods, palette scrapers, aprons, art stools, carrying baskets, gamsol, paper towels
Overnight Accommodations
Whether you have chosen to stay at the Château, the Farmhouse or in our local French Village, all 7 nights of overnight accommodation are included.
Gourmet French Dining at the Château
3 classic french meals, wine & beer, all-day coffee, tea, snacks.
Daytrip & Ground Transportation
Pick up and drop off at train station in Angouleme, transport to the daytrip to Angouleme and Cognac. Morning and evening shuttle for those staying at the farmhouse or in the village.
WHAT SETS HER APART
The Portrait Society of America awarded Spinks a Certificate of Recognition for her dedicated volunteer work as its’ California State Ambassador, a three year term. In 2008 Johanna was awarded The Daler-Rowney “Excellence in Painting Award at OPA National.
Johanna has painted notable sitters from Kip Forbes to Kevin Costner and has five portraits in the permanent collection of The Players’ Club of New York including Norman Rockwell, Rex Harrison and actress Angela Lansbury. In addition to her vast portfolio of commissioned work, Johanna has worked on three widely-celebrated public portrait projects in the cities of Ventura, Malibu, and Charleston, each time working with a different local newspaper, with each sitter being interviewed alongside a painted life sketch. The 58 paintings that made up the “Face of Ventura” now sits in the permanent collection of the Museum of Ventura County and earned Johanna a Mayor's Art Award for "Artist in the Community" 2012.
The “Face of Malibu” comprising 61 oil portraits painted from life, and the subsequent “Face of Malibu Rebuilds” ,17 watercolor portraits and interviews by conducted by Spinks capturing people who their lost homes in the Woolsey Fire resulted in Johanna receiving a Dolphin "Citizen of the Year" Award 2019 for her artwork contribution to the community. “The Face of Malibu “and “The Face of Malibu Rebuilds “ were accepted into the permanent collection of The Boone Special Collections.
FEATURED IN
- THE NEW YORK TIMES -
- AMERICAN ARTIST MAGAZINE -
- WHERE WOMEN CREATE -
CREATIVE STUDIO & RETREATS
Follow our Journey in France on our social media channels.
.jpeg)
Dearest Artist,
The Lady of the Chateau offers such a special combination of history, beauty and sanctuary from the demands of the modern world. I am delighted to weave into this magical place a painting retreat with an itinerary that draws inspiration from the past.... from the Lady who would have lived in this chateau her lifestyle, her pursuits, her dreams.... We will immerse ourselves in a bygone era, painting, creating, conversing together, and of course dining on delicious chef cooked meals in candlelight! It will be a feast for all the senses.
Every morning we'll have a coffee circle in the courtyard for those that wish, to regroup from the day before and set the day’s intention. We will chat about a different aspect of the chateau to infuse each day with a deeper appreciation of the history that surrounds us in this special place.
My aim is for each student to do one sketch a day instructed. A three hour session in the morning from 9 to 12 . Lunch break. Then a three hour painting session in the afternoon finishing at 4.30 giving all artists time to take a break and have free time to paint after that, uninstructed. There will be daily painting demonstrations. We will cover all aspects of painting from drawing, values, edges and composition to color. We will paint and sketch the landscape, castle, still life, florals, interiors and a life model.
I create in not only oils, but also watercolors with ink and conte/charcoal for sketching and I am happy to teach all three during this painting retreat. I use my watercolor sketchbook as a journal and highly recommend it for your trip. We will all work off the same set-ups but each artist can work in any of these three mediums.
You can expect to leave with six different painting studies of six different set ups throughout the chateau. These will most likely not be finished paintings, but color studies, although if you wish to devote your week to the completion of just one or two finished works, I will be very happy to support you.
Please join us at whatever level of art appreciation or art practice you have! We welcome all dreamers, romantics and history lovers. Art is for everyone, and I love welcoming beginners onto the journey. Much the same for advanced artists, I am excited to welcome you to this incredibly inspiring place where your creativity is released from the interruptions and demands of home and work, and you get to be free to dream and create. I can promise you a once in a lifetime creative adventure.
Sincerely,
Johanna Spinks
Day 2
Thé de l’après midi:
Afternoon Tea
A still life day featuring afternoon tea. Blue and white china, patisserie, teapot, teacups, strawberries
Lesson focus:
“The Value of Values”
Still life demo
Day 3
La Toilette:
The Lady of The Chateau’s Boudoir
MODEL day.
Lady of the Chateau model getting ready for the day near a ‘vanity’ set up holding mirror, hair brush, perfume bottle...
Lesson focus:
“Creating A Mood”.
Figure demo.
Day 4
Jour de Marché:
Market Day
A day trip to local village farmers market. Painting set ups of fruits, vegetables and flower stalls.
Lesson focus:
"“Color in Your Life -Color Theory"
demo on site
Lunch at farmers market
Cognac Distillery Tour
in the Afternoon
Day 5
Le Salon - Interets Créatifs:
Creative Interests
Interior Day.
Two chateau interior options will be chosen- the salon or smoking room, reflecting the daily creative life of the Lord and Lady of the Manor.
.
Lesson focus:
“Nail The Drawing”, the importance of a good drawing start.
Demo.
Day 6
Promenade des Amoureux:
Lovers’ Walk
Garden View of maze, cherub statues, gateway roses, a parasol, jackets, top hat, bonnet, and books left somewhere as if two lovers had just walked away.
Lesson focus:
“Edges-Make Room for Them”.
Demo of roses in garden.
Evening bonus extra: Plaisirs du Soir:
Evening Pleasures
A demo sketch of chateau lit up at night
whilst serving a signature Lady of the Chateau cocktail
Day 1
Une promenade dans le Jardin:
The Garden Promenade
A landscape day featuring a Garden View of the Labyrinth and the Chateau
Lesson focus: