Immerse Yourself in Light, Texture, and the Quiet Beauty of Spring
Step into springtime at Château de Puy Vidal, when wildflowers spill along garden paths, sunlight filters through tall windows, and the air hums with creative energy. Join returning artist Lizzie Black for a weeklong exploration of still life and plein air painting, inspired by the quiet beauty of everyday objects and the timeless atmosphere of the French countryside.
This retreat invites you to revisit the fundamentals of painting through a thoughtful balance of gentle structure and intuitive exploration. With sketching and charcoal exercises, color mixing, and composition studies, Lizzie will guide you to sharpen your eye, loosen your brushwork, refine your technique, and create paintings that feel both personal and expressive.
Set against the backdrop of the Château’s historic interiors and tranquil gardens, this is more than a workshop—it’s a chance to rediscover your creative rhythm, surrounded by fellow artists and the slow pleasures of life in the countryside.
Each day unfolds with generous meals à la française, wine shared under the stars, and quiet time to sink into your practice without distraction. The result is a deeper, more joyful connection to your art—and to yourself.
Apply below to reserve your place.
€5,000- €6,200
Cornwall-based Artist
Lizzie Black AROI
Royal Associate member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Lizzie Black lives and works in the picturesque village of Mousehole, West Cornwall, where she embraces the experience of painting en plein air, responding to the ever-changing light and beauty of her surroundings.
As an artist dedicated to daily practice, the unpredictable winter weather and the constraints of lockdown have drawn her creative practice closer to home. Lizzie collects flowers from her garden and from surrounding cliff walks and paths to create compositions at home.
With a collection of vintage china and bottles, ‘I enjoy choreographing nostalgic scenes that tell a story and allow the viewer to escape to a colourful world of flowers and edibles drenched in bright sunlight.’ The interplay of light reflecting from a nearby jug or the warmth of a shadow cast by a flower adds depth and intricacy to her work.
Inspired by the impressionist artists such as Vuillard and Sickert Lizzie enjoys painting close family and friends in their domestic settings. She captures the bustling complexity of the interior space aiming to evoke feelings of familiarity, human connection, and comfort.
"My approach is one of simplicity and economy, striving to make every mark count in my earnest pursuance of capturing the poetry of a fleeting effect of light."
Haidee-Jo Summers
ABOUT THE ARTIST
What Sets Her Apart
An internationally acclaimed artist, Haidee-Jo is the Vice President of the Royal Institute of Oil painters (VPROI) and an elected member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA). Her work can be seen each year at the Mall Galleries in London in these prestigious society exhibitions.
As well as a busy painting life, Haidee-Jo is an author of two books on oil painting and an editorial consultant for The Artist magazine, alongside David Curtis ROI RSMA. Her first book, ‘Vibrant Oils’, published by Search Press, has been reprinted in Spanish, Italian, French and Chinese. Her second book 'Plein air painting in Oils' has been printed in English and Russian language editions. She has produced two popular DVDs with APV films which demonstrate her painting process en plein air.
Although oils are very much her preferred medium, in the 1990’s Haidee-Jo produced a large body of work for the Encyclopaedia of Watercolour Techniques and is an avid sketcher. In recent years she has been invited to judge UK and international plein air events, after winning many prizes for her work which features fresh and vibrant brushwork coupled with keen drawing and observational skills.
Haidee-Jo gained a degree in illustration following an art foundation course and graduated in 1994. She has been exhibiting and teaching ever since, in recent years having cut back on teaching commitments to focus on painting and writing. She believes very much in continuing to grow and develop, all the while striving to express her personal voice in paint and to do so more and more succinctly.
Awards & Accolades
MENENA JOY SCWABE AWARD - Royal Institute of Oil Painters Exhibition
BRONZE AWARD - Art in the Open, Ireland's Plein Air Festival
ARCHITECTURE AWARD - Laguna Plein Air Invitational
FIRST PLACE - Oil painters of America Wet Paint Competition International Category
ARTISTS CHOICE AWARD - Paradise Paint Out, Florida
7-Nights
All Inclusive
Advanced Beginners
to Intermediate Painters
Intimate
Class Size
Tentative Workshop Schedule
A preliminary schedule for the week
Apply now
Our workshops and retreats are thoughtfully curated to bring together like-minded creatives in a supportive, inspiring environment. Due to high demand and to ensure a balanced group dynamic, we invite you to apply below. This helps us personalize your experience and create a space where everyone can thrive.You’ll hear back within 48 hours. If accepted, you’ll receive a booking invitation—your spot is only confirmed once booked. To keep this retreat accessible, we offer flexible payment plans split into three installments, with custom options available upon request.Questions or booking issues? Email us anytime at: retreats@ladyofthechateau.com
