An introduction to your very special Art Retreat in Nidderdale
It has to be emphasised, this is a real art retreat with a focus each and every day centred around painting - especially outdoors which we will be doing as much as possible. 

The course will not be for the faint hearted! We will be walking to painting locations, up hill and down dale and carrying everything we need to paint with us so a good level of physical fitness is needed. 

The painting days will be weather dependant but tiny drops of rain will not mean staying indoors! We won’t be pressing noses to the windows whilst  sipping coffee pondering if we should go out or not - we will!

Direct contact and creating work in the landscapes with first hand experiences en plain air is the main emphasis of your painting holiday at Well House Haven with me. Tuition is given in the field both with demonstrations, group and one to one mentoring each and every day.

On rainy days (in case there might be), there is a converted and roomy studio to pursue our art practice together that comfortably accommodates 12 students and myself. 

Despite the emphasis being on painting outdoors, there will be at least one studio painting day which will push your painting skills even further in new and exciting directions. Using the paintings and drawings created outdoors within the immediate local and inspiring landscape, studio practice will focus on a more semi abstract and experimental approach with your media in a more mindful and creative way.

Professional tuition and creative practical experiences 
Group and one to one tuition with lots of different demonstrations with full explanations and creative insights will be provided regularly during your art holiday.

You’ll get learn real art skills in practice during my informative demonstrations (roughly 45 mins or so) whilst developing plenty of your own artistic skills with many different types of media. 

Regular reviews and end of the day constructive assessments of your work as group work will take place each day during your art retreat. 

Structure of your typical painting days 

We will play each day by ear and work with the weather. Outdoors as much as possible, studio when necessary.

The days will be roughly organised as follows:

After breakfast we meet in the studio for a prompt start at 10am. This gives students staying locally but not at Well House Haven ample time to travel to Well House Haven to meet with fellow students in the morning before the art day begins.

You will be informed of the painting plan the night before to be able to organise things so you wont be rushing about in the morning. As a group we will then go out on foot to paint and draw to chosen locations. Using the local landscape as our creative inspiration the first hand experiences are rewarding to all.There are inspiring views and places to paint all around Well house Haven - we are spoilt for choice!

Your art days may well be organised into a morning outdoor painting session and then back to Well House Haven for lunch with another outdoor painting session in the afternoon. We may have a full day in the field taking a packed lunch with us.It will all depend on the weather.

Food beverages and meals
Karen will offer accommodation only and access to shared kitchen/diner for self catering.

Self catering facilities are provided for guests who want to bring their own food or who have specific dietary requirements and prepare it themselves for lunchtime. This must be brought with you. It is not provided. 

However, Karen can provide a light lunch (at a small extra charge) for art guests who want a lunch made for them.  Please arrange directly with Karen when booking your holiday accommodation either when staying at well house Haven or off site as Karen can advise what’s on offer for you for a set ‘menu’.

You are expected to prepare or provide your own drinks, snacks and food for drawing and painting days outdoors using the self catering areas (farmhouse shared kitchen for those staying at Well House or the studio kitchen for those staying elsewhere )

Tea and coffee making facilities are provided at Well house Haven in the studio kitchen. Its a good idea to bring a flask for outdoor painting days.

In the evening we will go out together as a group (for those who want to go) to a local pub at least one evening in our own separate vehicles.

Course duration
Thursday evening 6.30pm to Sunday afternoon 4.00pm 

We will have a get together at 6.30pm on your first evening so arriving earlier is a highly recommended to ensure you have settled in good time before we all meet together as a group.

Over light refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) we will have  an informal evening get together to get to know one another and for you to settle in a bit more. If you are staying off site it’s a good idea to bring your art things with you to ensure a  prompt start on your first main painting day starting at 10am on Friday morning. You can leave them at Well house haven in the studio to avoid packing such things at your off site accommodation and rushing in the morning. Remember, this is a relaxing stress free art break!

We will aim to finish each day at approximately 5pm as a return to Well House Haven for a brief review of your paintings before each evening meal. 

Artistic ability of students wanting to partake 
Artists who have been practicing for a who or who are at an intermediate or even more advanced level will gain the most from this art holiday. 

A good level of fitness is also required to walk reasonable distances over mixed terrain (some rugged) to get to painting locations. 

Tuition provided will be way beyond the basic because this exciting art retreat and course aims to develop more of an engagement with landscape with ethos and creative intent  and practice being the main focus for greater artistic development. 

Students who have practiced art before and may see this art retreat as an ideal ‘refresher’ course MUST be aware of the above remit and be honest with themselves about their creative abilities. This is to avoid being posibly out of your depth. I really want you to get the best out of this art retreat, and to have the confidence to get the best out of it.

If in doubt please you can have a chat with me to put your mind at ease before booking. I can be contacted in confidence on 07522 238822 and am happy to discuss with you.

Accommodation
There are several options at Well house Haven to choose from ranging from double, and twin rooms with en suite bathrooms. There is also a Shepherds Hut on offer for the more adventurous and an area for camping too.For art students attending the art course but not staying at Well house Haven there are a number of choices for you locally ranging from B&B’s, self catering chalets and pubs and hotels to stay at .

For a full list of available options please contact Karen directly on hello@karenblacklock.co.uk 

or look at the Accommodation pages on 
https://www.karenblacklock.co.uk/

Please note:
You will book your tuition directly with me via this web page. If you do not wish to use Paypal please contact me directly to arrange an alternative method.
You will book your ccommodation independently of myself and with Karen. It is not included in the tuition price but separate by arrangement to suit your budget, preference and particular needs.

Students who do not wish to stay at Well House Haven have a choice of different types of accommodation locally. Karen will advise.

(There is a great link on the How Stean Gorge website that details all local accommodation which is at:
https://www.howstean.co.uk/accommodation/accommodation-in-nidderdale/

How Stean itself also has some good accommodation for small groups in lodges see the same website.

Please note:
No amount of your art tuition is refundable either before or during your art retreat break once booked. 

Refunds
100% refund given if tutor cancels the course

0% refund given to students wishing to cancel at any time before the course is due to commence.  

0% Cancellation refund at anytime during the art course.

Tuition fee
The total cost of your art tuition will be £600 for the full course.

Your tuition fee is separate from any accommodation you choose to book either directly with Karen or independently elsewhere.

To book your place please click on the PayPal button below. If you do not wish to use Paypal you can pay directly with BACS. Please email me directly on rdcreativeartist@gmail.com or call me on  07522 238822 to discuss an alternative method.

Final points
I’m really thrilled to be able to offer you this really different and unique art retreat in the heart of Nidderdale, North Yorkshire in Karen’s very special home and look forward to teaching you some really great art techniques to inspire your future development as an artist in a unique and special way.

For further information about your art venue please contact Karen at:
Well House Haven Art Venue 
Well House Stean 
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG3 5SZ

01423 755255 
0791 276 3003 
hello@karenblacklock.co.uk 
www.karenblacklock.co.uk