Renee Walden - Art & Illustration

an autumn storm

2025-10-11T21:32:00.000+13:00

An autumn storm in Tiermas, Aragon, Spain

Watercolour Tutorial — painting an autumn storm

Autumn often brings dramatic thunderstorms where I live — the other night, we had a spectacular one with lightning flashing several times a second for over an hour. Then came the rain, heavy and wild. There’s something magical about watching a storm while feeling warm and cozy inside.

I can’t think of another medium that captures stormy skies as beautifully as watercolour. This is where the medium truly shines — pigment flowing across the page, colours separating and merging in unpredictable ways, and that perfect balance between control and letting go. Every time I paint a storm, I fall in love with watercolour all over again.

For this lesson, we return to Tiermas, an abandoned Roman town in Aragón, Spain, to paint a sunlit ruin against a dramatic autumn storm sky. The warm autumn colours of the landscape contrast beautifully with the moody clouds above, making this a fantastic subject for learning how to paint atmosphere and light.

What you’ll learn ...

Techniques for painting stormy skies in watercolour.
How to balance wet-in-wet and controlled brushwork.
Creating contrast between glowing light and dark, dramatic clouds.
Working with autumn colour palettes to bring warmth into a moody scene.
Tips for adding depth and atmosphere to landscape paintings.

☔ This is a full step-by-step video lesson on Patreon — perfect for a cozy autumn painting session.

Happy painting!

watercolour painting holiday in marrakech, morocco

2025-10-06T04:23:00.002+13:00

Explore vibrant Marrakech with your sketchbook in hand

Marrakech painting retreat — a creative adventure in Morocco

3 rooms left!!

I’m thrilled to be teaming up once again with Katel and Harrison from Périgord Retreats — but this time, we’re swapping French villages for Moroccan spice and sunshine! I love collaborating with them, and I just know this Marrakech painting retreat will be nothing short of magical.

Seven inspiring days in Marrakech
Imagine a week of creativity and connection, staying in a stunning private domaine just outside the city. We’ll balance relaxed plein air painting sessions with cultural adventures, venturing into Marrakech and the surrounding countryside.

What to expect

Sketching vibrant souks, colourful bazaars, intricate tiles and lush gardens.
Exploring the warm desert light and rich Moroccan colour palette.
Daily painting sessions designed to build your confidence sketching on location.
A small, friendly group of like-minded artists.

This is your chance to fill your sketchbook with colour, culture and creativity — Morocco style. Whether you’re an experienced painter or new to travel sketching, this retreat offers the perfect blend of learning, inspiration and adventure.

📅 Find all the details, dates and booking information on my website.

new watercolour half pans from deep deep light

2025-10-03T01:09:00.006+13:00

Deep Deep Light watercolour swatches

Swatched today!

I just tried out 45 new half pans from Deep Deep Light—and they are absolutely delicious.

They just need a light spritz of water and a couple of minutes to soften (like rewetting dried tube paints), and then they’re ready to go. The colours are intensely saturated. Lovely.

This first swatch sheet is simply to line up names with colours—always helpful since dried pans don’t always reveal what they’ll look like on paper.

Next on the list? Bigger swatches as I see a number of intriguing granulating colours in these swatches and a few which are mixes where the pigments seem to separate beautifully. And of course, the ultimate test will be trying them out in an actual painting to see how they flow. I'm already inspired by a number of beautiful colours well suited to autumn that I see here.

A small note: these are my first non-vegan paints, as they use honey as a binder.

sketches from a month's holiday in france

2025-09-15T23:14:00.001+12:00

L'eglise Sant-Anton, Vallon du Laverq

We spent our summer holidays in the French Alps this year. A whole month of catching up with friends, hiking, exploring pretty towns, flying for David and sketching outdoors for me.
You probably know by now I’m a little obsessed with sketching on location — it’s the best way to make travel memories stick. And you get to have random chats with locals (human and animal), where you learn things about a place you'd never find out otherwise.

Below are some of my sketches from our month away.

I’m not trying to give you FOMO or anything, but guess what?? My painting holidays are all about doing exactly this.

Join me in 2026!!

Spring in France @perigordretreats – 27 May to 5 June
Autumn in Italy @hotelleone – 18 to 25 September

By the end of August the lavender blooms were mostly over, but I couldn't resist sketching in the largest lavender field I had ever seen. Still smelt amazing!

