Watercolor Painting Workshop in Bruges, Belgium
Instructor: Maggie Hellmann
May 17-24, 2027
At a Glance
8-13 Participants
Sign up before 11/30/26 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Imagine yourself painting along Bruges’ canals and cobblestone streets, capturing the city’s historic architecture, the graceful swans gliding through the waterways, along with the watermills and horse-drawn carriages.
Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor refined Belgian cuisine, the famous chocolate and waffles and sip locally brewed beer.
With hands-on instruction, stunning scenery, and a supportive, joyful atmosphere, you’ll leave with not just new skills but cherished memories and a heart full of creative energy.
Workshop Overview
Join Maggie and explore the timeless charm of magical Bruges during an unforgettable week of painting, discovery, and artistic inspiration. Guided by Maggie’s vibrant joie de vivre and exceptional instruction, you’ll capture the city’s enchanting canals, historic architecture, and captivating atmosphere while strengthening your artistic skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Maggie will share her approach to creating dynamic paintings through loose brushwork, exciting color harmonies, and strong compositions. Throughout the week, she will demonstrate techniques and offer practical tools to help you simplify, interpret, and bring energy and personality to your work.
Nurturing each artist’s unique voice with thoughtful guidance, genuine encouragement, and personalized instruction, Maggie creates a welcoming atmosphere where creativity flourishes and confidence grows.
All are invited…
Whether you’re looking to…
• refine your technique
• deepen your creative practice
• get looser, get braver
• use more color
• find your own unique voice
• simply enjoy the pleasure of painting in Europe’s ‘Venice of the North’ with like-minded souls sharing in the positive and uplifting camaraderie of Maggie’s guidance and enthusiasm.
This workshop offers a rewarding blend of artistic growth, cultural discovery, and creative camaraderie. You’ll return home with new skills, fresh inspiration, and unforgettable memories of painting in one of the world’s most enchanting destinations while making great new friends along the way.
What the week will offer…
Maggie will share her deep knowledge of painting fundamentals acquired from years of study and practice.
There will be…
• virtual handouts given, full of painting tips and foundational info
• fun exercises and informative demos in inspiring locations
• paint alongs with step by step assistance to help painters gain confidence
• tips and techniques shared
• examples shown
• individual assistance at your easel
Maggie will Demo in Watercolor and is happy to help painters with the medium of their choice: Soft Pastels, Gouache, Journaling, Colored Pencil and Travel Sketching are welcome.
What you will learn…
• how to ‘see’ as an artist
• how to create ‘energy and excitement’ in your work
• how to design compositions that are ‘unique and inviting’
• how to choose and ‘create a star or focal point’
• how to ‘see and use more exciting color’
• how to create and keep ‘loose and exciting brushwork’
• how to ‘create depth and use perspective’
• how to ‘understand and use value systems’
• various ways to ‘push or pull’ items in your compositions
• how to ‘design interesting shapes and volumes’
• four ways to make your ‘color choices sing’!
Come and create memorable works of art under expert guidance while sharing in the creative camaraderie and celebration of the ‘Joy of Life’ painting with Maggie, here in Bruges, ‘Venice of the North’!
Artist Maggie Hellmann
Maggie Renner Hellmann is an internationally recognized, award-winning painter whose vibrant Modern Impressionist style is distinguished by expressive brushwork, dynamic compositions, and luminous color. Classically trained and inspired by the ever-changing effects of light and atmosphere, she creates paintings that capture both the beauty and spirit of the landscape.
A professional artist for more than four decades, Maggie combines the discipline of classical training with an intuitive, painterly approach to working both en plein air and in the studio. Her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries, featured in international art publications, and is held in private collections around the world.
An accomplished and sought-after instructor, Maggie has spent more than 20 years teaching painters and has led international plein air workshops for nearly a decade. Her workshops focus on simplifying complex scenes, designing strong compositions, understanding light and atmosphere, and using expressive brushwork and exciting harmonious color to create fresh, confident paintings. Known for her enthusiasm, generosity, and encouraging teaching style, Maggie inspires artists to strengthen their technical skills while discovering and developing their own authentic artistic voice.
Maggie earned her Bachelor of Arts with Honors from San José State University and continued her studies at the Lorenzo de’ Medici Fine Arts Institute in Florence, Italy, while receiving scholarships and awards for her painting along the way. She continues to paint, exhibit, and teach internationally, sharing her passion for contemporary Impressionism and the joy of painting from life with students who return year after year for inspiration and continued growth.
Maggie lives in Santa Cruz, California, with her husband, Lou Renner—an international mountain guide and accomplished painter. Together they enjoy traveling, painting, climbing, and exploring inspiring landscapes around the world.
French Escapade does a Stellar job!
