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Your Invitation

If you are someone who dedicates themselves to continuous artistic growth and appreciates classical techniques blended with contemporary styles... 

 

If you are someone seeking an immersive, transformative learning experience in a unique, inspirational locale with gourmet food by Le Cordon Bleu Chefs....

Then join master artist Johanna Spinks for her 8-Day Painting Retreat in a Private French Chateau.

Over 8 days, you'll expand your skills in gilding, texture, tones, and color theory while experiencing the cultural inspiration of regional chateaux and local excursions. Step outside your typical routine and nurture your creative spirit in this rejuvenating retreat.

Johanna's mastery and unique East-meets-West approaches will elevate your artistry, while personal chefs trained at the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu institute indulge you with quintessential French gastronomy.

 

This intimate retreat allows you to fully disconnect and focus intensely on developing your skills among other passionate painters. Awaken your inner master in an enriching, encouraging environment where expert workshops harmoniously blend with authentic, off-the-beaten-path French cultural immersion.

Your Itinerary

Chatelaine tower view
Chateau de Hautefort
Excideuil Market
Johanna

Please note: We might adjust this itinerary due to the usual reasons - weather, group direction, or unplanned opportunities!

1

Arrival

Enjoy a champagne reception with your fellow artists as you get to know your hosts and the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Savour your first supper prepared by Sel Hospitalité.

2

Still Life Inspiration

Head out to a local French market to get inspired by your surroundings, meet your Personal Chefs and find out a bit about how they work their kitchen creativity through local ingredients, and then choose your own inspirational items for a still-life. 

In the afternoon, we'll get studio-ready, and Johanna will start your first exercise using the morning's inspiration.

3

Mordant Guilding

Enjoy a dedicated day of instruction and studio time learning mordant gilding - giving your tableaux a golden glow. 

Enjoy three meals (and kitchen snacks, too!) prepared by your personal chefs each day we spent at your chateau. 

4

Pastiglia & Sgraffito

Shake it up with technique number 2. Learn simplified gilding techniques for "sgraffito", etching into gold leaf, and "pastiglia", creating raised patterns . 

5

Brocante - A French Day Out

Enjoy a morning excursion to a "brocante" - a second-hand shop, and quintessential part of French life. Spot the use of gilding in French arts (including porcelain) and pick up some new inspiration for the afternoon session with dazzling color tips & color complements. 

6

Painter's Tools

Keep shaking it up with new tools and skills. Refine your skills with a palette knife and perhaps some other artist tools during this atelier. Don't forget to pop into the kitchen for the Chef's snacks!

7

A Tale of Two (More) Chateaux

While we wait for your new masterpieces to dry, we'll head out for a full day excursion to two public chateaux. Treat yourself to lunch in a restaurant of your choice in Sarlat-le-Caneda or enjoy a small packed lunch from the chefs. There will be time for some watercolour journaling to capture some truly wonderful memories. 

Return to your home chateau to share your works from the week, over a final glass of champagne after your final gourmet supper from Sel Hospitalité. 

8

Home Day

Head home feeling refreshed, with new works of art, a refreshed artist's toolkit of skills, full of gorgeous French cuisine, and some amazing memories. 

Meet Your Hosts

Johanna Spinks

Meet Johanna Spinks

Bonjour, I'm Johanna Spinks, a British-born, Los Angeles-based portrait artist renowned for my classical oil portraits with contemporary palette knife twists. Mentored by presidential portraitist Everett Raymond Kinstler, my work has earned acclaim from the U.S. Congress, California State Senate, and Oil Painters of America.

Beyond my acclaimed portraiture of notable subjects like Kevin Costner in museum and public collections worldwide, I've led celebrated community portrait projects. My "Face of" series captured citizens' life stories through combined interviews, sketches and paintings, now archivally preserved.

As an instructor, I
empower artists to find their personal "art success story" by letting go of fear and self-doubt. My nurturing approach fosters joyful experimentation within a community of like-minded creators. There are no rules, just tools and the courage to shake up your process.

In my French chateau retreats, I blend instruction in gilding, texture, tone and color techniques with the heart of an
"endless romantic". Immersed in this inspiring locale, you'll uncover your unique voice through my East-meets-West teachings over our shared golden journey.

