I’ve been planning my big trip to France, where I’ll be traveling for three whole weeks! One of the experiences I’m most excited about is offering this retreat in the beautiful Loire Valley, just outside Paris, from May 12th-19th.

There’s a special kind of magic that happens on retreats, and I can’t wait to share it with my students. Having fun with my artwork helps me let go and paint without the pressure of perfection. I love helping you feel that magic too, especially if you haven’t felt that creative flow in a while.

I’ve been painting nearly every day for the past fifteen years, and I’m constantly learning something new and experimenting in my art practice. I absolutely LOVE sharing all of this with you when I teach!

One of my strengths is being fully present while I paint—flowing between creating, understanding what my students need, answering questions, and acknowledging both my inner critic and intuitive force. By sharing my strengths and struggles with you, we experiment and learn together, allowing all of us to paint with vibrant, bold colors and loose brushstrokes—while having so much fun!

I know this is going to be the most special experience, and I wanted to be sure that you know about it!

Can you imagine? We’ll be staying at our very own private chateau in the Loire Valley, France, painting in blooming gardens beneath shaded pergolas, around the heated pool, and in our beautiful, light-filled art studio.

We’ll also explore the nearby historic town of Saumur and embark on a magical garden adventure at Château de Villandry to get even more vibrant color inspiration. I’m really excited to be partnering with Uptrek for this beautiful retreat, with our own private chef and wine tasting too!

You can read more and grab one of the last spots here.

This is a magical place!

I can’t even believe we get to paint in these amazing gardens! We’ll explore watercolors, mixed media, acrylics, and playful mark-making—drawing inspiration from the breathtaking surroundings. I find that watercoloring during downtime or while hanging out with friends leads to amazing connections and conversations, which deeply inspires my mixed media paintings.

At my last retreat in Wisconsin, my amazing friend and student Kathy said I changed her life before lunch on the very first day! She shared that I helped her let go, loosen up, and really allow her creativity to flow freely. By the end of the retreat, she said she felt energized and inspired—both in her art and in life—and the whole group felt the same way.

I love doing a variety of demos, as that’s how I’ve always learned best, and it’s how my students thrive too. I also make sure to include moments for rest, whether it’s an afternoon nap, a slow walk through the orchards, or a refreshing swim—this is your vacation, and you’ve earned it!

No art experience is necessary. Please come as you are. 

You can join us right here!

I’d love to have you join us! Thank you to everyone who has signed up so far; I can’t wait to spend this magical time with you!

With love and excitement,

xo Juliette

“I loved every minute of this painting retreat! The demonstrations were helpful and easy to follow, and allowed for all of us to create something unique in our own way. I enjoyed getting to know others who love painting as much as I do.” -Gina Zaffiro

“The retreat was well organized and welcoming. The class time was informative and Juliette generously shared her techniques, tips and process. The days were structured, but not rigid, and flowed easily. There was a good balance between watching and learning from Juliette and time to experiment, sketch and paint on our own. I learned a lot and am excited and inspired to keep working with these new materials and ideas! -Pam DeVol

“You changed my life before lunch the first day!!! You really helped me to let go, loosen up, and the creativity came pouring in. I feel energized and inspired in my art and entire life.” -Kathy Steffen