Painting Retreat
SPRING GREEN, WISCONSIN – July 19 & 20, 2025
$695 for both days
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Lunch included
I’m so happy to be offering this painting retreat again — this time with a few new touches I can’t wait to share!
With a smaller group this weekend, there will be more time for individual guidance and creative support. I’ll walk you through my favorite ways to build a joyful, meaningful art practice — whether you’re just beginning or ready to deepen your style.
We’ll paint women, animals, and all things colorful and whimsical, working in both sketchbooks and on canvas. You’ll also get to explore some of my favorite collage and mixed media techniques as we layer, play, and follow what feels fun.
Come spend the weekend with me in beautiful Spring Green, Wisconsin — a peaceful, inspiring place to reconnect with your creativity, meet kindred spirits, and fill your art with heart.
All experience levels are welcome!
To help you get started, you’ll also receive instant access to my Watercolor Joy Mini Course.
Happy Painting!
Let’s Paint Together!
On Saturday, July 19: We’ll focus on color and techniques for loosening up, particularly in painting women and animals. I’ll guide you through my painting process from start to finish: beginning with covering the white space and layering color. Then we’ll add faces and figures, integrating everything together. My goal is for you to paint, sketch, and connect most of the day. The only time you won’t be creating is during my demos and our lovely catered lunch. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in this colorful landscape and nourish your creative spirit. I find that sketching and painting during downtime or while hanging out with friends leads to amazing connections and conversations, which deeply inspire my mixed media paintings.
On Sunday, July 20: We’ll take everything deeper. I’ll show you how I overcome my inner critic and paint with freedom. We’ll focus on having fun and letting our surroundings inspire us in new directions. Again, my goal is for you to paint and sketch all day long.
Having fun with my artwork helps me let go, follow my heart, and paint without the pressure of perfection. I want you to feel all of that magic too!
Please Note: We’ll be painting in the rural Wisconsin countryside, so come prepared with anything you need to be comfortable and dress appropriately with good walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat, bug spray, etc.
A delicious vegetarian lunch will be served both days, as well as tea, water, and snacks.
At the retreat, I’ll provide a selection of high-flow acrylic paint colors to share (fluorescent pink, quinacridone nickel azo gold, green gold, turquoise, teal, permanent green, phthalo green, and cadmium yellow), plus medium-body titanium white. I’ll also bring a few collage papers, scissors, Mod Podge, paper towels, and water containers for everyone to use. A list of additional recommended supplies will be sent following your registration.
What Will You Learn?
We will be using mostly acrylic paints (included) and water-soluble pencil and will explore a variety of techniques. We’ll paint from our beautiful surroundings, memories, and our imaginations.
- Painting more loosely and spontaneously
- Learning simple shape templates for multiple subjects
- Ways to layer color and create depth
- Painting from your surroundings combined with painting from your imagination
- How to choose your color palette
- Making your painting pop
- Silencing your inner critic
What Past Retreat Guests Have Shared
“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 my entire life.”
— Kathy S.
“This trip has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, Juliette created a space that was warm, open, and deeply nurturing… I found myself inspired, experimenting freely, and falling in love with the journey of self-expression.”
— Evie G.
“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 Z.
“What a spectacular week filled with love, care, friendship and art. Everyone produced magical paintings and memories for a lifetime.”
— J. Hughes
“The retreat was well organized and welcoming. The class time was informative, and Juliette generously shared her techniques, tips, and process. The days flowed easily and left me inspired to keep creating.”
— Pam D.
“Juliette’s gentle guidance, presence, and encouragement helped me create more freely than I ever have. The environment she created gave us permission to experiment, play, and return to ourselves.”
— Kalinda B.
“Juliette truly created something magical. I left feeling inspired, expanded, and deeply grateful.”
— Sunwoo Y.
“From beginners to practicing artists, Juliette’s demos and support opened up new ways of creating. Her positivity and warmth made the whole retreat feel joyful, relaxing, and transformative.”
— Pat R.
