Layers of Light
Distilling the landscape with light and form
with Isabelle Gaborit
Layers of Light
I am very happy to welcome Isabelle Gaborit back to Basel in April 2027.
In her immersive four-day workshop you will discover new ways of seeing and painting the landscape. Move beyond realism to create vibrant, expressive works that capture atmosphere, memory, and mood.
Through a series of hands-on exercises, demonstrations, and guided painting sessions, you’ll learn to simplify, deconstruct, and reimagine the landscape—distilling scenes down to their essential shapes, rhythms, and forces.
A central focus will be on layers of light: exploring how transparent and opaque colour which are unique to encaustic paints can be used to build depth, contrast, and a sense of shifting luminosity. You’ll begin with quick sketches and intuitive studies, then move into mark-making, playful underpainting, and experimental layering techniques.
Throughout the workshop, we’ll look at how artists across history have approached abstraction in landscape painting, drawing inspiration from both past works and the surrounding environment.
Whether you’re an experienced painter seeking to loosen your approach or a curious beginner ready to explore abstraction, this workshop offers a supportive and inspiring space to develop your personal artistic voice.
What is included
Four days of immersive encaustic painting with the wonderfully inspiring Isabelle Gaborit
Professionally equipped Encaustic Studio with an ample selection of R&F Paints
A comprehensive PDF guide with workshop information and supplier lists
Farewell Dinner in Alsace, France
Four light vegetarian lunches, water & coffee
Schedule
April 15, 2027, Full Studio Day*, light vegetarian lunch
April 16, 2027, Full Studio Day*, light vegetarian lunch
April 17, 2027, Full Studio Day*, light vegetarian lunch
April 18, 2027, Full Studio Day*, light vegetarian lunch & Farewell Dinner in Alsace, France
* 10 AM – 4.30 PM
What else is there to do in Basel
Why not turn your workshop into a little art escape?
Basel is one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural cities, with an exceptional concentration of museums, galleries, architecture, and contemporary art. From the Fondation Beyeler, Museum Tinguely, Kunstmuseum Basel to the Vitra Design Museum just across the border, there is plenty to discover before or after the workshop.
The city itself is well worth exploring, too. Wander through Basel’s beautiful Old Town, enjoy a walk along the Rhine, discover its lively food scene, or simply sit in one of the cafés and take in the atmosphere.
And with Switzerland, France, and Germany meeting right here, Basel is also a wonderful starting point for extending your stay and exploring the region.
What is not included
Air Fare, Travel, Transfers and Accommodation
Museum Visits and optional dinners
We recommend to stay at Hotel im Schlosspark in Binningen which is located in the park of a small local castle, is close to the studio and offers wonderful buffet style breakfasts. A list of other, possible suitable hotels will be provided and Bettina will be happy to assist organizing your stay.
Recommended Aiports nearby: Basel or Zurich
Registration & Tuition Fees
CHF 880 (including catering and Materials Fee)
CHF 690 (excluding all catering, including Materials Fee)
Deposit: CHF 200 / $ 250 due at registration
Balance Due by Feb 01, 2027
The deposit is credited against the tuition fee.
All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellations received no later than February 01, 2027 receive a refund less a CHF 200 cancellation fee. If you cancel after February 01, 2027 your fee is non-refundable. We recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when booking the workshop. Your insurance should ideally cover trip cancellation or interruption, illness or injury, travel delays, lost or damaged luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance and for ensuring that the coverage is appropriate for their individual needs. The workshop organizers cannot be held responsible for costs arising from travel disruptions, cancellations, illness, or other circumstances beyond their control.