Lavender field, Provence

Plenty of sunshine, which meant the farmers were very busy harvesting, ploughing and planting. Below the grass all cut and the lucerne a super vibrant green.

Making hay while the sun shines.

Then the next day the field was all baled and ready for another sketch.

Sketching hay bales, France

Very hot and dry, there were not too many wild flowers left, but I did spend a morning with some wild carrots.

Wild carrots

One thing I really enjoy is revisiting scenes I've sketched before. It's always fun to see them from a different angle or vantage point.

Eglise Sant Pierre, Treminis

Our trusty van - our home away from home. So wonderful to back on the road, leaving the house renovations and the never ending to-do list behind.

Van life

The idea started in Sardinia last year, but I've continued to a super lightweight setup of coloured pencils and a tiny sketchbook on my hikes. This means I can save my water for drinking (did I say it was hot??). I've written a detailed post on my lightweight setup and how I approach these coloured pencil sketches on Patreon if you're interested.

Coloured pencil sketch in a cool forest spot while hiking in the Devoluy mountains.

Stopping to sketch on big downhills is a practise I've been following for years and years. The little rest saves my knees! Plus I'm normally on my own for the downhill part of a hike, so I can take as long as I want without worrying about anybody else getting itchy feet ;-)

Coloured pencil sketch of a stone mountain hut near Barcelonnette

The last house in Fouillouse is for sale and ready to be a renovators dream! But I'm savvy enough to know now that renovating something this remote would be quite a nightmare.

Old house nestled in vibrant fireweed, Ubaye Valley.

Let's do this together in 2026!

Those details again...

Spring in France @perigordretreats – 27 May to 5 June
Autumn in Italy @hotelleone – 18 to 25 September

an Italian sketching holiday you’ll never forget

2025-09-15T20:30:00.002+12:00

Have you ever dreamed of wandering through medieval villages, sketchbook in hand, capturing stone archways, sunlit vineyards, and mountain views that take your breath away?

Imagine staying in a beautifully restored palazzo, sharing meals with fellow artists, and filling your pages with memories that last a lifetime.

I invite you to join me for a very special sketching holiday in Italy in September 2026.

We’ll be based at Hotel Leone, a luxury boutique hotel in Montelparo. Once a pre-1500s palazzo, it’s now an award-winning retreat nestled between the dramatic Sibillini Mountains and the sparkling Adriatic coast. Every alleyway, rolling hill, and lively piazza around us will be inspiration waiting for your brush.

Throughout the week, we’ll paint en plein air or in our private studio space. Together we’ll explore perspective, composition, colour theory, and watercolour techniques as we sketch landscapes, architecture, and the everyday beauty of Italian life. My aim is simple: to help you gain the confidence to carry your sketchbook everywhere you go.

Beyond painting, you’ll enjoy the rich culture of the region—delicious local food and wine, cultural excursions, and the joy of connecting with like-minded creatives.

The Details:

7 nights in Montelparo, Italy
All sketching and painting sessions included
From €3,499 per person
Spaces are limited!

If Italy has been calling your name, this could be your chance to answer—with pen, brush, and sketchbook in hand.

MORE DETAILS & BOOKING INFO HERE.

12 autumn themed watercolour tutorials

2025-09-15T20:04:00.002+12:00

watercolour paintings of autumn scenes

Fall watercolour inspiration – new autumn collection on Patreon

Autumn is the most inspiring time of year to paint — golden landscapes, colourful trees, glowing reflections, and even magical mushrooms. I’ve created a special collection of 12 autumn / fall themed watercolour tutorials on Patreon, designed to help you explore a wide range of techniques and skills.

Whether you want to capture the crisp light in a fall landscape, the textures of autumn leaves, or the magic of reflections, these tutorials will guide you step by step.

If you’re looking for fresh inspiration this fall and want to improve your watercolour painting, my new collection is the perfect place to start.

You can subscribe on Patreon to unlock the full library, or pick and choose individual tutorials to suit your interests.

Beautiful bonnet mushrooms

2025-09-15T19:51:00.003+12:00

How to paint beautiful bonnet mushrooms in watercolour

🍂 Watercolour Tutorial: Painting Autumn Mushrooms 🍂

It’s mushroom season, and I couldn’t be happier! These delicate fungi are known as beautiful bonnet mushrooms — though honestly, they didn’t need the “beautiful” added.

