Meet You Halfway — South West France 2027
Week-long painting retreat · South West France
Meet You Halfway
A week of presence, process, and honest painting in the South West of France.
- Dates
- Oct 23 – 30, 2027
- Where
- Atelier Clos MirabelJurançon, near Pau
- Workshop + supplies
- $1,500Plus applicable tax
- Room & full board
- $2,250 – $3,555Book before Nov 1, 2026 to lock in pricing
The invitation
Show up for yourself and your art — without forcing, rushing, or overworking.
This workshop is about building a relationship with your work where effort and ease can coexist. You’ll learn how to show up with intention, pay attention to what’s already there, and respond rather than push. When we meet the work with care and curiosity, it has a way of meeting us back.
Through guided studio sessions, gentle structure, and time to explore, we’ll focus on creating work that feels alive, open, and honest. We’ll work small to large, explore gesture, color, and composition, and practice stopping before the work is overdone. Just enough. No more, no less.
This is not about making perfect paintings. It’s about learning how to stay present, trust your instincts, and develop a sustainable rhythm you can carry forward into your everyday practice.
What you can expect
- A supportive, calm, and focused studio environment
- Exercises that help you loosen up and trust your process
- Guided sessions that help you see what’s working in your work
- Time to experiment, reflect, and move intuitively through your pieces
- Flow over perfection, momentum over pressure
This is for you if you
- Want your work to feel freer and more alive
- Feel stuck in overthinking or stiffness
- Want to strengthen a steady art practice
- Enjoy community, but work best at your own pace
- Want focused studio time in the South of France
- Are ready to slow down and respond, not push
The place
Atelier Clos Mirabel
An 18th-century manor in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, surrounded by vineyards and private parkland with sweeping views of the mountains. It’s about an hour from Biarritz and the Spanish border — a perfect place to slow down, make art, and reconnect with your creativity.
Clos Mirabel
276 Avenue des Frères Barthélémy
64110 Jurançon, Pau
Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Daily rhythm
The week, day by day
Five full days of painting, a day off to explore, and long dinners in the Manor House or on the terrace.
SaturdayArrive and settle in+
SundayWorking small, color & mark making+
MondayColor, composition, small to medium+
TuesdayPivoting & embracing layers+
WednesdayDay off+
ThursdayWorking large+
FridayTitles, stories & abstractions+
SaturdayDeparture+
The schedule is flexible and responds to the group’s energy.
How to book
Two bookings, in this order
There are two separate bookings: your room with Clos Mirabel first, then your workshop spot with me.
Please book in this order. Your workshop spot is only confirmed once your room at Clos Mirabel is booked.
Book your room at Clos Mirabel
Choose your room and full board directly with Atelier Clos Mirabel. They ask for a €350 non-refundable deposit, and the balance is due 8 weeks before the start date.
Then reserve your workshop spot
Once your room is confirmed, reserve your place in the workshop. Tuition includes all art supplies and is paid in full at checkout. Places are limited and offered first come, first served.
You’re in
You’ll get an order confirmation by email right away. Questions anytime? Write to hello@nino.studio.
Included in the workshop fee
- Tutor’s fee
- All art materials — no need to bring supplies
Not included
- Airfare
- Local transportation
- Accommodation and full board (booked separately through Clos Mirabel)
What artists are saying
From past workshops
“I feel a lightness and more joy has been brought back into my practice.”
Barbara Helton“I feel more confident about my work. I love working with Nino — not only is he an amazing painter and generously shared his own techniques, but he was always moving through the studio talking with each student about their work.”
Lyn Feakes“This was a transformative and immersive week. There was a supportive environment, space to explore my own interests/voice and safe group to struggle and push through.”
Erik T Beadle“This class can be taken by any level of student as long as you are willing to have a beginner’s mind and be open to the teaching and learning.”
Suzanne Lyons“This workshop reminded me how fun and experimental the painting process can be — just try something, if it doesn’t work, add something else. It’s just paint!”
Darlene Laguna“The small group format allowed for a relaxed and supportive environment. Nino did demonstrations everyday to get us going and also sparked discussions about why we create … Can’t wait for the next one!”
Jen BrannonYour teacher
I’m Nino.
I’m an abstract artist and designer with over 27 years of experience, exploring authenticity through the balance of creativity and design. My work thrives on curiosity, experimentation, and a deep sense of freedom — pushing boundaries while staying true to artistic intuition.
I love helping others discover their own artistic voices, whether through my original artwork, prints, or immersive workshops. My goal is to make the journey of self-expression inspiring and joyful.
This workshop is an extension of my own process — blending intuitive mark-making with thoughtful composition, allowing freedom while embracing structure.
Q & A
Good to know
How long is the retreat?
Eight days (October 23–30, 2027) at Atelier Clos Mirabel, including five full days of painting together, with plenty of time to rest, explore, and enjoy the surroundings.
When is payment due?
First, book your room directly with Atelier Clos Mirabel and pay their €350 non-refundable deposit; the accommodation balance is due 8 weeks before the start date. Then reserve your workshop spot here — the $1,500 tuition (plus applicable tax) is paid in full at checkout.
Do I need prior experience with abstract painting?
No. The workshop is guided and adaptable. If you’re open to trying new approaches and letting go of perfection, you’ll be supported.
Who is this workshop for?
Artists at different stages who want to work more freely and consistently. You don’t need to be a professional artist — just open to abstraction, experimentation, and process-based work.
What materials do I need to bring?
Nothing. All materials are provided, including surfaces, paints, and tools. You’re welcome to bring a sketchbook if you enjoy having one.
What does a typical day look like?
Each day includes guided studio sessions, open working time, and group conversations. The structure is gentle and flexible, designed to support flow rather than pressure.
Will I get feedback on my work?
Yes — through group conversations and optional one-on-one check-ins. The focus is on helping you see what’s working, not fixing or judging your work.
Is this about finishing polished pieces?
Not necessarily. Finished work may happen, but the main goal is building a practice that feels loose, alive, and sustainable — something you can carry forward.
What if I feel stuck or overwhelmed during the workshop?
That’s completely normal, especially when trying something new. The workshop is designed to support you through both the high and low moments.
How many participants will there be?
12 minimum.
Cancellation & refund policy
If the tutor cancels
All tutor fees paid are refunded in full.
61+ days before the start date
Full refund, minus a $100 processing fee and any payment processing fees.
60 days or less before the start date
Non-refundable — unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist, in which case you’ll receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee and any payment processing fees.
Once the workshop starts
No refunds, credits, or make-up classes, including for missed days.
Accommodation
Room and board are booked through Atelier Clos Mirabel and follow their own booking and cancellation policies.
Cancellations must be sent in writing to hello@nino.studio.
October 23 – 30, 2027
Come meet your work halfway.
Book before November 1, 2026 to lock in current accommodation pricing. Questions? Write to hello@nino.studio.