Coming in October 2025…

Unleash Your Creativity in a Magical Setting

Join Robert Leedy for a fantastic week in the French countryside as you immerse yourself in watercolor painting. Free from all the demands of your regular busy schedule, the week-long workshop allows you to concentrate on improving your skills and developing your personal style in watercolor painting. Robert will guide you through an introduction to plein-air painting while instructing you on creating luminous washes, mingling and granulating color unique to the watercolor medium. Along the way, he will debunk the notion that watercolor is difficult by learning that it’s not a matter of controlling the medium but understanding the medium.

Yet it’s not about all work and no play: we will take daily trips to local villages, museums, architectural sites, food markets, and more. We’ll also be fed well…

Here is Your Residence for the Week…

Château de Marouatte is an 11th-century castle located in the commune of Grand-Brassac in the Dordogne region of France. Built on Roman foundations, it was constructed between the 1200s and 1400s, with the outer bailey constructed in 1579. Complete with battlements, moat, and guard towers, the castle sits on 270 acres of the most beautiful, unspoiled wooded land in France. The most recent owner and our host is Miles Copeland III. Miles has a deep history in rock n’ roll during his former career as manager for the band, The Police, as well as a manager for much of Sting’s solo career.

LOCATION:

Arriving internationally to either Paris or Bordeaux, you will take a train to the Angoulême train station where we pick you up and your castle adventure begins! A trip on the TGV out of Montparnasse Station in Paris takes about two hours while the train from Bordeaux runs about thirty minutes.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Robert Leedy has years of experience in the medium of watercolor. He works in other mediums but feels that watercolor is where his heart is. He received a BFA in Art from Valdosta State University and worked in graphic design after graduation. Next, he followed a career in the fine wine industry until he began painting full-time in 1992. Leedy has exhibited work throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Robert currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida, where he maintains a studio in the CoRK Arts District. He teaches watercolor classes and conducts an annual watercolor workshop in Italy. Robert’s work is split between studio and plein air work with the latter contributing to about 70% of his output. He views watercolor as the perfect travel companion for its immediacy, compactness, and portability. Leedy’s watercolor paintings are a celebration of light and color with mingling washes and spontaneous brushwork. See more of them on this website.

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS

• Master Watercolor Techniques - Robert will guide you through the techniques of watercolor including building composition, different types of washes, creating a sound value system, color mixing, color-mingling, brushwork, granulation, color temperature, how to handle mistakes, and more - all tailored to your skill level whether you are a beginner or a seasoned painter.

• Plein Air Painting - If you are new to the Plein Air world, Robert will help you make the transition from painting in the studio to painting on-location. You will learn tips and tricks to making your outdoor experience a comfortable and rewarding one.

• Nocturnal Painting - We will have at least one optional night of instruction in nocturnal painting though you are encouraged to do more on your own, if you like. Bring a portable headlamp, such as one from an outdoor or hiking retailer. Painting in the dark is a fun, unique challenge.

• Art Studio - We will have access to a 24/7 art studio on the property for some class demonstrations and discussions as well as for those who wish to paint well into the night or arise early for a morning painting session.

• Personalized Instruction - Enjoy individual feedback and encouragement to develop your unique personal style.

• Group Critiques - A lot of the knowledge you gain from this workshop will come from the daily critiques of the group’s paintings, during which you will learn to verbalize your work. There is no judgment here - just positive reinforcement and suggestions to help you on your way.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Stay in beautifully renovated rooms within the castle, rich with period antiques and modern comforts. Choose from single or double rooms with private or shared bathrooms, all while enjoying the serene and inspiring atmosphere of Château de Marouatte.

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Meals and wine are included, ensuring a delightful gastronomic experience alongside your artistic journey. Perigord is home to the truffle, and the region is also known for walnuts. Indulge in other culinary treasures of the area, including duck, foie gras, and exquisite Bergerac wines. We’ll enjoy these meals prepared by our private chef and at various restaurants in the area.

EXPLORE STUNNING LOCATIONS

• Périgueux: Visit this medieval city with its stunning cathedral and Roman ruins.

• Riberac: Experience the vibrant local market day.

• Brantôme: Paint beside the historic Abbey founded by Charlemagne.

• Natural Wonders: Explore the Dronne River cliffs and the ancient Grotte de Villars caves.

 OTHER CASTLE AMENITIES:

• Heated pool

• Pickleball & tennis courts

WHY ATTEND?

The Watercolor at the Castle workshop offers a unique opportunity to grow as an artist while creating unforgettable memories in a stunning setting. With Robert’s expert guidance, you’ll not only enhance your watercolor skills but also immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of France. It’s a great week of painting and discovery. You will create some really good work, re-igniting your creativity. You will return home pleasantly exhausted and fully inspired.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Spaces are limited! For more information and to secure your place in this unforgettable watercolor workshop at Château de Marouatte, click on the Registration button below.

PRICING:

The price for this all-inclusive week of painting watercolors in a fabulous setting starts at $3,495.00. Read more in the Registration Link below.

WAITING LIST/QUESTIONS

To be placed on the Waiting List or if You Have Any Questions, fill out and submit the form below.

*It is very important to comment in the Message section whether you request a single or a double (shared) room.

WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot recommend Robert's immersion class enough! I learned so much in the painting lessons and daily critiques - Robert and everyone attending were all so helpful and encouraging - and my paintings will never be the same! Il Chiostro organized everything so wonderfully that there was absolutely no stress about traveling around or meals. We got to eat at some amazing local restaurants and try authentic, local cuisine and wine. The friendships I've made while enjoying delicious food in one of the most beautiful places in the world will stay with me always. Robert is an amazing instructor and a wonderful painter. I know I am a better artist after this trip, and I hope to take many more in the future!”
- Grace Outlaw, Student, Cinque Terre 2022.

“What a valuable and extraordinary experience it was to paint with and learn from Robert while amidst the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. It was obvious from the beginning that Robert is passionate about watercolor and teaching. I was so excited every morning about putting pencil and brush to paper, that I didn’t really want to stop. However, Il Chiostro, loves to share their beloved spots in Italy and who could say no to dinner at a winery, shopping in Sienna, lunch in Radda and at a Monastery turned University.

There is no doubt in my mind that I am a better painter after this trip, though maybe a few pounds heavier.”
– Leslie Kruzicki, Student, Tuscany (San Fedele) 2018.