GETAWAYS
ARTS & CULTURE Holidays cont.
BRAMBLES ART RETREAT www. bramblesartretreat. com Devon & Europe
Although based in Devon, this fantastic art retreat actually hosts courses across the UK, and even in exotic foreign climes such as Paris, Corfu and Tuscany. Each of the courses focuses on different media or different locations – and the tutors are on hand to ensure you are able to capture the beautiful places you are visiting in just the right way. Named as one of the top 10 art retreats in the UK by The Guardian, this is definitely one not to miss. Prices start at around £ 1100 per person, and non-painters are more than welcome to join their painting friends at a reduced rate. The relaxed atmosphere and excellent hosts mean that this is a retreat to return to again and again.
COOMBE FARM STUDIOS // www. coombefarmstudios. co. uk // Dartmouth BIG SKY ART COURSES // www. bigskyartcourses. com // Norfolk
Coombe Farm Studios opened in 1983 and was the first of its kind, offering artist-led, week-long residential courses. Now it is more popular than ever, and the range of courses on offer has expanded to include subjects such as printmaking, ceramics, watercolours, oils, mixed media and acrylic work. There is even a weekly yoga class you can attend to relax and unwind should you wish to. This retreat is located in the most beautiful of settings which helps to kindle great creativity. The price of each course includes home-from-home style accommodation with shared bathroom facilities( all towels and dressing gowns are included). If you prefer to have an ensuite, there are some lovely B & Bs located nearby and you can attend the courses as a day guest. Prices start at £ 290 for a weekend course.
Big Sky Art Courses is a product of the beautiful part of Norfolk where the owners of this fantastic holiday opportunity live. Since they couldn’ t imagine painting anywhere else, they thought it would be lovely to invite painters from across the UK – and further afield – to see it for themselves and to paint it too.
The courses on offer here are three-day, three-night residential courses for artists of every standard, no matter whether you paint every day or you can’ t remember the last time you put paint to canvas. There are so many picturesque spots to enjoy including beaches, harbours and villages, and the variety in the landscape is stunning and something that truly captures the imagination of anyone who visits.
You will be staying in The White House, a newly renovated country house in the middle of the most incredible farmland scenery. It’ s gorgeous and it’ s comfortable and you will be pampered and looked after at every turn.
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