Wet-on-Wet Watercolor Workshop in the Bassin d'Arcachon
Workshop at Lanton-Taussat (33) 30 May to 04 june 2027
Departure imminent in Arcachon region
At first light over the Arcachon Basin, where the sky and water blend into a palette of blues, pearly grays, and soft greens, where the pinasse boats bob gently with the tides, and where oyster huts nestle in the curves of the channels, we’ll set out to explore a region as luminous as it is inspiring. From the small ports of Cassy and Taussat to the wild landscapes of the Certes estate—amid salt marshes, pine-lined trails, and endless horizons—we’ll take the time to observe, experience, and paint all the poetry of these unique landscapes. A few days to let our brushes run free, capture the play of light, soak in the basin’s unique atmosphere, and savor the gentle way of life in the Southwest…
A wonderful playground for watercolorists, a timeless escape, where nature and light come together…
Quite the program! And nothing but pure joy…
Sunday 30 May 2027 for 18.00
Settling in, initial conversations, and dinner together.
MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY: Outdoor work
(unless the weather is bad: indoor work)
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
(Flexible schedule depending on weather conditions)
Wednesday: SPECIAL DAY—travel journal workshop in La Roche Bernard until 2:30 PM, followed by free time…
Camping tables for comfortable work are provided free of charge. Please bring your own chairs and seating.
Friday, June 4, 2027
After breakfast, everyone will head home
Mastering Water and Its Transparencies
Become comfortable with water and play with its movements; learn to control how it flows across the paper, guide where it blends, and fully exploit the effects of wet-on-wet painting.
Explore the possibilities of your palette, understand the interactions between pigments, and experiment with mixing to create subtle harmonies, rich nuances, and vibrant, translucent colors.
Light, Contrast, and Composition
Explore a luminous and spontaneous watercolor style, play with the fluidity of the pigments, reveal the contrasts between light and shadow, and bring character to your subjects. We’ll also learn how to create a balanced and harmonious composition by laying the groundwork with a preparatory sketch that will naturally guide your brushwork and color application.
These are all key elements for creating vibrant, balanced watercolors full of transparency, where technique and sensitivity come together to give rise to beautiful works of art.
Lights and Whispers of the Marshes
As we stroll along the trails of the bird sanctuary, we’ll enter a world of its own, where the reeds rustle in the breeze, where the water shimmers with shifting reflections, and where birds trace delicate arabesques across the sky. We’ll take the time to blend into this living landscape, to observe the birds in their natural habitat, to sketch their elegant silhouettes, and to capture a ray of light, a movement—the fleeting moment that embodies all the magic of this place. A guided tour will open the doors to this fascinating world, helping us better understand its riches and uncover its secrets.
Then comes the joy of translating this bountiful nature—its subtle nuances, its peaceful horizons, and all the poetry of wildlife—into watercolor…
An enchanting interlude, in close contact with nature, to paint with our eyes, our hearts, and the light.
Capturing the Soul of a Landscape
Throughout this watercolor workshop on the Arcachon Bay, we’ll learn to observe a landscape in a new way, to capture its full richness and convey its atmosphere by capturing the nuances of light, the harmonies of color, and the sensations that a place can evoke.
We’ll share this experience in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, where everyone can progress according to their own interests, experience, and pace, while enjoying the pleasure of painting together and respecting each other’s sensibilities.
Accommodations certified by “Logis Hôtels”
Hôtel** «L'Océana»
Just 150 meters from the shores of the Arcachon Bay, L’Océana invites us to enjoy a delightful escape, blending understated elegance, the good life, and the magical lights of the Southwest. Charming rooms, a view that invites daydreaming, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and that heated indoor pool where we can unwind after our days of watercolor painting…
And then there are the culinary delights! The briny flavors of the bay, freshly prepared fish, seafood, and delicious local products will punctuate our days with gourmet moments. In the evening, all you need to do is head to the nearby shores to watch the sun set ablaze the horizon and reflect in the peaceful waters of the bay… A spectacle that renews itself every day, one you never tire of.
Full board includes 5 nights’ lodging, 5 breakfasts, 5 dinners, 4 lunches, and breaks scheduled during the workshop, from Sunday evening through Friday morning.
Accompanying guests are, of course, welcome to share in this getaway, filled with new discoveries, culinary delights, and moments of relaxation.
A few days spent amidst paintbrushes, flavors, and sunsets… Pure bliss, in this enchanting setting where people come as much to paint as to savor the present moment.
Prices and inscription
Twin room
- Shared Bath room
Workshop + Full pension : 947.50 €
Single room
- Private bath room. Bed in 160 cm
Workshop + Full pension : 1140.00 €
Conditions of repayment
If you cancel, all payments made will be refunded in full up to 30 days before the workshop date. If the workshop is canceled, all registration fees will be refunded in full.
No refunds will be issued if the cancellation occurs within 30 days of the workshop date.
How Register ?
- 1 Bank transfer of the full course fee to Atelier Vilcaz, and a 35% deposit for lodging at Hôtel L’Océana