Painting subjects from nature is wonderfully absorbing. When painting mushrooms, taking time to observe the fine details and subtle colour shifts makes all the difference. We’ll look closely at the caps and stems, then mix the earthy autumn tones — warm browns, soft golds and gentle greys — to bring them to life with watercolour.

In this lesson, I’ll also share my favourite technique for painting fine lines on mushroom caps, perfect for capturing their delicate texture and structure.

If you love painting seasonal subjects and sketching outdoors, this is the perfect project to celebrate autumn’s earthy beauty.

🍄 Watch the full step-by-step video lesson on Patreon and paint along with me.

Happy painting!

painting a swan in watercolour

2025-09-08T20:47:00.002+12:00

watercolour swan

Watercolour tutorial — how to paint a swan and its reflection (step-by-step)

A graceful white swan, softly lit and mirrored in still water — this step-by-step watercolour tutorial shows how to paint a swan and its reflection at a relaxed pace, so you can work slowly and enjoy the process.

I’ve been waiting ages to paint a white swan, and this lesson focuses on one of my favourite effects: backlighting. Backlight creates a lovely glow around the bird and gives you a chance to explore pretty shadow colours — warm greys, soft blues and subtle violets — rather than plain dull greys. The calm water and clear reflection help to set off that glowing light, so we’ll pay special attention to edges, value relationships and the way colour reads in a reflection.

What you’ll learn...

Composition and simple sketching for a convincing pose and reflection.
How to preserve the whites and plan where the light will fall.
Mixing the soft, cool shadow colours that make a white swan read as three-dimensional.
Techniques for painting feather texture and subtle fine details.
How to paint reflections in water: softening edges, lowering contrast and repeating colour notes.
Final glazing and finishing touches to keep the glow and depth.

This is a full, written step-by-step lesson on Patreon — perfect if you like to follow along and paint at your own pace.

🍃 Follow the full tutorial on Patreon and paint along with me.

Happy painting!

old dinghy in watercolour

2025-08-27T21:52:00.000+12:00

watercolour dinghy - full video tutorial

I have such a soft spot for this little old dinghy. I first found it in a photo on Unsplash, and I’ve painted it so many times - changing its mood, colours, and surroundings.

This time I kept the boat just as it was, but set it by the sea on a calm, tranquil day. A reflection of my mood at the time.

You can paint this scene along with me, as this is a full tutorial. I explain how to 'relocate' the boat and make the scene your own. I also give you the drawing to trace if you think the boat might be a little tricky.

Full video tutorial available on Patreon and Renee's Studio.

Photo reference by Ashleigh Joy on Unsplash.

paint a small town in the pyrenees

2025-08-13T21:53:00.002+12:00

Cow parsley in spring

Here's a scene from very close to home. So close, in fact, that's our house there at the back - the one with the new roof.

Back in spring I sketched this scene, when the meadow was full of pretty, white cow parsley. I knew straight away that it would make a lovely tutorial - the rich colours in the foreground and the beautiful light against shadow in the buildings.

The tutorial is already on Patreon and Renee's Studio. Come paint along!
www.walden.co.nz/learn

a lighthouse in watercolour

2025-07-25T21:57:00.002+12:00

A watercolour lighthouse and stormy sky

I love painting lighthouses, and given the opportunity to combine one with a stormy sky is always extra enjoyable. So mix up your favourite stormy blues and greys and let's paint a little drama!

Happy painting!

Full step by step tutorial on my Patreon, with step by step photos, instructions and drawing to trace.

shop update

2025-07-22T23:03:00.006+12:00

Californian poppies in watercolour

The summer vibes continue! This time with Californian poppies.

These ones are a reminder of summers in New Zealand, where these poppies grow as a riot of colour along our stoney lakeshore. I worked from a photo I'd taken that had hundreds of poppies, scrolling around and hand picking a few that I wanted in this painting.

I'm so enjoying this series. I hope you are too!

I've added this one and the red poppies and chicory in a mini shop update today - https://www.walden.co.nz/watercolours_for_sale_1.htm

I'll be closing my shop on 28 July for summer holidays, so now's a good time to pop over and have a look.

Chicory in watercolour

Red poppies in watercolour

Browse shop here - https://www.walden.co.nz/watercolours_for_sale_1.htm

a vineyard in watercolour

2025-07-20T18:28:00.005+12:00

Painting Summer Vines and an Old Barn in France

This super pretty scene is painted from a photo taken by Elysia on our second day sketching on location during last month’s painting holiday in France with Perigord Retreats.

