Art Retreats & Events
2026 Art Retreats
Course Details & What’s Included
The cost of the two-day course is £450 per person, including:
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All art tuition and four guided art sessions
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Experienced tutors and models where required
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All art materials and equipment
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Two nights’ accommodation in a twin or double bedroom with a private en-suite bathroom
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All meals throughout your stay
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Tea and coffee
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A selection of non-alcoholic cold drinks
Course Timings
Guests are welcome to arrive from 9:00am on Saturday, with the first art session beginning at 10:00am.
The course will conclude following Session 4 on Sunday afternoon, finishing at approximately 5:00pm.
Accommodation
All accommodation is provided in comfortable twin or double bedrooms with private en-suite facilities.
For guests wishing to have a room for single occupancy, a £100 single occupancy supplement applies, making the total course price £550 per person.
Dietary Requirements
Please let us know in advance about any food allergies, intolerances or other dietary requirements so that we can cater for you appropriately.
Travel & Parking
We have plenty of free parking available on site.
For guests travelling by train, we can also arrange collection from Tiverton Parkway railway station.
Painting the Portrait Using the Zorn Palette
Two-Day Intensive Workshop (Working from Life)
Take your portrait painting to the next level with this immersive two-day workshop, designed to transform the way you approach painting the human face.
Led by acclaimed Devon portrait artist Amelia Webster, this intensive course will teach you how to create expressive portraits from life using the renowned Zorn Palette—a beautifully simple yet remarkably versatile limited colour palette favoured by many of history's greatest artists.
Working from a live model in a supportive and inspiring environment, you'll gain a deeper understanding of portrait construction, colour harmony, light and shadow, and the subtle techniques that bring a portrait to life.
Throughout the workshop, Amelia will guide you through live demonstrations, practical exercises and one-to-one tuition, helping you develop confidence in both your technical ability and artistic eye.
During the course you will learn:
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What the Zorn Palette is and why it is so effective
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Which renowned artists have used the Zorn Palette throughout history and how they applied it
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How to mix convincing flesh tones using a limited palette
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How to understand the structure and proportions of the face
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How to block in, develop and complete a portrait from life
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How to use light, colour harmony and the balance between soft and hard edges to create a convincing likeness
Who is this course for?
This workshop is ideal for artists with some previous drawing or portrait painting experience who would like to develop their oil painting skills and gain a deeper understanding of colour theory through the use of a limited palette.
Whether you're looking to strengthen your portraiture, refine your painting techniques or discover a more disciplined approach to colour mixing, this course offers an inspiring opportunity to learn from an experienced professional artist in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Amelia
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of July
Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of August
Saturday 10th and 11th of October
Tonal Portrait Drawing in Charcoal
Two-Day Intensive Workshop (Working from Life)
Discover the power of tonal drawing in this immersive two-day workshop, designed to transform the way you see and draw the human face.
Led by renowned Devon portrait artist Amelia Webster, this practical, hands-on course focuses on creating expressive portraits from life using charcoal. With an emphasis on light, shadow and structure, you'll learn how to move beyond simple outlines and develop confident, tonal drawings full of depth, character and likeness.
Working from a live model in a relaxed and supportive teaching environment, Amelia will guide you through live demonstrations, practical exercises and individual tuition, helping you understand how light and dark work together to create convincing and engaging portraits.
During the course you will learn:
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How to simplify the head into areas of light and shadow
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How to create and use a value scale
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Techniques for developing a full tonal range
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How to control edges, including hard, soft and lost edges
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How to see the "big picture" before refining the finer details
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How great artists have used charcoal to create inspiring and expressive portraits
Who is this course for?
This workshop is suitable for both beginners and developing artists.
Whether you're looking to build a solid foundation in tonal drawing and charcoal techniques or refine your portrait skills to improve structure, proportion and likeness, this course will provide practical guidance, expert tuition and plenty of encouragement.
By the end of the workshop, you'll have a greater understanding of tonal values, stronger observational skills and the confidence to create expressive charcoal portraits from life.
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About the Artist – Amelia Webster
Amelia Webster is a contemporary realist portrait painter based in Chudleigh, Devon. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Painting, Drawing and Printmaking from Plymouth College of Art in 2017, where she developed her passion for portraiture and figurative painting—a passion that continues to define her practice today.