“Our retreat with Juliette was peaceful, beautiful, and full of magic. I will never forget it.”
— Sara M.
“This experience was unforgettable — not just because of the art, but because of the kindness, support, and joy that surrounded us all week.”
— Sue C.
“Thank you so much for offering this amazing experience that brought so many incredible people together. I’ll carry it in my heart through life.”
— G. Warren
What Happens Next? Hotels, Airports, and more!
- Once you’ve paid for your spot you will get an email with a supply list and more information.
- Location: The Octagon Barn, E4350 Horseshoe Rd, Spring Green, WI 53588
- If you’re flying in you’ll need a car. It’s a gorgeous drive! Closest airport is MSN / Dane Couty Regional Airport in Madison, WI. 1hr. MKE in Milwaukee is about 2 hr 15 min.
- Here are a few hotels to stay at near The Octagon Barn: Spring Valley Inn is about 10 min. away / springvalleyinn.com / (608) 588-7828. Click here for more lodging options recommended by The Octagon Barn.
- Click here for a list of other area attractions – I recommend the American Players Theater.
About the Venue
This is a magical place! We’ll be painting in the beautiful Octagon Barn in Southwestern Wisconsin. Located just one hour west of Madison in the scenic Driftless Region, The Octagon Barn’s stunning setting provides unforgettable views, colorful wildflowers, and expansive skies. We will spend some time sketching in the garden to loosen up, and our painting tables will be set up indoors, giving the feeling of painting outside beside giant open doors to the main views (near the bathroom and water.)
This area is one of my biggest inspirations! It completely inspires my color palette, especially in summertime.
After my France retreat, I especially realize how much creativity connects and inspires us. It has inspired me to go on more photo walks and keep my carryall packed with my sketchbook and a few supplies so I can paint anywhere. Then, I bring all of that inspiration back with me to the studio. It all helps me stay in the flow, loosen up, and feel happier!
My goal for the weekend retreat is to have you experience my Wisconsin calm, beauty, and inspiration. Let the colors and expansive skies move you and connect us while we paint. We will let go of the outcome, soak everything in, and have an amazing time.
*CANCELLATION policy: Lots of planning, expenses, and time go into hosting a retreat. Therefore we do not offer credit, refunds or cancellations. However, you’re welcome to transfer your “retreat spot” to a friend to come in your place.
In the very unlikely case the retreat is canceled – you will be notified immediately and a full refund will follow.
Hi, I’m Juliette
For years, I stopped painting. Art was the thing I loved to do growing up and in high school, but I didn’t know how to make money from being creative. All of my early work ended up in the basement or trash. I felt like my creativity didn’t matter.
I went to college to study biology, but I couldn’t stay away from the art room. When I graduated, I went to work as an arts journalist, writing about the arts for newspapers and magazines. It took many different jobs as a journalist, photographer, graphic designer, gallery assistant, floral designer, website developer and more before I finally realized the only thing I could put my heart into was being a full-time artist. Still, having all of those jobs – which seemed like mistakes and hurdles at the time – helped me learn how to grow and run my creative business.
But at the time I’d no idea how to make that leap.
Then in 2009 I lost my job. To heal my spirit, I started painting again. As friends stopped by and saw my work, they encouraged me to have a local show. I asked at the library and in a few months hung my paintings and hosted an opening. I began selling my artwork, prints and cards to friends and family. I started a facebook page, twitter account and blog. I felt like there was no way anyone I didn’t know would ever purchase my paintings. I began reaching out to other artists and makers and in 2011 I submitted my artwork to a magazine and launched my first online class, How To Paint An Owl.
Now I’ve been a successful, full-time artist for over fifteen years.
I’ve built my creative career around following my heart and focusing on what I enjoy doing most, which has led to thousands of collectors, customers and students around the world, press in publications like Glamour Magazine, Somerset Studio and Oprah.com, being published in multiple books, having five books of my own on Amazon, launching eighteen online classes, opportunities to teach in-person and sales of originals, prints, cards, calendars, books and more in galleries and shops around the world.
