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 environment 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.
Encaustic materials are available at cost (approx. €75 per person) Plates and torches are provided.
Accommodation & Costs
Accommodation is provided by BeArtz. Workshops are led independently by the invited artist.
Rooms vary from €2,850 (shared room) to €3,950 (ensuite room).
€3,550 for rooms with private shower and WC across the hallway.
Please refer to the BeArtz website for room details and photos.
Your stay at BeArtz
Your stay offers accommodation at BeArtz, with access to studio and workshop facilities.
Workshops are led independently by the invited artist.
Meals & hospitality
A welcome gathering is organised on arrival.
Breakfast is available daily.
Group lunches and dinners are arranged during the week with local partners and enjoyed together as part of the rhythm of the stay.
Programme & visits
A day trip is planned to Espelette, including lunch at Choko Ona (not included, approx. €50 excluding wine), and a private visit to caves with prehistoric art and rock formations.
Arrival & transport
Participants are collected between 16:00 and 17:00 on 14 September from Biarritz or San Sebastián airport.
Further travel details are available on the location page.
Booking
To register, please contact Magdalena at info@admin.
A deposit is required to secure your place.
Deposits are non-refundable.
We strongly recommend taking out “cancel for any reason” travel insurance.Costs include Accommodation, use of worskhop studios .
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