A drawing and painting retreat
27 November – 1 December, Blackfern Lodge, North Island, New Zealand
Spend five days away from it all drawing, painting, and learning near the geographic centre of the North Island. A small group in a stunning setting. An authentic New Zealand experience with two instructors.
Where is this happening?
Blackfern Lodge is on the edge of Pureroa Forest Park, in the King Country of New Zealand’s North Island. The nearby bush is a paradise for native birds.
Nearby, Endean’s Mill is an abandoned but intact sawmill; a sketcher’s paradise and a step back in time. Run-down sheds, cottages, stacks of timber, and rusted vehicles make it a dream location for drawing.
Who’s teaching?
Andrew James is a sketchbook artist from Wellington, New Zealand.
Pete James is a watercolour painter from Blenheim, New Zealand. He’s Andrew’s dad and the reason Andrew knows what a sketchbook is.
Our styles are different, but our philosophies and approaches to teaching are similar: a just-do-it attitude and down-to-earth practical tips delivered with humour, enthusiasm, and positivity.
What will we do?
Each day features workshops, shared meals, drawing, painting and free time for relaxing and unwinding. Workshop topics include pen and watercolour techniques, landscapes, still life, colour, light and shadow, depth without perspective, and finding time for drawing.
When is it?
Check in from 2pm on Thursday, 27 November. Check out Monday, 1 December at 10am.
How do I get there?
Blackfern Lodge is remote, so private transport is essential. We encourage carpooling and will help coordinate this. The closest international airport is Auckland, about a three-hour drive. Taupo and Hamilton airports are about two hours away. The nearest towns with bus or train connections are Taumarunui and Te Kuiti, which are about an hour’s drive.
What’s included?
- Four nights’ accommodation in twin-share ensuite rooms at Blackfern Lodge
- All meals, from the Thursday welcome dinner to Monday breakfast
- Entry and tour of Endean’s Mill
- Top quality art instruction
- Individual feedback on your work
- Pre-trip zoom call to get to know each other
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Art supplies
- Airport transfers (but get in touch as car pooling may be possible)
- Anything not on the included list
Arrive with
- Excitement and a can-do attitude
- You should bring your favourite pens, watercolour paints and materials, and a sketchbook. A detailed list of suggested materials will be sent upon registration.
- Suitable clothing and footwear for drawing and painting outdoors. New Zealand weather is changeable.
- A folding stool.
Leave with
- A whole bunch of drawings and paintings in your sketchbook
- New ideas and approaches for filling your sketchbook
- New friends
- Great memories
- A clearer head
Is it for me?
If you want to draw or paint with watercolours, this retreat is for you. The instruction is suitable for all levels of ability. We have had students from complete beginners to professional artists in the past; everyone gets something out of our teaching.
How much does this cost?
NZD $1500 per person.
I’m in! What do I do?
Great! Fill in the form below, and we’ll get the ball rolling.