TASMANIA PAINTING WORKSHOP / RETREAT RECAP
My Tasmania painting workshop retreat is an event we always look forward to, and for good reason! Seeing old faces once more is such a buzz on its own, and meeting new students is just such a wonderful thrill too. Watching people unfold and grow, seeing their work reach new heights, new confidence established and wonderful new friendships forming over our week together is a highlight for me every time. This year was no different, and home again now, its time to reflect back to such warm memories and share a little insight with you too.
Our retreat is hosted by Artable/Enclave in Tasmania, who ive worked with closely for over a decade now. Together we are a force to be reckoned with, providing wonderful painting experiences and art education, with far deeper experiences of place, food, rest and relaxation for our students with as much care as we can possibly manage. My retreats reflect so much of what I value in my own life and work, and I share this magical balance of it all with you throughout these weeks. From studio to the beautiful outdoors, i take you on a deep dive into my greatest loves, helping you move forwards on your painting journeys as the focus. Its just all round fun!
This year we started our workshop out in the field, clearing out the cobwebs for a deep reset, enjoying the wildness and beauty of the area. Setting foot along the riverside, we explored the colours and textures of the environment, its mossy banks and lichen covered forest, dappled with an abundance of bulbs in early spring bloom, learning about the field to studio process along the way. Renewed, we return to the raging wood fires, cocktails by candlelight, and a seemingly constant serving of top notch food. Nope, we did not go hungry that is for sure! Lumberjack cake to die for, lemon meringue tarts, local Cape Grim beef, barramundi fillets, the most ridiculously good pumpkin soup, fresh bread with many ingredients served from the garden to plate, the food was an occasion in itself.
Between feedings, we lapped up a combination of rest, relaxation and studio days spent painting… with or without a glass of wine. The Mirror Lake and Blue Lake was a treat, once again exploring the beautiful countryside, discovering so many of its hidden gems. We checked in on the local wombat daily, watched the enormous bumblebees do their rounds to each flower set for spring, and chilled with the chickens that roam about the vege garden as the please. Its a delight.
Did I mention, we were there to paint? Yes we were, and we sure did. Our subjects were the Pink Robin and Fern Frond, a classic Tasmanian combination… and blow me down if the first field trip outing we spotted one in the wild!! Following this, we shifted gears and techniques to really mix things up, exploring a whole new process and approach for some nest illustrations, which taught us so much about technique, tones, and seeing both our subjects and paintings in layers. A wonderful exercise, we learned so much about the watercolour medium, realistic painting approaches and natural history subjects as artists. Its an all round winner… at least we thought so!
Of course my students did so very well, always so open hearted and eager to learn. It makes my job so much more satisfying, being able to extend so much to each person there to learn and grow. I am always blown away at the willingness, enthusiasm and growth of my students and this was just a wonderful group to explore our shared loves with. Thank you to you ALL, for the fantastic week and memories made together.
Next years retreat is open and already booking up, but if youd like to join us for 2026’s Tasmania Painting Workshop and Retreat, jump in and grab your spot today. Its wonderful having something like this to look forward to on the horizon, and we take care of you every step of the way. Next year were taking a full day trip out to the Bay Of Fires, exploring further afield to see even more magical Tasmanian treasures. It promises to be just as fabulous and I cant wait… perhaps Ill see you there!