In 2024, we collaborated with the Château d’Orquevaux in France to offer one lucky artist a fantastic two week artist residency at the Château. The winner, Emma Sian Pritchard, attended the residency in September this year, and enjoyed every minute.
Emma Sian Pritchard is a professional artist originally from South Wales, now living in Oxfordshire, who loves exploring the endless possibilities of harmony between shape, colour, texture and movement. Born into a highly musical and creative family the door was open for her to explore her passion with paint. She has been creating and selling her work since 2003, but selling art on Artfinder since 2014 and has been a featured artist on several occasions.
“When I was told I had won the two week artists residency I was so thrilled and excited. It’s not everyday something like this happens!”
A warm welcome in the French countryside
Nestled deep in the Champagne-Ardenne region, Château d’Orquevaux offers artists a place to create, reflect and connect. Emma arrived after exploring France in her van and was greeted by the residency team, Pedro and Alice, who welcomed her with warmth and hospitality.
She described her first impressions vividly: the grand approach through the ornate gates, the sweeping driveway, and the friendly faces that made her feel instantly at home. A champagne reception with local cheeses and delicacies set the tone for the two weeks ahead, as artists and writers from around the world gathered in the salon to introduce themselves.
“I was in awe and completely overwhelmed by the beautiful surroundings and the number of people I was going to be sharing this time with.”
Immersed in creativity
Every artist at the Château is given their own studio – a personal sanctuary open 24 hours a day, along with private accommodation and fresh linens. Emma’s space overlooked the lake and nearby church, where the bells chimed each hour, adding rhythm to her creative days.
“In this environment, it’s hard not to be creative. My studio felt like mine – like home – and I wanted to absorb as much of it as I could.”
Between painting sessions, artists could walk through the vast grounds, canoe on the lake, or take part in life drawing and writing workshops. Optional and structured activities alike encouraged connection and artistic dialogue, while evenings were spent sharing meals prepared by the talented chef, Marie. There were also swings and a bonfire circle where the artists could spend the evening toasting marshmallows.
“More than ever we need community and people who care about each other – from eating meals together to talking, writing, creating, and uplifting one another.”
A community of artists and writers
The residency culminated in an open studio day – a celebration where each artist shared their work and experiences. Visitors left handwritten notes of encouragement, and some artists donated pieces to the Château’s permanent collection. Emma’s painting “Paradise” now forms part of that enduring legacy.
“It was a magical day. I began five large paintings while I was there, and I’ll be completing each one as part of my Château Collection.”
The farewell was emotional, but the creative bonds endured. The group continues to stay connected, holding video catch-ups and offering support across continents – a testament to the community spirit fostered by the residency.
“The most important part of this artist residency is Beulah and Ziggy’s ethos – that we take forward what we’ve experienced out into the world, building connections and widening the importance of creativity and community.”
Emma’s time at Château d’Orquevaux was not just an artistic retreat but a profound reminder of the role art plays in bringing people together. As she reflects:
“Painting can be a hermit’s task, but I’ve learned that we need people. We need evenings of sharing food, worries, joys, ideas. It’s at the root of what it is to be human.”
For artists considering a residency at the Château d’Orquevaux, Emma can’t recommend it highly enough. “You could never regret going to this artist residency,” she says, “You will learn a lot about yourself and bring that back with you. The world needs Château d’Orquevaux and the truly inspiring people in it.
Spending this focussed time at the chateau allowed me to grow as an artist - giving me the time and space to develop a new style that has been slowly emerging since spring, then inspired by the Floral exhibition at the Saatchi gallery, London. It has resulted in a new collection of vibrant, flowing, abstract florals. I've now also expanded this style into murals as well as my paintings on canvas. Thank you from the deepest depths of my heart.”
For more information on the Château d’Orquevaux, including how to apply for a residency of your own, head over to their website for more information. Alternatively, explore Emma's Artfinder shop here.
