Rachel is a self-taught watercolour artist, living and working in Mid Devon. She says, “I have painted with watercolours for many years, learning as I go. I love to paint in watercolour, it is a wonderful but tricky medium. I know how frustrating watercolour can be, and through my courses I hope to help you move forward with a few tricks and tips along the way.”
Rachel has exhibited at the Mall Galleries on several occasions, she has been shortlisted for the Wildlife Artist of the Year eight times as well as exhibiting in the Royal society of Painters in watercolour exhibition and the Society of Women artists exhibition in London. She has also had work exhibited at the South West Academy, Green Hill Arts and at Delamore Arts .She completed a big commission for Michael Caines at his hotel Lympstone Manor where you can see her work on the wallpaper as well as in every room.
Her artwork has travelled widely and is in collections in the UK, the US and all around the world. She also has her work sold on cards by the Eco Friendly Card Company.
Rachel feels strongly that art should be shared and that to help people enjoy and improve their painting is very rewarding for her and the people painting with her.
Please visit Rachel's website for further information and to see examples of her work.
This course is for anyone who wants to paint with watercolours. I want to show you how to paint the sea, and some seabirds too, it will be fun and I promise there’ll be nothing too daunting.
As we will be a small group I will guide you all step by step through a variety of paintings, some small and quick , others more detailed , but I will be there to help , and show you techniques to make the paintings ‘pop’.
As we will have two full days we can work through things together, and everyone can go at their own pace.
I like to demonstrate the paintings we do in small stages giving advice and instructions along the way.
This really is a course for anyone who wants to paint with watercolour, you’ll be surprised at what you can do.
Upon your arrival on the Friday afternoon, at around 3pm, you will be greeted by the team at Westcott Barton.
The retreat will begin with a relaxed afternoon settling into the accommodation and viewing the immediate grounds whilst getting to know your tutor and fellow students. This will be followed by a group dinner.
Breakfast will be served at 8.30am and students will then gather in the studio at around 9.30am.
Tea coffee and biscuits are freely available to help yourself to during studio sessions.
Lunch will be served at 1pm with afternoon tutorials commencing from 2-5pm, followed by a group dinner at 6.30pm.
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.
- All abilities welcome.
- Watercolour
- Watercolour paper (Rachel uses Bockingford)
- Watercolour paints (Rachel suggests the Cotman range by Winsor & Newton as a good starting point)
- A range of good quality watercolour brushes
- A board to work on
- Masking tape
Rachel can provide boards and paper, if required, at a cost.
- 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: £660 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £615 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: £400 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.