After teaching painters for over 20 years and international painting workshops for almost a decade, I’ve learned that managing the logistics of a painting holiday can be challenging, and that French Escapade has stood out as truly Exceptional! – They’ve put together inspirational itineraries, selected uber-comfortable accommodations and treated us to extra fine cuisine, as well as providing us with tour leaders that go above and beyond in assisting us painters with great grace and care, and all with delightful humor!
Everyone on my French Escapade painting workshops have enjoyed themselves so thoroughly that when the end of the week came, no one wanted to leave! Each painter felt that they grew in areas and directions that they were drawn to, and I was happy to help them with that! With the help of French Escapade, we immersed ourselves into the Beauty and Culture of the stunning areas and practiced some valuable painting tips, all while enjoying ourselves thoroughly.
– Much Joy was made possible and shared…and wonderful new friends were made!
French Escapade does a Stellar job! (I already knew that, but now I’ve experienced it in-person multiple times!). Bravo!!
Samples of Maggie Hellmann’s Art
Itinerary
Arrival and Welcome Dinner
We will meet at 5pm at our 4-star hotel & spa in Bruges for our welcome reception where you will meet the instructor, the tour leaders and your fellow travelers while sipping a glass of wine.
We’ll treat you to a welcome dinner following our orientation meeting held in the beautiful private salon with chandeliers.
Bruges, the Venice of the North
The historic center of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, and in 2002, it was named a European Capital of Culture.
For artists, Bruges is a treasure trove of sketching subjects: from the serene Beguinage quarters and charming canal views to the bustling Grand Place with its majestic Belfry, every corner offers inspiration for capturing the city’s timeless beauty.
Day 3: Mills and Canals in the Cute Village of Damme
Located in Flanders, between the beaches and Bruges, Damme delights with its windmills, canals, barges, Gothic church, and charming plaza. Every corner offers a new scene to sketch or paint.
Even if you’re not painting, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the romantic canals, passing quaint towns, outdoor cafés, and scenic windmills.
Our Cultural Visits in Bruges
We will treat you to these special experiences:
- A lace-making demonstration led by local women, showcasing techniques from the 18th century.
- A boat ride along Bruges’ peaceful canals, with charming views of medieval Flemish mansions.
- A visit to the Beguinage, one of the quietest and most enchanting places in Bruges.
- A visit to the Groeningen Museum, home to famous Flemish paintings.
There’s plenty more to explore: the 13th-c St. John’s Hospital, the Church of Our Lady with Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child—the only sculpture by the artist to leave Italy during his lifetime— a brewery or the chocolate museum.
24/7 Studio Access
Painters will have 24/7 access to the meeting room we are using as our studio, providing a dedicated space for lessons, practice, and creative work.
The room is equipped with a TV, allowing the instructor’s demonstrations to be projected so everyone can follow along.
It offers a comfortable, well-lit environment in case of bad weather or when you prefer to paint indoors.
Day 7: Farewell Dinner
After lunch, you will have time to pack your suitcase and for a last minute shopping before our “show and share” where students will be able to see all the paintings done during the week. It is a wonderful moment to share the week’s work.
In the evening, we will celebrate the end of the workshop with a farewell dinner and fabulous food!
Day 8: Departure
You will leave not only with vibrant creations but also with fresh inspiration, creative sparks, and new friendships that will color your artistic journey for years to come.
After our final breakfast, you are free to depart at your convenience and continue your onward journey.
Accommodations
4-Star Hotel in the Heart of Bruges
The huge history basement of the hotel has been converted into a spa (with a sauna, a steam bath, gym and relaxation area) where you can also order a massage.
Ideally located, it is walkable to all the main touristic activities (museums, restaurants, canals).
All bedrooms are equipped with:
- en-suite bathroom with shower and a bath
- coffee machine and kettle
- mini bar
- HD TV
- air conditioning
- safe
- desk
- free Wifi
Reviews
The best vacation a painting soul can get!
My name is Anna and I took 6 painting tours with French Escapade and this year I will take my 7th one. I keep choosing FE again and again because they are just the BEST for organization. Everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) is planned to create a wonderful painting tour experience: wonderful top teachers, perfect locations, delicious local food experience, cozy beautiful hotels. I feel like a painting queen who doesn’t need to think about anything, just take a brush/pen/pencil and paint! This is so priceless for me when I am on vacation! Thank you, French Escapade, for the best vacation a painting soul can get !!
This was one of my favorite trips!
“This was one of my favorite trips (it was my 5th trip with French Escapade). Bruges is beautiful, the group was awesome. I appreciated the flexibility and the painting opportunities, help, and instruction from the teachers. They are the best! Food, accommodations were excellent and Jackie and Valerie were awesome as well! Many thanks for a great adventure!”
My most relaxing trip to Europe ever!
