Paris Watercolor Retreat
Discover the captivating art of watercolor with Paris as your backdrop….May 27-31 2024
ABOUT THIS RETREAT
This 5-day retreat will ignite your creative spark and jump-start your creative practice. Master watercolor by painting stunning still life compositions, live models, museums, café culture and architecture. Whether you're a novice or an experienced artist, this retreat offers a nurturing environment free from judgment or the pressure to produce perfect masterpieces. It’s more about trusting the process, connecting with a like-minded group of supportive artists, and immersing yourself in the beauty of Paris….
Objectives
Watercolor techniques
Instruction covers essentials like color theory, dosing out transparency, watercolor strategy and evolving an idea to a fleshed-out final painting while painting from life.
Paris as muse
Use the backdrop of Paris a primary reference visiting museums, galleries, bookstores, green spaces and more. You’ll fill up a sketchbook is inspirations to take home with you.
Develop your style & voice
Renowned illustrator Jessie Kanelos Weiner will meet you where you are on your journey, encouraging you to identify and develop your own personal painting style.
Morning workshops will take place over a traditional French breakfast in a storied artist studio in the the heart of Montparnasse, featured above. A hub of creative exchange for young, international artists at the beginning of the 20th century, its bustling cafés, galleries and artist studios hosted the hotbed of intense social, cultural and artistic activity also known as the Ecole de Paris including artists like Picasso, Kandinsky and Matisse to name a few. Afternoons are a time to explore Paris and source inspirations in some of the best museums in the World like L’Orangerie, Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Fondation Louis Vuitton and lesser-known Parisian spots.
I promise you will….
Connect
with other like-minded artists to share and inspire one another.
Experience
the Good Life as Parisians do and a charming side of the city otherwise inaccessible to tourists.
Master
watercolor in your own way by painting from life and being under the tutelage of JKW.
About Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Franco-American watercolor illustrator and bestselling author of several books, Jessie Kanelos Weiner is known worldwide for her whimsical style and strong wit. She has worked for clients like Vogue, The New Yorker, The New York Times, WSJ, Chevrolet, Cartier, Nespresso & Free People. She is the author of the forthcoming Artisan book Watercolor (2025). Originally from Chicago, she has been based in Paris for over 15 years where she lives with her French husband and son. More here.
Itinerary
(subject to minor changes)
May 27
9AM French breakfast welcome at the artist atelier. Intros and presentation of retreat
10-12PM Watercolor 101 and still life workshop 1
12PM Lunch
1PM Watercolor 102 (Building layers and color mixing) still life workshop 2
2PM Palais Royale and Tuileries sketching
4PM Visit to le Musée des Arts Decoratif to see La naissance des grands magasins.
May 28
9AM French breakfast bonjour and recap of previous day’s lesson. Theory and color mixing in watercolor
10AM-12PM Watercolor still life workshop focusing on light and color
12PM Lunch
1PM Presentation of afternoon activity: painting en plein air
2PM Museum visit Musée de l'Orangerie and focussed transcription drawing exercise
3PM Watercolor painting in Les Tuileries
4:30PM Daily recap of lessons and learning objectives
May 29
9AM French breakfast bonjour and presentation of day’s activities
9:30AM Drawing the human form and sharing of artist references
10AM Live model painting workshop focusing on shape, form and volume
12PM Lunch
1PM Guest watercolor artist speaker on their own personal technique and rendering the human body
2PM Musee Rodin watercolor scavenger hunt
4PM Museum visit Petit Palais
May 30
9AM French breakfast bonjour
9:30AM Drawing life in motion
10AM-12PM Watercolor model workshop dedicated to movement and experimental techniques
1PM Lunch
2PM Café live watercolor session at the celebrated cafés of Montparnasse with special guest
3PM Museum visit Les Pavillons de Bercy - Musée des Arts Forains
4PM Jardin de plantes visit
May 31
9AM Final French breakfast bonjour
9:30AM Guest speaker architectural illustrator on sharing the secrets of painting spaces
10:30AM Plein air architecture painting
12:00PM Shared lunch picnic provided by Jessie Kanelos Weiner
13:30PM Final museum visit Fondation Louis Vuitton
3PM Ballade Bois de Boulogne
4PM Champagne toast to a wonderful week and a traditional French aperitif or cocktail hour provided by Jessie Kanelos Weiner. Ciao for now.
This doesn’t include:
Airfare
Accommodations
Travel insurance
Transportation, food purchases and lunch during free time. (However, I will share tips, recommendations, and contact information.)
Additional visits and trips not part of the itinerary.
