Seeing Light & Color
With Michael Ryan
Chateau de Borie, Agen, France
Saturday, June 21 - Saturday, June 28, 2025
Limited to 8-12 participants
Imagine yourself in a world apart, where Chateau de Borie lies, cradled by the protective arms of a limestone cliff face and lush forest. The gentle coos of morning doves and the morning sunlight falling across the hardwood floors, awaken your senses. Step into the Château de Borie’s bright, sunlit rooms, where artists from all walks of life gather, their laughter and excitement create a hum of creative energy. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in a transformative painting retreat, where light and color become your guides.
Under the expert mentorship of Michael Ryan, you’ll learn to see the world as it truly is—free from labels and preconceptions. In these idyllic surroundings, you’ll capture the interplay of light and shadow, the vibrancy of color, and the soul of your subject. From morning walking meditations to afternoons spent composing landscapes and figures, this retreat will connect your art to the pure beauty of the French countryside.
At day’s end, you’ll share stories, meals, and laughter with fellow artists, finding inspiration in community and the château’s serene charm. Let Château de Borie awaken your artistic vision and infuse your work with the magic of this unforgettable place.
Welcome to a transformative artistic retreat at Château de Borie, located in the heart of the enchanting Southwest of France. This workshop aims to deepen your perception of reality and enhance your creative expression in an inspiring and serene environment. Join us for a week of artistic exploration, community building, and immersion in the beauty and culture of this historic château.
Retreat Overview
This retreat invites you to observe reality with an empty mind—free from the past, preconceived notions, and formulas. Only then can we view the world before us with sensitivity and excitement. Our focus will be on seeing light and color in their purest forms and translating these perceptions into beautiful compositions.
We begin each workday with a short walking meditation to help quiet our busy minds, allowing us to be more attentive to the moment and the world before us.
Workshop Details
Seeing Light and Color During our workshop, Michael will help you to SEE light and color and to compose it beautifully and honestly on your surface. We will focus on the figure in the landscape to help you break down and dispense with the needless projection of labels onto the subject matter. So, no “trees,” “grass,” “lips,” “flowers,” “eyes,” or “legs.” We will learn to see what is actually there before us, to look the way a young child with little vocabulary might, to see colored forms in relationship with other colored forms.
Mini Workshop with Michael:
Expressing Your Unique Artistic Vision
Introduction to Pastels
For those unfamiliar with pastels, I will discuss the medium and show its possibilities and limitations. You'll have the chance to explore pastels hands-on, creating your own works of art.
Drawing inspiration from the American painter and teacher Charles Hawthorne (1873-1938), we will embrace his philosophy:
“Have the courage to set down the colors you see. Working outdoors your eye will be brought up to color-it has the effect of shaking off the shackles of your mind, showing you that you can do anything you please, making you dare.”
Who should come?
This retreat is for beginners and advanced artists alike. It is for the artist who would like to deepen their understanding of light and color and how to harness the power of the incredible medium of pastels.
A list of materials and other information will be provided.
About Your Guides
About Michael
Michael Ryan is an American artist currently based in the Netherlands. In 2000 he was granted permanent residency status based on his importance to the culture of The Netherlands. He has exhibited nationally, as well as in Russia, France, and the United States. His artistic expression is influenced by being in the moment, and the act of paying attention. Ryan is especially inspired by what he observes around him. Primarily working with oils, pastels, and watercolors, he is fascinated by light, color, and the relationship formed between colors. His bold pieces are painted on metal or linen.
Michael Ryan studied Fine Art at the Memphis Academy of Art, as well as with the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League, both in New York. He currently lives and works in the center of Amsterdam.
Michael finds his inspiration in landscapes, cities and the figure. His extensive travels are a constant source of creative stimulation, always with a sketchbook in hand to record a sudden visual observation or an emotional insight with text.
Michael Ryan is currently represented by Gallery De Twee Pauwen in The Hague. Among his many exhibitions he has had solo shows at the Borzo Gallery, Amsterdam; Montgomery Gallery, San Francisco; and Dillon Gallery in Soho and in Chelsea, New York. In addition his works have been presented in the Grand Palais, Paris during the FIAC, the Armory Show in New York, and multiple times at the TEFAF in Maastricht.
