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FIND BEAUTY WITHIN
LIZZIE BLACK
In & Out of the Garden
Painting Plein Air Stories in Oil
€5,300 - €5,995
JUNE 4th-11th, 2025
€5,200 - € 5,900
In & Out of the Garden with Lizzie Black | Plein Air Art Workshop
Step into the vibrant early summer at Château de Puy Vidal, where wildflowers spill over garden paths, sunlight dances through windows, and the air stirs with creative energy. Join artist Lizzie Black as she guides you on an exploration of still life and plein air painting, celebrating the beauty and hidden stories within everyday objects and natural surroundings.
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This workshop invites you to slow down and notice the interplay of light and texture—whether you're painting wildflowers arranged with antique treasures or capturing the timeless charm of the Château’s historic interiors. Lizzie’s approach blends structure with spontaneity, gently guiding you to sharpen your eye, refine your technique, and create works that are both deeply personal and evocative.
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Surrounded by fellow artists and the Château’s tranquil gardens, this retreat is more than a workshop—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of observation, nurture your creative spirit, and step into a world of quiet beauty and inspiration. Thoughtful instruction, the camaraderie of artists, and the rhythms of life at Château de Puy Vidal will lead you to a joyful, deeper connection with your work.
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Each day is enriched with dinners à la française, glasses of wine shared under the stars, and the gentle cadence of life in the French countryside.
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Due to limited spaces and the intimate nature of this experience, we encourage you to apply below.
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MEET THE LADY OF THE CHATEAU
CREATIVE TEAM
We are your retreat designers and guides, and it is our pleasure to welcome you into our world. A multi-generational American family who moved to France, we combine our backgrounds in the film industry, painting, data science, tech and astronomy to shape and guide you through our retreat experiences which focus on creativity, personal growth and connection.
Julia and Caroline are a couple and are the founders of the Lady of the Chateau retreats. They scout talent from around the world to find Guest Instructors for each retreat. They design and run each retreat with Penelope, Julia's sister, and their parents Maruca and Robert, who enjoy hosting people from around the world. Together with our guest instructor, retreat chef, and chateau staff, we pride ourselves on retreats distinguished by fully integrated hospitality.
We cannot wait to welcome you to this experience that will leave your cup full for months to come.
"I believe that everyone has a unique way of seeing the world, and this fascinates me. With confidence, we can translate what is in front of us onto the canvas and tell the viewer a little bit more about ourselves."
Lizzie Black | AROI
7 -NIGHTS ALL INCLUSIVE
OPEN TO BEGINNERS
INTIMATE CLASS SIZE
"A painter's subject should be the things they love"
Édouard Vuillard
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
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.
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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.
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A Letter from your Instructor
WHAT SETS HER APART
As an accomplished artist deeply rooted in the traditions of still life and plein air painting, Lizzie Black lives and works in the picturesque coastal village of Mousehole, Cornwall. Drawing inspiration from her surroundings, she creates compositions that celebrate the beauty found in everyday moments.
Her work has been exhibited throughout the West Country and at prestigious venues such as the Mall Galleries in London, where she has shown with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) for the past five years and the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA). In 2023, Lizzie was honored with the Tony Merrick Memorial Prize from the ROI for her outstanding work.
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Coming from a family of artists, Lizzie’s training is both formal and personal—she learned foundational techniques from her father, the noted artist Bernard Evans. This blend of tradition and innovation is evident in her practice, which balances classical methods with her own unique voice. Lizzie’s influences include the Impressionist masters Vuillard and Sickert, whose focus on domestic life and evocative interiors inform her own vibrant and intimate paintings.
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In addition to her art practice, Lizzie is a dedicated teacher who has nurtured students of all levels through in-person workshops, online courses, and one-on-one mentorship. Her structured yet intuitive teaching style reflects her belief that every artist has a unique way of seeing the world and that with the right guidance, they can bring their vision to life on canvas.
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Lizzie’s ability to capture light, texture, and emotion in her work, combined with her approachable teaching style and deep connection to her craft, make her an extraordinary guide for this immersive week of painting at Château de Puy Vidal.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Royal Associate member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (AROI)
Tony Merrick Memorial Prize - Royal Institute of Oil Painters Exhibition (ROI)
Regular exhibitor with the ROI and the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA)
Recognized Artist in Cornwall and the West Country
Dear Student Artist,
I am so excited to welcome you to Château de Puy Vidal for this special retreat. Painting has always been my way of seeing and connecting with the world, and I can’t wait to share that journey with you. There’s something truly magical about being immersed in such a stunning and historic environment, surrounded by beauty and inspiration at every turn.
