Still life painting retreat 10th - 13th October 2025
Still life in Colour
retreat with Anna Hymas
Friday 10th - Monday 13th October
Court House Farm, Portishead, Somerset UK
Summary: A colourful Still life painting retreat working from life and your imagination. You can choose to work with oil on canvas or with acrylic paint if preferred.
Still Life in Colour
Dates: Friday 10th October to Monday 13th October 2025
Location: Court House Farm, Portishead, Somerset, UK
Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, all meals and refreshments, expert tuition, inspiring talks, activities, and local visits.
Cost: From £1250 (see full pricing below)
Non-residential option available (see below)
about the retreat
Led by contemporary painter Anna Hymas, this artist-led retreat invites you to explore the vibrant world of still life painting, working from real-life arrangements and your imagination. Known for her expressive use of colour and playful compositions, Anna brings a relaxed, intuitive approach to painting—encouraging freedom, curiosity, and joy in the process.
Across Four creatively immersive days, you'll be gently guided through the stages of making a still life—from drawing and composition to painting with oils or acrylics. Whether you're new to painting or an experienced artist looking to refresh your practice, Anna creates an atmosphere that is both supportive and inspiring, where bold choices and experimentation are welcome.
Expect to leave not only with a finished piece but with a renewed connection to your creativity, and a playful approach to making that you can carry forward long after the retreat ends.
Cost / Booking Details
3-night residential retreat
Starts lunch-time 10th and ends Lunchtime 13th
Residential Packages:
£1490 – Private ensuite room
£1350 – Private room with shared bathroom
£1250 – Shared twin room (booked together, both participating)
Contact us for details if you wish to bring a non-participating partner.
Deposit: £500 (non-refundable)
Balance due: 6 weeks before the retreat
Payment methods: Bank Transfer or PayPal (PayPal fees apply) Terms & conditions
If you're travelling internationally or would like to extend your stay on either side of the retreat, we’re happy to help arrange this — just let us know.
Non-Residential Option (Day Guest)
Join us as a day guest if you’re local More information here>>>
What’s Included:
Day 1- Afternoon welcome session— includes afternoon tea
Day 2 & 3- Workshop days with Anna
Day 4 - Final morning Show & Tell (9am–11:30am), with time to photograph your work
Materials, expert tuition, refreshments, and chef-prepared lunches, Optional calming retreat activities (Evening meals, wine and accommodation not included)
Price: £590
Deposit: £150 (non-refundable)
Balance due: 6 weeks before the retreat
Payment: Bank Transfer or PayPal (PayPal fees apply)
Terms & Conditions
What’s Included
Accommodation in a stunning medieval manor (1300sAD) or adjoining Tudor Manor house (1500sAD) the opportunity to stay in a beautifully renovated country house, steeped in history
Fully catered, chef prepared meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with selected wines and all refreshments.
Daily guided mindfulness sessions or low key yoga!(optional)
Inspiring and engaging talks from History of Art professional
Flower Picking and Arranging in our beautiful flower garden
Fulfilling conversation with likeminded individuals
a local visit to a nearby Clevedon Pier- the prettiest in England!
Time to potter to the shops, Marina and walk to the nearby estuary to see the beautiful sunsets.
Creative Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Inspiration & Drawing.
Spend the afternoon creating beautiful still life scenes using flowers, foliage, patterned fabrics, pots, vases, and seasonal fruit.
Participate in loosening-up drawing exercises using charcoal and paint on paper—ideal for building confidence and exploring mark-making.
Prepare your canvas for the next day’s painting session.
Techniques and guidance tailored for all levels, from curious beginners to confident creatives.
Day 2: Painting Begins
Dive into your still life painting on canvas with oil or acrylic paint.
Focus on freeing up your approach—no pressure, no perfection, just painting.
Anna will be on hand to support you with composition tips, colour mixing, and individual feedback as you work.
Day 3: Continuation
Continue developing your painting, with space to layer, refine, or even switch to paper to try something new.
Explore collage and composition as a way to build ideas for future pieces.
Enjoy the luxury of time to experiment, with expert guidance always available.
Final Day
Bring together your work and reflect on your creative journey.
Style and photograph your finished pieces around the house or gardens.
Enjoy a final group sharing session before warm goodbyes.
If your oil painting is still wet, we can arrange for it to be safely shipped to you.
About Anna
Anna Hymas is a fine art painter known for her bold, colourful paintings. Anna lives and works in London. She studied at Central St Martins College of Art and Design graduating in 2000. Since then, she has shown her paintings in London, New York, Paris, St Ives and at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition as well as with galleries throughout the UK. Her paintings are bright and colourful, but also have a depth and a sense of abstraction which comes from the process of her work, where one image is often layered on top of another. Anna's work spans a range of media including painting, rugs and ceramics. She is also a published children's book author and illustrated posters for the London Underground.
Discover more at www.annahymas.com
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