A Masterclass with CLARE BOWEN
WORKSHOP highlights
A DAY ON RETREAT
CANCELLATION &
REFUNDS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
21–27 July 2026 | Chateau Charente, Southwest France
ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED
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.
frequently asked
questions
PAYMENT
OPTIONS
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
FAQ
(Frequently Asked Q's)
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
This retreat is designed exclusively for intermediate to experienced oil painters. It’s ideal for artists who are ready to refine their technique, challenge their creative process, and immerse themselves in landscape painting.
Do I need to be a PROFESSIONAL artist TO ATTEND?
Not at all — you don’t need to exhibit or sell your work, but you do need to be technically confident with oils. This retreat is not suitable for beginners or those new to oil painting.
WHAY KIND OF TEACHING WILL CLARE OFFER?
Clare will guide daily plein-air sessions with an emphasis on light, expressive mark-making, composition, and developing a personal visual language. Teaching includes group demonstrations, guided discussions, and one-to-one mentoring. You’ll spend most of your time painting outdoors. at the chateau and surrounding areas.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL ATTEND?
The retreat is strictly limited to 12 artists, ensuring intimate access to Clare’s mentorship and a thoughtful, unhurried group dynamic.
About the Retreat
WHERE WILL I STAY?
Guests stay in the elegantly restored bedrooms on the 1st and 2nd floor of Chateau Charente. All bedrooms are spacious twin shares with curated details, luxury linens. Some rooms have a private bathroom, others share the luxury travertine bathroom with an oversized shower and a bathtub with a skylight view.
CAN I BOOK A PRIVATE ROOM?
Due to overwhelming demand, we’re opening up twin-share rooms first to allow as many guests as possible to experience this extraordinary retreat.
All guests will be thoughtfully paired in twin-share accommodation, fostering connection and creative camaraderie throughout the week — a hallmark of the Chateau Charente experience.
Should availability allow, a limited number of private rooms may be released at a later date with adjusted rates.
Is there air conditioning?
There is no air conditioning at the chateau, but the thick stone walls, high ceilings, and generous windows keep the spaces naturally cool. Fans are provided in every bedroom, and the studio and salon remain comfortably temperate, even in the height of summer.
Is the chateau accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
As a heritage building, all guest accommodation is accessed via a single staircase, and painting sessions take place outdoors in varied terrain. This retreat is best suited to able-bodied guests with good mobility.
Accommodation & Amenities
WHAT KIND OF MEALS ARE PROVIDED?
You will enjoy full board dining featuring refined, seasonal menus inspired by the best of Southwest France. Each meal is thoughtfully prepared by our skilled chef using local, organic ingredients sourced from our garden and the finest local producers.
ARE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS ACCOMMODATED?
Absolutely. We welcome dietary requests including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific needs. Please inform us at booking so our chef can tailor menus accordingly.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER BEVERAGES?
All drinks during your stay are included. From morning cold-pressed juices, artisan coffee and fine teas to afternoon refreshments, evening aperitifs, and French wines with dinner, your retreat includes a generous and thoughtfully curated beverage offering throughout the day.
IS WINE INCLUDED WITH MEALS?
Yes. Each evening’s dinner is paired with a carefully selected range of local French wines, chosen to complement the flavours of the meal and elevate your dining experience. It is included in the package price.
Dining Experiences
WHERE IS THE RETREAT HELD?
The retreat takes place at Chateau Charente, a private estate in rural southwest France, midway between Cognac and Bordeaux. It’s a peaceful, secluded setting chosen for its beauty, space, and light — ideal for plein-air work.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Chateau Charente is easily accessible by train and plane. The closest TGV station is Angoulême, which is 2 hours from Paris, 5 hours from Kings Cross London, and just 25 minutes from Bordeaux Airport. We will arrange transfers from either Bordeaux airport or Angoulême train station to the chateau and return you there at the end of your retreat.
You may also choose to hire a car if you prefer to travel independently.
WHAT MATERIALS SHOULD I BRING?
All oil painting materials are provided, including surfaces, brushes, easels, and a carefully curated artist kit. You're welcome to bring your own favourite brushes or tools if preferred. A detailed materials list will be sent ahead of your arrival.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY AFTER THE RETREAT?
Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate early arrivals or extended stays at the chateau. We suggest spending time in Bordeaux or Paris before or after the retreat if you’d like to extend your time in France.
Travel & Practicalities
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
You’ll receive a full packing list before the retreat. Essentials include lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy shoes for outdoor painting, a wide-brimmed hat, and comfortable layers for cool mornings or evenings.
