Cecilia Battaini Workshop 2027
During your 9 days at Perigord Retreats, we will mix making art and exploring the surroundings. Inside the studio, I will teach you how to draw plants, flowers and veggies with colored pencils. I will show you how all the phases behind a botanical illustration, beginning from the starting sketch of your subject with pencils. You will also learn how to color your illustration and I will show you the techniques to match your color harmoniously. The last step will be shading your illustration, and I will show multiple ways to achieve the best result. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to advanced!
That’s why you can be sure we won’t draw exclusively in the studio. We will have the lush garden of Perigord Retreats where to take inspiration from, with its native plants and flowers, and this will allow us to draw from life. I will show you how to create a single botanical illustration, but also how to create composed illustrations, putting together different natural elements. Moreover, I will teach you how to create a whole illustration page dedicated to a single plant, where you can draw different species of the same flora and use it as inspiration for more composed artworks. We will also take some time to sketch during some of our explorations, when we will find some interesting native plants on our path. This will allow you to create a sort of “nature” diary of all your findings, where you will also write your own thoughts alongside your sketches. But you will also have your camera and phone with you all the time, so you will be able to take pictures that I will show you how to use as references for your creations.
Also, don’t forget the delicious meals that you will be enjoying during your stay. They will become a chance to find inspiration as well, because we will draw the fruits and veggies that will be used in the recipes of our meals.
- Making hand-drawn botanical illustrations with pencils
- Drawing single illustrations of flowers and plants (native)
- Creating a whole illustration page dedicated to a specific plant
- Drawing composed illustrations of flowers and plants
- Sketching nature from life
- Drawing from photo references
- Keeping a “nature” diary
- Drawing “recipes”: drawing with pencils the native veggies and fruits of our meals
Plein Air & Studio Painting
Delicious Homemade Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
Goals and hopes for the retreat😊
Join me for an unforgettable En Plein Air Art adventure at Perigord Retreats, France, where you’ll immerse yourself in the beauty of the French countryside while enhancing your painting and drawing skills. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, this retreat offers guided outdoor sessions, cultural excursions, and personalized instruction in a serene, inspiring setting. Discover the joy of painting in nature, connect with fellow artists, and leave with a portfolio of stunning works and lasting memories.
I hope to see my students push their boundaries and explore new techniques, styles, and concepts, leading to significant personal and artistic growth. I expect that the beautiful French setting will inspire creativity and provide a fresh perspective, enhancing the participants’ work and experience.
I will aim to guide students in honing their skills, whether through formal instruction or personalized feedback, helping them achieve their artistic goals.
I hope for a collaborative environment where students support and learn from each other, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
My goal is for my students to leave the retreat feeling accomplished, energized, and more confident in their artistic practice.
Ultimately, I hope that the retreat will be a memorable and transformative experience for everyone involved, leaving a lasting impact on their artistic journey.
A Day with Us Looks Like This…
Your day begins with a peaceful breakfast of freshly baked French pastries, homemade yoghurt, and seasonal fruit—best enjoyed in the sunlit conservatory as the day gently unfolds.
Around 9 am, we set off—early enough to enjoy our destinations while they’re still quiet, with the morning light casting everything in a perfect glow.
Spend your morning soaking up the atmosphere of a new place: wander through charming side streets, discover hidden corners, or settle into a quiet spot to sketch and take it all in. When you’re ready for lunch, a beautiful spread awaits—think crisp salads, savoury quiches, homemade cookies, and a glass (or two) of wine, served picnic-style in the shade.
Afternoons are for creativity and rest. Back at the studio, you’ll have dedicated time to paint, unwind by the pool, take a nap, read, sunbathe, or simply enjoy good conversation in a quiet corner.
Non-painting partners are always welcome, there’s plenty to explore every single day.
Evenings are a highlight: a delicious, three-course meal made with local ingredients, prepared by Katel—whose cooking alone is worth the trip. With wine flowing and good company around the table, it’s a chance to relax and connect.
After dinner, the time is yours. Watch the sunset, return to the studio for more painting, take a dip in the hot tub, or explore the nearby paths under the stars.
Our retreats are designed to be flexible, inspiring, and restorative—so you can get exactly what you need out of your time with us.
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.
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