And That’s a Wrap

One year, two new retreats, countless layers of wax, and a little shift in the way we see the world.

Hi there,

Last Tuesday, I finished my last retreat and workshop adventure of the year. And what a year it has been!

A new house, a new country to live into, a new rhythm, a new landscape, and a whole new workshop setup. There were moments when I wondered how on earth I was going to keep my Irish students happy while finding my feet in France and returning to Ireland regularly. But somehow, between the packing, travelling, melting wax and wondering where I had put everything, it all came together.

This year also brought two brand-new retreats: one in France and one in Mulranny, Ireland. Both were absolutely wonderful, filled with incredible artists, beautiful moments and memories I will treasure for a long time. 

But something else happened, too. Something that made me realise, perhaps more clearly than ever, what I really want to share when I teach.

At the beginning of the retreat, I told the students: “I want you to leave this workshop with a new way of looking at the world.”

You should have seen their faces.

What? We came here to paint with wax, Isabelle. What are you on about?

Fair enough.

And then, seven days later, something rather magical happened. On the last day, students came to me and said: “Isabelle, I see the world differently.”

Oh, my heart.

Honestly, what more could a teacher ask for?

Of course, learning to mix colours, build a composition and make beautiful marks matters. Very much!

But what excites me most is that moment when something shifts in the way you look at things. When you start noticing the tiny details, the connections, the unexpected beauty in the ordinary. When a landscape becomes more than a landscape, and suddenly everything seems to speak to everything else. And those who have come to my workshops and retreats know how I still love texture, but my obsession has shifted towards light, atmosphere and the way colour can float through the layers. Actually, the amazing people at RF paints have just published an artist spotlight article about the way I see the world, have you read it yet ?

I believe life becomes richer when we learn to look differently. And if I can share a little of the way I see the world through my paintings and workshops, then I feel I am doing something worthwhile.

So, to everyone who joined me in Be-Artz in France, Mulranny, Galway, Dublin and Connemara in Ireland this year: thank you.

Thank you for your trust, your curiosity, your willingness to follow me into the madness, and for reminding me why I love doing this so much.

Now, I am retreating.

Into France, into my studio, and probably into my kitchen.

For the next five months, I shall be a little like a tortoise, happily tucked away in my shell.

There is bread to bake, syrups to make, and, most importantly, a whole new body of work waiting to emerge, these paintings are already living in my head, my heart, my body and my hands. My studio is waiting, the wax will soon be warm, and I cannot wait to see what comes out.

And of course a few projects who needs time and space to incubate…more about that very soon…

But before I disappear beneath a mountain of studio work and homemade bread, a little reminder…

My 2027 retreats are already filling up and the retreat in Switzerland is almost full.

Meanwhile, there are still places available for our wonderful French retreat in Sauveterre de Bearn by the pyrenees in May 2027.

Eight days immersed in encaustic, light and creativity, surrounded by the beauty of the French countryside.

Imagine long, inspiring days in the studio, delicious food, beautiful surroundings, and the joy of sharing your creative journey with like-minded artists. After the most wonderful experience last September, I knew I had to do it all over again. A little French magic, a lot of molten beeswax, and eight days to slow down, experiment and reconnect with your creativity. 

Places are very limited, so if you’re feeling the call, follow the link below to register your interest. I’d absolutely love to paint with you!

And for my Irish students ( or those who wish to spend some time in Ireland and learn encaustic painting ), my 2027 workshop schedule in Ireland is booking up fast, with only a few spaces left for the few one day to week end workshops taking place in Galway, Dublin and Connemara .

There are only so many dates I can squeeze into my Irish visits, and unfortunately, I haven’t yet discovered how to clone myself. So if you were planning to join us, send me a line and I can reserve your space.

So, keep an eye on those dates, and come and join me.

Until then, I shall be in France, making bread, making paintings, and probably making a mess.

Some things never change.

With waxy fingers and a very full heart,

 

Isabelle