A series of immersive residential art retreats, hosted by Julia Christie, where artists are encouraged, equipped, and inspired to take their painting practice to the next level while resting and finding connection in the countryside.
Julia’s aim is to offer artists of all ages and abilities valuable hands-on tuition and encouragement in a totally relaxed and friendly environment of her studio.
Hosted in the Cotswolds and deeply inspired by atmospheric land and seascapes, each retreat is shaped by a range of natural settings. From mountain scenery and seascapes to treescapes, participants draw live inspiration from the region’s tranquil valleys and rolling hills. Alongside our Cotswolds retreats, we also host select private group retreats in the Isle of Skye.
Julia tailor makes each retreat to be as immersive as possible, guided by a shared landscape theme. You will have the opportunity to bring your own individual interpretation of the landscape to life through paint. The retreats are designed to unlock creativity, encourage self-expression, build confidence, and develop new painting techniques.
After a day in the studio, during the Cotswold retreat, you will reside at The Hide Artist Retreat, an artist retreat venue, founded by Alice Sheppard Fidler, a practicing fine artist working in installation, sculpture, and performance. This setting offers a relaxed, nature-rich, and exclusive environment for rest, focus, and connection. The aim for the retreat is for you to leave feeling uplifted, energised and refreshed.
Discover our upcoming retreats below.
Retreat Dates:
Cotswolds ~
28th May – 1st June – FULL
25th – 29th June – Available
9th – 13th July – Available
9th – 13th July – Available
20th – 24th August – Available
3rd – 7th September – Available
12th – 16th November – Available
Isle of Skye ~
We’re currently offering retreats for Isle of Skye exclusively as private bookings (details below).
Alternatively, If you’re interested in attending a scheduled retreat once dates are announced, simply email Julia to join the waitlist.
Prices
Cotswolds ~
Per retreat attendee: £1850
Deposit: £925 (non-refundable and payable at time of booking)
Retreat prices are inclusive of the following:
- Three days specialist tuition from Julia Christie
- Four nights accommodation
- Choice of continental breakfast and eggs cooked to your choice daily
- Lunch, and tea/coffee and snacks when painting
- Some art materials
Please note: We warmly welcome accompanying partners. Non-painting partners may share accommodation with the painting participant. Please note that painting tuition is not included for accompanying partners. Pricing details are available upon enquiry.
Isle of Skye ~
Group Retreat prices available upon request.
A Retreat Day
A typical painting retreat day will feature demonstrations by Julia, a combination of studio work and, weather permitting, en plein air painting at one of the many inspiring sites in the local area.
The outline plan for each retreat day is as follows:
Breakfast: 8.30 a.m. – 9.00 a.m.
Morning Session: 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
Lunch: 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Afternoon Session: 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Dinner: A number of dining options are available locally.
(Please note that dinner costs are at attendees’ expense. Further advice and assistance in booking will be available).
On the final day, we will host a celebration of your work at 6.30 p.m.
Booking
To book a place on one of these retreats please email julia@juliachristie.co.uk with your request. A 50% deposit is required at this point (see ‘Booking and Payment’ below for further details) which can be paid by either bank transfer or cheque.
Julia will phone to have a chat with you about your expectations and any requirements for your stay. This gives the opportunity for you to get to know each other a little, and also to ask any other questions you may have about the retreat, or your time in The Cotswolds.
Private retreats are available for groups of three or more. Bring your own group and we’ll arrange dates that suit your schedule, with a fully tailored experience designed just for you. Individual tuition is also available on request.
Location
Cotswolds: Your Accommodation – The Hide Artist Retreat: A trains journey from central hubs including Birmingham & London. Also accessible by car and Located in a small Cotswolds Village, Amberley.
Meals and Refreshments
A continental breakfast and eggs cooked to your preference is available daily. Additionally, on studio-based days, tea or coffee and snacks, as well as a delicious lunch, will be provided. For evening dinners, there are plenty of local options a short journey away for you to explore. Then, on the retreat’s last night, refreshments will be served in the studio, where there will be the chance to enjoy a celebratory drink and discuss the week’s artwork on display before heading to a special close-of-retreat dinner.
Breakfast & Lunch is included. Dinner not included.
Non-Painting Partners
Julia also warmly welcomes non-painting partners to stay and relax at our retreats.
There is an abundant choice of local activities including Local walks along the common, woods and local villages to explore the traditional Cotswolds atmosphere and charm.
Julia will be happy to assist, as needed, with an alternative itinerary to suit non-painting partners’ individual needs and interests. Please contact Julia for further details.
An Art Retreat Experience to Savour and Remember
Come and share a truly memorable, inspirational and relaxing artistic retreat experience with Julia!
Testimonial
“Julia crafting joy and harnessing creativity in others that had laid dormant for decades. Using her incredible passion and teaching skills to help everyone find our hidden talents. Once you have done a course with Julia, The world will never be seen through the same lens again – you won’t be able to un-see the beauty of our landscapes, sky and light that surrounds us every day waiting to be painted. Thank you Julia. You are truly an incredible and very gifted individual. The world is truly a better place for your talents” Carlene
“We can’t quite put our painting fingers on why a week’s retreat with Julia is so amazing. Maybe, it’s immersion in the inspirational landscape to which Julia opens your eyes. Perhaps it’s her infectious enthusiasm which stimulates, challenges and motivates you to levels you didn’t know you had. It could be the rich techniques she shares to create effects which gift so many more new possibilities. Or it could be the fantastic food, great craic and perfect accommodation. We don’t know. So, we’re coming back to find out. And we can’t wait.”
Elizabeth & Stephen T
Terms and Conditions
Prices
All prices quoted are in GB Pounds. Prices do not include the cost of any transfers or journey costs; however, local transportation to and from nearby painting locations is included in the price of the retreat. Prices do not include any activities for non-painting partners. All attendees are required to pay for their evening meals and drinks, to include the close-of-retreat dinner.
Booking and Payment
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your place. Your booking will be confirmed by email upon receipt of this payment.
The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 6 weeks prior to the retreat start date. A reminder will be sent if payment has not yet been received. Final retreat details and travel information will be shared once full payment has been made.
Late Bookings
Applications to attend a retreat within 1 month of its start date must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations
- More than 8 weeks before the retreat: Full refund of all monies paid
- 6–8 weeks before the retreat: 50% refund of total amount paid, or 100% transfer to a future retreat date
- 3–6 weeks before the retreat: No refund of deposit. Remaining balance refundable only if your place is filled
- Less than 3 weeks before the retreat: No refunds or transfers
If, however, due to any unforeseen circumstance a retreat has to be cancelled by Julia, then deposits will be refunded in full.
Disclaimer
Please note that Julia Christie Residential Art Retreats cannot take responsibility for
personal injury, the loss or damage to personal property or to any vehicles. It is therefore recommended that all attendees obtain travel insurance to cover any such exigencies.