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My own work is deeply rooted in capturing the light, textures, and moments of my surroundings—whether it’s the soft glow of flowers in a vintage vase or the shadows cast by a sunlit window. At the Château, we’ll have the opportunity to explore this together, drawing from the vibrant summer gardens, the timeless interiors, and the quiet moments that make this place so extraordinary.
Throughout the week, I’ll guide you step by step, helping you build skills in composition, tonal studies, and color mixing. My teaching style is structured but encouraging—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, I’ll meet you where you are and help you grow. You’ll leave with studies and finished works, but more importantly, with the confidence to see your art and the world around you in new and exciting ways.
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I believe that everyone has a unique way of seeing, and my goal is to help you bring that vision to life on canvas. Together, we’ll create a supportive, nurturing space where you can explore, make mistakes, and discover the joy that comes from painting.
This retreat is about more than just developing your technical skills; it’s about finding inspiration, connection, and delight in the creative process. I’m honored to be part of your artistic journey, and I can’t wait to paint alongside you this June at Château de Puy Vidal.
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Warmly,
Lizzie Black
A Sample Workshop Day
8:30am - 9:30am
Breakfast in Chateau Courtyard
9:45 am - 1:30pm
Morning Painting Session
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Lunch in Interior Courtyard
2:45pm – 5:30pm
Afternoon painting
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4:30pm - 6:30pm
Rest, Relax or Keep on Painting!
7:00 pm
Aperitif Hour
8:00pm – 9:30pm
Dinner in Renaissance Dining Room
9:30pm - 11pm
Evenings at the Chateau
Cognac tasting, Bonfire night under the stars, Outdoor cinema
JUNE 4
JUNE 5
JUNE 6
JUNE 7
JUNE 8
JUNE 9
JUNE 10
JUNE 11
Arrival day
Welcome to the Château!
Recommended arrival between 2pm - 4pm.
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Settle in, meet your host family, and tour the castle gardens and grounds.
Join Lizzie and your hosts in the Art Studio for an intro circle to kick off the workshop.
Building Visual Language & Tonal Studies
Begin with introductions and icebreakers. Explore mark making, tonal contrasts, and basic composition principles.
Paint tonal studies inspired by simple still life arrangements.
Exploring Color & Brushwork Techniques
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Dive into color theory with fun exercises like color wheels and swatches.
Practice paint application, brush techniques, and impasto effects in the studio or outdoors.
Plein Air Daytrip to Nearby Village ​
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Step outside of the chateau walls to our nearby village on a daytrip to a nearby French village to practice plein air painting or sketching.
Relax, refresh, and get inspired.
Garden Stories: | Developing Still Life
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Work in the Château gardens to develop personalized still life arrangements using flowers and antique objects. Enjoy the challenge and rewards of outdoor painting.
Interior Still Life & Light Study
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Move indoors to capture still life scenes in a historic interior. Focus on natural light, backdrops, and creating a sense of place and narrative.
Wrap up & Final Reflections
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Reflect on the week and finalize your collection of artwork with Lizzie's guidance. We celebrate the creative journey and successes experienced by all this week.
Departure Day
We bid you a warm farewell and provide shuttle service to the Angoulême train station, starting as early as 5:45 AM.
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Check out by 12pm.
ALL-INCLUSIVE WEEK
Our all-inclusive packages, lovingly curated, cover everything during your stay, from train pick-up to accommodations to day trips. Our goal in putting these together is to allow you to completely relax during your time here, delve into learning, and have the rest taken care of.
Included in Your Stay
ART SUPPLIES AT THE CHATEAU
The Puy Vidal Art Studio is outfitted just for you!
With a large variety of easels, canvases, lightweight tripods, palettes, solvents, aprons, carry bags,
painting stools, still life trinkets for inspiration, and much more.
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*Optional Add-on: we can ship your completed artwork home at cost.
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*Brushes Not Included.
A list of recommended colors and brushes will be supplied in advance.
PAINTING CLASSES
A week of morning and afternoon painting classes, demos, lectures, and history. Discussions about painting and evenings with the Instructor. Ongoing feedback and review as well as an end-of-week group review.
ACCOMMODATIONS
A private chateau bedroom and bathroom await you for your 7-night stay at Puy Vidal. These bedrooms are large enough to share so bring a fellow Artist or a Non-painting partner with you.
AUTHENTIC FRENCH
MEALS & WINE
Breakfast buffets each morning, with both continental and savory options. Light refreshing lunches. Aperitif hours with local cocktails and nibbles. Decadent dinners with flowing French wines.
DAY TRIP
Transportation on our day trip to the local village of La Rochefoucauld, entry ticket to Chateau museum, and lunch at a riverside restaurant all included.
