*THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED*
Five days of joyful creating, combining gouache, watercolour, and playful mixed media touches to explore colour, texture, and your own artistic voice.
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 for over five, building a thriving Art YouTube channel and a flourishing mixed media membership community. She’s travelled across Europe creating art, capturing her surroundings in expressive sketchbooks and sharing the journey with others.
Her teaching approach is gentle, personalised, and joyful, offering guidance on the fun and fulfilling aspects of making art—from building unique colour palettes and exploring materials, to developing sketchbook practices that feel both intentional and enjoyable. Her sessions are suitable for everyone—from beginners picking up a brush for the first time, to professional artists looking to reconnect with the joy of creating.
This retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life and immerse yourself in five uninterrupted days of art-making. Whether you're refining your techniques or simply craving the space to create, you'll be supported every step of the way in a beautiful, inspiring environment designed to nourish your creativity.
Join Sketches.n.Scrubs for five inspiring days of painting with gouache, watercolour, and mixed media touches in a relaxed, welcoming environment. This retreat is all about exploring colour, play, and creative expression—whether you’re just beginning or looking to reconnect with your practice.
Each day offers a gentle but thoughtfully structured approach to art-making. You'll begin by deepening your understanding of colour theory and how to create expressive, harmonious palettes. We’ll explore the basics of gouache and watercolour, from control and layering to experimenting with mark-making, texture, and complementary materials.
You’ll learn how to gather references, work from observation and memory, and bring your ideas to life—culminating in your own expressive artworks that feel personal and intentional.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll be encouraged to enjoy the process just as much as the outcome. This is a safe and uplifting space to finally use your favourite supplies, try new things, and create art you’re proud of—free from pressure or perfectionism.
You’ll be surrounded by like-minded creatives, nourished with good food, and inspired by beautiful surroundings—whether you choose to work in your sketchbook or on loose sheets, indoors or out. By the end of the five days, you’ll leave not only with finished pieces, but with a clearer sense of your creative voice and a renewed excitement for making art.
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.
From Day 2 to Day 6, we dive into five full days of painting and creative exploration.
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.
On the final day, breakfast will be at 8.30am and check out is around 10am.
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.
The format is structured but relaxed—perfect whether you're here to try new things, build confidence, or focus on a personal project. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available throughout the day, and there's always space to rest or reflect as needed.
Our courses are limited to around 12 participants per retreat to ensure your tutor has the ability to provide you with personal advice and support during your time here.
- Introduction to watercolour and gouache as well as exploring your unique qualities
- Building and mixing your own colour palettes
- Understanding layering and combining mixed media
- Fundamentals of value and composition
- Taking and using references to inspire your work
- Guided demos and hands-on practice
- Q&A and personalised support
- This retreat is suitable for all skill levels, from total beginners to professionals who’d like to dedicate time to a joyful creative practise. .
- Watercolour
You’ll need to bring your own art materials. A detailed list will be sent before the retreat, but the main essentials are:
- Watercolour and/or gouache paints
- Pen, fineliner or fountain pen for drawing
- Pencil
- Watercolour Sketchbook & Block
Optional:
- Neocolor 2 (watersoluble) or Neocolor 1 (not water soluble)
- Colouring pencils
- Although gouache and watercolour are the main focus, you are welcome to bring supplies that you enjoy using with them.
- Tuition, accommodation and meals during your stay, including an evening meal on day of arrival and breakfast on day of departure.
Please click here to view a sample menu (PDF opens in new tab).
Single occupancy in secure room, with own bathroom facilities: £1106 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £1061 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.
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.