I remember us all gathered in the welcome shade of those big, beautiful trees, with the gentle sound of the river flowing just behind us. The day felt almost suspended in time — surrounded by the intense greens of high summer, the quiet hum of insects, and countless rustic old barns tucked among the vines. It turned out to be one of our favourite sketching days of the whole trip.

Back in the studio, I couldn’t resist turning this view into a new watercolour tutorial. There’s so much to love about it: the soft greens of the summer vines, the warm stone of the barn, and the natural one-point perspective that draws your eye right down the vineyard path into the heart of the scene. Painting it felt like stepping back into that peaceful summer morning.

If you’d like to see how I painted it step by step — and maybe bring a little bit of that French summer magic to your own sketchbook — come and join me!
👉 www.walden.co.nz/learn

bold poppies in watercolour

2025-07-04T01:16:00.002+12:00

Paint glowing poppies in watercolour

Looking for a bold, expressive watercolour painting project? In this week’s video tutorial, we’re painting a vibrant red poppy bursting with colour—set against a fun, abstract background that gives the whole piece a joyful, modern feel.

No experience necessary! In this poppy watercolour tutorial I will guide you through the key techniques to make your reds glow on the page—without turning muddy or dull.

Red can be a tricky colour in watercolour—easy to overwork, or end up too flat. In this tutorial, I show you how to keep your reds vibrant and full of life.

What You’ll Learn in This Tutorial:

How to mix luminous reds that feel alive and glowing
Why controlling water and timing is key when painting red flowers
How to suggest petal shapes with loose brushstrokes rather than outlines
Ways to create an expressive, abstract background that complements the flower
Tips for layering, drying stages, and letting the water do the work

This poppy painting is all about energy and movement. We’re not aiming for photorealism—instead, the tutorial encourages you to embrace spontaneity. You’ll learn how to let go a little, splash colour around, and still end up with a balanced, beautiful painting that captures the essence of this iconic flower. Did I say it is fun?!

Watch the full tutorial now

Available on Patreon and Renee's Studio

This full-length video is available to all my patrons and includes real-time instruction, close-up footage, and clear explanations of every stage of the process.

Want More Watercolour Tutorials Like This?

I publish weekly watercolour tutorials covering flowers, landscapes, travel sketching, and more. Join my Patreon community to unlock:

120+ past tutorials
Step-by-step guides
Monthly challenges
Supportive artist community

👉 Explore my Patreon and start painting with us

recap! our painting holiday in france, june 2025

2025-06-25T22:41:00.001+12:00

Our beautiful team of inspirational women this year

How do you sum up ten unforgettable days of painting, exploring, and connecting in one blog post? It’s almost impossible to choose just one photo to represent each day — every moment held something special. Our time together was filled with laughter, inspiration, and the kind of joyful creativity that only happens when kindred spirits gather in a beautiful place.

We sketched in medieval villages and quiet landscapes, capturing stories in our sketchbooks while soaking in the atmosphere. We had plenty of studio time each day after our excursions, with many in the studio before breakfast or until late into the night. Each year my groups paint a lot, but this year it was next level!

Our hosts at Perigord Retreats made sure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. A bit like magic fairies. We shared delicious, soul-warming meals prepared by the incredible Katel and Noa — honestly, we ate so well we’re all still dreaming of their cooking! The wonderful Harrison and Pascal were endlessly accommodating and flexible, guiding us to picturesque spots to sketch and picnic.

Beyond the painting and the places, it’s the people who made this retreat so meaningful. We’ve formed friendships that go well beyond the time we spent together — we’re still chatting daily, sharing sketches, travels, ideas, and life from all across the globe. It was truly a retreat to remember.

A huge thank you...

Before I dive into the day-by-day stories, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along on this adventure. Many of you travelled from far and wide, carving time out of your lives and trusting me to guide you through this creative journey — it means the world. Your openness, curiosity, and warmth made the retreat what it was. And Harrison and Katel at Perigord Retreats: thank you again for looking after us so generously, for your thoughtfulness, flexibility, and the care you put into every detail. This retreat was a joy from beginning to end because of all of you.

Here’s a little peek into what we got up to, day by day…

DAY 1 - CAHORS

What a perfect way to begin. Our first morning was market day in Cahors, and we wandered at our own pace through stalls overflowing with local produce (I can still smell the strawberries!) and all kinds of beautiful French treasures.

