Private art retreat in Kintyre – drawing, painting, printmaking

Art retreat on the Kintyre peninsula in the west of Scotland

Dates: flexible (min. 2 days)
Activity: Drawing, painting, printmaking
Tutor: Karen Beauchamp
Location: Whitehouse, Tarbert, Argyll
Cost: GBP 250 per person per day (incl. accommodation and lunch)

A professionally guided, in-depth art experience with artist Karen Beauchamp exclusively for you. Discover creative ways of seeing, adding new dimensions to your work, in the comfortably relaxed and informal atmosphere at Glenreasdale House. You can be assured that all the responsible measures you’d like to see in place will be in place for your protection. 

The workshop structure is up to you. You may want to work outside in the field during the day and return to the studio with your finds and observations from the exquisite local landscape to develop your paintings or create pattern and designs suitable for print. An exhilarating learning experience for all levels including assimilation of information with your senses and unravelling of the intricacies of colour and shape to form an image.

Karen is an enthusiastic and stimulating tutor, with a deep knowledge of drawing, painting and printmaking.

The surrounding area offers a wealth of inspiring locations we may visit, all specially chosen and never far from the sea. Alternatively, working in the studio will give you time and space to develop your ideas and recharge your creativity in a supportive environment.

Cost & inclusions

Cost: £250 per person per day, min. 2 days. Non-painting companion are welcome at a discounted rate. A non-refundable deposit of £50 per day will secure your place. 

This includes:

• One-to-one art tuition with a personalised schedule (6 hours per day in two 3-hour sessions)
• Comfortable accommodation – room with a view of either the garden or West Loch Tarbert
• Home made bread and breakfast cereals with fresh fruit each morning. All dietary requests catered for
• Lunches with locally sourced produce
• Use of studio space: The studio is equipped with easels, drawing boards, printing press & other printing equipment, cleaning agents, paper towels and a varied selection of art materials. Please bring with you your preferred medium and paper, boards or canvas.
• Use of large and cosy kitchen with Aga style range – the perfect place for tea and chat.
• Log fires for afternoon tea and a browse through the extensive art library.

Please note that transport to and from the holiday venue is not included. This art retreat will be provided by Karen Beauchamp at Whitehouse Art and Wild at Art acts solely as booking agent.  

Enquire about a one-to-one retreat

Studio & accommodation

Glenreasdale House is a spacious, light and airy Arts and Crafts house built in 1907 by Peter J. Mackie, founder of White Horse Whisky. The original house was subdivided into four huge sections seventy years ago, now Karen lives in the centre section with the tower and the walled garden. Not only has Karen renovated the house but her home also reflects a lifetime of collecting beautiful and interesting objects during her career as a designer.

Overlooking West Loch Tarbert and in a secret location up an old farm lane in Kintyre, it is secluded but not remote. Surrounded by stunning and inspring scenery; rocky and rugged shores or soft and rolling hills, the area has been a mecca for artists for centuries; the `Glasgow Boys’, the ‘Glasgow Girls’, and the Scottish Colourists all found inspiration here. Two hours spectacular drive west of Glasgow, Whitehouse is close to the small atmospheric fishing and sailing village of Tarbert, with its pubs and restaurants. The area is renowned for its seafood, local produce and whisky.

Situated between the ferry port of Kennacraig serving Islay and Jura, and Claonaig for the Isle of Arran, the area has a characteristically undulating landscape which creates micro-climates; often when it is raining on the east side of the peninsular it will be bright sun on the west side.

Although the location is very peaceful and remote, it’s easily accessible by car or public transport from both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. The journey takes a few hours but takes you through beautiful scenery. Find more information on how to get there in the practicalities pages.

A warm and friendly welcome awaits you !

Enquire about a one-to-one retreat

We had another very interesting and productive art holiday. The whole family learned a lot and it was very convivial. We sketched, painted still life and explored the new technique of intaglio printing with milk-cartons.

{Belgian family, July 2023}