You're Joyfully Invited!
Live & In-Person | 10-Day Retreat | June 10-19, 2026 | Gourdon, France
Bonjour, friends! I’m so excited to invite you on a joyful, color-filled adventure to the South of France—an experience designed to spark inspiration, nourish your creativity, and connect you with a like-hearted community of artists and explorers.
This 10-day, all-inclusive retreat—hosted by the lovely folks at Périgord Retreats—unfolds in the breathtaking Dordogne and Lot regions, where ancient stone villages, sunlit landscapes, and centuries of story await your arrival.
From paintbrush to picnic, and studio time to sunset strolls, we’ll embrace creative freedom, meaningful connection, spontaneous laughter, and the kind of friendship that lingers long after the journey ends.
Come with an open heart and leave with a full one. Let’s make art, memories, and a little magic—together.
A Glimpse into Our Days:
Spend 10 magical days in the heart of Gourdon, France—where creativity meets culture, and every moment invites you to slow down, soak it in, and create from the soul.
You’ll settle into the elegant Périgord Retreat Villas, your home away from home, surrounded by rolling hills, lush gardens, and charming stone architecture. Take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool, wander the peaceful grounds, or head into the airy, light-filled studio where we’ll gather to make art, share stories, and let inspiration flow.
Throughout our time together, Jen will gently guide you through a rich variety of creative experiences - from expressive landscape painting to intuitive sketching and soulful visual journaling. You’ll be supported every step of the way by Jen and her lovely sister Erin, as you paint your heart out, explore exciting collage techniques, add luscious texture with encaustic wax layers, and build a deeply personal collection of artwork that reflects your journey.
When we’re not in the studio or journaling under the French sky, we’ll explore medieval hilltop villages, browse the treasures of vintage markets, tour fairytale castles, and enjoy simple pleasures like picnics in the countryside and sunset strolls. We’ll sketch on location, gather inspiration from every turn, and return home not just with a journal full of art—but with a heart full of connection, creativity, and color.
“Working with Jennifer brings out the creativity you never knew you had! Her high energy and positive attitude make you feel good during, and after you leave her classes.”
— Debbie Sullivan, Marketing Director
Here's What's in Store:
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Capture the Essence of Place Through Expressive Landscape Painting
Learn how to interpret the scenery around you with bold brushstrokes, intuitive color, and a loosened-up approach using acrylic or gouache paints.
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Explore Color and Mark-Making with Fresh Eyes
Playfully experiment with layering, contrast, and texture to develop your own expressive visual language.
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Spontaneous Singing and Dancing Encouraged
This isn’t just an art retreat—it’s a celebration of creativity and connection.
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Layer Meaning Into Your Work with Collage and Encaustic
Add depth and storytelling to your art with rich collage materials and encaustic techniques that invite curiosity and personal reflection.
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Gather Color Palettes and Textures from Your Surroundings
Use the natural beauty and daily excursions as a source of fresh inspiration—let the sights, patterns, and rhythms of the region guide your palette.
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Sketch and Paint On Location with Confidence
Learn techniques for quick, expressive sketching and painting in your journal that capture not just what you see, but how a place feels.
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Fill Your Art Journal With a Visual Story of Your Journey
Your journal becomes your travel companion, filled with color, sketches, textures, words, and memories to treasure.
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Soak in the Charm and Culture of the French Countryside
From morning walks to peaceful vistas, every moment is a chance to slow down and savor.
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Wander Through Historical Villages and Cobblestone Streets
Visit quaint towns full of character, stories, and inspiration at every turn.
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Shop at Traditional French Markets
Pick up unique paper goods, textiles, treats, or collage treasures while mingling with the local charm.
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Savor Local, Organic Cuisine and Wines
Enjoy delicious meals made with love and fresh, regional ingredients in an intimate, communal setting.
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Connect, Laugh, and Create With a Warm Community of Artists
Be part of a supportive circle of creatives from around the world as we make art, share stories, and grow together.
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...and plenty of surprises along the way
Expect magic, mischief, inspiration, and spontaneous moments you’ll never forget.
The Places We'll Go...
Click the link to learn more about each exciting adventure...
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Lavender Fields
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Cahors on Lot (including the vintage market)
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Gourdon (our local village)
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Sarlat (another market!)
The landscape whispers, the light guides
and the soul creates...
A Bit About Jen & Erin:
Jen and Erin are vibrant, creative sisters from Southern California who share a passion for art, adventure, and encouraging others to live more creatively and authentically.
Jen is an artist and educator whose cozy home studio is bursting with color, energy, and inspiration. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she’s led several workshops and international retreats in both France and Italy, helping others tap into their creative voice through paint, color, texture and movement. Whether she’s capturing the spirit of a landscape or the soul of a subject, Jen brings heart, humor, and a love for authentic connection to everything she creates.
Erin is a seasoned educator who has been teaching elementary kiddos for over 25 years! She brings a bright, encouraging spirit to the retreat and delights in cheering others on as they dive into creativity with joy, playfulness, and an open heart.
Together, Jen and Erin create a welcoming space where creativity flows, laughter is shared, and meaningful, authentic moments unfold.
Included in Your Retreat
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Daily art activities, experiences and instruction designed to spark inspiration, build creative confidence, and deepen your artistic voice
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9 nights nestled in the simple elegance and charm of the Périgord Retreat Villas
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A specially curated selection of art supplies (a detailed list will be provided closer to the trip)
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All delicious, chef-prepared meals, except for 2 lunches and 1 dinner to enjoy out on your own
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All tours, entrance fees, and cultural excursions—led by our lovely hosts at Périgord Retreats
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Lovely local wines and beverages served with meals and throughout the retreat
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Round-trip transportation to and from the Toulouse Airport
What's Not Included
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Travel expenses to and from France - Airfare
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Passport fees
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Travel Insurance
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Additional nights lodging and/or meals
Perigord Retreats will handle all payments securely and handle all booking details.