About Abby
The owner of Chateau de Borie, Abigail Carter is a published author, artist, and website designer. Her memoir, The Alchemy of Loss: A Young Widow’s Transformation was published in 2008, a cathartic, creative expression after the death of her husband, Arron in the World Trade Center on 9/11. The Alchemy of Loss was long-listed for the 2008 B.C. Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, Canada's largest Non-Fiction prize, and chosen by The Globe and Mail as one of the 100 Most Notable Books of 2008. Her second book, Remember the Moon, a novel, was published in 2014 and is also based on themes of grief and loss, described by Indie Reader as “a touching and intimate look at the bonds that last beyond death, and the generosity of spirit needed to truly love another person.”
After a period of renewed grief, Abby returned to painting after a thirty-year hiatus, re-discovering another creative outlet for her renewed grief and self-discovery.
During the pandemic, Abby became obsessed with owning a chateau in southwest France that could be used as a retreat center for others interested in tapping into their latent creative expression as a conduit to healing. Her dream came to fruition in 2022 with the purchase of Chateau de Borie where she now hosts week-long creative retreats for people from all walks of life.
What Our Guests Are Saying
-
The concept of living with total strangers for a week, in a foreign country, with only sketching as a common bond, was daunting, but boy was it worth it. The chateau is a magnificent venue, the host(s) provided us with an excellent itinerary for the pursuit of art, yet frivolous activities abounded.
Marty S.
-
Abby’s welcoming kindness, the camaraderie of the other guests, the instruction were all so much fun! There were daily walks in nature, “forest bathing”! Don’t even get me started on the exquisite cuisine created by Chefs Frances and Arlette!! I could go on and on. To sum it up - run, don’t walk to Chateau Borie’s well filling retreats!
Linda T.
-
I highly recommend this retreat to anyone looking to immerse themselves in their art while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the French countryside. It was a truly magical experience, and I can't wait to return for my third retreat at the Chateau!
Shelli W.
-
The Chateau feels like it’s alive - like history and culture pours through the walls and envelops you like a warm hug. Abby and her adorable little pup made the experience truly unforgettable - from the food, the delicious morning lattes, the wine, to the community of writers and lifelong friends I made there.
Hera M.
-
This was my first ever non-work related retreat and this experience has made me eager to do many more of these hopefully at the chateau. It was the perfect combination of the people, the place, the food, the information we gained and the lasting memories we made! The idyllic environment of the chateau in a lovely French countryside was the perfect setting for a weekend dedicated to financial empowerment and personal growth for us ladies.
Vidya M.
-
Abby's retreat attracted a group of warm and positive people – I couldn't believe how well the group meshed, and we still keep in touch today. I picked up painting again after a long break, and was inspired to keep going with it when I returned home. Truly life changing, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Paula D.
Accommodations
Below is a list of the accommodations. Make your room choice and then click the “Pay Deposit” button below and choose your selected room from the dropdown. If it doesn’t appear, then that room is sold out.
Chateau de Borie
Chateau de Borie is located in Pont-du-Casse, just a five minute drive from Agen, located between Toulouse and Bordeaux in an area renown for it’s fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly its dried prunes. The area is a little off the beaten path for many tourists, but boasts beautiful countryside, proximity to two splendid wine regions, historic “Bastide” villages and incredibly fresh local food.
Agen and environs
The town of Agen is equidistant between Toulouse and Bordeaux and boasts a TGV train station, making it a 3-hour journey from Paris or a 1-hour journey from either Toulouse or Bordeaux. The town is fairly substantial with a population of 35,000 and has a wide array of shops, restaurants, bars, weekly markets and annual festivals. There is also a wonderful Art Museum and an Opera House, as well as several cathedrals, one of which has an intricately painted interior.
The surrounding countryside is known for its orchards and fruit growing, particularly its prunes, which you can find in all forms - stuffed, soaked in alcohol, or made into aperitifs.
The surrounding countryside is beautiful and dotted with many “Bastide” towns – fortified, medieval towns often built atop hillsides with a templated grid pattern (developed by the brother of one of the kings of France) with a main town square, surrounded by a covered gallery housing shops and restaurants.
The Retreat Experience
Each guest will be housed in a private room equipped with a desk. During your stay, you will enjoy the sweeping views of the French countryside, free time, intimate workshop mornings, and organized excursions to explore nearby sites and partake in the local wine and cuisine.
Chef James Lee Gordon
Our chef for the week is Chef James Lee Gordon who has over a decade of experience in organic, and Michelin-rated kitchens, building his reputation for excellence and innovation. Founder of The Chocolate Bear Kitchen in England, James is passionate about creating inclusive menus that cater to food allergies and intolerances, inspired by his firsthand experience of the challenges they pose for diners and chefs alike. With a focus on natural, healthy ingredients and bold flavors, James’ work highlights the rising relevance of allergy-conscious dining in today’s culinary world, while celebrating the rich possibilities of innovative dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Continental breakfast and family-style dinner will be served daily. Lunches will either be provided at the chateau or will be on your own during excursions. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be available throughout the day. We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Sommelier Visit
Learn about and taste local wines with passionate sommelier, Stephan who will come to Chateau de Borie bearing some wonderful wines of all types from a variety of local areas such as Bordeaux and Cahors.