From a young age, Amelia was captivated by the great Renaissance masters, inspired not only by their remarkable technical skill but also by the stories and humanity within their paintings. Alongside these classical influences, she draws inspiration from modern artists such as Francis Bacon, whose emotionally charged work explores the complexity of the human experience. Amelia's own paintings bring these two worlds together, combining the technical precision of classical portraiture with the authenticity, emotion and narrative of contemporary art.
Working predominantly in oils, Amelia continually refines her technique, exploring colour through carefully considered palettes and building her paintings through multiple layers. She also has a strong affinity for drawing and charcoal, believing that confident drawing forms the foundation of every successful portrait.
At the heart of Amelia's work is a deep interest in people. She creates portraits of everyday individuals, celebrating the beauty found in ordinary lives while capturing each sitter's unique personality, presence and story.
For Amelia, creating a portrait begins long before the first brushstroke. She believes that spending time with her sitters, listening to their experiences and building a genuine connection allows their character to emerge naturally within the finished work.
"My aim is to create portraits of real people, listening to their stories and journeys, then exploring that in paint, giving the individual a voice. Connecting with the sitter is central to my practice, as I believe this emotional connection feeds into the painting, creating work with greater authenticity and presence."
Each painting evolves through carefully applied layers of oil paint, gradually revealing a deeper understanding of the individual until the final details bring the portrait to life. The result is more than a likeness—it is a shared narrative captured in time.
Amelia believes portraiture offers an opportunity for connection in an increasingly disconnected world. Through her work, she hopes to create moments of reflection for herself, her sitters and those who experience her paintings.
Recognition
Amelia's work has received national recognition, including:
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Portrait Artist of the Year – Featured Artist (2019)
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The Women in Art Prize – Finalist (2022)
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The British Art Prize – Finalist (2022)
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Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award – Longlisted (2024)
Amelia's workshops combine traditional techniques with contemporary practice, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where artists of all abilities can develop their technical skills, confidence and creative voice.
Mike
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of August
Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of September
One-Day Life Drawing Course
Discover the art of life drawing in a relaxed, supportive and inspiring environment. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to develop your skills, this one-day workshop is designed to build confidence, encourage creativity and help you see the world through an artist's eyes.
Working from a professional nude life model, you'll explore a range of drawing techniques and exercises designed to loosen up your style, improve observation skills and develop your own artistic expression.
Course Timings
10:00am – 12:00pm – Morning Session
12:00pm – 2:00pm – Lunch Break
2:00pm – 5:00pm – Afternoon Session
What You'll Learn
Throughout the day you'll take part in a variety of fun and engaging exercises, including:
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Quick 30-second gesture sketches
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Drawing with your non-dominant hand
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Continuous line drawing (without lifting your pencil)
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Timed rotation exercises, working on each other's drawings
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Exploring tone, light and shadow rather than relying on outlines
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Building confidence by embracing experimentation and letting go of perfection
The morning session focuses on short poses and expressive sketching, encouraging you to loosen up and enjoy the process. As we like to say, it's okay to fail – that's often where the best learning happens!
In the afternoon, you'll work on a longer pose, consisting of three 20-minute sessions, giving you the opportunity to slow down, refine your observations and immerse yourself in your drawing.
Our Philosophy
There is no right or wrong when it comes to art.
Rather than telling you exactly what to draw, your tutor will guide you on how to observe, how to think like an artist and how to truly see your subject. You'll be encouraged to develop your own style and enjoy the creative journey.
What's Included
Everything you need is provided, including:
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Easel and drawing board
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Drawing paper and sketch pads
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Pencils
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Charcoal
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Soft pastels
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Eraser
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Drawing cloth
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Low-tack masking tape
Simply wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little messy—charcoal dust is all part of the experience!
Join us for a fun, creative and inspiring day where you'll develop new skills, meet like-minded people and leave with artwork you'll be proud of.
Motion Photography Workshop
Discover the art of capturing movement, atmosphere and emotion in this inspiring one-day Motion Photography Workshop. Designed for photographers of all abilities, this course focuses on creating expressive, artistic images rather than mastering technical perfection.
Working with a professional nude model, you'll explore a variety of creative indoor and outdoor settings, using movement, light and composition to produce striking photographs.
Course Timings
10:00am – 12:00pm – Morning Session
12:00pm – 2:00pm – Lunch Break
2:00pm – 5:00pm – Afternoon Session
What You'll Need
Please bring a camera or smartphone that allows you to manually adjust settings such as:
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Aperture
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Shutter Speed / Exposure
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ISO
What to Expect
Throughout the day you'll photograph a professional nude model in a series of carefully styled sets, both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor sessions will be weather dependent, allowing us to make the most of the beautiful surroundings.