Afterwards, we drove up to a nearby hilltop to take in the sweeping view over the town and spot the bridge I’d chosen as our first sketching subject. I pass this bridge every year on the train as I travel from the Pyrenees to the retreat, and it was such a joy to finally sketch it, together.

We enjoyed a relaxed picnic lunch in the shade, then made our way down to the river for an afternoon of sketching.

I always love the first day of a retreat — there's such a mix of excitement and nerves. New faces, sketchbooks just opened, art supplies being unpacked, and that familiar first-page hesitation. Everyone’s just a little outside their comfort zone, adjusting to the rhythm of sketching in a brand new place. But it only takes a little nudge from me, and off you go — capturing your first memory on paper. And it’s only day one!

DAY 2 - VINEYARDS

A super tranquil day sketching old barns in the vineyards next an historic chapel. Big shady trees, the river nearby and another delicious picnic after our sketching session. A great place to talk about aerial perspective too.

Big smiles and lots of laughter, everyone in the zone already. It didn't take long :-)

DAY 3 - KAYAKING & SKETCHING CHATEAU DE BEYNAC

What do you do when it's a hot summer's day and you want to got sketch a castle in France? You kayak and swim your way down to a beach, where your sketching gear and picnic magically arrive (thank you Pascal!) and then sit in the shade sketching the castle and it's reflection in the water. Of course! Let's do that!!

A truly wonderful day that many said was their favourite of the retreat.

DAY 4 - STUDIO & LAVENDER FIELD

A morning in the studio covering the theory of linear perspective and some quick exercises on painting trees in watercolours, a leisurely lunch and then into the lavender field behind the studio to sketch every painters dream - lavender fields in France.

Timed perfectly this year, because the lavender was just coming into full bloom and each day it was lovely to see it get more and more, well, lavender.

DAY 5 - ROCAMADOUR

Sunday means Rocamadour. It’s a day I look forward to on every retreat — truly one of the highlights. Rocamadour is an extraordinary place, built dramatically into the side of a limestone cliff, with layers of medieval architecture rising above the gorge. At the top is the château, offering breathtaking views over the Alzou Valley. Below that, nestled into the rock face, is the sanctuary — a complex of chapels including the famous Notre Dame with its Black Madonna, a pilgrimage site for centuries.

We took time to explore, sketch, and soak it all in. Our sketchbook spreads from the day tell it all.

DAY 6 - Chateau des Milandes

This year, I made sure we had the whole day to enjoy the Château des Milandes — and I’m so glad I did. Once the home of the legendary Josephine Baker, the château is a treasure trove of history and beautiful gardens.

We spent the morning exploring at our own pace, taking in all the rich details and stories the château has to offer, before gathering for lunch at the lovely on-site café. Then, in the afternoon, we settled into a peaceful spot beneath the magnolias — the perfect setting for a leisurely sketching session.

By Day 6, there’s a noticeable shift in energy. Everyone is relaxed, confident, and more sure of their sketching voice. With just a gentle nudge from me here and there, everyone chose their own subject — from architectural details to garden views — and dove into their sketchbooks with purpose and joy. It’s one of my favourite moments of every retreat: watching that quiet confidence emerge and seeing each artist’s unique style begin to really shine.

DAY 7 - LES JARDINS D'EAU, CARSAC

Monet moments! Our visit to the water gardens in Carsac felt like stepping straight into an Impressionist painting. We arrived at the perfect time of year — I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many varieties of waterlilies in bloom, some of them impressively large and all of them utterly enchanting. The gardens are designed around a series of tranquil ponds, connected by winding paths and wooden bridges, with lush greenery and colourful flowers all around. It’s peaceful, shady, and exceptionally beautiful — an ideal place to slow down and sketch.

For our morning session, we focused on capturing the soft light filtering through the trees and the magical reflections dancing across the water’s surface. There’s something meditative about sketching here — the gentle rustle of leaves, the buzz of bees, the stillness of the ponds, the croak of the frogs. We left feeling calm, inspired, and creatively recharged.

DAY 8 - STUDIO PAINTINGS

On the final day of the retreat, we set our sketchbooks aside and shifted our focus to creating a larger, more finished piece. Each artist chose a photo or sketch from the past few days to develop into a full painting — a chance to reflect, revisit a favourite subject, and bring together everything we’d explored during the retreat. I guided the group through the differences between sketching and painting, how to approach composition and storytelling, and the importance of tonal value studies before diving in.