Thanks again for such a wonderful trip. It was my most relaxing trip to Europe ever. I came home happy, and rested. I have tried to share the trip with several other people, but it is hard to really convey just how special it is. The food was fantastic. The warm hospitality will long be remembered as one of the highlights of my travel. I will come back again!
FAQs
When and where does the trip start?
How do do I get to the hotel?
Fly into Brussels (BRU) airport. From there, take the train to Bruges or take a taxi (better to book one ahead of time).
Train: The train station is located inside the airport, level -1. You can buy your ticket there. No reservations needed. The train ride is about 90 min to Bruges. Once in Bruges, there are many taxis in front of the train station. The ride to the hotel is about 10 min.
Taxi: You can contact our hotel (we will give you the info once you register) and they will give you the name of a taxi.
When should I arrive in Belgium?
We recommend arriving in Belgium a few days before the trip begins but at least one day prior. This will help you adjust to the time difference and avoid any issues in case of flight delays. You could explore Brussels, Ghent, or Bruges before the workshop—each city offering plenty to see and do. We will give you hotel and visit recommendations in Brussels and Bruges.
What should I bring?
Can you accommodate vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
Will I get a supply list?
Is there a laundry facility at the hotel or in the village?
Do I need to bring some euros before arriving?
Please take out euros cash from an ATM at the airport. You will need cash for small purchases during the day trips and or tipping the staff (tipping is customary). There are also many ATM machines in Bruges.
Can I opt out of certain activities?
Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?
I have never traveled outside the US. Do I need to speak the language?
Not at all. It is actually the perfect situation to travel with us. Our guides are bilingual and will be with you at all times.
Will I fit on the tour if I am traveling solo and don't know anyone?
Yes, we usually get many solo travelers on our tours. For the meals, the group eats together for most lunches and dinners. In addition, our 2 tour leaders are always with the group and will be happy to also go for dinner with participants on the days the meals are not included.
How much painting do we do every day?
Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?
Will I get my deposit back if I need to cancel?
Unfortunately the deposit is not refundable, no matter when you cancel. Therefore, we recommend that you insure your deposit right after registering for the trip. You do not need to insure the full trip at that time, just the deposit. Feel free to choose the insurance provider of your choice but this is the one we recommend (they only insure US customers): Travel Insurance Services* Tel. 1-800-937-1387.
Note that participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. Please review our cancellation policy.
Can you give me the reference of someone who has been on the tour before?
Absolutely. We would be happy to give you contact information of past participants who have agreed to be contacted.
Pricing and Booking
Pricing Details
Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Single Room: US $4,890
Shared Room: US $4,390
Non-painters are welcome at the same price.
Price includes
- A welcome reception
- 7 nights at our hotel (includes free access to sauna and steamroom)
- All breakfasts
- 3 lunches and 4 dinners including wine
- All art classes
- Two personal bilingual tour leaders throughout the week
- A boat ride in Bruges
- Entrance to all sites
- Transportation to the village of Damme
- The use of folding chairs
- 24/7 access to the studio
- Access to the Spa
- 2 tour leaders throughout
Price excludes
- Flights to/from Belgium (Brussels) and train to Bruges
- 4 lunches and 3 dinners
- Painting supplies
- Tour leader(s) tipping
How to Book
Payments
- A $600 nonrefundable deposit is due at booking ($300 transferable to a future workshop; see cancellation policy below).
We offer three payment methods through our secure system:
– By credit card (2.9% convenience fee applies)
– By ACH/ bank transfer (no fees)
– By wire transfer (flat fee) - After submitting your registration, you will receive a confirmation of your registration by email. Do not make any travel plans until you receive an email letting you know that we have reached the minimum of participants required for the trip.
- An additional payment of US$1,000 is due 6 months prior to departure and the remaining balance is due 4 months prior to departure.
We also provide flexible payment plans allowing you to make smaller payments more often if you wish. - Buy your travel insurance: See below to see the details and deadline for purchasing a travel insurance.
Insurance Required
Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition or wish to be able to cancel your trip at any time for any reason, you need to get the insurance within 21 days of your registration with us.
- For standard health coverage, you may sign-up at any time.
Feel free to choose the insurance provider of your choice. Our preferred insurance companies are:
- For US citizens: Travel Insurance Services. Tel. 1-800-937-1387. This company has covered many of our clients and provides good customer service. They offer 3 tiers of coverage.
- For non-US residents: United Health Care Global
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| more than 180 days before departure | $300 is forfeited and $300 is transferrable to a future trip within 2 years |
| 121-180 days before departure | $1,000 is forfeited and $600 is transferrable to a future trip within 2 years |
| 61-120 days before departure | 50% of total cost forfeited |
| 31-60 days before departure | 75% of total cost forfeited |
| 0-30 days before departure | 100% of total cost forfeited |
| If French Escapade cancels | you get a full refund |
Sign up before 11/30/26 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.