Catherine is proud to work with art centres to provide lovely painting retreats in the English and Welsh countryside, Royal West of England Academy Bristol and beyond. Holiday dates include Capturing Spanish Light in the beautiful mountains above Malaga in May 2026 and Bousi Arts in France’s Loire Valley in September 2026.
CAPTURING SPANISH LIGHT 10-16 MAY 2026:
In Spring I am excited to team up with Casa de los Cuadros in the mountains of Andalusia. Surrounded by the stunning white washed village of Villaluenga del Rosario and the natural park of Sierra de Grazalema, there will be no shortage of painting subjects. We will sketch courtyards in our own tranquil casa, bourganvillea strewn steps and capture flower meadows and ancient olive trees. Before travelling to Ronda to sketch its deep gorge and ancient bridge. All are welcome including non-painting partners. Spaces are limited to eight painters.
Find out more here and book
NEXT ON AT CHAPEL COTTAGE STUDIOS, ABERGAVENNY, WALES
SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER 2025 – Atmospheric mists
SATURDAY 2 MAY 2026 – TBC
A bright studio tucked away in the Brecon Beacons with stunning views straight out over the mountains.
Book direct through their website: Chapel Cottage Studios
NEXT AT ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY, BRISTOL:
WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2025 Urban waterways in watercolour
TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2025 Watercolour figures from life
Such a creative environment and you get a free pass into their current exhibitions! Book direct through their website: RWA Drawing School.
Other subjects to look out for that I teach during the year are semi-abstract landscapes and still life in watercolours.
NEXT ON AT BLACKDOWNS ARTISTS RETREAT, SOMERSET/DEVON BORDER
FRIDAY 26 – SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 WOODLAND LIGHT
FRIDAY 22 – SUNDAY 24 MAY 2026 MEADOW LIGHT
FRIDAY 11 – SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026 MEADOW LIGHT
This is a gorgeous venue set in a farm building in rolling countryside with lovely food too! Our retreat will help you to light up your watercolours using the area around the retreat as your subject. At the heart of the session is my loose “gravity painting” watercolour technique, which enables freer painting styles and brighter colours. Learn to contrast loose washes with the deep tones of solid tube paint, sharp ink line and white paper, all to create a dramatic woodland landscapes with atmosphere.
Contact Blackdowns Artists Retreat direct to book. Additional dates planned for 2026.
NEXT WORKSHOP AT WHITE HORSE BOOKSHOP, MARLBOROUGH:
I love returning to this ancient timber building in the middle of Marlborough High Street. Book direct through their website: White Horse Bookshop
POSTPONED TO 21-27 SEPTEMBER 2026 RESIDENTIAL PAINTING HOLIDAY, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE:
We have had to postpone the October 2025 residential painting trip to Bousi Arts in France. We hope to be able to bring you this experience of escaping from it all in the peaceful Loire Valley next year. Please drop me a line to register interest for our September 2026 trip. The main farmhouse residence sits beside a prettily restored barn – our art studio – and in an area that is full of character. When not receiving painting tuition, explore further afield to medieval towns and markets. Places limited to six people.
ALPHA PAINTING HOLIDAYS:
10-14 NOVEMBER 2025 EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK
I am joining Alpha holidays starting with a week teaching loose landscape techniques in Simonsbath on Exmoor this November.
This event is now full but you can join the waiting list direct through their website Alpha painting Holidays.
21-25 JUNE 2026 PAINTING THE SOUTH COTSWOLDS
Relax and sketch the honey coloured Cotswold villages near my studio. Improve your line and wash skills, develop a deeper connection with your subject and develop looser painting techniques. Suitable for beginners and intermediate painters.
Book direct through their website Alpha painting Holidays.
ANNUAL AUGUST PLEIN AIR PAINTING BATH’S CANAL:
Join Catherine with your sketchbooks each August as she guides you down a beautiful stretch of Bath’s Canal. You will find pretty bridges, gorgeous waterside gardens and dramatic locks to sketch ‘plain air’ with helpful tuition and feedback throughout the day. Register interest here.
Review for the Bath Canal workshop August 2025: “Had the most amazing day watercolouring by the canal in Bath. I have to say that Catherine is the best teacher / tutor that I have ever had. Friendly. chatty, a treasure trove of information and made everyone feel confident.” Linda
ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL, BATH :
Combine a stay at the Royal Crescent Hotel with a relaxing watercolour workshop with Catherine in their inspiring gardens. Other painting venues can be arranged. Just ask Catherine.
NEXT ON AT CORNWALL SCHOOL OF ART, TRURO: New dates to follow. Book direct through their website: Cornwall School of Art
Customers’ comments:
“I was so pleased to have experienced Catherine’s art class and …truly amazed at her extraordinary talent which blew me away not to mention what a gorgeous person she is. I won’t give up my day job yet to become a painter but it was really interesting to see what on earth I would create when given the time just to paint.”
“Catherine, the art teaching was fabulous and I’d love to try one of your courses”
“I am enjoying getting to grips with watercolours and to tapping into my own creativity. See below for the picture I produced at Brecon (Mentoring Plus Corporate Wellbeing Weekend) which I have framed as I love the colours so much!”
“Thanks again for your fantastic and innovative intro to watercolours.”
