Stories: Our Creative Tudor - Anna Hymas Tells us more
Stories: Our Creative Tutor – Anna Hymas
We are delighted to welcome painter and illustrator Anna Hymas to Court House Farm this autumn, where she will be leading her first ever painting retreat. Anna is known for her vibrant use of colour, layered mark-making and her free, spontaneous approach to painting — all qualities she’s excited to share with guests.
About Anna Hymas
Anna lives and works in London. She trained in Theatre Design at Central Saint Martins, graduating in 2000, and since then her work has been shown internationally — in London, New York, Paris, and at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
Her practice spans painting, textiles, rugs and ceramics, alongside illustration projects that have included children’s books and posters for the London Underground.
Her paintings are often described as bright and colourful, but also layered and abstract, with a distinctive energy that comes from building and scraping back imagery until something new emerges. Anna is represented by galleries across the UK, including Cricket Fine Art (London), Gallerina (Darlington), Arundel Contemporary (West Sussex) and Milieu (St Ives).
A relaxed and fun space to paint
In her own words, Anna describes her retreat as a place to loosen up and enjoy the process.
“We will set up still life scenes and work both from life and also from imagination. I hope to create a relaxed and fun and space where people can paint freely without inhibitions or overthinking.”
The course will include drawing and painting exercises designed to build confidence and open up creativity.
“I’m an impulsive painter, I like to just get stuck in. Some days things work, some days they don’t but I just keep painting, scraping back and then building up layers until it feels right. I will teach some loosening up exercises and will be on hand to answer any questions or issues people would like any guidance with.”
Taking creativity home
Anna hopes her retreat will leave guests with both memories and momentum.
“An urge and energy to keep on painting and creating when they leave (and hopefully to take away one or two paintings they feel happy with to hang on the wall :)”
Inspiration from Court House Farm
Anna was instantly drawn to the setting.
“From speaking to your hosts, Helen and Victoria, and seeing photos of the beautiful house, gardens and studio, I know it will the perfect place to paint. I will be creating inspiring still-life scenes from the garden foliage and from the many beautiful things in the house.”
She also imagines the food and seasonal produce inspiring the brush.
“I’m sure that being immersed in a beautiful environment will inspire us all. We will look at colours, textures, patterns and the gardens of Court House Farm for inspiration. The tables full of bowls of food also look very inspiring (we may have to paint them too!)”
Why join Anna’s retreat?
For anyone hesitating, Anna has some encouragement.
“If you are feeling a bit stuck in your painting and want to get going I hope this retreat will bring the joy and energy back into your work.”
And while she’s excited to help others, she is also looking forward to the experience herself.
“This is my first painting retreat and I am vey excited to lead the group and share the way I work. I usually paint alone with the radio for company so I’m looking forward to being with you all and sharing the creative process.”
Join Anna at Court House Farm
Anna’s retreat Still Life in Colour offers the chance to immerse yourself in a welcoming, inspiring environment with expert guidance and plenty of time to paint.
Find out more and book your place here
You can also explore other upcoming retreats at Court House Farm.