CHATEAU EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
The Chateau's spirit comes alive after dinner. Join the group for bonfires under the stars, mystery games, costume nights, and cinema screenings by candlelight.
TRAIN PICK UP | DROP OFF
On arrival day and departure day, a Chateau shuttle will meet you at the train station in Angouelme - an 18min drive from the Chateau. The train is the best way to travel to the Chateau from Paris- the total time is 2 hours.
“I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days…
come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!”
Terry Stanley, Creative Retreat Participant, 2023
How to Join Us
THE CHÂTEAU STAY
€5,300 - €5,950
All taxes & fees included
Chateau de Puy Vidal offers 8 bedrooms for Retreat participants to stay at the Chateau full-time. Ranging from large and magnificent rooms fit for a king, to romantic, sensual decor, to French country charm, we have an experience for you. To see each bedroom visit our Chateau Bedrooms Page here. Bedroom assignments happen on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early!
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To maintain a harmonious and inspiring environment, all potential participants are required to apply via our booking page below. This application process allows us to thoughtfully curate each group, ensuring a cohesive experience for all participants.
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Pricing based on single occupancy. For Artists looking to share a room please email us at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com for more information. To make this retreat more accessible, we offer flexible payment options. The retreat fee is divided in three installments, and we’re happy to work with you to arrange a payment plan that suits your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for details!
If you'd like to bring a Non-Painting Partner to share your room with you they are welcome to join you in any of our double occupancy rooms. If they'd like to explore the region during the week, a car rental is recommended.
Non-Painting Partner rate: 2,500 €
APPLY BELOW
THE OFFSITE RETREAT
3,900 €
Accommodations not included
The Offsite retreat option lets you experience Château de Puy Vidal by day while enjoying your own nearby accommodations by night.
This option is ideal for artists looking for a budget- friendly way of attending the workshop, as the local accomodation prices are very reasonable. It is also ideal if you prefer a bit more independence during your stay.
This package includes everything except your overnight accommodations - Guided Instruction, full access to all Château facilities (art studio, gardens, common spaces, pool, and sauna), art supplies, and three French-style meals daily, plus an all-day coffee, tea, and snack bar, as well as transportation on the day trip excursion. This does not include pick up or drop off at the train station, nor transportation to and from the Chateau each day.
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We provide a list of recommended nearby accommodations(family-run B&Bs) all within a 10 minute drive of the château. A car rental is required for daily travel between your accommodations and the château. To keep class sizes intimate, this option is limited to 3 spots.
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To book, please email us at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com
Our workshops and retreats are carefully curated to foster a harmonious environment, bringing together like-minded participants who inspire and learn from one another.
Due to high demand, as well as to ensure a cohesive group dynamic, we invite you to apply below. The application process ensures that we are able to personalize this journey as much as possible to your needs and that the group is balanced and supportive so that everyone can flourish.
You will be notified within 48 hours of submission whether you have been accepted.
Once accepted, you will receive an invitation to book your spot. Your spot will not be confirmed until you book.
To make this retreat more accessible, we offer flexible payment options. The retreat fee is divided in three installments, and we’re happy to work with you to arrange a payment cadence that suits your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for details!
If you have any questions regarding our retreats or if you are having trouble booking please email us at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com
How do I get there?
Puy Vidal is nestled in the scenic Charente region, just 2 hours south via SNCF Train from Paris-Montparnasse station. This idyllic location offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility.
We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off from our local train station of Angouleme just 18 minutes from the Chateau . If you’re driving, detailed directions will be provided upon booking. We’re easily accessible from major French cities, making your journey as smooth as possible.
What supplies do i need to bring?
Bring your Brushes!!
We provide the majority of the supplies, including painting tubes to share amongst your fellow Artists - Easels, Palettes, Solvents, Aprons, etc are all available for your to use in our Puy Vidal Art Studio.
Once you've booked your retreat we will send you your specific instructors Art Supplies.
Is there a pool ?
Yes! Our outdoor pool is heated, perfect for a refreshing dip in summer and a comfortable swim in spring and fall.
Our large hot tub makes a perfect place to unwind alone or with some new friends after a day of creativity.
Are Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
We cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. However, due to the nature of our environment and kitchen, we cannot accommodate multiple food restrictions or severe life-threatening food allergies. Please contact us before booking at admin@ladyofthechateau.com.
In addition, if you have severe dietary or environmental allergies (e.g., to insects, dust, or humidity), please contact us before booking at admin@ladyofthechateau.com. For your safety, we reserve the right to cancel bookings if we determine we cannot safely accommodate your needs.
FAQ
Our guests most frequently asked questions