Bethany Fields Workshop 13-22 May 2026

Plein Air & Studio Painting

Delicious Homemade Dinners

Daily Excursions

To Beautiful Locations

Cultivating Creativity: A French Pastel Retreat with Bethany Fields

Dates: May 13–22, 2026
Location: Perigord Retreats, Dordogne & Lot Regions, France

Join artist and instructor Bethany Fields for a 10-day pastel painting retreat in the heart of southwestern France. Nestled among the golden stone villages, sunflower fields, and centuries- old châteaux of the Dordogne and Lot valleys, this immersive workshop is designed to spark inspiration, deepen your artistic practice, and reconnect you with the joy of creating outdoors.

What You’ll Experience

  • Pastel Painting En Plein Air
    Each day will include dedicated time painting en plein air with soft pastels—capturing fleeting light, dramatic skies, and the quiet poetry of rural France. Learn how to simplify complex scenes, develop strong compositions, and use value and color to bring your landscapes to life.
  • Hands-On Instruction
    Bethany offers thoughtful, encouraging instruction for artists at all levels. She’ll share her personal approach to working on location, from underpainting techniques to building rich layers of texture and light.
  • Daily Inspiration from Iconic Settings
    Paint in breathtaking locations such as Rocamadour’s cliffside village, the medieval streets of Sarlat, or along the peaceful banks of the Dordogne. Your sketchbook and easel will feel at home among France’s most picturesque scenes.
  • Local Flavor and Culture
    Evenings will be filled with delicious home-cooked meals and lively conversation. Savor regional delicacies, explore artisan markets, and let each moment deepen your connection to the place.
  • Creative Community
    Share this journey with a small group of fellow creatives who are just as passionate about art, travel, and beauty. Expect laughter, encouragement, and meaningful connection. Whether you’re new to pastels or an experienced plein air painter, this retreat is your invitation to slow down, see deeply, and create with joy. Spaces are limited.

Some Excursion Locations

Excursions may include but are not limited to the following

Rocamadour

Part of the Camino Trail. Historical & religious significance. Breathtaking village perched on a cliff.

Sarlat

One of the most well preserved medieval towns in France. Amazing market with local produce.

Beynac Castle

Home of Richard the Lionheart, perfect for a picnic by the river and plein air painting in the shade.

Saint Cirq Lapopie

One of the most beautiful villages in France. Incredibly picturesque. Perfect for shopping & painting.

Bethany Fields is an artist, instructor, and creative entrepreneur inspired by the wild beauty of the natural world. Her pastel paintings are poetic reflections of place—cloud-dappled skies, golden grasses, and quiet light.Her work has been exhibited at the Salmagundi Club, the National Arts Club in NYC, and the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio. She is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, the Degas Pastel Society, and American Women Artists, and holds the title of Eminent Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS).

Whether working in her studio or painting en plein air, Bethany brings curiosity and reverence to each piece. Through classes, books, and her online community, she encourages artists to create, inspire, grow—inviting others into a slower, more intentional creative life.

Fill out the form below for pricing and more information relating to the workshop.