A Masterclass with CLARE BOWEN
21–27 July 2026 | Chateau Charente, Southwest France
SOLD OUT
Join acclaimed artist Clare Bowen for a rare and intimate retreat set amidst the vineyards and sunflower fields of Southwest France. Her first in-person masterclass in over three years, this immersive week blends expert-led painting sessions with gourmet dining, curated excursions, and restorative wellness — all within the elegant setting of a 19th-century chateau.
SOLD OUT
AT A GLANCE
6 nights in elegant shared chateau accomodation
All materials provided, plus a curated take-home art kit
Daily morning painting workshops with one-on-one mentoring with Clare
Gourmet meals with wine pairings, including cooking experiences
Curated excursions to local villages, brocantes and sunflower fields
Optional morning wellness sessions and nature walks
All local transfers and concierge support included.
"I'm so looking forward to this intimate retreat at beautiful Château Charente.
It’s my first in-person masterclass in over three years, and I’ve designed it as a special week of painting, connection and creative renewal. With just twelve guests, I’ll be able to offer each of you personal guidance as we work in the château, its gardens, and the surrounding countryside.
I’d love for you to join me."
— Clare
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM CLARE BOWEN
0700
Morning Wellness
Greet the day with an optional wellness session designed for all fitness levels. Breathe in the crisp country air as you stretch beside rose hedges or centre yourself with gentle Tai Chi beneath the centuries-old trees.
0745
Gourmet Breakfast
Savour a beautifully prepared breakfast featuring eggs made to order, house-made granola, creamy chia pudding, seasonal fruit, artisan breads, and freshly-baked pastries, alongside cold-pressed juices and an elegant espresso and tea bar.
0900
Painting with Clare Bowen
1300
Artful Picnic Lunch
Gather with fellow guests for a relaxed picnic-style lunch al fresco—or take a beautifully packed basket back to the studio to linger in the flow of your painting.
1830
Evening Aperitifs
As golden light falls across the gardens, gather for aperitifs on the terrace. Each evening features a signature cocktail inspired by the season and a curated selection of hors d'oeuvres
1900
Chef's Dinner with Wine Pairing
End the day with a chef-prepared dinner celebrating the flavours of the region. Expect elegant, seasonal dishes paired thoughtfully with local wines—each meal a moment to savour and share.
A DAY ON RETREAT
1430
Choose Your Afternoon
Immerse yourself in the rhythms of French life: meander through a local brocante or market, join our chef for a hands-on cooking workshop, relax by the pool with a book, or continue painting at your own pace.
PAINTING workshop HIGHLIGHTS:
Studio Foundations & Still Life
Your week begins in the Chateau artist’s studio with a curated session where Clare will introduce her approach to colour, light and composition, establishing a shared visual language for the days ahead. A grounding start to reconnect with your materials, sharpen your focus, and set personal intentions.
A Weeklong Masterclass of Artistic Exploration
Plein-Air Painting in the Chateau Garden
Under the filtered light of century-old trees, you’ll begin working en plein air for the first time. With endless natural motifs—vines, stone, foliage, light and shadow—you’ll explore how to translate a living, moving subject onto canvas with clarity and emotion
Painting in a Local Village
We’ll drive you to a nearby village, where you’ll join Clare to paint on location. Capture the architecture, movement, and atmosphere as she guides you in creating depth and texture in a real-world scene.
Sunflowers, Colour & Expression
Just beyond the château, sunflower fields stretch towards the horizon. Here, you’ll paint under Clare’s guidance, capturing the vibrant colours and shifting light of this iconic French landscape.
Painting among the Rolling Vines
Set up your easel between the vineyard rows and work amidst the shifting light and layered greens of the Cognac countryside. This session invites deeper focus and compositional clarity, as Clare guides you in refining your visual language and expressing the landscape’s quiet rhythm through oil.
Please note that the masterclass workshop plans may change due to weather and lighting conditions.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
ART
STAY
DINE
Gourmet Seasonal Dining
- 5 immersive workshops with Clare Bowen
- One-on-one guidance and group critiques
- Professional studio materials and plein air setup
- Exclusive Chateau Charente art kit to take home
- 6 nights in refined twin-share château bedroom
- Twin-share rooms are being offered first due to high demand. A limited number of private rooms may be released closer to the retreat
- Roommate matching by gender or on request
- Seasonal breakfasts, picnic lunches, refreshments, snacks and 3-course dinners
- Evening aperitifs with a daily seasonal cocktail or mocktail
- Wine pairings with dinners
Elegant Shared Accommodation
Paint With Clare
EXPLORE
ARRIVE
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Guided visits to brocantes, village markets and family owned vineyards
- Optional nature walks and wellness sessions
- Painting sessions in storybook local towns
- All transport for excursions included
- Flights to France
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses or gratuities
- Additional art supplies (optional)
Seamless Transfers
Curated Cultural Experiences
Retreat places are limited to 12 guests and fill quickly.
Register early to secure your spot, or join the waitlist for priority access to upcoming dates.
Spend a week in the French countryside one of Britain’s most inspiring teachers and celebrated figurative artists. Together, you’ll immerse yourself in painting, experiment with dynamic compositions, and refine your technique in a setting that feels made for creativity.
Renowned plein air artist Clare Bowen’s July 2026 retreat sold out in 24 hours. Join our VIP Waitlist for early access to future retreats.
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