Paris

Watercolor

Retreat

November 10-14, 2025

Paris 75014

Master watercolor with Paris as your muse, under the tutelage of master watercolorist and author of Thinking in Watercolor Jessie Kanelos Weiner.

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.

Objectives

Watercolor techniques

Instruction covers essentials like understanding watercolor, color theory, dosing out transparency, strategy and evolving an idea to a fleshed-out final piece through observational drawing & painting.

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 and access Paris like never before.

Develop your style & voice

Renowned illustrator and author Jessie Kanelos Weiner will meet you where you are on your journey, encouraging you to identify and develop your own personal painting style.

What People Are Saying

“This is a very special experience that I will treasure always. A gifted artist and illustrator, Jessie shares not only her artistic techniques but all that she loves about art, food and fashion, with mornings of instruction in an inspiring, historic art studio, and afternoons exploring the canvas of Paris. I would love to join this retreat again!.”

— Claire, Michigan

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

Snapshots from the first Paris Watercolor Retreat, May 2024

What makes this retreat special?

I could host a retreat in Provence or another enviable location, but my goal is to introduce you to the power of watercolor in the very place I found my voice, Paris. I take great pride in hospitality and I do everything possible to foster a beautiful, enlightening insider experience. -jkw

Who is this for?

All levels

Maybe you always loved art and drawing, but have been too caught up in life to commit to a daily practice.

Paris lovers

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

Itinerary

(subject to minor changes)

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 Decoratif

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 artist studios in Montreuil

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 to a wonderful week and a traditional French aperitif. Ciao for now.

I promise you will…

Connect

with other like-minded artistic types from all walks of life 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 JKW

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. More here.

RATE

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

3770 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

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 from November 10-14 2025 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 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?

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. 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 trips 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 note that all interested attendees must complete the pre-registration questionnaire. Successful applicants will receive an invitation to register. This assures a cohesive group dynamic and a more enjoyable experience.

Drop me a line at any time. jessiekanelosweiner@gmail.com

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Watercolor paper craft & set design