The format is consistent across the trips: a small group, a named artist teaching throughout, and a venue picked so the subject matter is on the doorstep. In Puglia the draw is flamingoes; on the South Africa safari it is wildlife seen from the vehicle and then painted back at camp; in the Cotswolds it is a manor house in the English countryside; in Pembrokeshire it is a nature journaling week working from the coast and countryside.

Teaching is pitched at all levels. The artists are chosen for being able to break complex theory into doable steps, so complete beginners and practising painters end up in the same room. Expect demonstrations, individual time at your easel and group critique rather than a fixed syllabus.

Sarah Stokes co-founded the programme with travel expert Katie Beaumont, whose tour-operating background covers the logistics — venues, suppliers, bookings, payments and pre-trip planning. A member of the team travels with each group.

Venues are described as friendly and comfortable rather than grand: squishy chairs to sink into after a day painting, vineyards nearby, traditionally prepared Italian food on the Italy trips. The Cotswolds trip is based in a manor house.

Several departures are already sold out or not yet on sale — Puglia in April 2027 and the Cotswolds in September 2027 are sold out, Tuscany in 2028 is coming soon, and Pembrokeshire in May 2027 has one non-residential place left. The South Africa safari, 10–17 May 2028, is confirmed to run.

What's included

- Artist-led teaching throughout the retreat - Accommodation on residential trips - Meals as part of the retreat programme - Time painting and drawing at the location - A member of the operator's team travelling with the group

What's not included

- Travel to and from the retreat - Travel insurance - Art materials, unless confirmed otherwise - Personal expenses - The non-residential Pembrokeshire place does not include accommodation

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