The Art of Layers, a Collage and Color Retreat


Avignon, France | September 13- 19, 2026


Artist Highlight

Join artists Liz Snowden and Michelle Werl for an inspiring creative journey in France, where they will guide you through The Art of Layers, a collage and color workshop. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the French countryside, this immersive experience welcomes artists of all levels to reconnect with their creativity and explore the joyful possibilities of mixed-media collage. 


Whether you’re just beginning your art journey or looking to deepen an existing practice, you’ll be expertly guided through vibrant color play, intuitive techniques, and the magic of layering to create one-of-a-kind artwork. 


Both Liz and Michelle are self-taught artists with extensive experience in mixed media. Michelle, based in Statham, Georgia, is celebrated for her striking mixed-media floral collages, known for her mastery of texture and color. She combines acrylic underpaintings with intricate hand-painted paper elements and has over 15 years of experience creating and teaching mixed-media techniques. 


Liz, a former teacher, life-long creative, and native Floridian draws inspiration from the flora and fauna of the Forgotten Coast. She uses vintage books and sheet music as the foundation of her work, transforming them by printing on them with a gelli plate. Her art emphasizes simple subjects, allowing the intricate patterns and textures of the printed papers to provide detailed richness, designed to be visually captivating and invite the viewer to find hidden treasures.

Under Liz and Michelle’s expert guidance, you will delve into their distinctive approaches to collage and color. You’ll learn how to build rich layers using a variety of materials, explore how to use texture and color to create depth and interest in your work, and learn to use both bold statements and subtle details found in curated materials. The workshop will cover designing visually captivating compositions that draw the viewer in, whether working with vibrant florals or other inspired subjects.


Each day will combine dedicated studio time with personalized instruction and creative exploration, offering a space to experiment, learn, and refine your technique. This workshop is an invitation to explore your creativity through the dynamic interplay of layers, collage, and color, guided by two artists who find joy and richness in the process. Whether you are new to mixed media or an experienced artist seeking new inspiration and techniques, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from Liz and Michelle, develop your skills, explore your creativity, and create beautiful, layered artwork in a stunning setting.


Insta: LizSnowden_art |website: lizsnowdenart.com 

Insta: Michellewerlart  |website: michellewerlart.com



Retreat Highlights

  • Daily workshops with Michelle and Liz
  • All-inclusive 4 - star venue
  • Elegantly restored French Mas
  • All Meals. seasonal and prepared fresh daily
  • Outings to:
  • Domaine de Panery vineyard and gallery
  • Morning at a French market in Uzes
  • Explore St Quentin la Poterie, a quintessential French village
  • Pool, gardens, hiking, garden chess, bocce ball
  • Optional massage and body treatments
  • Retreat concierge


Request the Retreat Guide

All-Inclusive Retreat Package & Pricing

Single Occupancy:  $4,500


Shared Double Occupancy:  $4,100


Length: 7 days


Deposit: $1500 at time of booking


Final Payment: 180 days from arrival


Deposit:  A refundable deposit of $1,500 is required to reserve your spot and becomes nonrefundable once the retreat is confirmed/guaranteed.


Balance Payment: The remaining balance will be due 180 days before the retreat start date. This final payment and the deposit is nonrefundable.


We strongly recommend all travelers purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances, including personal emergencies, travel delays, or other events that may prevent you from attending. Please ensure your policy covers trip cancellation and retreat costs.

What's Included

  • Art workshops, individual tuition, review sessions, and demonstrations with artists Liz and Michelle.
  • 6 nights of accommodation at a French countryside estate
  • Exclusive use of the entire ~3.7-acre property with a pool, bocce ball, ping pong, outdoor giant chess game, spacious reconverted stone winery building used as an art studio, indoor workshop space, and yoga/meditation room, private gardens, and terraces. A lovely hike behind the Mas takes you to a hill with a Madonna and an expansive view.
  • All air-conditioned rooms and art studio
  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners prepared fresh daily by a private chef at the Mas, with one lunch in Uzes.
  • Coffee, tea, water, and snacks available throughout the day
  • Wine available for purchase
  • Arrival welcome with fresh juice, fruit, and snacks
  • Wine tasting at Domaine de Panery and wine tasting, An expansive vineyard and olive orchards with a private art gallery and outdoor sculptures
  • Uzes market with time for shopping followed by lunch in Uzes 
  • Explore an old French village, not change by time, St Quentin de Poterie
  • Fulltime concierge from arrival to departure, including planned outings
  • Private transportation throughout
  • Roundtrip private TGV station transfers from/to Avignon TGV station at prearranged times
  • All local tourist taxes and fees
  • Two Zoom meetings prior to the retreat once the retreat guarantees


Not included

  • Airfare/transportation to Avignon TGV station
  • Travel insurance
  • Art supplies - a detailed list of art materials recommended by Donna Watson will be provided five months before the retreat
  • Extra costs guests might incur on their own, drinks, massages, and body treatments at the Mas. 


Apply Now