Description
This Art Retreat Day in Staffordshire will explore the opportunities to disconnect from your busy lifestyle. Designed to be creative play, and relieve stress. Feel more energised, calm and creative in beautiful lakeside surroundings. Take some time out to enjoy and reconnect with nature. Whether you are a complete beginner to watercolour and just simply want to have a go, or wishing to improve your skills and gain confidence, you will enjoy learning new techniques in our relaxed friendly studio. This is the ideal opportunity to lose yourself and hopefully capture some of the delight in creativity you experienced as a child. There is no shortage of inspiration with stunning views across Rudyard Lake or sketch the woodland, boats, and buildings. Designed to be fun, and also a nice way to meet other people enjoying some time out learning a new skill. Classes are kept small Classes are kept purposely small, (maximum 6- 12 adults) ensuring lots of individual attention. As part of a small intimate group we will explore techniques, giving yourself permission to have fun as you experiment with watercolour. You will learn about colour mixing, paint flowing, brush techniques, and for the more advanced improvers, the opportunity to learn new ideas, products and build confidence. With lots of demonstrations projected on a live screen, and large windows and balconies offering picturesque views across the lake, you cannot help but feel inspired to be creative and joyful. The theme of this event is "spring" and our focus is around painting spring flowers, or a spring meadow, and you have the freedom to paint what you desire. If you are planning to make a special weekend away, there are forest walks, lake side walks and a wooden train ride to enjoy, and a list of accommodation can be offered if help is needed to book your stay. Exclusive party bookings for corporate, birthdays and special events.
What's included in the price?
All art materials for watercolour painting, although please bring an apron or wear clothes you don't mind getting stained from paint. Unlimited tea, coffee, juice, biscuits Delicious buffet lunch from the tea room. Dietary requirements catered for. Freshly baked cakes. Boat ride depending on weather, (otherwise extra time painting in studio) Parking fees included. Ample paper to do more than one painting if you wish to.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable - Refunds are not available
Maker
Joan is a full time professional watercolour artist working from her garden studio in Staffordshire. She is a multi-award winning artist, illustrator and children's author. She taught babies and toddlers through music for over 19 years through her Little Hands Music business, and believes every day is a school day regardless of whether you are an adult or a child. In fact she wants you to find your inner child once again through the joy of painting in watercolour. Held at a beautiful lakeside location at Rudyard Lake and classes fill up very quickly. Having recently and very unexpectedly loosing her husband Joan feels that turning to art and creativity is a way of healing the pain of loss and hopes to help others find their joy even for a few hours. For complete beginners in a small intimate group of 6-12 students. Includes buffet lunch and boat ride depending on weather conditions. Private Day Retreats, hens parties or corporate events can also be arranged.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Wheelchair users
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Corporate days out & team building
- Suitable for beginners
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Parking provided
- Hen dos
FAQs
The lake is 2 miles north of Leek on the Staffordshire-Cheshire border.
From Leek take the A523 towards Macclesfield for approx, 1 mile. Turn left onto B5331 for half a mile to go past Rudyard Station, and then take a right at the mini-roundabout. Turn right again to head down Lake Road where you will find the Hotel Rudyard or the path down to the Dam shortly after. Make sure you are going to the South end of the lake. Please note you will need to phone Joan before 9.30am if you are lost. If using the app "What three words" you will find the venue at "tree.public.fractions
The class starts 10am and finishes 4pm. However, please arrive from 9.30am to grab a warm drink and biscuits and settle ready to paint. We are flexible about finishing around 4 - 4.15pm ensuring everyone has time to complete their painting.
No, there is no pressure to go on the boat. If you would prefer to stay and continue to paint in the room, that is fine and I will stay there with you. Everyone who wishes to go on the boat ride can go ahead on their own. However, taking time away from your painting helps the creative process and you come back with fresh eyes, so it is worth giving it consideration.
(Note: boat ride is not confirmed as it is weather dependent and time of year, so it is not a guarantee to this course)
All art materials are provided, and no discount given if you bring your own materials, however if you have favourite brushes or particular paint you enjoy working with, then bring them along.
We cater for dietary requirements whether meat, vegetarian or vegan. The meal option is buffet lunch sandwiches, salad and cake. If vegan cake is required please advise at time of booking. If special milk is required please bring that with you as we only have ordinary milk.
Yes, we have a lift and can cater for wheel chairs. If you find it difficult walking (as we are on the second floor) you can come in the lift
Wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on, and perhaps bring an apron.
It's best to wear layer clothes, so perhaps a tee shirt and cardigan and bring a jacket should we go on a boat ride. The room is comfortable, and can get warm, however equally can be chilly near the lake side.
