08/03/2026
Master of the ‘Contre Jour’ - ‘against the light’ Ian Layton is teaching this week’s plein-air course. Inspired by the The Retreat’s tranquil and beautiful setting, the group is fully immersed in what’s known as ‘the zone’ amongst painters. No distractions, no formal ‘hotel’ setting. A comfortable countryhouse setting with permanent studio means no need to pack away, get changed for meal-times, or follow a busy schedule chasing from one sight-seeing or painting locatiom tot he next.
With views this good, there is no need to go anywhere for inspiration, just step outside after breakfast, pitch your easel and paint to your hearts contend. Have a coffee break to refresh and continue until a delicious al fresco lunch awaits you. Meal-times is when ideas get shared, plans for new painting projects are made and new friendships are forged. The studio is open from morning to late evening, and the entire place is filled with a creative atmosphere and people wre buzzing with creative energy and spotting viewpoints & compositions wherever they look.
The Retreat is a place where time standa still and creativity flows, away from noisy, modern distractions that keep so many from living their creative potential in their everyday busy lives. A week here, can easily seem like a month, and it stays a life-time.
