JULIA HAWKINS NEAC ROI

 

Exciting news!

 

In May 2026, I’ll be teaching a six-night oil painting retreat at Château Charente in Southwest France. With just 12 places available, it’s a rare chance to paint, learn, and relax in an inspiring setting. Find out more →

 

 

The fully inclusive course will explore the artistic traditions of the region once painted by August Renoir, Odilon Redon, and Albert Marquet.

 

Across five practical oil painting and soft pastel workshops, I will introduce the methods, subjects, and themes of each painter — from Renoir’s light-filled figures to Redon’s dreamlike symbolism, to Marquet’s bold landscapes. Together, you’ll experiment with their approaches and create your own works in response.

​

When you’re not in the studio, there’s time to enjoy:

​

·        Seasonal French food and local wines

·        Relaxed cultural excursions

·        Gentle wellness activities

·        The welcoming atmosphere of château life

 

This is a rare chance to combine hands-on painting with the inspiration of three great French masters, guided personally by me in a small, supportive group.

 

To book your unique stay go to: https://chateaucharente.com/

 

 

 

Some comments from my students:

​

'Julia is a warm and generous teacher sharing her extensive knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm for painting with us all. The highlight for me were the demonstrations and being able to paint alongside Julia on location – so valuable for seeing how to approach things'.   

 

Lucy R. 

Étretat Plein Air Course 2024

 

''Julia Hawkins is a wonderful communicator and makes every moment count. Her plein air trips to Étretat in Normandy are terrific. We learn a lot and it’s wonderful to spend time in the company of the committed and interesting artists she pulls together'. 

 

Geraldine S.

Étretat Plein Air Course 2024, 2025

​​​

​

 

​

​