Fall Florals with Victoria Johnson
DATES: October 6-10, 2027
FEE: $2,500.00
We need enough sign-ups by March 15th to confirm this retreat. You can still register after that date if the retreat is running and space remains.
Also, if you're in need of financial assistance, please contact us.
During this immersive experience, you’ll create unique floral artworks by combining inspiration drawn from your surroundings with your own taste and style.
Victoria will share her painting and drawing techniques, focusing on experimentation, then guide your explorations of the autumnal florals and foliage from breathtaking Vermont.
Included in the retreat will be a trip to a thrift store to seek out local treasures (vintage books, postcards and photographs) to incorporate into your creative wanderings.
Throughout the week, Victoria will be hands-on, helping with queries; anything from creative techniques to photographing your artwork to the logistics of running an art business. Victoria loves to have a chat, especially when it helps you reach your goals.
FALL FLORALS RETREAT SCHEDULE
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4:30 pm | Wine + cheese mixer
6:00 pm | Welcome dinner at the house
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In the morning, Victoria will offer an overview of the week ahead. She’ll talk you through her artwork, describing techniques and materials used, and how she works with a spirit of curiosity, where the creative adventure is as important as the outcome. She’ll explain how openness, play, and bravery can lead to revelatory “Aha!” moments that will fuel your creativity for years to come. You’ll have a selection of stunning florals and foliage to paint, many of them foraged from the gardens at the Smiley Manse.
In the afternoon, Victoria will demonstrate techniques, including how to control (or abandon yourself to) watercolour, how to ‘draw’ with the paint instead of pre-sketching, and how to get the most out of your materials, letting them do the heavy lifting. You’ll then spend some happy hours trying them out.
9:30 am | Light in-studio breakfast
10:00 am | Workshop Session 1
– break for lunch –
2:00 pm | Workshop Session 2
6:00 pm | Simple in-studio dinner
– post-dinner studio time is available –
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In the morning we’ll visit local thrift stores, looking for inspiration—old papers, photographs and postcards. They can all be incorporated into mixed media florals!
In the afternoon, Victoria will show you how!
8:30 am | Early studio access9:30 am | Light in-studio breakfast
10:00 am | Visit to Thrift Stores
– break for lunch –
2:00 pm | Workshop Session 3
6:00 pm | Dinner at local restaurant*
– post-dinner studio time is available –
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Victoria will demonstrate additional techniques, showing you how to build up layers of texture and interest in your paintings. You’ll experiment with coloured grounds and collage and anything else that you have to hand!
In the afternoon, you’ll finish up your paintings and hand them to Victoria to prepare for a lovely evening of admiring everyone’s work.
8:30 am | Early studio access9:30 am | Light in-studio breakfast
10:00 am | Workshop Session 4
– break for lunch –
2:00 pm | Workshop Session 5
5:00 pm | Mini exhibition and aperitivo
6:00 pm | Dinner at The Smiley
– post-dinner studio time is available –
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In the morning you’ll have a last chance to finish off, test out an idea with Victoria on hand to help, or answer any questions!
Then you’ll pack up, ready to say goodbye.
8:30 am | Early studio access9:30 am | Light in-studio breakfast
10:00 am | Workshop Session 8 and pack up
1:00 pm | Light lunch & goodbyes
– optional studio time until 5pm –
*Not included in retreat fee. Date of dinner out also subject to restaurant availability.
NOTE: Please do not book any flights until the retreat is confirmed and make sure you have travel insurance.
About Victoria Johnson
Victoria Johnson is an English artist based in Italy. Her career began in the United States, where she opened a New York–London design studio and collaborated with leading womenswear designers.
After many years in the US, Victoria moved her creative business to Rome. Her artwork has appeared on a variety of beautiful products for well-known clients, including Anthropologie, Gap, Hallmark, Papyrus, and Windham Fabrics.
Victoria distils thirty years of experience into powerful online art and design courses that motivate and inspire thousands of artists to create authentic, original artwork that’s true to their taste and style.
“I felt relaxed and welcomed. Beautiful spaces, excellent food, and thoughtful details everywhere.”
— Ann
2024 Smiley retreat participant
Where You’ll Be Creating
Springfield, Vermont
The Smiley Manse Barn
Nestled up behind the main property is the barn. This turn of the last century post-and-beam construction with a slate roof that rises to a massive walled cupola, the barn is noted as one of the finest carriage barns in the region. Learn more about the history of The Smiley here.
Inside, you’ll find large flat work tables, each a place to explore and express your individual creativity, yet the atmosphere encourages connection and dialogue. Whether it’s the sound of a paintbrush sweeping across the page or folks discussing technique over coffee, the barn serves as a meeting ground for artists of all levels to create and build lasting relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
We strive to create a space where the act of making art is as much about building community as it is about self-expression.
Join us for a chance to unwind and create in an idyllic setting.
Your Retreat Includes:
Custom designed art curriculum by Victoria
4 days of creative instruction
Extra studio access before/after each full day
All meals (except 1 dinner out)
Tea, coffee, and snacks always available in the barn
Usage of our art supply stash during the retreat
What’s Not Included:
Accommodations – there are several great options nearby!
Transportation to/from The Smiley
1 dinner out at a local restaurant