Most importantly, I’ve built a lifestyle I love that allows me the freedom to travel, paint, write and share my passion with you. This is something I never thought possible and I wish for you to live your dreams too.
This retreat is for anyone who wants to nurture their creativity, no matter where you are on your artistic journey. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to deepen your practice, you’re welcome here.
I look forward to meeting you at the retreat!
This was more than I ever expected or anticipated. You have a real gift of seeing people and gently pulling them from their own inner struggles.
“That was such an empowering and encouraging session. I feel really hopeful, nervous but not afraid to just begin. You gifted me some tools to help me on my path of growing and developing better self habits and mindset.”
“Juliette was wonderful at answering my questions right away. She gave me great tips for the times when I was feeling stuck, to move forward.”
“I have a long way to go until I am working as completely from my soul as Juliette works, but I am finally on that path.”
"My tendency used to be to rip out the page and wad it up. Because of you, I am learning to not be so harsh on myself… to just keep building layers and see what emerges!"
"Juliette does a great job of breaking down the elements so anyone can follow and create art they can be proud of. Once I saw the creative process broken down and how it morphs or changes I felt much more at ease."
“Playing with new materials and exploring different styles and techniques is such a nice way to switch things up when I need a little creative boost.”
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
How Do I Sign up?
You can sign up by clicking the book your spot button on this page to proceed with your payment. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at info@juliettecrane.com
What if I'm not an artist?
All skill levels are welcome! Please come as you are!
What supplies do I need?
At the retreat, I’ll provide a selection of high-flow acrylic paint colors to share (fluorescent pink, quinacridone nickel azo gold, green gold, turquoise, teal, permanent green, phthalo green, and cadmium yellow), plus medium-body titanium white. I’ll also bring a few collage papers, scissors, Mod Podge, paper towels, and water containers for everyone to use.
Once you’ve registered for your spot you will get an email with additional recommended supplies and more information. We will be using mostly acrylic paints, 11×14″ flat canvases, a sketchbook, watercolors, and water-soluble pencil and will explore a variety of techniques. Feel free to email me HERE with any supply questions.
What If I attended last year…will I learn something new?
Absolutely! If you’ve already taken a retreat or class with me, this will take everything A LOT further.
What If I’ve taken one of your other online courses…will this be helpful for me?
Absolutely! This will be a time for us to connect, and you can ask me questions. So if you’ve already taken a class with me, this will take everything A LOT further.
What if I need to cancel?
Lots of planning, expenses, and time go into hosting a retreat. Therefore we do not offer credit, refunds or cancellations. However, you’re welcome to transfer your “retreat spot” to a friend to come in your place.
In the very unlikely case the retreat is canceled – you will be notified immediately and a full refund will follow.
Have another question?
I’m happy to answer any questions that come up. Feel free to email me HERE.
This class has been the best experience ever! I love how Juliette teaches. I love that there are no hard & fast rules, and I love the fact that even scribbles look like art. The best thing about this course, is that I can share it with my 5 children (well, the baby is too little yet; but she loves to watch). I am a homeschooler, and my 3 girls & son cannot wait for our weekly “art classes” with Juliette.
I especially like the fact that you embrace when you make mistakes, when things are not working, and then explain your thought process when you fix them. I have discovered that when I teach like this in my classroom, my students are quicker to embrace their own mistakes and learn how to problem solve! Thank you for teaching in this way because it’s how I learn best…by fixing my mistakes!
Juliette’s class was so inspiring the way she creates her backgrounds and her characters. She taught me to sketch (I didn’t think I could do that). I thought each time I wanted to draw something, I had to find something to copy... no way could I just put pencil to paper and come up with something. WRONG! I CAN!!!
We love how you change your mind and give us the freedom to do the same! Plus, we get to see lots of works all in one which gives technique while allowing for courage and freedom at times of possible frustration!
Thank you for teaching me to let go, splash paint, enjoy and discover the joy of serendipitous moments.