Hello Friends!
I have been getting a lot of questions about my painting retreat in France, so I thought it would be helpful to share a bit about my first art retreat experience (there’s a fun video below).
If you haven’t seen it yet, I’m hosting a retreat with travel company UpTrek in the Loire Valley, France in May 2025. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. There are only three spots left.
Together, we’ll spend eight luxurious days, letting go of perfectionism, building friendships, and developing style in a gorgeous landscape.
When I went on my first retreat in 2011, I didn’t realize how important it was to meet creative friends in person. I had been connecting with many amazing women online, but as soon as I saw their faces, it felt like family! I couldn’t wait to hug them all.
It wasn’t just the amazing conversations we had (though we did, of course), but the in-person connection that filled a gap in my heart.
I had met two women online who both lived in the UK. They were going to a retreat in California, and one had a space in her room
I was so nervous about sharing a room, a bathroom, and traveling with people I’d never met. But we hardly spent any time in our rooms. We built the best friendships in the studio, painting and talking together, taking walks, and connecting. That was the most amazing part for me! It was so sweet to finally sit and enjoy a glass of wine with everyone.
Now, I’m incredibly thankful I allowed myself to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in something new. It’s phenomenal to let that part of yourself shine.
I thought you might enjoy hearing more of my story… watch this video below.
At the time, I was just beginning to share my paintings with the world. I had opened my Etsy shop, with only four sales (just one from someone I didn’t know). I was also making cards from a few of my paintings and feeling stressed about whether anyone would notice my art.
My motivation to attend that first retreat was to meet a like-minded group of creatives and to learn new painting techniques.
I didn’t expect to form friendships that continued long after the retreat, leading to even more amazing opportunities and experiences.
I want you to feel all of that magic too… in FRANCE!
ALL skill levels are welcome!
I hope to see some of you in France next year! Thank you to everyone who has signed up so far; I can’t wait to paint together! Reach out to me with any questions
If you want something to help you get started, I’ve put together some Free Painting Classes and Resources:
*Join My Free Sketchbook Class
*Join My Free Mixed Media Painting Class
I hope it all brings you a little calm and joy!
Happy painting!
xo Juliette
Ps If this sounds fun but you can’t make it to France, I’m also teaching my process at an upcoming in-person retreat in Wisconsin.
PPS Thank you to the amazingly talented
and for giving me that first inspiration to attend my first art retreat with Jesse Reno!!!