*THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED*
Art-filled days spent joyfully creating in our sketchbooks.
Join Sketches.n.Scrubs for a week of sketchbook-based exploration with gouache, watercolour, and playful mixed media. This retreat is dedicated to developing your sketchbook practice, experimenting with materials, exploring ideas, and evolving sketches into finished artworks.
Each day balances structured guidance with relaxed, playful creation. We’ll explore colour, layering, texture, composition, and using references, helping you make your sketchbook a regular part of your creative practice. I’ll primarily use gouache and watercolour, with Neocolors, pens, and pencils, but you’re welcome to bring your favourite supplies.
Enjoy the process as much as the result in a safe, pressure-free space. You’ll leave with finished work, renewed inspiration, and unforgettable memories.
Sketches.n.Scrubs is a mixed media artist with a love for watercolour, gouache, and the beauty of the creative process. She has been painting for years and sharing her passion through art videos, building a thriving YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@sketchesnscrubs) and a supportive mixed media membership community (https://ko-fi.com/sketchesnscrubs).
Her teaching is gentle, personalised, and joyful, offering guidance on the fun and fulfilling aspects of making art—from exploring materials and building unique colour palettes, to developing sketchbook practices that feel intentional and enjoyable. Sessions are suitable for everyone, from beginners to professional artists seeking to reconnect with the joy of creating.
This retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from everyday demands and immerse yourself in uninterrupted, peaceful days of art-making. You’ll be supported every step of the way in a beautiful, inspiring environment designed to nourish your creativity.
Arrival Day
On arrival day (from 3pm), you'll be welcomed with time to settle in, followed by a brief introduction and a relaxed three-course dinner at 6:30pm, a perfect chance to meet your fellow artists.
Days 2 – 6
Five full days of sketchbook-focused art-making:
Each day begins with a delicious breakfast, then a short demo or guided session focusing on gouache, watercolour, and playful mixed media techniques followed by painting.
Lunch is served at 12:30, and the afternoons offer further demos, guidance, and plenty of painting time at your own pace. Each evening ends with a cosy three-course dinner at 6:30pm, with time to unwind and chat over a lovely meal.
One day (weather permitting), we’ll venture out into the beautiful Devon countryside for outdoor sketching, gathering fresh inspiration and references to build on back at the studio.
Final Day
On the final day, breakfast will be at 8.30am and check out is around 10am.
The retreat balances structured guidance with freedom to explore your own projects.
Classes are limited in size, ensuring personalised support throughout your sketchbook journey.
Tea, coffee, and snacks are available throughout the day, and there's always space to rest or reflect as needed.
- Building and mixing expressive colour palettes
- Watercolour and gouache fundamentals, layering, and texture
- Sketchbook techniques for idea development and finishing pieces
- Using references from observation, photography, or memory
- Combining mixed media playfully with pencil, pen, and water-soluble materials
- Personalised guidance and Q&A
This retreat is designed for:
- Artists of all levels, from curious beginners to professionals looking to refresh their practice.
- Art supply lovers who want to spend days using, exploring and talking about art supplies. As a mixed media artist, Sketches’ enthusiasm stretches across many medias, with watercolour & gouache being at the centre.
- Anyone who wants to make their sketchbook a more joyful and consistent part of their life.
- People who want a supportive, friendly, and pressure-free environment to make art.
- Those seeking time away from daily demands to recharge through creating art.
- A sketchbook-first focus – instead of chasing perfection, this retreat is about exploration, process, and joyful mark-making.
- Support & freedom with structure – a balance of demos, guided sessions, and open creative time ensures you can both learn and play. with a small group size, you’ll receive gentle guidance that meets you exactly where you are.
- A nurturing environment – surrounded by peaceful countryside, nourishing meals, and fellow artists who share your passion.
- Mixed media encouragement – discover how watercolour, gouache, pencils, pens, and Neocolors can work together.
- Lasting inspiration – leave not only with finished pieces, but also with sketchbook habits and ideas to keep you inspired long after the retreat is over.
- Suitable for all skill levels—from total beginners to professional artists looking to reconnect with joyful sketchbook practice.
- Please bring your own art supplies. I will be using watercolour & gouache primarily.
Suggested Essentials
- Watercolour and/or gouache paints
- Pencil
- Pen, fineliner, or fountain pen
- Any supplies you enjoy using in your sketchbook
- Paper – Sketchbook & loose sheets/block (if using watercolour/gouache, I recommend a watercolour sketchbook & watercolour block, ideally 100% cotton)
Optional:
- Neocolor 2 (water-soluble) or Neocolor 1
- Colouring pencils or inktense pencils
- (Please note: no oil paints, but guidance for other mediums is available.)
Sketches.n.Scrubs’ favourite art supplies list is here: https://bit.ly/4m4mv4Q.
If you are unsure and would like to discuss what supplies to bring, please contact: sketches.n.scrubs@gmail.com.
Airfare, travel to and from Westcott Barton, your own art supplies, optional extras such as taxis or additional snacks, and travel insurance are not included.
- 6 nights accommodation at Westcott Barton (Monday 22nd – Sunday 28th June)
- All meals provided – including dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day; and three course dinners
- 5 full days of sketchbook-focused tuition and demos
- Daily studio access, open for you beyond teaching hours
- A countryside art trip (weather permitting, transport included)
- Tea, coffee, and snacks available throughout the day
- A supportive, small group setting with personalised guidance
Single occupancy in secure room, with own bathroom facilities: £1290 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £1245 per person (minimum booking for two and both must be participating in the retreat).
Non-participating partners sharing a course participant's room are welcome: £850 per person (includes meals) . This option is subject to availability.
We welcome non-residential participants on our retreats/courses - please enquire for further details.
*THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED*
The form can either be printed and completed by hand or filled out on your computer (Adobe PDF reader required). If the latter, please make sure you save the PDF once you have added your details and then email this back to us.
RETREAT BOOKING FORM (PDF) - please right click and save to your computer.
If you are travelling to Westcott Barton by car, please refer to our Location page for directions.
We suggest you download what3words and then use Google Maps within the app to provide you with directions to us. Please enter our full address and not just the postcode.
It is possible to pre-book a taxi from Barnstaple station. Please contact either VIP Taxi on 07868 311 773 and speak to Martin, or B-Line Taxis on 01271 322117.
If you are planning to travel by another means of transport please contact us for assistance.