Embark on a Creative 4-Day Plein Air Retreat with Graham Webber ROI!
Join award-winning artist Graham Webber ROI for an inspiring and rejuvenating 4-day plein air retreat in the heart of North Devon. This retreat is designed to ignite your creativity, sharpen your artistic skills, and immerse you in the captivating beauty of Devon's landscapes. Working with both oils and using a sketchbook, you’ll explore a range of techniques in a relaxing and supportive environment. The retreat will include a day out on the North Devon Coast for inspiration and sketching.
What Awaits You:
Garden Inspirations- Experience the vibrant hues and lush textures of Westcott Barton’s enchanting gardens. Learn to capture the lively interplay of light and color, mastering techniques in color mixing and composition, as well as developing your sketching skills to capture intricate details.
Historic Farm Charm - Discover the rustic allure of Westcott Barton’s historic farm buildings. Through both painting and sketching, refine your understanding of perspective and form as you bring the character and history of these structures to life on canvas and paper.
The Dynamic Devon Coast - Feel the energy of the North Devon coast with its dramatic cliffs and ever-changing seascapes. Focus on creating atmosphere and mood, using both oil paint and energetic sketches to capture the unique interplay of light, shadow, and tone.
Beyond the Canvas - Expand your artistic repertoire with Graham’s expert advice on pushing your work further. Whether fine-tuning your oil paintings or enhancing your sketches, you’ll gain valuable insights and leave with fresh ideas to continue your creative journey.
Why Join This Retreat?
For Passionate Artists: This retreat is ideal for those with some painting experience who are eager to refine their oil painting and sketching techniques and explore new creative avenues.
Versatile Techniques: While the primary focus is on oil painting and sketching, Graham’s methods are easily adaptable to acrylics, water-mixable oils, ensuring a rich learning experience for all participants.
Interactive and Relaxed: Enjoy Graham’s approachable teaching style, which encourages open dialogue and collaborative learning. The retreat fosters a relaxed, interactive atmosphere, making the experience enjoyable and enriching.
Inspiring Locations: From the serene gardens of Westcott Barton to the rugged beauty of the North Devon coastline, each location is carefully selected to inspire and challenge, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your artistic exploration.
Join us for this unforgettable creative retreat and elevate your painting and sketching skills amid the stunning landscapes of Westcott Barton and the North Devon coast. Whether your passion lies in capturing vibrant gardens, dramatic seascapes, or historic buildings, you’ll find endless inspiration and expert guidance to take your art to the next level.
Multi award-winning artist Graham Webber ROI is renowned for his accomplished use of oil paint and his engaging teaching style. As a celebrated member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Graham's enthusiasm shines through not only in his artworks but also in his ability to inspire others. He frequently shares his expertise in The Artist Magazine, publications and with his instructional film, "Inspired by Atmosphere," produced by Townhouse Films.
Graham's workshops are a blend of creativity and camaraderie. With a relaxed and approachable teaching method, he fosters a dynamic environment where interaction and lively discussions are encouraged. His artwork graces galleries across the UK and private collections worldwide and his distinguished career has earned him a place in Who’s Who in Art. Whether through his paintings or his teachings, Graham leaves a lasting impression on those who encounter his work.
Please visit Graham’s website for further information and to view his gallery pages.
Upon your arrival on the Saturday 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, meeting fellow students and taking a guided tour with Graham around the grounds of Westcott Barton. The evening will finish with a group dinner.
Breakfast will be served daily from 8.30am and students will then gather in the studio at around 9.30am for a morning demonstration.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are freely available to help yourself to during studio breaks.
Lunch is served at 1pm. Afternoons will be dedicated to your own painting time, with Graham on hand to guide you.
A packed lunch will be provided, if appropriate.
Evening dinner is at 6.30pm.
Students are welcome to continue working in the studio outside of the designated teaching time.
Departure is on the Thursday morning, when Graham will discuss the best ways to ensure your work is taken home safely. Students are welcome to depart on the Wednesday evening if required.
Some days will be set aside for sketching/painting outside (weather permitting) although artists are welcome to work in the studio if preferred.
A trip to the North Devon coast will take place during the week (weather permitting) with transport included, for sketching, painting and photography.
Course spaces are limited to around 12 participants to ensure Graham has the ability to provide you with personal advice and support during your time here.
Some experience of painting and drawing is beneficial but if you are new to oil painting and fancy giving it a go, the process will be covered.
Oils or Acrylics, sketching mediums.
Your preferred paints, approx 8 canvas/boards measuring no more than 50 x 40cm. A range of different canvas sizes and formats would be useful. Suitable paint brushes, low odour paint thinner for oil painters, sketchpad and pencils/pens/charcoal (whichever you prefer), palette and other studio sundries. Camera/Smartphone/iPad/tablet for taking photographs and to work from reference images.
Artists who have plein-air, French or field easels are encouraged to bring these. For those artists traveling from overseas or via public transport, easels can be provided by prior arrangement. Studio chairs, tables and portable plein air stools will be provided.
- 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: £875 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £830 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: £495 per person and includes meals. This option is subject to availability.
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.