Travel or Metro card within the city
Any preferred art supplies not provided by instructor
Any other expenses guests may incur on their own
Rate
3670 euros, 2000 euros payable to book reservation
This includes:
5 curated days of bespoke watercolor experiences
A traditional French breakfast welcoming you each morning
Individual 45-minute portfolio review with each guest
All professional quality watercolor supplies used during this course (100% cotton paper, natural bristle brushes and your own Kuretak watercolor set)
Access to a one-of-kind and historic artist studio venue
Your very own copy of Jessie’s bestselling guide “Paris in Stride: An Insider's Walking Guide” and an exclusive watercolor instructional guide to the retreat
Payment for guest watercolor speakers
Still life object rental and live model fees
Tickets for all museum visits in the itinerary
Lunch on the last day of the retreat
Champagne toast to wrap up the experience
“Jessie is an outstanding teacher from all points of view, the human side and the professional one. Her watercolor technique is brilliant!”
— Lucia, Milan
FAQs
Is this retreat for all levels?
This is best suited to participants who already have some drawing experience, but instructor will meet you where you are.
When is the watercolor retreat?
The retreat will take place in Paris from May 27-31st 2024.
How is this workshop different from the others?
This workshop is specifically dedicated to the art of watercolor in Paris. A 5-day intensive permits attendees to have an immersive experience to improve their craft and grow creatively. Because I have been based in Paris for 15 years, I plan to share everything I know about the city and how to infuse your work with your own unique voice. Generous and hospitable by nature, I carefully curate this experience to share all the good things that Paris has to offer: world class museums, a lauded food culture, opportunities to unplug and engage with beauty in one of the most inspiring cities in the world.
Do I need to be there the whole time?
For the success of the retreat and learning objectives, it is important that you are present from 9AM-5PM everyday. A lunch break will take place from 12pm-1pm everyday and your will have free evenings to do as you please.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Wi-Fi is available in the artist studio where we have morning sessions. While we are on the go, I recommend getting an international data plan if necessary.
I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this art retreat?
Yes. How can you enjoy Paris without the food? Please let me know of any dietary restrictions ahead of time and I will accommodate those.
How do I get to the retreat location?
We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Paris a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. The exact address of the retreat will be sent to you a week before the retreat.
What should I pack?
Please pack season appropriate clothing and good walking shoes. I will provide all supplies used during the course exercises, but feel free to bring your own if you desire.
What art supplies do I need for the workshop?
To accommodate you during your trip, all drawing and painting supplies will be provided on-site. But if you have any favorite watercolors you would like to bring, feel free to bring those. Any other supplies preferred by attendees are not covered by the fee of the retreat.
What supplies are provided exactly?
All retreat attendees will be provied with my favorite supplies: a set of 18 Gansai Kuretake watercolors, 2 natural fiber watercolor brushes, and Fountaine 100% cotton watercolor paper.
How many people are to be expected on the retreat?
Maximum 6 participants.
Do I need a visa?
Starting in 2024, guests traveling from the US, Canada, and the UK will require an ETIAS travel authorization. You can find out more about the ETIAS travel authorization here. Currently (until 2024), guests traveling from the US, Canada, UK, EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter France for tourist purposes without a visa or travel authorization.
Are there any age restrictions?
No restrictions. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently. And some drawing and painting experience is encouraged.
What language is used during the painting workshop and other activities?
The retreat will be taught in English. But Jessie Kanelos Weiner is fluent in French if need be.
Why am I hosting a retreat?
I’ve been researching artist retreats for some time to identify my own unique angle. Since I found my voice in Paris, matching the wonderment and beauty of the city with the process of mastering watercolor technique was a win-win scenario. When I found the historic artist studio venue of a friend, it all came together. I plan to be painting alongside you, too.
Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?
Unfortunately, the retreat venue and excursions are not well suited for people with low and limited mobility. Please be mindful that the trips involve a lot of walking on uneven, cobbled streets and we will be walking a lot during our afternoon visits.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes. 2000 euros is required to book the reservation. The second remaining portion of the fee will be paid upon arrival in Paris.
What is your teaching style?
My teaching style is very much about facilitating learning while doing. I have taught private groups, art school students and international travelers drawing, illustration and watercolor since 2018. I like to meet students where they are with a generous approach to sharing life experiences and constructive encouragement. Since I found my own voice as an artist in Paris over the past 15 years, I have found a method of sourcing inspiration and translating it to my work. Why study watercolor in Paris if we can’t scour it for inspiration? I’ll also take you to some of my favorite places (galleries, museums, art stores, book stores) to fuel your creative process.
Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?
Once 3 participants are booked, the retreat is guaranteed.
Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artist or an act of god?
If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of Jessie Kanelos Weiner’s control, I will let you know as soon as possible and refund the total cost of the retreat.
Is lodging included?
No, accommodations are not included in the price of this retreat.
How will we get to museum visits?
We will be taking public transportation. You will need to purchase an unlimited Metro card for the week.
While in town, can you share your Paris recommendations?
Yes, all attendees will receive a copy of my bestselling Rizzoli book “Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide” with my favorite addresses. Otherwise I will answer any specific questions you have before and during the retreat.
“Jessie’s class more than delivered! It was an amazing way to get to know the city, by actively sitting, observing, sketching and painting, expertly guided by Jessie in a very welcoming and easy manner. "
— Sally, Paris