The emphasis of the workshop is not on complicated camera settings or technical perfection, but on learning how to create images that evoke mood, tell a story and capture genuine emotion.
Your tutor will guide you through:
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Capturing movement creatively
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Working with natural and available light
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Composition and storytelling
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Building confidence in directing and observing your subject
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Developing your own artistic style and photographic eye
Whether you're using a DSLR, mirrorless camera or a smartphone with manual controls, you'll leave with new techniques, fresh inspiration and a collection of unique, expressive images.
Mike Nicoll
Painter. Photographer. Hedonist.
About the Artist
Art has always been a part of who I am.
I have fond memories of the colouring books of my early childhood in Switzerland. Later, in Edinburgh, those books were replaced by my father's architectural drawings, and then, through art college in Berlin, drawing and design became the foundation of my career in advertising.
It wasn't until I was confronted with the very real possibility of my own mortality that I realised fine art—without rules or limitations—was the only path I truly wanted to follow. On Tuesday, 12 May 2009, I underwent major surgery to remove a malignant tumour. In many ways, the surgeon removed more than the tumour that day; he also cut away any lingering doubt about my desire to become an artist.
I find inspiration everywhere—often in the most unexpected places and at the most inconvenient moments. As I'm not particularly good at multitasking, I tend to take that first spark of an idea and let it develop. If it's worth pursuing, it grows and evolves; if not, it quietly fades away. I believe it is my inability to look at anything without seeing something within it that defines me as an artist. What I see doesn't always make sense. It isn't always clear or structured, but something captures my imagination and allows my mind to wander. That is where the creative process begins.
Once I'm ready to draw, paint or photograph, I plan the practical details meticulously. I like everything to be in its proper place—that's the Ordnung inherited from my German side. Only when that structure is established can the more eccentric Scottish side of me take over.
Much of my work is figurative, although that is often the only consistent element. My style and choice of materials vary enormously, and I have no hesitation in moving between traditional and contemporary techniques. One day I may be working with 14th-century egg tempera methods, the next creating a purely digital 21st-century artwork. In truth, I'm happiest when these different worlds and techniques come together.
Increasingly, I've come to realise that the process of creating is more important to me than the finished piece itself. There is an almost euphoric state that I find myself in when I'm immersed in painting or working with one of my muses.
And just like a fine bottle of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, a plate of acorn-fed Iberian Pata Negra, or a Cuban cigar, I simply can't get enough of the good things in life.
And, let's face it… why should I?
Leanne
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23 of August
November date TBC
Painting with Leanne Ellis
Leanne Ellis is an established professional landscape artist whose creative journey began after leaving the corporate world. Although she loved music, crafts, and art throughout her school years, she was encouraged to follow a different career path. It wasn't until her late twenties that she picked up a paintbrush again—and by her early thirties she was demonstrating for Winsor & Newton at art shows and societies across the UK. Since then, she has also demonstrated for Pebeo and Artmaster, regularly sharing her passion at private art societies, festivals, exhibitions, and events nationwide.Leanne believes that painting should be joyful, accessible, and free from unnecessary rules. Her philosophy is simple: get a little mucky, use a heck of a lot of colour, and lose yourself in the beauty of the British countryside. Better still, paint it and take a piece of that experience home with you.Known for her relaxed, no-nonsense teaching style, Leanne's workshops make landscape painting enjoyable and achievable for everyone. Whether you're a complete beginner, an experienced painter, or somewhere in between, her easy-to-follow techniques create a supportive and encouraging environment where you can develop your skills with confidence.One of Leanne's greatest joys is helping people discover that the word "can't" only exists if it's followed by "yet."
She is passionate about making art accessible to all and believes that creativity should never be limited by confidence, technique, or cost. Her practical colour-mixing guides help students simplify their palettes, saving money while achieving beautiful results—much to the amusement of some of the art companies she has worked with over the years!Leanne's painting holidays and retreats offer far more than just tuition. They are an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and immerse yourself in the inspiring landscapes of Mid Devon. Hosted at the beautiful Yondercott House, you'll enjoy peaceful surroundings, stunning countryside, historic features, and inspiring locations that encourage creativity and relaxation in equal measure.Whether you're looking to improve your painting, escape the pressures of everyday life, or simply spend time surrounded by like-minded people, Leanne's retreats provide a welcoming and memorable experience. To ensure your artistic journey continues long after your stay, Leanne is also available for ongoing advice and support via email following your retreat.
