Well, another amazing week, staying in a beautiful property just outside Grasmere with gorgeous views and walks right from the door. We were so lucky with the weather again, enjoying sunshine every day, and even some warmth towards the end of the week too…enough to take coats and scarfs off 😊
So much inspiration for our landscape studies, the colours of the fells around us constantly changing with the light. Quite by accident we noticed a ‘sketching’ day taking place at the Wordsworth Museum, so took this opportunity to visit both Dove Cottage and its garden, as well as gain entry to the museum itself and do a little drawing with a quill pen.
We were also fortunate to gain access to the Daffodil Hotel and their beautiful garden which hugs the edge of Grasmere Lake, sharing the magnificent views of the fells around it. It was here I was able to do a ‘plein air’ demo for everyone in these peaceful surroundings…before stopping for an al fresco lunch on their patio.
It really has been a beautiful week, sharing my love of art with such a friendly group of people. Hope you enjoy browsing through these few photos of our time together..
“I’ve really loved this week, learned loads of new things, met some really wonderful people...all facilitated by a wonderful tutor...Thank you Jo”
“My first retreat and I was apprehensive, but I needn’t have been concerned. You’re encouraging, positive & caring, and I felt truly relaxed and at ease with you and all the people on the retreat. Will definitely come again”
“Jo, you’re so good at listening to what individuals want and need at any point. I don’t usually do ‘landscapes’ but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed ‘having a go’ in my sketchbook. The ‘plein air’ demo was fabulous to watch...loved it”
“Lots of opportunities to draw and sketch...accomodation was great and the catering was fabulous, so much choice...healthy, homemade food”
“Well, what can I say, what a great few days. Learned loads, had great fun and made new friends. A lovely house in a beautiful setting”
“So enjoyable, good structure to the week, but also time to ourselves. The location was more than I hope for and the house was an excellent choice”
“I’ve enjoyed myself enormously. Jo was her usual caring and generous self with demonstrations that were both instructive and inspiring. I received individual suggestions on how to improve my work and also some tips on using gadgets on my phone to help. At 79, that was so useful.”
“Jo, you never cease to inspire even the most impatient student 😆...I can’t find fault in the organisation of your Retreats, they’re a joy from beginning to end”
“You made sure that everyone had every opportunity to learn things from you and 1-2-1 advice. Demo’s were top class. I go back with a library of photos and ideas. Thank you for a lovely Art Retreat”
The focus of this Retreat is on the beauty of our surroundings to enjoy both sketching and painting outside (weather permitting) without the distractions of everyday life.
3 full days of tuition, suitable for all abilities. 4 nights accommodation, all rooms ensuite. Fully catered with a buffet style breakfast and lunch, and a two course evening meal with wine. Non-painting partners welcome at a reduced rate.
£480pp in a twin room, £580pp in a single room
PLEASE NOTE…LIMITED AVAILABILITY…first opportunities for places go to those who have registered an interest and are on my waiting list. If you would like to add your name to this list please click on the link…