“The desert is a natural arena where plants survive on sheer willpower.” — Henry David Thoreau
Telling their story of resilience, fortitude and hope, I’m excited to invite you to join me for this unique opportunity to paint the plants of the Living Desert, Palm Desert, California.
Thursday, 8 October ’26 4 days. 25 + hours of tuition
BIGHORN Golf Club, 255 Palowet Drive, Palm Desert CA 92260
12 spaces available
INFORMATION
Details
A Four-Day Immersive Botanical Watercolour Workshop with Mary Dillon, Palm Springs, California | October 8-11, 2026 9:30 AM-4:30 PM Inspired by the distinctive flora of California’s Southwest, this four- day botanical art workshop with award-winning Irish artist and experienced tutor, Mary Dillon, will explore the beauty of regional blooms through observation, drawing, and watercolor.
Designed for all skill levels, the workshop will provide improving and experienced artists new approaches to color, brush control, water management, and subtle layering techniques that bring your botanical subjects to life.
Escape to the breathtaking Pyrenees for a week of creativity and inspiration! Join me for an immersive botanical art retreat at Clos Mirabel, where you’ll explore the beauty of summer blooms and refine your artistic skills in a serene, stunning setting. Connect with fellow artists, discover new techniques, and let the vibrant surroundings inspire you. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to create, relax, and grow — all while surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of south west France.
25 + hours of tuition per week
Medium: Watercolour
Level: Beginner / Experienced
Language: English
Full Board Accommodation: 1895€ to2996€ per week based on room choice & single or shared occupancy + tuition fee
Non-painting guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-painting guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable
Botanical Art Retreat– Programme Outline:
Saturday 4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel 6.30 – An introduction to the course by Mary Dillion over welcome drinks 7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Sunday 8.00 – 9.00 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce 9.30 – 1.00 Getting to know your subject…. Choosing, Lighting, Observing, Drawing, Composing 1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel 2.00 – 3.30 Return to Studio to continue work with individual tuition 6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday 8.00 – 9.00 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce 9.30 – Depart Clos Mirabel 10.00 – 12.30 Morning visit to the higher slopes of the Pyrenees to observe alpine plants in their natural habitat, followed by field sketching 1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at local Auberge 3.00 – 4.30 Studio: Colour mixing and matching, practicing wet watercolour painting techniques and laying the first washes. 6.00 – An evening talk on prominent local landscape artists by Xavier over aperitif 7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace Please note this programme may be subject to change depending on the weather. Please ensure you bring sensible walking shoes, layers, waterproof jacket, water bottle, sunscreen and a hat.
Tuesday 8.00 – 9.00 Breakfast 9.30 – 1.00 Studio: Mixing greens, painting petals, painting leaves, painting shadows 1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel 2.00 – 3.30 Studio: Layering washes for impact 6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – Free day (Lunch is not provided) 8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce Free day to explore the locality. We suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond. 6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday 8.00 – 9.00 Buffet breakfast 9.30 – 1.00 Studio: Learn and practice dry brush techniques. Building form and create texture in your painting. 1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel 2.00 – 3.30 Studio 6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday 8.00 – 9.00 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce 9.30 – 1.00 Studio: The Wow Factor! Finishing with finer details using dry brush techniques. Troubleshooting your painting. Bringing it all together. 1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel 2.00 – 3.30 Studio 6.30 – Evening exhibition in the art studio of Atelier Clos Mirabel with aperitif 7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday 8.00 – 9.00 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out time 11am)
I‘ve just completed a magical week of teaching and painting in wonderful Clos Mirabel. Everything about our week was special. From the warm welcome we received on our arrival through to our comfortable and well appointed accommodation, our delicious and generous meals, to the spacious studio which was our home for the week, we couldn’t have wished for more….except to return!
The great news is, that I will be returning from July 5 – 12, 2025.
I’ll be teaching again in Clos Mirabel in the foothills of the majestic Pyrenees. I’d love you to join me for this very special experience!
Give yourself the gift of bringing your painting to a new level of competence and skill.
Give yourself the gift of space to retreat for you.
Give yourself the gift of relaxation and fun, in good company, with wholesome tasty meals, in a comfortably luxurious setting.
Wake to views of morning mists drifting over the vineyards rolling down into the valley……
Let your eyes wander to the vista of the mountains sweeping up from the valley……
……………Breathe.
I know we’re going to be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing subjects to paint at this glorious time of year.
It’ll be an immersive learning opportunity, a retreat for you and a lovely restful holiday in a beautiful place with breathtaking views over the snow capped Pyrenees.
The studio at Clos Mirabel is spacious, filled with light, and a wonderful base for us as we spend our days learning, practicing and applying new painting skills as we paint. With beautiful peonies, irises, and tulips, as our subjects, our focus will be on bringing life and movement to our painting. We’ll take our inspiration from the hills and valleys surrounding the Manor House and from the gardens themselves. With many years experience as an arts educator and a practicing artist, I look forward to generously sharing with you my knowledge and experience.
MARY DILLON - Botanical 