Her message is simple: Keep painting. Keep learning. And above all, have fun.
Alexandra
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of September
The Magic of Printmaking
A Two-Day Creative Printmaking Workshop
Discover the exciting world of printmaking in this inspiring two-day workshop, where you'll explore the creative possibilities of combining natural materials with traditional lino printing techniques.
Working in a relaxed and supportive environment, you'll learn how to create beautiful, original prints inspired by the natural world. Throughout the weekend, you'll experiment with texture, pattern and composition before producing your own edition of handcrafted prints to take home.
What You'll Learn
During the workshop you will:
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Discover how to use natural, found materials such as grasses, leaves and plants to create striking and expressive prints.
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Learn the fundamentals of lino cutting, from designing and carving your own printing block to producing beautiful hand-printed artwork.
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Combine botanical printing and lino printing to create imaginative, layered compositions full of texture and character.
Sample Workshop Schedule
Day One
Morning Session (10:00am – 1:00pm)
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Introduction to nature printing and lino printing
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Demonstration and examples of finished work
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Exploring composition and planning your final design
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Drawing outdoors and foraging for suitable natural materials, including grasses, leaves and plants
Lunch Break (1:00pm – 1:45pm)
Afternoon Session (1:45pm – 5:00pm)
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Printing with botanical materials
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Designing your lino block
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Transferring your image in reverse
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Learning how to carve your lino safely and effectively
Day Two
Morning Session (10:00am – 1:00pm)
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Completing your lino carving
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Preparing your block for printing
Lunch Break (1:00pm – 1:45pm)
Afternoon Session (1:45pm – 4:00pm)
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Inking and printing your lino block
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Combining botanical prints with your lino design
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Building your final layered composition
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Producing a small edition of finished prints to take home
What's Included
All materials and equipment are provided, including:
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Lino blocks
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Printing inks
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Printing paper
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Carving tools
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Rollers and equipment
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Hand press and traditional hand burnishing tools
What to Bring
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Any ideas, photographs or source material you'd like to work from (optional)
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An apron or old clothing suitable for printmaking, as this can be a messy process
Who Is This Workshop For?
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some previous lino printing experience who would like to expand their skills and experiment with new techniques.
Whether you're looking to learn a new craft, explore your creativity or simply enjoy a relaxing weekend of printmaking in a small group, this workshop offers a fun, inspiring and hands-on experience.
By the end of the course, you'll leave with a collection of original handmade prints and the confidence to continue your printmaking journey at home.
Meet the Artist – Alexandra Robb
Alexandra Robb is a South Devon-based artist and printmaker living in Torbay, where she draws daily inspiration from the dramatic coastline, rich wildlife and natural beauty that surround her. Having recently relocated from London, Alex has embraced the landscapes of Devon, with birds and the natural world becoming recurring themes throughout her work.
Working across drawing, painting, illustration, lino printmaking and traditional wood engraving, Alex is renowned for her beautifully observed and finely crafted artwork. Her versatility allows her to move effortlessly between disciplines while maintaining a distinctive style that celebrates the beauty and character of nature.
Alex's work has received national recognition. In 2022, her print Calm Before the Storm was selected for the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London. The artwork was later chosen by the Royal Academy to feature in its 2024 calendar, recognising its exceptional quality and appeal.
Her acclaimed print Keeping Watch was exhibited in the Society of Wildlife Artists' The Natural Eye Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London. Alex has also exhibited on numerous occasions at the Bankside Gallery in London and was awarded the John Purcell Paper Prize in 2024 for her outstanding wood engraving, Deep.
Alongside her printmaking, Alex has previously exhibited a series of botanical watercolours at the Royal Horticultural Society, where she was awarded Bronze Medals on two separate occasions.
Today, Alex regularly exhibits with the Artizan Gallery in Torquay, the Combe Gallery in Dartmouth, and a number of galleries across London and the North East of England.
A Passion for Teaching
Alongside her own artistic practice, Alex is an experienced and enthusiastic tutor who enjoys sharing her knowledge with artists of all ages and abilities.
She has led workshops for children, adults and family groups and has delivered printmaking courses for a wide range of respected organisations, including:
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The Wildlife Trusts
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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The Natural History Museum, Tring
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The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
Alex's workshops are welcoming, creative and accessible, encouraging participants to experiment with new techniques while developing confidence and enjoying the printmaking process. Whether you're picking up carving tools for the very first time or looking to refine your skills, Alex's supportive teaching style will inspire you to explore your creativity and produce beautiful handmade prints.