APPLICATION | In & Out of the Garden: Painting Stories in Oil with Lizzie Black June 2025

Apply Now for Garden Studies & Plein Air with Lizzie Black | June 2025

Join us at the Château de Puy Vidal for an immersive 7-night oil painting workshop with artist Lizzie Black. This week-long retreat will guide you through the art of storytelling in still life and plein air painting, set against the breathtaking gardens and historic interiors of an 800-year-old French château.

With Lizzie’s structured and nurturing approach, you will explore the light, texture, and composition—developing skills to capture your surroundings at Chateau de Puy Vidal.

Throughout the week, you’ll work en plein air in the Château’s gardens and surrounding landscapes, as well as indoors to craft still life compositions inspired by antique objects, vibrant summer flowers, and the soft, filtered light of historic interiors. Lizzie’s teaching style emphasizes foundational techniques, encouraging you to experiment with mark making, color mixing, and brushwork to develop your own artistic voice.

This all-inclusive retreat offers:

A thoughtfully curated painting schedule blending structured lessons, personal guidance, and reflective studio time.
A supportive, creative environment perfect for beginners and intermediate artists.
The opportunity to step away from daily life and immerse yourself in a week of inspiration, creativity, and personal growth.

Your week at Château de Puy Vidal will feature feasts, wine, candlelit dinners, and the joy of creative fellowship, leaving you refreshed and inspired to continue your artistic journey.

Room Rates & Occupancy | All taxes & fees included

Medieval Tower | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,300
Pavilion Room 1 | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,300
Pavilion Room 2 | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,300
Lafayette Room | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,700
Rose Room | Double Occupancy Required, Private Bathroom - €5,700
Toile de Jouy 1 | Double Occupancy Available, Private Bathroom - €5,995
Toile de Jouy 2 | Double Occupancy Available, Private Bathroom - €5,995
King Room | Double Occupancy Required, Private Bathroom - €5,995

Non-Painting Partner | €2,500
Non-painting partners are welcome to join the experience. **This option is limited to Double Occupancy Rooms at the Château**

Offsite Participant | €3,900

The Offsite Participant option lets you experience Château de Puy Vidal during the day and enjoy your nearby accommodations at night.

This option is ideal for artists looking for a budget-friendly way of attending the workshop, as the local accommodation prices are very reasonable. It is also suitable if you prefer more independence during your stay. This package includes everything except your overnight accommodations.

Second Artist sharing a room | €3,900

Included with All chateau Rooms

Accommodations: Private bedroom at Château de Puy Vidal. Private or Shared Bathroom, depending on Room Selection.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks (including coffee, tea, French wines, and 24/7 access to a coffee and snack bar) throughout the 7-night workshop.
Art Supplies: We provide easels, canvases sized to the instructor’s recommendations, lightweight tripods, palettes, solvents, aprons, carry bags, painting stools, and an assortment of still-life objects. Shareable oil paint tubes are available in the studio.
- Note: Brushes, sketch pads and pencils are not included.
Itinerary: A thoughtfully designed painting schedule fostering creativity and artistic growth.
Facilities: Full access to the Puy Vidal Art Studio, salons, gardens, pool, and hot tub. Feel free to explore and paint anywhere on the estate.
Shuttle Service: Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at Angoulême Train Station, just 18 minutes from Château de Puy Vidal.
Creative Environment: A welcoming, collaborative atmosphere encouraging creativity and artistic connection.
Event Photography: Complimentary in-house event photography to capture and preserve your retreat memories.

Not Included

Flights: Participants are responsible for arranging their flights.
Train Travel: Participants must arrange their train transportation.
Insurance: We strongly recommend obtaining travel and health insurance, as these are not provided.
Offsite Participant Accommodations & Car Transport

JUNE 2025 | PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH LIZZIE BLACK

Room Rates & Occupancy

Medieval Tower | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,300
Pavilion Room 1 | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,300
Pavilion Room 2 | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,300
Lafayette Room | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,700
Rose Room | Double Occupancy Required, Private Bathroom - €5,700
Toile de Jouy 1 | Double Occupancy Available, Private Bathroom - €5,995
Toile de Jouy 2 | Double Occupancy Available, Private Bathroom - €5,995
King Room | Double Occupancy Required, Private Bathroom - €5,995

Non-Painting Partner | €2,900

Have your partner enjoy a luxurious retreat at Château de Puy Vidal with all amenities (except instruction): three meals daily, unlimited drinks, snacks, evening entertainment, pool and hot tub, train station transfers, and access to the creative ambiance of the studio, demos, and lectures. Limited to 3 Spots – Add-On During Booking **limited to Double Occupancy Rooms- King Room, Rose Room, and Toile Rooms**

Offsite Participant | €3,500

The Offsite Participant option lets you experience Château de Puy Vidal during the day and enjoy your nearby accommodations at night.

Second Artist sharing a room | €3,900

If you wish to share a room with another artist- say a couple who both want to paint, or two friends who wish to share a room- the price for the second artist is 3,900 euros added to whichever room package you choose. Please note only the rooms which say Double Occupancy available can accomodate two guests. The Rose Room is the only room with two Queen beds, the other rooms have either a King or Queen bed, and only the King can accomodate the addition of the cot. Please email us if you wish to add this option to one of the rooms at [email protected]

Included with All Rooms

Accommodations: Private bedroom at Château de Puy Vidal.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks (including coffee, tea, French wines, and 24/7 access to a coffee and snack bar) throughout the 7-night workshop.
Art Supplies: We provide easels, canvases sized to the instructor’s recommendations, lightweight tripods, palettes, solvents, aprons, carry bags, painting stools, and an assortment of still-life objects. Shareable oil paint tubes are available in the studio.
- Note: Please bring your own brushes, sketch pads and pencils- they are not included.
Itinerary: A thoughtfully designed painting schedule focused on fostering creativity and artistic growth.
Facilities: Full access to the Puy Vidal Art Studio, salons, gardens, pool, and hot tub. Feel free to explore and paint anywhere on the estate.
Shuttle Service: Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at Angoulême Train Station, just 18 minutes from Château de Puy Vidal.
Creative Environment: A welcoming, collaborative atmosphere encouraging creativity and artistic connection.
Event Photography: Complimentary in-house event photography to capture and preserve your retreat memories.

Not Included

Flights: Participants are responsible for arranging their own flights.
Train Travel: Participants must arrange their own train transportation.
Insurance: We strongly recommend obtaining travel and health insurance, as these are not provided.