As a little girl, I filled notebooks with sketches, entered every art contest I could find, and imagined the beautiful places I might one day see through an artist's eyes. Years later, after building a career as a professional pastel painter and teacher, I finally found myself painting in the French countryside, and it was everything I had hoped for.
There is something special about this place. The golden stone villages, winding country roads, bustling markets, and changing light invite us to slow down and notice the world around us. We come to paint, but we leave with so much more.
My goal is not only to help you create stronger artwork, but to help you see more deeply, notice more fully, and return home energized to continue your creative practice.
This retreat is about creativity, connection, and renewal. It is an opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities, spend time with fellow artists, and immerse yourself in the beauty of France. Whether you're an experienced painter or simply longing for a week filled with inspiration, you'll find a warm welcome here.
Of course, painting remains at the heart of our time together. Throughout the retreat, I'll share pastel painting demonstrations, photography insights, how to capture value and color, shape and line. I will guide and encourage you as we explore the landscapes, villages, and atmosphere of this remarkable region. Whether you work in pastel, watercolor, sketchbooks, or simply love observing the world through an artist's eyes, you'll find inspiration everywhere you look.
I can't wait to share this unforgettable experience with you.
Art
Beauty
Culture
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I am a complete newbie at pastel painting, but nonetheless I signed up for Bethany's retreat in France in May 2026. It was the best decision I've made in a long time. Bethany is an incredibly skilled, kind, and thorough teacher. At the workshop there were people who had barely painted and people who were master pastellists and we ALL learned so much from her. And, she patiently worked with each of us individually to help us learn the skills and techniques of pastel as well as find our own styles. She didn't try to turn us into HER. She helped us learn how to use pastel to suit our art making journey. Of course, Bethany is a phenomenally wonderful pastelist, but even better, she's a phenomenal teacher. And when you fling yourself across the world to learn, you want someone who can inspire and teach you. That's Bethany.
Katie
Bethany is not only an extraordinarily talented pastel artist with a beautiful understanding of color, composition, and atmosphere, but also an attentive and encouraging teacher. She has a rare gift for making every student feel seen, valued, and capable, while gently guiding each artist toward growth in a way that feels both inspiring and supportive. Beyond her artistic talent, her kindness and generosity create an atmosphere that is creative, nurturing, and unforgettable.
Pam
Spend ten days in the French countryside with artist and instructor Bethany Fields:
Paint beautiful places en plein air with soft pastel. Learn to see and interpret your vision, study value and light, mark-making and more. This retreat is open to all levels of artists.
We have access to a beautiful 24/7 indoor studio for late-night painting and chatting; we'll explore centuries of history; savor exceptional farm-to-table cuisine and local wine; and sleep in an historic Château in the heart of the French countryside.
Spend your days creating alongside fellow artists, discovering charming medieval villages, breathtaking landscapes, incredible gardens, and hidden corners of beautiful rural France.
In the evenings, gather around the table, share stories and laughter, and stroll through the golden countryside with a glass of wine in hand.
Groups are small by design. This is a personalized painting and cultural experience.
Meet Yourself Again in the French Countryside
Click to View Gallery
Create and Explore
There is something special about painting in a place that invites you to slow down and pay attention. The changing light, ancient stone villages, winding country roads, and quiet moments of observation become part of the creative process.
Whether you're working in pastel, have a set of watercolors, or love a simple sketchbook, you'll find endless inspiration and opportunities to deepen your artistic practice.
Create
"Bethany has an intuitive way of sensing the unique strengths of each artist."
Immerse Yourself in Beauty
There is a reason artists, writers, and dreamers have been drawn to France for generations. Golden stone villages, flower-filled gardens, bustling markets, and rolling countryside create a landscape rich with beauty and inspiration.
Here, beauty is not reserved for special occasions. It is found in morning light on ancient walls, fresh bread from the village bakery, a quiet café table, and the view around the next bend in the road. Each day invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and experience the world with fresh eyes.
Wonder
""Bethany has the unique ability to talk, laugh, and paint at the same time."
Discover the Heart of France
Stroll through historic villages, browse local markets, enjoy regional cuisine, and savor the simple pleasures that make France so captivating. These moments often become some of the most treasured memories of the retreat.
Some of the sites we'll visit: Rocamadour, Beynac, St. Cirq Lapopie, Sarlat, Domme, Gourdon, and other special places!
Discover
"Fabulous French food, cobbled streets of ancient villages, picnics overlooking castles, plein air painting in poppy fields."
Share the Experience.
While the beauty of France may draw us here, it is often the people who make the experience truly unforgettable. Throughout the week, we'll gather for shared meals, conversations, painting excursions, and moments of discovery that naturally bring people together.
Whether you arrive with a friend or come on your own, you'll be welcomed into a supportive community of fellow artists who share a love of creativity, beauty, and lifelong learning. Many guests leave with not only new artistic inspiration, but also meaningful friendships and memories that continue long after the retreat has ended.
Belong
"Perigord Art Retreats with Bethany Fields was an experience of a lifetime. The amazing combination of Harrison's retreat, Bethany's kind and intuitive teaching, and the chance to know a small group of like-minded artists was more than I could have imagined. We came together as fellow artists and left as lifetime friends."
Carolyn
Some Images of Our Chateau!
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*Painting instruction both en plein air and studio (depending on the day's schedule)
*9 nights lodging
*Beautiful farm-to-table meals (except two lunches and two evening meals) prepared on site
*All tour and excursion fees
*All wine and beverages
*Transport to and from Gourdon train station
*Airfare/Travel Costs
*Passport fees/Photos and processing where applicable/Travel Insurance
*Additional night's lodging
What's Included?
What's Not Included?
Bethany is an amazing artist, so skilled and with such deep love and knowledge of her art. But beyond that, she is a kind, thoughtful, generous teacher. She so graciously lead a group with such varied levels of experience—from beginner to master-level artists—with grace, flexibility, composure, and creativity. Her beautiful spirit touched us all and helped create a deeply meaningful and joyful experience. Thanks, Bethany!
Tonya
Perigord Retreats provided the most enjoyable experience possible! The hosts Harrison and Katel went out of their way to ensure each person had all they needed. Scenic and historic villages, lush landscapes, the most delicious and varied meals, wine, and a warm home atmosphere were all part of the deal.
Do not even think twice about booking a retreat with them.
Angela
Bethany is a joy to learn from. Even as an experienced artist, I gained valuable insight to push my work to the next level and gained confidence in my abilities. If you’ve seen her You Tube videos, what you see is what you get. She’s the real deal! I highly recommend Bethany Fields as a creative guide and instructor for a retreat experience.
Melissa
What was most important for me having Bethany as an instructor was that she made me understand what was my artistic voice and that it was valuable. I do not paint like Bethany does, or like any of the other participants, but she encouraged me to acknowledge and to enjoy that which is my individual expression without worrying about whether it is right or wrong.