Latour Marliac Water Lily Garden Visit
Step into a world of tranquility and timeless beauty with a visit to the Latour-Marliac Waterlily Garden, a hidden gem in the heart of Southwest France. Renowned as the birthplace of cultivated waterlilies and the inspiration behind Claude Monet’s iconic waterlily paintings, this enchanting garden offers a serene escape for art and nature lovers alike.
The garden’s rich history, dating back to 1875, is a testament to the artistry and dedication of its founder, Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac, whose innovative hybridization techniques brought waterlilies to global acclaim.
After exploring the garden’s breathtaking beauty, we’ll gather for a delicious lunch at the on-site restaurant, where you can relax, savor local flavors, and soak in the serene atmosphere.
An afternoon in Agen
Agen is an easily accessible town that has an excellent art museum, opera house, two cathedrals, and lots of shopping along a pedestrian-only boulevard. You will have the option of spending some time at the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Agen or spend the afternoon at your leisure before meeting the group at the end of the day for an aperitif back at the Chateau.
Dinner in a local restaurant
There will be a dinner at a nearby restaurant specializing in French cuisine with particular emphasis on farm-to-table and local specialties.
Travel
NOTE:
The Chateau de Borie is multi-leveled, with no bedrooms on the ground floor. Good physical mobility is required for this Sparkle adventure, as the Chateau has one or two sets of stairwells depending on the room you choose, and we will be on foot on the cobbled streets around France. The physical ability to walk unassisted and stand for extended periods is necessary for this retreat.
Because of the proximity of the cliffs and the 7 springs on the property, mosquitos are an issue. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Arrivals: Saturday June 21st, 2025 before 4 pm
Retreat/workshops: Sunday, June 22nd to Friday, June 27th
Departures: Saturday, June 28th before noon.
Participants are responsible for their own flights and travel to Agen. The closest international airports are Toulouse and Bordeaux, France. It is an hour's train ride to Agen from both cities. You can also fly to Paris and take a 3-hour TGV train from Montparnasse station in Paris to Agen (via Bordeaux), but this option can be more difficult and expensive due to limited train schedules. If you choose this route, be sure to book your train well ahead of time and buy tickets that you can change in case of delayed flights. Also, it is advised that you not attempt to take the train to Paris on the same day that you plan to fly out of Paris. Train delays are common.
It is recommended that you purchase your train tickets ahead of time, as trains do fill up. We recommend using www.thetrainline.com or https://www.sncf-connect.com/ to book your connections.
You are welcome to rent a car at the airport, though we will be providing transportation for the various excursions, so unless you want to get out on your own, it is unnecessary.
We offer pick-ups and drop-offs from the Agen train station to/from Chateau de Borie.
To arrive at the Chateau on Saturday June 21st requires a flight departure from North America on Friday, June 20th.
It is recommended to arrive in France a few days early if possible to acclimate to the time change.
More information about excursions and further details about the week will be added as they are planned. We look forward to having you join us for this very special week at Chateau de Borie!
Payment
A deposit of €1000 is required to hold your spot. The balance must be paid in full by March 1, 2025.
Included in the price:
Pick up/drop off at Agen train station
Welcome champagne
All meals and wine except for lunches during excursions
Transportation to/from all excursions
Entry fees for all excursions
Market visit and cooking class
Dinner at a restaurant near the Chateau de Borie
Not included:
Airfare, train fare
Meals outside the villa except for the restaurant dinner.
Refund Policy
The €1000 deposit is non-refundable after March 1, 2025.
All rooms are to be paid for in full by March 1, 2025.
If you need to cancel between March 1, and May 1st, 2025 we will offer your spot to people on the waiting list and refund 100% of your payment if we can fill your spot. If we cannot fill your spot, we will refund 50% of your balance payment (minus the deposit) or you can transfer your paid fees to another retreat offered within 12 months.
The are no refunds for cancellations after May 1st, 2025.
Participant expenses incurred in preparation for the trip (e.g., non-refundable purchased airline tickets) are not the responsibility of the retreat organizers.
It is highly recommended that you obtain medical/trip cancellation insurance for this reason.