This year, everyone chose to paint relatively large — working on quarter sheets — and, fittingly, most were inspired by the tranquil beauty of the water gardens we had visited the day before. The atmosphere was focused but joyful, and the paintings that emerged were truly beautiful: expressive, personal, and full of heart.

We ended the retreat with our traditional mini exhibition — sketchbooks open, finished paintings proudly on display, and glasses of bubbles in hand. It’s always such a moving moment, seeing the body of work created over our ten days together. There was warmth, admiration, and more than a few cheers as we each shared our favourite memories and paintings from the week.

A final shared dinner around the table, full of happiness and laughter and more courses than I can remember… and then came the bittersweet goodbyes. I couldn’t have been prouder of this group of inspiring, creative, brave women. What a journey we had together!

Thank you to everyone!

PS
I haven’t even begun to do the food justice! Honestly, I think most of us took as many photos of the meals as we did of the scenery — every dish was a work of art. Katel and Noa truly outdid themselves; their cooking was thoughtful, nourishing, and absolutely delicious every single day. If I had to give this retreat a theme, “sketching and feasting” wouldn’t be far off. They deserve a Michelin star — or at least a cookbook deal! But this post is already long enough… so read their Google reviews to see what I'm talking about ;-)

PPS
I already know a few of these beautiful people from last year and this year will be coming back next year. 2026 is filling up fast. Contact me if you'd like to join us.

What's coming up next?

Join my mailing list to be in the know about my next painting holiday?

why go on a painting holiday? the benefits of immersive art travel

2025-06-23T22:19:00.001+12:00

Our sketches from painting the lavender field at Perigord Retreats in 2025

I've just returned from another magical 10-day retreat at Perigord Retreats in France—and I’m still smiling. My sketchbook came home with pages of sketches in it, but my heart feels even fuller: with new friendships, creative energy, and memories of shared laughter I’ll be living off for months. (More about what we got up to in my next blog post).

Somewhere on the train ride home, I found myself reflecting on what makes these painting holidays so special—not just for me as a tutor, but for everyone who comes along. It’s hard to put into words what these retreats truly feel like unless you’ve experienced one. But I’ll try, because if you’ve ever longed to take your sketchbook somewhere beautiful and let the scenery guide your brush, this might be just what you need.

There’s something transformative about stepping away from daily routines and immersing yourself in art, nature, and the joy of making something with your own hands, and sharing it with other enthusiastic creatives. So why go on a painting holiday? Let me share a few thoughts.

1. Full immersion in your art practice

It's not all about painting outside, there's studio time too.

A painting holiday gives you the gift of time—days devoted entirely to creating. No chores, no errands, no juggling your sketchbook between other obligations. You're not squeezing painting into your week; you're building your week around it.

This kind of full immersion often leads to surprising growth. You can explore techniques more deeply, develop confidence painting outdoors, and finally get around to using that new palette or sketchbook you've been saving.

I believe learning should be joyful, and I bring that spirit to every retreat. There's no pressure to be perfect—just a warm, relaxed environment where you can grow, laugh, and paint as much (or as little) as you like.

2. Paint with a tutor, in person

Sketching in La Roque Gageac in 2022

Online tutorials are great—but nothing beats the immediacy of in-person guidance. On a painting retreat, you can ask questions in the moment, watch techniques unfold live, and get personalised feedback as you work. If you’ve ever struggled with perspective, colour mixing, or how to simplify a scene on location, having an experienced tutor right there can make all the difference.

Groups are small and mixed ability. You don’t need to be “good enough” to join. Whether you’re new to sketching or more experienced, there is a space where everyone can learn at their own pace—and where no one ever feels left behind.

3. Paint the world instead of just photographing it

Sketchbook pages of our trip to Rocamadour, 2025

When you sketch or paint a place, you truly see it. You slow down. You notice details others might miss—the way light hits a doorway, the curve of a hill, the colours of a market stall. My retreats are all about helping you capture those small, beautiful moments with your own hand.

When you return home, your sketchbooks hold not just images, but memories and stories.

A painting holiday helps you see a place more clearly. You leave with more than snapshots—you leave with visual journals full of personal impressions.

4. Connect with fellow creatives

Chats over glasses of wine at golden hour, 2024

There’s something special about painting alongside others. On a retreat, you're surrounded by people who also love sketching, who get excited about watercolour paper, paints, pens, inks, and who understand the joy (and challenge) of trying to capture the light before it changes. Many artists make lasting friendships on painting holidays—it's a shared adventure that brings people together.

