Oksana Zhelisko retreat 2027

Oksana is hosting her first workshop at Perigord Retreats from the 10th to 19th June 2027.

 7 years ago, Oksana adapted and became obsessed with the magic of En Plein Air Painting. It’s the visual trip through colour and shape that gets Oksana excited. A destination with amazing scenery, traveled at the painter’s pace … allowing her to capture the stunning views not just with the camera, but with the paint and canvas.

    “I prefer working in Alla-prima style (wet-on-wet) of painting and I use this style as much as possible. Even when I work on bigger paintings, I make sure to block in tonal and colour balances in my first session. I work intuitively, bold and free from the start at the same time staying true to the emotional response of the initial idea. As I continue working on a painting, I slow down and add more calculated decisions and get certain areas tighter and more detailed”

    Oksana offers a variety of oil and acrylic classes and leads a mentorship programme.  Oksana brings her training, skill, and passion to her painting, and she is versatile in expressive styles. She is adept at many genres, including portraiture, still life, and landscape.

Plein Air & Studio Painting

Delicious Homemade Dinners

Daily Excursions

To Beautiful Locations

Goals and hopes for the retreat😊

    Join me for an unforgettable En Plein Air Art adventure at Perigord Retreats, France, where you’ll immerse yourself in the beauty of the French countryside while enhancing your painting and drawing skills. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, this retreat offers guided outdoor sessions, cultural excursions, and personalized instruction in a serene, inspiring setting. Discover the joy of painting in nature, connect with fellow artists, and leave with a portfolio of stunning works and lasting memories.

    I hope to see my students push their boundaries and explore new techniques, styles, and concepts, leading to significant personal and artistic growth. I expect that the beautiful French setting will inspire creativity and provide a fresh perspective, enhancing the participants’ work and experience.

    I will aim to guide students in honing their skills, whether through formal instruction or personalized feedback, helping them achieve their artistic goals.

    I hope for a collaborative environment where students support and learn from each other, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

    My goal is for my students to leave the retreat feeling accomplished, energized, and more confident in their artistic practice.

    Ultimately, I hope that the retreat will be a memorable and transformative experience for everyone involved, leaving a lasting impact on their artistic journey.


			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
A Day with Us Looks Like This…


Your day begins with a peaceful breakfast of freshly baked French pastries, homemade yoghurt, and seasonal fruit—best enjoyed in the sunlit conservatory as the day gently unfolds.


Around 9 am, we set off—early enough to enjoy our destinations while they’re still quiet, with the morning light casting everything in a perfect glow.


Spend your morning soaking up the atmosphere of a new place: wander through charming side streets, discover hidden corners, or settle into a quiet spot to sketch and take it all in. When you’re ready for lunch, a beautiful spread awaits—think crisp salads, savoury quiches, homemade cookies, and a glass (or two) of wine, served picnic-style in the shade.


Afternoons are for creativity and rest. Back at the studio, you’ll have dedicated time to paint, unwind by the pool, take a nap, read, sunbathe, or simply enjoy good conversation in a quiet corner.


Evenings are a highlight: a delicious, three-course meal made with local ingredients, prepared by Katel—whose cooking alone is worth the trip. With wine flowing and good company around the table, it’s a chance to relax and connect.


After dinner, the time is yours. Watch the sunset, return to the studio for more painting, take a dip in the hot tub, or explore the nearby paths under the stars.


Our retreats are designed to be flexible, inspiring, and restorative—so you can get exactly what you need out of your time with us.



			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
				

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Some Excursion Locations


Excursions may include but are not limited to the following

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

					
					

						
Rocamadour

						
Part of the Camino Trail. Historical & religious significance. Breathtaking village perched on a cliff.

					

				

			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

					
					

						
Sarlat

						
One of the most well preserved medieval towns in France. Amazing market with local produce.

					

				

			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

					
					

						
Beynac Castle

						
Home of Richard the Lionheart, perfect for a picnic by the river and plein air painting in the shade.

					

				

			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

					
					

						
Saint Cirq Lapopie

						
One of the most beautiful villages in France. Incredibly picturesque. Perfect for shopping & painting.

					

				

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Fill out the form below for pricing and more information relating to the workshop.