14-22 September 2026
Workshop Overview and Approach
Embodied Landscape is a week-long immerwive retreat exploring abstraction through daily drawing, mark making and encaustic painting, informed by place, memory and geological processes.
Led by Encaustic artist Isabelle Gaborit, the retreat invites participants to move beyond literal representation and instead respond to the landscape through sensation, gesture, texture and atmosphere. The unique environmen of BeArtz- it’s medieval architecture, river, stones, shifting light and Pyrenean horizons- acts as a catalyst for creative inquiry rather thatn a subject to be copied.
Each day follows a rhythm of on-site observation, guided sketching and studio work. Rapid sketches, intuitive observation and mark making exercises are playful source material for painting
In the studio participants learn how to handle wax, as layers are heated, fused , cooled , scraped back and reworked, echoing geological processes.
The retreat is open to ALL levels, beginners receive clear and individual guidance while experienced artists are encouraged to loosen habits, take risks and deepen their engagement with abstration.
Individual feedback and group discussion support each participants creative development
Learning outcomes
Particpants will : develop a consistent daily observation practice with drawing, understand how drawing feeds abstraction and mark making, gain confidence working intuitively with encaustic, Learn layering , translucency, and surface development, explore abstraction through improvisation, elimination and selection. Translate landscape, memory and emotion into non-represenational imagery.
Materials and Prerequisites Particpants should bring- Sketchbooks or notebooks, drawing materials, Tablet or laptop ( optional), camera or phone for reference images.
Materials fee, Encaustic materials will be provided at cost allow about 75 euros per person. Plates and torches are provided.
Costs
Rooms vary from 2850 for shared room to 3950 for ensuite room. 3550 for room with WC across the hall way, but ensuite shower, please look at photos of rooms on BeArtz website.
Course includes a welcome drink on the 14th, six days of lunches ( light lunch) and dinners, three course meal with wine.
Day trip to Espelette and Choko Ona , one star Michelin restaurant , full or art, ( lunch not included , budget 50 euros without wine) and a private visit to extraordinary caves and grottos with prehistoric art and rock formations ( included).
Collection of participants at around 4pm to 5pm on the 14th September from San Sebastian or Biarritz airport. For travel and transport arrangements please see our location page.
Remember to take out CANCEL FOR ANY REASON travel insurance!! Deposits are unrefundable etc.
TO REGISTER with deposit please write to Magdalena at info@admin
About the teacher ISABELLE GABORIT
Isabelle Gaborit is a professional visual artist from La Rochelle, France. She holds a BA in fine art and has recently returned to France after 32 years in Ireland. She studied at the Beaux Arts in Poitiers and has an hons degree from Ireland. She is fluent in both French and English.
Isabelle works primarily with encaustic and has over two decades of teaching experience. She is a core instructor with R&F Paints and contributes to the online program of Painting with Fire.
web site:www. isabellegaborit.com
instagram http://@isabellegaboritencaustics