I keep the atmosphere light and flexible—no rigid schedules, no competitive vibe. Just a group of people coming together to enjoy painting in a beautiful place.

We don't just share painting time, there's shared meals, explorations to beautiful places, laughter and stories with glasses of good wine. And incredible food, of course.

These connections often become one of the highlights of the trip. Many of my guests stay in touch long after the retreat ends—and many return again and again.

5. A creative reset you didn’t know you needed

Sketching an old watermill, 2024

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your art is to take it somewhere new. A change of scenery, a fresh breeze, the inspiration of being outdoors with a brush in hand—it can rekindle your creativity in ways you didn’t expect. My retreats are about nurturing that spark, not forcing it.

Even if you arrive feeling stuck or unsure, you’ll leave re-energised, with new ideas, fresh confidence, and a sketchbook full of stories that are yours.

6. Because you deserve it

At Chateau des Milandes, 2025

Let’s not forget—this is a holiday. Yes, it’s about learning and growth, but it’s also about joy. You get to travel, explore, taste new foods, wander new streets... and you get to do it all with your sketchbook in hand and in like-minded company. It’s a wonderful blend of exploration and creation.

Ready to Join Me?

If this sounds like the kind of experience you’re craving, I’d love to welcome you on one of my upcoming painting holidays. Each retreat is designed to inspire your creativity, build your confidence, and remind you that painting can be one of the great pleasures of life.

Upcoming painting holidays in Europe here.

What's coming up next?

Join my mailing list to be the first to know about my next painting holiday.

waterlily ponds

2025-05-24T22:47:00.006+12:00

Waterlily Pond No.1 - I enjoyed playing with the light on the water

In order to advertise next year's painting holiday in France, I took a trip down memory lane through the hundreds and hundreds of photos I've taken on the last 3 retreats, looking for the perfect photos for social media posts.

I've got so many inspiring photos from our visits to the water gardens near Sarlat-la-Caneda. Instead of doing the marketing for next year's retreat I thought I'd just paint a lily pond. Just a quick one, you know, before getting back to business. Before I knew it, days had passed and my studio was full of waterlily paintings. Oops!

Which reminds me, to remind you, that 2026's painting holiday at Perigord Retreats in France is filling up! Why don't you join us? More details here.

Marketing done ;-) Here are some of my favourites from my waterlily pond sessions.

All 3 watercolour paintings are available for sale

Waterlily Pond No. 3 - here I started to imagine what a pond would look from above.

Waterlily Pond No.3 - then I wondered about lily pads at night

early morning walks

2025-05-15T01:27:00.002+12:00

Early Morning Walk No. 1 (SOLD)

Last spring on an early morning walk in the hills, when I was all alone and could stop as many times as I liked to smell the flowers. Not exactly alone, really, because there were lots of birds and bees too. The dew was heavy, my feet sopping wet, the sun just dawning, the path overgrown with flowers. I'm finally putting these moments on paper.

Watercolours, 28 x19cm, available here.

Flower names are fascinating. These are lavender-cotton, but they don't look like either.

Early Morning Walk No. 2

Practically tripping over the daisies...

Early Morning Walk No. 3

Things I know to be true.... If you walk through melic grass at dawn, then you'll get sopping wet :-)

Early Morning Walk No. 4

Watercolours, 28 x19cm, available here.

painting holiday in France, 2026

2025-04-30T01:28:00.002+12:00

Art retreat in Dordogne, May 2026

Exciting news! My 2026 painting retreat in France is now open for bookings.

This year’s retreat filled up quickly, and I expect 2026 to be no different. If you’ve ever dreamed of sketching in the stunning French countryside, exploring charming villages, and sharing meals with fellow artists, this is your chance!

We’ll spend nine unforgettable days at Perigord Retreats, where our wonderful hosts, Harrison & Katel, make the experience truly special. Harrison takes us to breathtaking locations to sketch, and Katel prepares incredible meals that make every gathering feel like a celebration. It’s more than just a painting retreat—it’s a magical mix of creativity, connection, and inspiration.