Together, we'll shake it up, experimenting with new art tools as you let go of self-doubt to elevate your skills, joyfully and without rules.

Get Johanna's 

Top Ten Tips for Creative Success

Enter your info above and click submit to get the PDF download link.

Click here to download

Personal Chefs on site
Join us

Meet Sel Hospitalité

Let’s face it: French haute cuisine isn’t often associated with fun.

We started Sel Hospitalité - a boutique hospitality group specializing in one-of-a-kind culinary experiences - because we wanted to bring the two together in a refreshing experience that reflects who we are. So, who are we?

We’re Megan & Val. We’re two
Le Cordon Bleu trained chefs hailing from Canada and Haiti, respectively. We met at the prestigious institute in Paris. Between us, we hold diplomas in Cuisine, Pastry & Boulangerie.  Over glasses of wine during our studies - we were in Paris, after all - we traded stories, realizing we shared the same views on food & hospitality and the joy that comes from sharing our love of food with others though cooking and education.  So, we decided to create Sel with the simple mission of bringing people together through the art of cooking and the pleasure of savouring exceptional food

Indulge, savour and learn with us during your stay at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés through thoughtfully prepared meals, optional ateliers and our open kitchen policy.

Bonne dégustation! 

Meet Sara & Stephen

We are Sara & Stephen Cole, Canadians who dreamt of moving to France. We're excited to share our dream, our home, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. 

The tower of the château is from the 16th century, and features a broad spiral stone staircase. Built by a noble family nearly 500 years ago, the 'blazon' or crest of the family still shows on the tower.  

We created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of our adventure. One, to live as chateau owners with all the ups and downs and two, to pursue our passions as makers, creating art in all its forms. We invite others to come together, united by their passions, to share in this adventure.

We will be available on-site all week to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

Welcome to Manor & Maker.

Engaged Hosts

Testimonials

FOR JOHANNA

I wrote a letter expressing my gratitude for you and appreciate the way you teach! You inspired and encouraged me…and all of us. I enjoyed watching you paint, appreciate your patience in working with me and am grateful for the techniques you shared.

I’m happy with all my paintings {...} brought me JOY while painting it and now, afterwards…each time u look at it!!" Ellen K.

Thank you so much for the invitation and gift of painting. The gift actually was so much more than grasping a paint brush with my hands, it provided an avenue to recreate the colors I love in nature as well as in my dreams. I appreciate your kindness, -- Mike.

Meeting you and sharing the art journey was bliss. I felt really happy and will miss the comradeship of like-minded folk and your inspirational and imparting of valuable lessons, -- Dianne B.

FOR MANOR & MAKER

I stayed at the Château for seven days during an art retreat.  From the moment I arrived I was made to feel absolutely at home in an environment that celebrated the finer things in life.  The Château accommodations are pristine, comfortable and elegant.  The meals were beautifully prepared and dinners paired with wonderful French wines.  But most impressive were the chatelains Stephen and Sara.  They went out of their way to ensure that I remained comfortable and relaxed throughout my stay.  This was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend a stay at this beautiful Château with these wonderful chatelains. -- Ruth

I had a wonderful experience at Chateau de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, aka Manor & Maker. What Sara and Steve are doing is so very special. I felt so at ease there, so welcomed, and so supported, and it turned out, that was absolutely essential. Honestly, stress and starvation aren't the keys to artistic freedom -- encouragement, safety, and good food are. I needed time and space to let my creativity return and regrow and that's precisely what I found there. I'll be back as soon as I can! -- Ella G

Start Your Retreat Today!

Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions. ​ 

Early Bird Pricing in effect until June 1, 2025 - save €500!

Single Occupancy

Early Bird €5695  

Private room.

En-suite or shared bath (max 2 rooms per bath).

Regular price €6195 from December 1, 2024

Double Occupancy

Early Bird €4695

Bring a Friend and Save 18%!
When you bring a friend and share a room (or elect to share your room), you'll both enjoy 18% off
That's a savings of €1000 each!

