The Paris Watercolor Retreat
Master watercolor with Paris as your muse, under the tutelage of master watercolorist and author of Thinking in Watercolor Jessie Kanelos Weiner.
May 25-29th 2026 & November 9-14th 2026
Objectives
Watercolor techniques
Understand watercolor and color theory by painting from life
Paris as muse
Immerse yourself in an a 360° curated experience: museum visits, artist talks, proximity to culture like never before
Find your voice
Jessie will meet you where you are on your journey, encouraging you to identify and develop your own personal painting style
An intimate & unforgettable 5-day retreat to ignite your artistic spark and jump-start your creative practice.
This includes developing the building blocks of watercolor by sketching 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. You'll leave the retreat with a solid knowledge of watercolor technique, a mighty portfolio of watercolors and a sketchbook filled with ideas to take home with you.
Morning workshops will take place over a traditional French breakfast in a storied artist studio in the the heart of Montparnasse, a hub of creative exchange for young, international artists at the beginning of the 20th century including artists like Picasso, Kandinsky and Matisse to name a few. Afternoons are a time to source inspiration in some of the best museums in the World like the Musee d’Orsay, Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Fondation Cartier and lesser-known Parisian spots. A perfect experience for solo travelers.
Who is this for?
All levels
Maybe you always loved art and drawing, but have been too caught up with life to commit to a daily practice. I’ll meet you where you are.
Francophiles
Anyone looking for a new way to experience Paris with a generous insider as a guide
Watercolorists
Anyone who has a strong desire to understand and paint with watercolor on a deeper level and learn from a master painter
“Spending a week with Jessie is a bespoke, intimate experience where students are welcomed into her world like old friends. Jessie is a gentle, thoughtful and confident teacher. Students are shepherded along, but left feeling capable, independent and inspired.”
— Lindsay, Nova Scotia
Itinerary
DAY 1
9:30AM French breakfast welcome at the artist atelier. Intros and presentation of retreat
10:00-12:00PM Watercolor 101 and still life workshop
12:00PM Lunch in an old-fashioned French hole-in-the-wall restaurant
1:00PM Watercolor 102 (Building layers and color mixing) still life workshop 2
3:00PM Palais Royale sketching
4:00PM Visit to the Musée des Arts Decoratifs
DAY 2
9:30AM French breakfast bonjour and recap of previous day’s lesson. Theory and color mixing in watercolor
10:00AM-1:00PM Watercolor still life workshop focusing on light and color
1:30PM Presentation of afternoon activity: painting en plein air
2:00PM Guided museum visit, Musee d’Orsay
4:00PM Watercolor painting in Les Tuileries
DAY 3
9:30AM French breakfast bonjour and presentation of day’s activities
9:30AM Live model painting workshop focusing on shape, form and volume
2:00PM Visit to an exclusive atelier where watercolors are made
4PM Fondation Cartier Museum visit
DAY 4
9:30AM French breakfast bonjour
9:30AM Drawing life in motion
10AM-1:00PM Watercolor model workshop dedicated to movement and experimental techniques
2PM Café live watercolor session at the celebrated cafés of Montparnasse with special guest
3PM Guided visit of the Musee d’Orsay
DAY 5
9:30AM 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
About Jessie
Jessie Kanelos Weiner is a Franco-American watercolor illustrator, author of the new book Thinking in Watercolor, bestselling coauthor of Paris in Stride and art professor. She has worked for clients like Vogue, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Cartier, Nespresso & Chevrolet. Originally from Chicago, she has been based in Paris for 17 years where she lives with her French husband and son.
RATE
3990 euros per person, 750 euros payable to book reservation
This includes:
5 curated days of bespoke watercolor experiences
A traditional French breakfast welcoming you each morning
All professional quality watercolor supplies used during this course which you can take home with you (100% cotton paper, natural bristle brushes and your own Kuretake watercolor set)
Access to a one-of-kind, exclusive historic artist studio venue
Your very own copy of Jessie’s book Thinking in Watercolor: A Daily Practice to Unlock Your Creativity & Discover Your Inner Artist
Payment for guest watercolor speakers
Live model fees
Tickets for all museum visits in the itinerary
Lunch on 2 days of the retreat
Champagne toast to wrap up the experience
Individual 30-minute portfolio review with each guest
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
What makes this retreat unique?
I could host a retreat in Provence or another vacation destination, but my goal is to introduce you to the power of watercolor in the very place I found my voice, Paris. The proximity to culture is like nowhere else in the World.
-jkw
FAQs
Is this art retreat available to all levels?
The retreat is best suited to participants who already have some drawing/painting experience. Since we will be drawing and painting all day, it’s important that you have a strong desire to improve your craft.
How is this workshop different from the others?
This workshop is specifically dedicated to learning 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, this is my home turf where I have found my own voice as an artist. 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.
How do I get to the retreat location?
I strongly recommend arriving 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 location is in the 14th arrondissement. The exact address of the retreat will be sent to you a week before the retreat.
What should I pack?
ThPlease pack season appropriate clothing and good walking shoes (we will be walking a lot). The weather can be chilly, overcast and sunny in Paris. It can be compared to autumn weather on the East coast of the US. Pack accordingly.
When is the watercolor retreat?
The retreat will take place in Paris May 25-29th 2026 & November 9-14th 2026 from 9:30AM-5:30PM.
Do I need to be there the whole time?
For the success of the retreat and the learning objectives, it is important that you are present from 9:30AM-5:30PM everyday. A lunch break will take place from 12pm-1pm everyday.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes. 2000 euros will be paid upon booking to reserve. The second half will be paid upon arrival in Paris.
While in town, can you share your Paris recommendations?
Yes, I am the coauthor of the bestselling Rizzoli book Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide which includes some of my favorite addresses. Otherwise I will answer any specific questions you have before and during the retreat.
Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?
The retreat will be confirmed when a minimum of 3 guests have been reserved. In the case that the retreat is not confirmed, you will receive a reimbursement in full for your reservation fee. Also note, participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
Why does this cost so much?
I take great pride in providing the most authentic and curated experience. This includes the organization of a seamless week of exclusive access to Paris, including a historic location, access to celebrated artists and the best that France has to offer.
Why do you want to host this retreat?
Creating art can be a mystifying and frustrating process. After over a decade of professional experience, I love encouraging students of all levels in the art of finding their voices through painting with watercolor.
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.
Do I need a visa?
Depending on what country you’re traveling from, be sure to research independently.
Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?
Unfortunately, the retreat venue and outings 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.
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. 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.
Voulez vous? Uh huh…
Ready for an unforgettable moment in Paris? Please write to me why you’re interested.
“A unique, all-encompassing experience where you advance you watercolor skills in an idyllic, nurturing environment. Came away highly motivated to spend more time practicing and learning on my own.”
— Phil, California