Catherine is proud to work with art centres throughout the English and Welsh countryside to provide quality painting retreats in breathtaking locations including the Brecon Beacons, the Cornish coast, Marlborough, the Blackdown Hills and Constable country. In 2026 she has organised a May art week in the beautiful mountains above Malaga and in September with Bousi Arts in France’s Loire Valley. Catherine also collaborates with Alpha Holidays who have a long track record providing art inspiration at home and abroad. Finally why not combine a city break with her day courses in the centre of Bristol at the Royal West of England Academy Drawing School – a nip into an exhibition is included with your booking. Read more below:
NEXT WORKSHOP AT WHITE HORSE BOOKSHOP, MARLBOROUGH:
I love returning to this ancient timber building in the middle of Marlborough High Street.
THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2026 FIELDS FULL OF FLOWERS
Book direct through their website: White Horse Bookshop
NEXT ON AT CHAPEL COTTAGE STUDIOS, ABERGAVENNY, WALES
SATURDAY 2 MAY 2026 – Rustic ruins in line and wash
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
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 CORNWALL SCHOOL OF ART, TRURO:
TUESDAY 30 JUNE 2026: ATMOSPHERIC LANDSCAPES WET-IN-WET TECHNIQUES FOR BEGINNERS
WEDNESDAY 1 JULY 2026: LINE & WASH IN THE GARDEN
NEW! THURSDAY 19 – FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER: WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE! A TWO DAY EXPLORATION OF BODIES OF WATER FOR INTERMEDIATE PAINTERS
Book direct through their website: Cornwall School of Art
SATURDAY 19 – THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 RESIDENTIAL PAINTING HOLIDAY, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE:
Escape from it all in the peaceful Loire Valley this autumn once schools go back. I am excited to lead this painting trip in partnership with Holly from Bousi Arts. The main farmhouse residence sits beside a prettily restored barn which is our art studio. This rural area is full of character and we will be exploring the property as well as visiting a market and chateau with our sketchbooks at the ready. Places limited to six people.
Contact me for queries and to book.
NEXT AT ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY, BRISTOL:
MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2026 Semi Abstract watercolour landscapes
THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2026 Still life in watercolours
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 figures from life and urban waterways in watercolours.
NEXT ON AT BLACKDOWNS ARTISTS RETREAT, SOMERSET/DEVON BORDER
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.
NEXT WITH 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.
AUGUST 2026 ANNUAL 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.
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.”