Regular price €5195 from December 1, 2024

What's Included

  • 8-day, 7 night accommodation at Chateau de Saint-Germain-des-Pres

  • Expert instruction & studio time consultancy by Johanna Spinks

  • 3 meals per day prepared by personal Chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu

  • House wines & beers served with meals at the chateau, premium wines & beers available for purchase

  • All non-alcoholic beverages served at the chateau

  • Transport to and from local train stations for arrivals & departures (Angouleme, Limoges, or Thiviers)

  • Transport to and from local excursions and entrance fees

  • Services of our travel agent, Sherri Anne

  • Easels and communal studio space (please bring your own personal art supplies for paints, brushes)

  • Supplies for gilding and sgrafitto workshops

What's Not Included

  • Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental

  • Paints, canvases & brushes

  • Baggage, accident, cancellation, nor travel insurance ('cancel for any reason' strongly recommended to protect your investment)

  • Personal expenses, such as passport, visa expenses, souvenirs, telephone calls

  • Meals & non-alcoholic beverages not served at the château

  • Alcoholic beverages not served at meals at the château (house wines are available with meals, premium wines available for purchase)

  • Any extra tours or excursions off the property, should you choose to roam

  • and any other items not specifically noted as included

Frequently Asked Questions

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What level of artistic skill is required to attend this art retreat?

If you have some experience creating art on canvas using oil, this retreat is for you! You do not need to be a professional artist, or to have shown your works in a gallery. Johanna will guide you new techniques, and help develop your skills. Some painting experience is suggested but if you are an enthusiastic beginner Johanna will tailor a beginner’s plan for you Join in, elevate your artwork!

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Where are you located & how do I get there?

We are in the town of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Dordogne, postal code 24160 (there are a couple of more places of that name in France!). Here's our guide on how to get to us. We offer pickups from Gare d'Angoulême. or Thiviers Gare. Our travel agent Sherri Anne will help you book your travel to help reduce travel stress, and coordinate arrivals and departures with other guests.  

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Do I need to speak French?

No, the instruction is in English, and your hosts can help you with all local needs. It's always nice to be able to say 'hello' (Bonjour!) and 'thank you' (Merci!) though, isn't it?​

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Do I have to share a room?

While we offer a single supplement option for those seeking solitude, some guests find that sharing a room enhances the sense of community and creates wonderful opportunities for new friendships. Rest assured, we carefully match roommates based on preferences and interests, ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable co-living experience for all. Your comfort and connections are our top concern.

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May I arrive earlier or stay later than the given dates?

Much as we love having guests, we aren't open as a B&B, so accommodation is only available on the listed dates. There is lots to explore in our area, if you wish to make your own plans to extend your holiday.

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Can you accommodate my food sensitivity?

France is famous for its fine cuisine, fresh produce markets, delicious pastries and cheeses! Enjoy chef-prepared suppers all week; the taste of France is part of your immersive experience. Due to hospitality laws, we cannot offer restaurant style selections or service; unfortunately, severely restrictive diets and other food sensitivities can not be accommodated.

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What if I get sick and can't come? (Cancellation Policy)

We strongly recommend 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance. We do not offer last-minute refunds for any reason, due to advance planning costs. Check out the terms & conditions for other timing. Travel insurance protects your investment, and helps alleviate disappointment if your plans have to change.

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What will the weather be like?

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July is a month with warm maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F) and nighttime temperatures around 15°C (58°F). You can expect mostly sunny days, with average monthly precipitation less than 10mm (0.4 in). Of course, these are averages, so temperatures could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay. ​Please note that the chateau does not have air conditioning - the thick stone walls and stone floor keep it cooler than the outdoors during summer months. We provide fans when extra comfort is needed in the rooms.

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What should I bring?

As experienced artists, you have your own favourite paints, brushes, tools and canvases - please bring your favourites, or have them shipped to the château ahead of the retreat.

  • We have easels for (free) use, and a small amount of supplies available for purchase at the château.

  • We will provide all the supplies for the gilding techniques, included in the retreat price.

  • Bring an open attitude to try new things & new activities.

  • Pack a good pair of walking shoes if you want to try the local trails.

We'll send a fuller list of recommendations just ahead of the retreat to help you pack.

Still Have Questions?

Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.

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