✨ What’s included? ✨
✔️ Guided plein air painting in some of the most scenic medieval villages in Southern France
✔️ Group and one-on-one painting tuition
✔️ A 24/7 studio space to create at your own pace
✔️ Incredible food, shared meals, and picnics in beautiful locations
✔️ A small, supportive group for an enriching experience

Spots are limited, and this retreat will fill fast! Secure your place before it opens to the public.

MORE INFORMATION HERE

old ruined barn

2025-04-09T20:24:00.001+12:00

Old ruined barn in the Spanish Pyrenees

We're just outside my house for this lesson, painting my neighbours old barn. It's a wonderful scene with the ruined barn and a gorgeous mountain view.

This is long lesson, broken into 2 parts. In part 1 we paint the sky, background and foregroud. In the next lesson we finish off the painting.

Happy painting!

Find the lesson on Patreon or Renee's Studio - www.walden.co.nz/learn

the matterhorn in spring

2025-03-07T01:30:00.006+13:00

Watercolour painting of the Matterhorn

There’s something magical about the Matterhorn — its sharp, snow-covered peak, the way clouds drift around it, and the wildflowers at its base. It feels like a place straight out of a storybook!

Capturing that grandeur is all about making the mountain feel like it soars. And those big fluffy cumulus clouds really help. They’re easier to paint than you’d think!

But my favourite part was painting the vibrant spring meadow—it brings so much life to the scene.

And if you’d like to paint this one with me step by step www.patreon.com/reneewalden

Happy painting!

painting holidays in europe 2025

2025-02-28T01:18:00.005+13:00

Painting on location on the north coast of Spain

From the moment I picked up a brush 25 years ago, I knew I wanted to paint outdoors. There’s something about slowing down, sketching on location, and capturing the stories of my travels, that makes the experience unforgettable.

Some of my most priceless moments have been with a sketchbook in hand — pausing to take in a scene, feeling the atmosphere, and chatting to passersby. My completed sketchbooks are some of my most treasured possessions.

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been helping others experience this too!

That’s why I’m so excited for this year’s painting holidays ...

FRANCE : 10-19 June.
@perigordretreats
Fully booked, ask to join the waiting list

PORTUGAL : 3-8 September
@sofia_in_monsaraz

ITALY : 18-24 October
@hortulanustuscany

If you’ve ever wanted to fill your sketchbook with travel memories, I’d love for you to join me!

Contact me here.

With a fantastic team in France, June 2024

Travel sketching - a passion of mine

watercolour cherub

2025-02-13T01:15:00.002+13:00

Painting of a sculpture of a cherub in watercolour

Could he look more tranquil??

In this watercolour lesson we paint this sleepy cherub. If you haven't painted a figure before, then statues are a great place to start. Somehow they feel less daunting. And any colours will work, so you can totally make the scene your own.

Find the step by step tutorial on my Patreon or Renee's Studio. www.walden.co.nz/learn

Thanks to Alexander Zvir for the wonderful reference photo.

Happy painting!

watercolour seal

2025-02-04T22:13:00.007+13:00

Such a wonderful content pose. I couldn't resist painting this bliss ;-)

I really enjoy sketching animals. It's so much about observation, right from the pencil drawing through to the brush strokes. And in a sketch, rather than a painting, we're after capturing the character and pose with a minimal of fuss and detail.

In this lesson we play with the light against shadow, creating form with both hard and soft edges. We also look carefully at all the colours in that silky fur, so that the seal looks natural - it's not just one, single grey or brown.

You can find the full video tutorial on Patreon or Renee's Studio.

Happy painting!

Thanks to James Rathmell on Unsplash for the reference photo.

painting holiday in Tuscany, Italy

2025-01-27T03:42:00.003+13:00

We'll be staying at Hortulanus

Ever wanted to paint in Tuscany? It’s an artists dream and I know I can’t wait.

I’ve been invited by the Steinberg family to guide a small group on a painting holiday in October 2025. We’ll be staying at their completely renovated rural complex, Hortulanus, that stretches over twenty hectares in the Seggianese countryside.

Overlooking Castle Potentino and opening its gaze on the pretty village of Seggiano, Hortulanus is a tranquil paradise of beautiful gardens and century old olive trees. Sounds like a dream come true!  

We will have 5 days to go on excursions, paint in the studio set up in the pretty limonaia / glasshouse, and enjoy cultural experiences like wine tasting and pasta or pizza making. We will travel into the lovely countryside to paint and visit some of the scenic towns in the area. Being late October, we might even be there in time for the olive harvest - an experience I’m told is very special.

Full details here.