Encaustic: Layers + Translucency
Workshop Overview
Dates: May 6–13, 2026 (Arrival on May 5)
Join us for an immersive retreat focused on building encaustic paintings from the ground up—exploring techniques on the substrate, between layers, and on the surface. You’ll learn how to create smooth, luminous surfaces using a variety of materials, including:
Workshops have taken place in the 1000 year old castle in two spacious studios and participants have plenty of room to spread out and work. The facility is amazing
Location: Sauveterre de Béarn, Southwest France.
Workshop Venue: Encaustic studio at Be-Artz.
Materials include
- Ink
- Charcoal
- Pan Pastel
- Oil pastel
- Pencil
- Graphite
- Metal leaf
- R&F Pigment Sticks and Drawing Oils
What You’ll Learn
- Working with encaustic paint, Pigment Sticks, Pan Pastel, and more
- Creating translucent layers filled with light and meaning
- Incorporating mark-making, image transfers, and drawing
- Balancing composition, form, and personal expression
Who can take the 7-day workshop? Everyone! The class requires no experience There will also be time to explore Sauveterre de Béarn and enjoy the local architecture and nature. We will also incorporate parts of the local environment in our prints. Day four of class will include a day-long field trip for those wishing to go. The day-trip is entirely optional and may include visiting the Gugenheim in Bilbao, Spain.
There will be plenty of time to explore, ponder, talk a walk (the Camino Trail) runs right through Sauveterre de Béarn.
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Location
Southwest France, near the Atlantic, the Pyrenees, and Spain.
You’ll stay in a 1,000-year-old castle—the old guardhouse of a medieval village—complete with a stone spiral staircase and tower. The village itself is perched on a cliff with breathtaking views, and you’ll enjoy:
- Walks along the river
- Towering trees and stunning natural surroundings
- Opportunities for wild water swimming
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What’s Included
Private room with shower or full bathroom
- Most meals provided: 3-course meals, catered, often enjoyed on a terrace overlooking the river (weather permitting), self service continental breakfast.
- Daily yoga classes
- Two destination excursions
- Village exploration and ample studio time
- Personalized 1:1 instruction with Dietlind
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Airfare, trains and taxis to/from the airport
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Meet Your Instructor
Dietlind Vander Schaaf is a nationally recognized encaustic artist known for her luminous works that explore transparency, repetition, and stillness. She teaches workshops throughout the U.S. and internationally, offering deep insights into both materials and creative process.
- Website: dietlindvanderschaaf.com
- Instagram: @dietlindvanderschaaf
For registration please contact Magdalena at info@be-artz.com
Be-artz is a non profit association which provides space for workshops and residencies in Sauveterre de Béarn, in the Pyrenees Atlantiques region of SW France.
Magdalena Groszek is the director and facilitator, and has degrees in art and psychology, is a trained yoga therapist, and singer, cook, and is dedicated to encouraging the embodied creative process. She’s very motivated to share this extraordinary part of the world with fellow creatives.
Please contact Magdalena Groszek at info@be-artz.com
TO REGISTER
Costs : Single /double room with ensuite bathroom/shower 3950 euros there are four available, they can be shared.
Single /double room with ensuite shower sink, but wc and an extra large bathroom across the corridor. 3450 euros there are 4 available, they can be shared.
Shared bedroom with two single beds 2950 euros
Pictures of all the rooms are on the www.be-artz.com website.
Costs include lovely rooms in a medieval castle, most meals, tea coffee etc. Will not include costs of meals on day trips etc. or restaurant outings.
Will not include extra transportation or car rental. We will pick up from Biarritz airport or train station on May 5th. Will include heat plates and some materials, information from Dietlind.
Registration.
Please send an email to info@be-artz.com and ask to register, you will be sent an invoice via Stripe.
You can pay on stripe, or bank transfer, or using Klarna to divide your payments.
50% of course fee is due on registration, this is not refundable. The balance is due 90 days before the course starts. Please take out all cause travel insurance so that you can be refunded should anything stop the class happening or if you can’t make it. If you cannot come, we will try to fill your space from our wait list or you can get someone to replace you.
TO REGISTER: please contact Magdalena Groszek at info@be-artz.com