What I Carried Home from France
And why I’m creating something special in Wisconsin this summer
I’m writing to you today from my studio, still soaking in the magic of my recent time in France. I spent three weeks traveling and leading my painting retreat—and it was truly life-changing. We painted surrounded by blooming roses, shared long meals under the trees, and created the kind of deep, soul-filling connections I’ll never forget.
Now that I’m home—creatively recharged and full of gratitude—I’m already feeling the pull to gather and create again, this time closer to home.
I’d love to invite you to come paint with me this summer near my studio in beautiful Spring Green, Wisconsin — July 19 & 20, 2025. All skill levels are welcome!
This small-group retreat offers plenty of space for meaningful conversations, art chats, and personal guidance throughout the weekend.
Early registration is open until June 20—use code JULY2025.
Whether you’re brand new to painting or a seasoned artist, we’ll have so much fun creating art and building friendships in this inspiring landscape. I’ll guide you in nurturing your creativity as we fill our canvases with color and joy.
I’d be honored to paint alongside you this summer.❤️
A Video Message For You
I recorded a short video to share my excitement, what to expect, and more—I'd be delighted if you watched it here!
After such a powerful time in France—filled with creativity, laughter, and belonging—I knew I wanted to offer something again soon. I truly believe in the magic that happens when we step away from our everyday lives and into a space where creativity and connection come first. That’s exactly what this Wisconsin retreat is about.
I’ll admit—I was nervous before my France retreat. I’m a planner. Just like my painting process, I usually start with a plan: a colorful background, two dots for the eyes, and then I let the energy flow.
For the retreat, I created a ten-page outline of what I’d teach each day—down to every detail. I lost it the first night. Gone. And while I could have pulled up the digital copy, I realized I didn’t need it. I already knew the plan by heart. I live it.
Not relying on the outline allowed me to be fully present and follow the energy of the moment. Teaching became an extension of my body. After more than fifteen years of living this creative practice, I finally trusted myself enough to just be.
And that’s what I want for you too—to let go of the pressure, trust your creative voice, and feel the joy of making art that’s truly your own.
❤️ I’m following that feeling again—and I’d love for you to be part of it. Join me in Wisconsin.
New Connections + New Friendships
Painting alongside others opens up space for meaningful connection and unexpected inspiration. During my France retreat, it truly felt like a dream—we painted side by side, shared joyful meals, sang along to music, and many of us are still sketchbooking and staying in touch through our WhatsApp group.
I’m bringing that same spirit of creativity and connection to Wisconsin this summer, and I’ll be your guide every step of the way.
Together, we’ll create lasting friendships, have fun, and find inspiration in this beautiful corner of the world.
Click here for more details about the retreat.
Paint + Play
At this retreat, we’ll focus on loosening up with color and creative techniques—especially when painting women and animals. I’ll walk you through my entire process, from covering the white space to layering vibrant color, and finally adding faces and figures that bring your artwork to life.
New this year: acrylic paints are included! You won’t need to bring or buy all your supplies—I’ll provide a curated selection of vibrant, high-flow acrylics along with shared paints and materials to create a fun, supportive community vibe, just like we did in France.
We’ll also explore using water-soluble pencils and watercolors in our sketchbooks, painting from our surroundings, memories, and imaginations. And to help you get started, you’ll receive instant access to my Watercolor Joy Mini Course when you register. 😊
Click here for more retreat details.
Our Gorgeous Venue + Color Inspirations
This is such a magical place! We’ll be painting at the beautiful Octagon Barn in southwestern Wisconsin. Just one hour west of Madison, in the scenic Driftless Region, this barn is surrounded by wildflowers, rolling hills, and expansive skies that seem to go on forever.
This landscape is one of my biggest inspirations—especially in summer. The colors here are breathtaking and have deeply influenced my own painting palette.
Let the views move you, the colors guide you, and the sky remind you to breathe. We'll let go of the outcome, soak in the moment, and paint with joy.
Click here for more retreat details.
Let's Paint Together!
On Saturday, July 19: My goal is for you to spend the day painting, sketching, and connecting. The only time you won’t be creating is during my demos and our lovely catered lunch. It’s a full day to immerse yourself in the colorful landscape and nourish your creative spirit.
On Sunday, July 20: We’ll take everything deeper. I’ll show you how I move past the inner critic and paint with freedom. We’ll focus on having fun, staying curious, and letting our surroundings guide us in new, unexpected directions.
Right now, I’m here in my backyard, admiring the clouds as butterflies and hummingbirds create magic in the blooming gardens outside my studio. It feels like the perfect place to start layering new colors on my canvas, inspired by the bright cadmium yellow lilies in bloom.
As I recently shared on the ReBloom Podcast, losing my job in 2009 led me back to painting—and embracing imperfection and play transformed not just my creative process, but my whole life. If you’d like to hear more about that journey, you can listen to the episode here. 🎧
If this kind of peaceful, colorful inspiration calls to you, come paint and spend the weekend with me here in Wisconsin.
Thank you so much to everyone who has signed up already—I can’t wait to share this creative, magical experience with you! ❤️
Reach out anytime with questions. 😊
xo Juliette
P.S. Know someone who might love this workshop—or a friend who’d want to come along with you? Just share this essay with them. Let’s paint together!
P.P.S. Not sure if this retreat is right for you? Just message me—I’ll happily answer any questions, and if it’s not the right fit, I’ll let you know with no pressure.