Fall Florals with Victoria Johnson, an October 2026 art retreat at The Smiley Manse in Southern Vermont

Fall Florals with Victoria Johnson

DATES: October 5-10, 2026

This immersive, creative week featured six hands-on workshop sessions. Artists learned to draw from the local aesthetic and combine its rich visual bounty with their own taste and style to create unique floral artworks.

Victoria shared her painting and drawing techniques, with a focus on curiosity and experimentation, and guided everyone’s explorations of the stunning autumn florals and foliage of Southern Vermont.

All week, Victoria was hands-on and delighted to help with everything from painting techniques to photographing artwork to the business side of making art.

Barn studio table covered with autumn bouquets of hydrangeas, yellow foliage and flowers with Victoria Johnson behind them
Pink and green watercolor floral painting on a worktable beside a bouquet of zinnias and asters

Fall Florals Retreat Schedule

MON, OCT 5: Welcome

TUES, OCT 6: An overview, a foraging expedition and some new techniques!

WEDS, OCT 7: Thrifting, getting inspired, then adding excitement to your floral compositions.

THURS, OCT 8: Building up the layers, adding interest, and life drawing.

FRI, OCT 9: Finishing up in preparation for our exhibition!

SAT, OCT 10: Quick last blast in the studio then sad (but also happy) goodbyes!

Chocolate cupcakes topped with orange, yellow and burgundy buttercream flowers on blue and white plates
Golden maple tree on the green lawn under a bright blue autumn sky
Colorful gouache sunflower and floral paintings on a table beside vases of fresh autumn flowers
Artist in a green sweater painting at a table in the sunny barn studio with vases of autumn flowers
Artists seated along a long dining room table set with plates of food, watercolors and an owl table runner
Red barn with a cupola and weathervane in golden light beside a gravel drive, with bright orange and yellow fall foliage behind
Group of artists with arms around each other posing under the barn studio beams in front of floral paintings
Jennifer Nelson in round black glasses leaning on a table covered with a colorful patchwork quilt
Smiling instructor painting at a table behind a bouquet of orange zinnias and yellow foliage while another artist stands behind her
Sunny view across golden ferns and fall foliage to distant blue Vermont mountains

“The Fall Florals retreat I attended at the Smiley Manse was absolutely incredible. Jennifer created such an encouraging and hospitable environment that made the perfect setting for learning, creating and making friends. The food was so delicious and Jennifer took such good care of the attendees, we all felt thoroughly spoiled. If you are thinking of attending a retreat, I really encourage you to go for it!”

— Denise
Smiley Retreat Artist