*ONLY ONE PLACE REMAINING*
Five days of painting and sketching in the studio and on location (one day visit to the coast to gather reference materials/sketch) using Acrylics and water-soluble pencils.
Step away from the everyday and give yourself the time and space to paint. Set in a secluded North Devon valley, this welcoming five-day retreat combines guided creative practice with unhurried time to explore your own ideas, surrounded by gardens, woodland, water and open countryside.
Whether you are rediscovering a love of painting or developing an established practice, you will find encouragement, fresh inspiration and a supportive small-group atmosphere. The pace is relaxed, with a thoughtful balance of tutor-led sessions, independent painting and time to reflect on work created.
Mark will give numerous painting demos as well as tutoring workshops on various aspects of seascapes in Acrylics. (You may also bring the painting media of your choice, but Mark will be demonstrating with Acrylics and black water-soluble pencil.)
Mark is an artist and tutor with many years of teaching experience. He demonstrates for Art Societies up and down the country and offers workshops and painting holidays both in the UK and France.
He has a large knowledge and expertise in painting and drawing which is delivered in a thoughtful and enthusiastic way. He adores using colour while interpreting the light and a love of the materials. He exhibits in both England and Wales and has many works in private collections in Europe and USA. He has won the ‘Visitor’s Choice Prize’ at the Broadway Arts Festival Exhibition.
Mark is passionate about supporting people on their creative journeys. Come and join him to explore the use of colour and sketching in beautiful North Devon.
Please visit Mark's website for further information and to see examples of his work.
"Mark has the ability and professionalism to make you feel at ease and as a beginner to the world of painting this approach is very encouraging. Tuition was delivered in group and also one to one which helped me a lot. Mark's tuition is brilliant for all levels of ability and it was wonderful to see the lovely artwork produced by the more experienced painter. The holiday was extremely well organised and Mark did everything possible to make this a lovely experience for all.”
“I always promised myself, one day I would have a painting holiday. What a wonderful experience it was too. A group of strangers became a group of friends. Mark guided us through our week with support, encouragement and enthusiasm. I can honestly say that I had a really amazing time. Mark inspired me to keep up my painting and taught me to be more observant, improved my colour mixing and loosen up!"
"What a great few days of painting! As someone who always wanted to try painting outdoors, Mark made it very comfortable and gave me confidence to try more”"
Mark has an enthusiastic painting ability which is infectious! I am looking forward to joining him again in the future on one of his painting holidays”
Upon your arrival on the Sunday 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 and studio whilst getting to know your tutor and fellow students. An introduction will be given by Mark, followed by a group dinner.
Breakfast will be served at 8.30am and students will then gather in the studio at around 9.30am.
Day 1
Arrive at Westcott Barton, meet your tutor and fellow guests, and take time to explore the grounds. An introductory session will help you settle into the retreat, prepare your materials and begin looking at the subject of ‘Sea, rocks, waves & boats’.
Days 2-6
Spend each full day working from provided ‘seascape’ visual material in the studio. Guided exercises will focus on experimenting with acrylic paints followed by time to develop painting at your own pace. We will work with both brushes and palette knives) On one day in the week, we will travel out to the coast to gather inspiration to develop your own work.
Day 7
Depart for home after breakfast.
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 media welcomed.
- Mark will be demonstrating with Acrylics, water soluble pencil, graphite and charcoal.
- This retreat is designed for all abilities.
- Mark will provide a materials list nearer the course but it will depend upon the media you choose to work with.
- Mark can be contacted to advise, if needed, via: mark@brushmark.co.uk
- Tuition, accommodation and all meals during your stay, including an evening meal on day of arrival and breakfast on day of departure.
Single occupancy in secure room, with own bathroom facilities: £1160 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £1115 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: £675 per person (includes meals) . This option is subject to availability.
We welcome non-residential participants on our retreats/courses - please enquire for further details.
*ONLY ONE PLACE REMAINING*
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.